What is Dexedrine?
Table of Contents
- What is Dexedrine?
- How Does Dexedrine Affect the Body?
- Understanding Dexedrine Drug Abuse and Addiction
- The Side Effects of Dexedrine Abuse
- Short-Term Effects
- How to Treat Dexedrine Addiction
- The Dexedrine Detox Process
- Long-Term Treatment Options for Dexedrine Abuse
- Dexedrine Addiction Recovery Services: Found Here
Dextroamphetamine, more commonly known by its brand name, Dexedrine, is one of the most commonly prescribed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treatment medications. Also sometimes sold under the name Dextrostat, this drug can also be used to treat narcolepsy.
Like most ADHD drugs, Dexedrine helps to improve individuals focusing abilities and reduce hyperactivity. However, if someone is taking Dexedrine without a prescription or genuine need for it, the drug also poses a risk of forming a substance dependence and the need for Dexedrine addiction treatment.
Currently, like other prescription stimulants, Dexedrine is classified as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that, while it has a specific medical purpose, this drug also has a high risk for substance abuse and addiction.
Keep reading to find out forms of effective treatment for Dexedrine and get the help you need, here!
How Does Dexedrine Affect the Body?
As a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, Dexedrine promotes focus and balances energy levels for those that struggle with hyperactivity and wakefulness. Many stimulant medications, when used without a prescription, can boost a person’s energy and productivity levels.
However, when using this or other CNS stimulants as performance enhancers, this can lead to the formation of a physical dependence on and addiction to Dexedrine. This may also occur for those who are taking Dexedrine or other ADHD drugs outside of the guidelines assigned by their prescribing doctor.
Understanding Dexedrine Drug Abuse and Addiction
There are many reasons why someone may begin abusing Dexedrine. The most common, of which, is the belief that this and other prescription stimulants can be used as performance enhancers. This is particularly prominent amongst young adults.
Many students will begin to abuse Dexedrine because they believe that it can help them study and retain information better, making it easier to achieve academic success. This is also common with Adderall, another stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.
This drug may also reduce a person’s appetite, leading many people to abuse it as a way to promote weight loss. Over time, however, this may lead to the development of nutritional deficiencies and malnourishment as a result of severe weight loss.
When not being used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, or when taking this drug outside of a person’s prescription guidelines, it may not take long to become addicted to Dexedrine. Unfortunately, quitting this substance use can be extremely difficult without the right support.
This is because the stimulant can significantly alter the chemistry of a user’s brain. Dexedrine releases a large rush of dopamine, producing a feel-good sensation in the user. Dexedrine use also blocks excess dopamine from leaving the brain, further enhancing this euphoric feeling.
As a person continues abusing Dexedrine, their brain will eventually stop producing dopamine on its own, as it has become unnecessary with the levels produced by this drug. This, unfortunately, will make quitting extremely difficult, and can even feel impossible for some people.
Once their brain has been depleted of its usual dopamine supply, the individual will develop withdrawal symptoms, which are often highly uncomfortable health effects that can make them resort to continuing their Dexedrine abuse in order to satisfy their drug cravings and prevent these side effects from occurring.
The Side Effects of Dexedrine Abuse
There are many negative consequences that may come with Dexedrine use and abuse. These can occur both from short-term and long-term substance abuse, although those who chronically abuse this stimulant drug are more likely to experience severe side effects.
Short-Term Effects
Even if someone has not yet developed a drug addiction to Dexedrine, taking this substance at higher doses or more frequently than necessary can still cause various health risks. These may include side effects such as:
- Restlessness and insomnia
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety and agitation
- Weight loss
- Circulation problems
- Tremors
- Fever
Long-Term Effects
As with those mentioned above, someone who chronically abuses Dexedrine will likely experience a variety of adverse side effects. These may be quite serious, potentially causing further complications if not properly addressed, and may include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusional thoughts
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Manic behavior
- Aggressive behavior
How to Treat Dexedrine Addiction
For those struggling with Dexedrine addiction, there are several treatment options that are available to help them overcome their substance use disorder. While every recovery process will differ based on a person’s specific care needs, the Dexedrine treatment overview may include:
- Medically Supervised Detox
- Inpatient/Residential Treatment
- Outpatient Treatment
- Dual Diagnosis & Therapeutic Treatment
If you are unsure of which of these programs will best fit your personal recovery needs, speaking with your healthcare provider or a certified addiction professional, such as a Rehabs Of Armerica representative, can help you narrow down your treatment options.
The Dexedrine Detox Process
For many people, the first step in their addiction treatment process will be participating in a medical detox program. Detox refers to the period of time in which you stop taking addictive substances and allow your body to withdrawal from their effects.
Unfortunately, doing so without proper treatment can be incredibly difficult and even painful as you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. When recovering at a medical detox rehab center, you will be able to slowly reduce your Dexedrine use under the constant supervision of a medical provider.
This medical supervision and support can help manage and prevent many of the withdrawal symptoms that may occur due to the body’s physical dependence on Dexedrine – or any other drugs that are being abused. This can also help reduce drug cravings, as well as minimize your risk of relapse.
While recovering at these medical detox treatment centers, you will be monitored around the clock and have regular access to licensed medical professionals who understand what you are going through and are trained to help you get through this trying period.
These programs will also often administer addiction medications to ease the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. If you have other medical conditions, your specific treatment provider can also help to address your overall health too.
Dexedrine Withdrawal Symptoms
There are many physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal that a person may develop when reducing or stopping their substance use. These can be moderate to severe in nature, and may include:
- Depression
- Excessive sleepiness or inability to sleep
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Irritability
- Poor Concentration
- Slow thoughts and physical movements
- Increased appetite
- Paranoia
- Drug Craving
Detox should not be done alone, as this can be a dangerous process. Some people may feel extreme levels of depression, negative thoughts, and feelings that can lead to suicidal ideas or attempts.
You may also have uncomfortable physical symptoms that can make abstinence too difficult to maintain on your own. Fortunately, you do not have to go through this process alone. You can call a Rehabs Of Armerica representative now to find a detox treatment center that will provide all of your care needs.
Long-Term Treatment Options for Dexedrine Abuse
Once you have completed the process of detox, you are ready to begin the journey of long-term recovery. When it comes to this stage of the recovery process, there are several addiction treatment program types that are appropriate options for Dexedrine abuse.
Inpatient/Residential Treatment Programs
You may start your Dexedrine abuse long-term recovery journey at an inpatient or residential treatment facility away from home. Many people can focus better on recovery when they are away from the temptations and stressors that may come with normal life.
Inpatient programs provide access to medical professionals around-the-clock. They treat your addiction and recovery along with other health concerns you may have. You will also meet with a therapist who understands the process of Dexedrine abuse recovery.
Many inpatient and residential addiction treatment providers offer therapy sessions that will help you understand where your drug or alcohol abuse began in the first place. This will be a key part in your Dexedrine addiction treatment process.
At an inpatient drug rehab center, individuals will be provided with a more structured, clinical, and secure recovery environment. These are often isolated from the outside world, significantly reducing a person’s risk for relapse or developing addiction withdrawals.
Residential programs allow you to gain more freedom as you progress through the work of recovery. This freedom may allow friends and family to visit, allowing you to interact with others in your life before you leave the safety of the treatment program.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient treatment centers allow more freedom and flexibility than other levels of care, helping you to better adjust to the significant change of quitting your substance use while participating in these recovery programs. With that being said, it is not always the best first step in the recovery process for everyone.
Outpatient treatment works well if you have other responsibilities such as family, work, school, or childcare. However, these programs are better suited for those with less severe Dexedrine addictions, or who have already completed an inpatient program, and have a safe home environment with a stable, support system.
Dual Diagnosis and Therapeutic Treatment Options
For those with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, they will require more intensive dual diagnosis treatment options, as these will help address both the individual’s addiction, as well as its underlying causes.
There are different types of therapies that may be appropriate treatment options for Dexedrine abuse. These therapies are evidenced-based treatment options, which means they are proven to be effective.
Common therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, and group therapies. These can help provide a necessary level of emotional support alongside a person’s physical recovery from their substance abuse habits.
Recovery Support Groups
Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous, provide a community of others who understand your journey through recovery. In a support group, you will create lasting relationships that help you stay accountable and drug-free. Support groups can be inspirational and provide the strength you need for long-term recovery.
Aftercare Treatment Plans
Before leaving treatment, many people will create aftercare treatment plans. These programs will help them identify ways to deal with triggers and urges to use while they are in Dexedrine abuse recovery.
Aftercare plans are created to fit each person’s specific habits and needs. After all, there is not a one-size-fits-all path to recovery. Common parts of aftercare include support groups, 12-step meetings, individual therapy, volunteer work, or vocational and skill training programs.
Your friends and family may be a key to your aftercare plan too. Participating in family therapy sessions and building a healthy, supportive network of individuals can make your recovery process significantly easier and far more enjoyable.
Dexedrine Addiction Recovery Services: Found Here
Recovery is a journey. Of course, it will not always be an easy journey. However, you do not have to go through this process on your own. At Rehabs Of Armerica, we are dedicated to helping people like you find a specific treatment center and addiction recovery services that are capable of providing all of your personal care needs.
Don’t wait to get the help you need; our hotline is available 24/7 to provide you with professional treatment advice and recovery resources you need, anytime you need them. Call now, and we will help you take the first step on the path to sobriety, where you can become a happier, healthier, and Dexedrine-free you, today!