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Amphetamines Abuse: Amphetamines group consists of the following drugs: amphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Adam, ecstasy, or MDMA), and methamphetamine (speed). Amphetamines can be used intermittently or chronically abused. Dependence is both physical and psychologic. In the U.S., the most commonly abused Amphetamine is methamphetamine. The abuse of methylenedioxymethamphetamine is most commonly abused in Europe, but recently reached our country. Individuals frequently use such a drug and go to “rave dances” where they dance and socialize in late night clubs. MDMA interferes with the serotonin reuptake in the person’s brain and is believed to be toxic to the person’s nervous system. Amphetamines are increasing alertness, enhancing physical performance, and heightens concentration. They can induce a feeling of euphoria or well-being. Many amphetamine abusers experience depression and use the mood elevating effect of such stimulants to keep depression under control temporarily. Physical performances temporarily improve. Besides stimulating the person’s brain, amphetamines increase heart rate or blood pressure. Fatal heart attacks may happen, even in young, healthy athletes. The blood pressure can be so high that a brain blood vessel ruptures, resulting in a stroke and possibly causing paralysis and death. Death most likely happens when the drug such as MDMA is taken in warm room with little ventilation; when the user sweats heavily and does not drink plenty of water to substitute lost fluids; and when MDMA user is extremely active physically (for example, fast dancing). Individuals using amphetamine a few times daily, quickly progress tolerance. The amount used, can exceed few hundred times the usual dose. By using such high doses, almost all amphetamine abusers become psychotic, because the drug may result in paranola, distorted reality sense, and severe anxiety. Psychotic reactions consist of omnipotence, feeling and visual hallucinations. When amphetamines are suddenly discontinued, symptoms opposite to the drug’s side effects occur. The abuser becomes sleepy or tired that can last for two or three days after discontinuing this drug. Some individuals are extremely anxious and tired. Such abusers who experience depression, when they begin taking amphetamines, are most likely to become more depressed, when they discontinue the use of the drug. They can become suicidal but can have energy deficiency to attempt suicide for a few days. Chronic amphetamine users can require hospitalization at the time of amphetamines withdrawal. An individual, who experiences hallucinations and delusions can be prescribed an antipsychotic medication such as chlorpromazine, which alleviates distress, and has a calming effect. However, such drug can significantly decrease blood pressure. The treatment of amphetamine abuse, consists of quiet and reassurance, non-threatening environment and may be beneficial.
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