If you or a loved one is struggling with amphetamine addiction, Emerge is here to help. Our amphetamine rehab in Alpharetta, GA can provide high-quality, compassionate amphetamine addiction treatment. Let us help you begin your amphetamine recovery journey today!
Emerge Healing Center provides a substance abuse and amphetamine addiction treatment program in Alpharetta, Georgia that aims to help anyone struggling with amphetamine addiction find recovery. If you have tried to quit using amphetamines but can’t, then our amphetamine rehab is here to help you.
Amphetamine Rehab
Amphetamines, a class of powerful stimulant drugs, have been a subject of extensive discussion and concern due to their impact on the brain and high potential for addiction. These drugs, originally developed for medical purposes, are now commonly associated with drug abuse and dependency. If you or a loved one is struggling with amphetamine addiction, then Emerge’s amphetamine rehab in Alpharetta can help.
Commonly prescribed for ADHD or narcolepsy, these FDA-approved medications may be addictive even when taken as prescribed. Besides legitimate medical use, amphetamine abuse is widespread these days. Teen amphetamine abuse is especially rampant, as many teens or young adults feel like amphetamines help them study.
Regardless of their legitimate uses, amphetamines are extremely addictive, but amphetamine addiction recovery is possible.
What Are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines are synthetic stimulants that affect the central nervous system. They were first synthesized in the late 19th century and were initially used for nasal congestion. Their usage evolved over time, and they were employed for a range of conditions, including asthma, narcolepsy, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
As the prevalence of amphetamines increased, so did amphetamine abuse. As amphetamine abuse increased, so did the need for rehab for amphetamine addiction.
Some of the most commonly abused types of amphetamines include:
- Adderall (levoamphetamine & dextroamphetamine)
- Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
- Ritalin & Concerta (methylphenidate)
Technically, methylphenidate is not an amphetamine, chemically speaking. That being said, it produces nearly identical effects as classical amphetamines. Specifically, it inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain in a similar way to regular amphetamines and it is prescribed to treat the same issues as many true amphetamines.
How Amphetamines Work
The primary action of amphetamines in the brain is to increase the activity of certain neurotransmitters, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals play crucial roles in attention, executive function, and the reward system. When someone takes an amphetamine, it leads to the release of these neurotransmitters, resulting in increased alertness, attention, and energy. They also elevate mood, creating a feeling of euphoria.
Amphetamines enter the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier, where they interact with dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. These drugs work by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine and increasing their release into the synaptic cleft. This causes an accumulation of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which intensifies and prolongs their effects.
- Effect of Dopamine: Dopamine, a key player in the reward system, is associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation.
- Effect of Norepinephrine: Norepinephrine influences arousal, focus, and alertness.
The surge of dopamine and norepinephrine triggered by amphetamines accounts for their characteristic effects. Increased dopamine levels contribute to the euphoric, energized, and confident state often experienced by amphetamine users. The enhanced norepinephrine concentration further amplifies these effects by promoting increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.
The impact on the reward circuit of the brain is particularly significant. It registers the euphoria as a highly rewarding experience, motivating repeated use of the drug to recreate that sensation.
How Amphetamine Addiction Works
The highly addictive potential of amphetamines is intrinsically linked to their impact on the brain’s reward system. Regular use of amphetamines leads to changes in the brain’s chemistry and function, particularly in the natural production and regulation of dopamine. Over time, the brain begins to rely on the drug to stimulate dopamine release, diminishing its natural ability to produce pleasure and motivation.
Several factors contribute to the addictive potential of amphetamines:
- Tolerance Development: With continuous use, the brain becomes less responsive to the drug, necessitating higher doses to achieve the desired effects, a phenomenon known as tolerance.
- Psychological Dependence: The euphoric effects can lead to psychological dependence on amphetamines, where users rely on the drug for confidence, productivity, or escape from problems.
- Physical Dependence and Withdrawal: Long-term use can lead to physical dependence on amphetamines. When usage is reduced or stopped, users can experience amphetamine withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, depression, and disturbed sleep patterns, which can drive them back to the drug for relief.
- Behavioral Reinforcement: The behavior of taking amphetamines is reinforced by the drug’s effects on the brain’s reward system. This reinforcement makes quitting the drug challenging, as users must overcome both the physical and psychological aspects of amphetamine addiction.
Amphetamine addiction is no different than any other substance use disorder. People begin using the drug because of its pleasant side effects, and this becomes more frequent over time. Before long, they have developed a full-blown addiction to amphetamines. Once this point is reached, it is unlikely for someone to quit using amphetamines without the help of drug addiction treatment and support.
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Signs of Amphetamine Abuse
As tolerance develops, individuals become dependent on amphetamines to maintain their normal mood and functioning. Amphetamine abuse can have a range of detrimental consequences, affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being.
Physical consequences of amphetamine abuse include cardiovascular strain, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, sleep disturbances, weight loss, and impaired cognitive function.
Amphetamine addiction can also lead to psychiatric complications, such as anxiety, psychosis, and increased risk of suicide. Socially, amphetamine abuse can strain relationships, impair job performance, and lead to legal and financial problems.
Signs of Amphetamine Withdrawal
Cessation of amphetamine use triggers a withdrawal syndrome characterized by a constellation of unpleasant symptoms, including fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety, and cravings for the drug. These symptoms can be severe and contribute to the difficulty in maintaining sobriety from amphetamines.
Amphetamine Addiction Treatment in Alpharetta, Georgia
Getting high-quality amphetamine addiction treatment in Atlanta offers a wide range of benefits. These benefits can also extend far beyond abstinence from the drug. Amphetamine addiction treatment empowers individuals to reclaim control over their lives, restore their physical and mental health, and rebuild meaningful relationships. The goal of our amphetamine addiction treatment program at Emerge is to help our clients find a new way to live, free from amphetamine addiction.
Some of the ways we approach addiction treatment include:
Evidence-Based Treatments
Evidence-based treatments for amphetamine addiction are medical treatments that have a proven track record of effectiveness. Some of the evidence-based treatments for amphetamine addiction include:
- Supervised Detoxification: The first step in treating amphetamine addiction often involves a medically supervised detox process at residential treatment facilities. This ensures that the withdrawal phase is safe and as comfortable as possible. Medical professionals monitor patients for complications and can administer medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms like depression, fatigue, and anxiety.
- Pharmacotherapy: There are currently no FDA-approved medications to treat amphetamine addiction directly. That being said, certain medications can be used to manage symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal and co-occurring mental health conditions. These could include medications for depression or anxiety, often present in amphetamine addiction cases.
- Addressing Co-occurring Disorders: Amphetamine addiction frequently coexists with other mental health disorders. Getting effective treatment for co-occurring disorders can address these concurrent issues, which is crucial for successful recovery and preventing relapse.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This individual therapy is effective in changing harmful thought patterns and behaviors associated with substance use. It equips individuals with strategies to manage cravings and avoid relapse.
Medical treatment plays a crucial role in addressing the biological underpinnings of amphetamine addiction. Medications, such as buprenorphine and naltrexone, can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to maintain abstinence. Additionally, medical professionals can provide comprehensive assessments, monitor individuals’ progress, and address any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to addiction.
Holistic Treatments
Holistic treatments for amphetamine addiction are an extremely helpful adjunct to traditional medical treatment. While both styles of treatment can be helpful, we have found that these are most effective when used together. Emerge provides a range of holistic treatments for amphetamine addiction including:
- Holistic Therapies: Treatments such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can be beneficial. They promote stress reduction, mental clarity, and physical well-being, all of which are vital in the recovery journey.
- Nutritional and Physical Health: Holistic treatment often includes nutritional guidance, mindfulness practices, and physical fitness programs. Restoring physical health improves overall recovery outcomes and helps rebuild a lifestyle that supports sobriety.
Holistic treatment approaches complement medical interventions by addressing the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of addiction. Practices such as mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation can help our clients identify and modify negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to substance use. Mindfulness-based interventions promote self-awareness and stress reduction, while group therapy provides a supportive environment for sharing experiences and building coping mechanisms.
Finding An Amphetamine Rehab Near You
Finding an effective amphetamine addiction treatment program can be difficult. If you live in the Metro Atlanta area and you want to get into an amphetamine rehab, call Emerge today. While we stand behind our amphetamine addiction treatment program, it may not be the appropriate choice for everyone.
Even if you don’t come to Emerge, we want to help you begin your recovery journey. If Emerge isn’t the right amphetamine rehab for you, then we can point you in the direction of another competent and effective amphetamine addiction treatment program near you.
