Home » Blog » Dexedrine Abuse, Addiction, and Treatment in West Palm Beach

Dexedrine Abuse, Addiction, and Treatment in West Palm Beach

Dexedrine is the name brand for dextroamphetamine, a prescription stimulant medication that is primarily used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, however, it is also used for weight loss. While this medication is effective in treating these conditions, dextroamphetamine is known to be habit-forming and addictive.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “1.8% (or about 5.1 million people) reported misusing prescription stimulants in the past 12 months.”[1]

When you think of prescription stimulant abuse, the first drug that comes to mind is probably Adderall. Adderall is a medication that combines two substances – amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Dexedrine is similar to Adderall, but it only contains dextroamphetamine.

Dexedrine is known to cause addiction when it is abused, especially among individuals who use the substance long-term. Understanding how Dexedrine abuse and addiction are treated can motivate you or your loved one to get the help you need.

What is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine is a powerful central nervous stimulant and the name brand for the substance dextroamphetamine. This medication is also sold under the names Dextrostat, Liquadd, Procentra, and Zenzedi. The primary uses for this medication include treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy.

When used as a treatment for ADHD, Dexedrine can effectively inhibit calmness and focus. For narcolepsy, this medication promotes wakefulness and energy.

Dexedrine may also be used to treat obesity or binge eating disorders because the medication is a stimulant, which means it can cause appetite-suppressing effects. While the drug can help you lose weight, it is highly habit-forming and poses a significant potential for addiction when used in this manner.

The common side effects of Dexedrine may include:[2]

Dry mouth
Diarrhea or constipation
Changes in libido or impotence
High blood pressure
Insomnia
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Palpitations and irregular heartbeat
Reduced growth in children
Urinary symptoms like burning while peeing

Dextroamphetamine can also cause serious side effects like seizures, hallucinations, and mood changes. It is important to note that these side effects are considered less common and if you experience them, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Signs of Dexedrine Addiction

According to the FDA, dextroamphetamine is a Schedule II drug.[3] This means Dexedrine has a high potential for abuse and the use of it could lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. If you use Dexedrine in any other manner than as directed by your doctor, you are abusing the medication and could develop an addiction.

The main reasons people abuse Dexedrine is to increase wakefulness and alertness to study, improve athletic performance, or lose weight. It is important to note that people may also abuse this drug to experience a “high” that involves symptoms of euphoria, energy, and inflated confidence.

Dexedrine abuse could result in serious effects, such as:

Agitation and anxiety
Blurred vision
Chest pain and high blood pressure
Restlessness and insomnia
Weight loss
Aggressive behavior
Amphetamine-induced psychosis
Delusions and paranoia
Hallucinations
Manic behavior
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures
Overdose

When you abuse Dexedrine, your brain releases a surge of dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical in your brain responsible for feelings of pleasure. Long-term abuse of dextroamphetamine will cause your body to associate pleasure with the drug, causing physical dependence or addiction.

How is Dexedrine Addiction Treated in West Palm Beach?

Dexedrine addiction is best treated under the care of a professional addiction treatment facility. If you are going to attend treatment for dextroamphetamine addiction in West Palm Beach, knowing what you should expect can lessen some of your fears or concerns.

Dexedrine addiction treatment in West Palm Beach will include the following services:

Medical Detox

When you are addicted to dextroamphetamine, your body relies on the substance to function properly. Because of this, stopping the use of this drug will cause you to experience symptoms of withdrawal. The symptoms of Dexedrine withdrawal can be uncomfortable and difficult to deal with, making it imperative that you receive medical treatment.

Symptoms of Dexedrine withdrawal include:

Irritability and anxiety
Depression
Fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Strange dreams
Strong cravings for Dexedrine
Muscle aches
Chills
Lack of interest or inability to feel pleasure
High blood pressure
Tremors
Mood swings

Medical detox programs can offer around-the-clock support and prescribe medications to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal and prevent cravings, keeping you safe, comfortable, and motivated to continue the recovery process.

Evidence-Based Behavioral Therapies

After you are detoxed, you will begin working on the psychological aspects of addiction. Reputable Dexedrine rehab centers will use evidence-based behavioral therapies to help you learn how to manage triggers, avoid relapse, and properly cope with your emotions. You will engage in different forms of therapy, including individual, family, and group counseling sessions.

Examples of evidence-based behavioral therapies for addiction include:

Motivational interviewing
Contingency management
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
12-step facilitation therapy
Family behavior therapy

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Oftentimes, addiction stems from underlying mental health conditions. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.”[4]

One of the common mental health conditions to co-occur with addiction is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is commonly treated using Dexedrine. If you became addicted to Dexedrine while taking it for your ADHD, you must receive treatment for both conditions.

Addiction treatment centers often include services for co-occurring disorders in the form of dual diagnosis treatment, providing you with therapy for your mental illness and medication if needed, all while recovering from addiction.

Nutritional Counseling

Lastly, because dextroamphetamine abuse often stems from weight loss attempts, nutritional counseling is a huge aspect of the treatment process. Nutritional counseling teaches you how to eat healthily, have a healthy relationship with food, and promotes body positivity. In other words, if your Dexedrine abuse and addiction stem from an underlying eating disorder, nutritional counseling can help you recover.

Even if you are not suffering from an eating disorder, long-term Dexedrine abuse can result in nutritional deficiencies that must be addressed. Untreated nutritional deficiencies can lead to:

Weakened immune systems
Poor brain functioning
Obesity
Diabetes
Cardiovascular diseases
Severe hair loss
Vision loss
Bone density issues
Organ failure

Find Help for Dexedrine Abuse and Addiction Today

Dexedrine addiction can significantly impact your mental and physical health, as well as lead to an inability to function in your daily life. If you or a loved one suffers from dextroamphetamine addiction, professional treatment is necessary. However, you must find an addiction treatment center that is suited to your needs.

At Mandala Healing Center, we use an individualized approach to addiction treatment, ensuring all of your needs will be met. We emphasize healing the “whole person”, which means we provide services like nutritional counseling, holistic therapies, and mental health services.

Contact Mandala Healing Center today to learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs in West Palm Beach, Florida.

References: