Amphetamines, otherwise known as ‘speed’, are stimulant drugs that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Amphetamine use results in increased alertness, which means that these types of drugs can be used to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the sleep disorder, narcolepsy.
Amphetamines are also sometimes referred to as ‘smart drugs’ or ‘club drugs’ and there's widespread use among younger generations who believe these drugs are accessible and ‘safe’ in comparison to more potent drugs such as heroin. Despite this perceived positive image, the effects of an amphetamine addiction on your health and other aspects of your life can be equally as devastating.
The truth is that young people will have no idea what they are buying. The person selling to them might be drunk – but, in any case, they won’t care what they are selling you and there is absolutely no safe way to take illegal drugs.
The symptoms of amphetamine addiction can vary from person to person, and also depend on the amount of the drug that you're consuming, the frequency of your amphetamine use, as well as the type of amphetamine you've been taking.
Over time, it’s possible that amphetamine abuse can result in long-term health problems, including:
If you or someone you care about is struggling with amphetamine addiction, Priory offers a range of treatment options to help you break the cycle and take back control of your life. One option is our comprehensive 28-day inpatient addiction treatment programme, which provides an immersive and supportive environment and can be tailored to meet your needs. We also offer more flexible formats, such as outpatient therapy, day care and online support, depending on what’s most appropriate for you.
Taking the first step towards treatment – or encouraging a loved one to do so – can feel daunting. That’s why we offer a free, confidential assessment with a specialist addiction therapist. This initial conversation allows you to talk through your concerns and goals, while helping us understand the level of support that’s right for you.
Your treatment will be built around your personal needs, offering therapeutic support to help you understand the behaviours and thought patterns behind your amphetamine use. This approach not only supports immediate recovery, but also helps you develop long-term strategies to reduce the risk of relapse and move forward in a healthier way.
If appropriate for your treatment plan, you may begin with a medically assisted detox to safely withdraw from amphetamines. Detox takes place on an inpatient basis, where you’ll receive round-the-clock medical and nursing support in a safe and compassionate environment.
This process usually lasts around 7 to 10 days, although this can vary depending on your level of use and overall health. Once the detox is complete and your body has cleared the substance, you’ll be ready to continue with the next phase of treatment – whether that’s therapy, group work, wellbeing activities or a combination of approaches to support your ongoing recovery.
Counselling for amphetamine addiction aims to support you to give up amphetamines completely, rather than simply reducing the amount you take. We'll help you to manage stressful situations and problems in your life that may previously have led to you taking the drug.
A combination of one-to-one psychotherapy and group therapy sessions work towards building your self-esteem and challenging any unhelpful thoughts and behaviours which lead to a cycle of drug abuse. We use problem-solving talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helping to instil a positive attitude going forward.
Our team of consultant psychiatrists and addiction experts, some of whom are also in recovery themselves, provide an unrivalled insight and approach towards your recovery from amphetamine addiction.
Your amphetamine addiction doesn’t have to be severe for you to get help and support from us. We also offer outpatient addiction therapy, which is suitable for people stepping down from more structured inpatient, detox or day care programmes, and can fit in around other life commitments.
