Amphetamine is a serious concern today, and this form of substance abuse is highly addictive and extremely destructive. Amphetamine use in any form can have many serious side effects and pose numerous dangers. There are a limited number of medical conditions that may be treated with this type of drug but most users either buy their drug on the street or they use a prescribed form of amphetamines that was given to another individual instead. Many physicians prescribe this drug for ADD and ADHD, and it may also be used to treat narcolepsy or extreme obesity in some cases. Even medical use poses some risks and potential complications, but when amphetamines are used without medical oversight then this drug is even more devastating and often results in permanent injury or even death.
Common side effects and symptoms of amphetamine abuse or addiction include:
- Lack of normal sleep patterns
- Going days with little or no sleep
- An increase in the body temperature of the user
- A decrease in appetite and little or no food consumed
- Nausea
- A rapid or irregular heart rate
- Increased energy and alertness levels
- Pupils that are dilated
- Rapid speech patterns, an inability to stop talking or slow down the pace of the speech
- A sense of euphoria
- Dry mouth
- Faster respiration
- Scabs and skin disorders, often caused by the user constantly picking at the skin while high
- Rapid weight loss
- Paranoia
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Hostility
- Pain in the chest
- Full blown psychosis caused by the drug use
- Hallucinations
- Malnutrition
- Changes in sexual behavior
