George Rausch Junior Health 11 Block 2B December 2015 Amphetamine George Rausch Junior Health 11 Block 2B December 2015

Definition of Amphetamine Amphetamines stimulate the central nervous system and are used to treat ADHD, weight loss, and narcolepsy. They are known known as “bennies,” “speed,” “uppers,” and “wake-ups”

General Facts About Amphetamine Approximately 13 million Americans use Amphetamine without being prescribed. In a survery of 10th and 12th graders, approximately 15% had used amphetamine without a prescription. Toxicologic screens taken in emergency departments found amphetamines in about 2% of cases. Approximately 25% of seizures were found to be caused by or involved amphetamine use in one study at San Francisco General Hospital between the years of 1975 and 1987. 6.3 of full time college students used Adderall (common amphetamine)

How is it taken? Amphetamine can be taken in a multitude of ways depending on the type of amphetamine. It can be taken in tablets or powders, injected or even smoked depending on how it is processed.

Physical Consequences Loss of physical coordination Physical collapse Convulsions (seizures) Coma Death

Mental Consequences Increased physiological and behavioral disorders Toxic psychosis Mental and behavioral changes Repetitive motor activity Amphetamine-induced psychosis

Emotional Side Effects Divorce Job loss Financial ruin Strained interpersonal relationships Anxiety Extreme depression

Preventing Amphetamine Addiction The most effective way is to educate ones self on the effects of amphetamine so as to know not to abuse it. Counseling to deal with emotional problems that might lead to drug use can be effective, but there is no known fool proof prevention strategy.

Treatment Hospitalization can be an effective way to separate ones self from the drug and to negate the effects of withdrawal with hospital care. Therapy can also be effective whether it is individual or group/family therapy. Doctors may prescribe methylphenidate, fluoxetine, or imipramine in extreme cases.

Complications Treatment is difficult and relapse is common. There is no cure to addiction and survival rate for those who continue to abuse is low. The condition is regressive and will not improve without isolation from the drug. Complications include overdose, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, stroke and general brain damage if not death.

The Many Types of Amphetamine

Summary Amphetamine addiction is common and dangerous, often escalating and ending with the user becoming increasingly addicted. Amphetamine use is common among students so hopefully the consequences presented here will dissuade anyone in close proximity to the drug in the future.

Acadiana Addiction Center Web Resources Acadiana Addiction Center http://www.acadianaaddiction.com/addiction/amphetamines/symptoms-signs-effects#Symptoms In The Know Zone http://www.intheknowzone.com/substance-abuse-topics/amphetamines/statistics.html Healthline http://www.healthline.com/health/amphetamine-dependence#Complications7