Amphetamine Addiction

Therapist conducting dual diagnosis treatment in Los Angeles, CA.

What is Amphetamine?

Amphetamine is a manmade drug, chemically related to methamphetamine which was first synthesized in 1887 by Lazar Edeleano to help with the relief of nasal congestion, obesity, depression, ADHD, and narcolepsy. Amphetamine acts as a central nervous system stimulant by increasing the activity of the nervous system and can also increase blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that in 2015, the most commonly prescribed stimulant type among people aged 12 and older was amphetamines

  • 3 million people used amphetamine products
  • 3 million people misused prescription stimulants
  • 8 million misused amphetamine products

 

Amphetamine addiction has become a serious problem within the United States.

A man seeks help for his addiction through amphetamine addiction treatment in los angeles

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Amphetamine Addiction?

Amphetamine is a highly addictive substance that can negatively impact our brain’s behavior. As well as addiction, chronic misuse of amphetamines can lead to our lives becoming unmanageable with financial difficulties, legal issues, relationship conflicts, and declining performance in all aspects of our lives.

Abuse of amphetamines can also lead to short and long-term physical and psychological negative effects:

  • Dry mouth
  • Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
  • Hypertension
  • Increased body temperature
  • Nausea
  • Tremors or muscle twitches
  • Chronic breathing difficulties
  • Consistently irregular heartbeat
  • Frequent bouts of dizziness or vertigo
  • Malnutrition
  • Repetitive motor movements (stereotypy)
  • Skin problems
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Stroke
  • Aggressive or violent behavior
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Depression
  • Mood changes
  • Panic attacks
  • Psychosis resembling schizophrenia, including paranoia, hallucinations, and skin-picking
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Death
  • Nosebleeds
  • Damage to your nasal passages
  • Tetanus
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • HIV/AIDS

A man is comforted during amphetamine addiction treatment in los angeles

What is the Treatment for Amphetamine Addiction?

Often, the first step to treating amphetamine addiction is the detoxification process supervised by our medical and expert substance use disorder treatment team to help with the following withdrawal symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia
  • Unpleasant and vivid dreams
  • Impaired motor and cognitive functioning
  • Agitation as well as dysphoric moods – the feelings of unhappiness, irritability, anxiousness, or dissatisfaction with life

 

After the detox process is complete, recovery work with substance use disorder professionals aims to change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to and maintain amphetamine use. This part of the recovery process is best supported in a residential level of care where there is around-the-clock supervision, intensive addiction therapy, and ongoing medical support.

West Valley Detox & Treatment Services is the premier facility for the treatment of substance use disorder and other co-occurring challenges that provides medical assisted detox and residential treatment. Our highly trained staff are committed to providing the highest level of care for you, and your loved ones.

Ready to Talk?

If you, or your loved one, are ready to start your recovery journey today, please call 213-861-4445 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.

Ari Labowitz

Ari serves as the Clinical Director at West Valley Detox Treatment. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Idaho, holding a master’s degree in clinical psychology (M.A.). He approaches therapy from a strengths-based, humanistic perspective, fostering a safe and supportive environment for growth. With extensive expertise in drug and alcohol treatment, Ari has consulted for numerous recovery centers and brings a tailored approach to therapy, working with individuals, couples, and families to address unique challenges while emphasizing strengths. His diverse experience spans private practice, high schools, counseling centers, and corporate settings.

Ara Gemilyan

Ara Gemilyan is the CEO and co-founder of Celebrated Consulting Inc., the parent company of West Valley Detox Treatment. With a distinguished background in real estate, development, and international business, Ara brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit to our organization. His personal experience, having lost his best friend to substance use, gives him a profound understanding of the devastating impact of addiction, driving his commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected.

Spiritual Practices

West Valley Detox & Treatment Services provides a diverse range of traditions and rituals tailored practices to nurture clients’ inner growth and healing. These spiritual
practices incorporate meditation, prayer, mindfulness, and exploration of spiritual
teachings to aid our clients in cultivating a deeper connection with themselves and their beliefs.

Nutritional Healing

At West Valley Detox & Treatment Services, we offer tailored dietary guidance and education so that our clients may discover the power of nourishing their bodies with nutrient-rich foods that support physical vitality and mental clarity. This approach highlights the link between diet and emotional equilibrium, empowering clients to

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are cultivated through focused attention on bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions. At West Valley Detox & Treatment Services, our clinicians guide our clients through this daily transformative process to promote concentration and clarity, enhancing their recovery process while harnessing a sense of calmness.

Holistic Movement Therapy

Holistic Movement Therapy combines physical activity with mindfulness. This experiential therapy is often included in our treatment at West Valley Detox & Treatment Services to support our clients in developing body awareness, reducing stress, and promoting a harmonious mind-body connection. Holistic movement includes mental, emotional, social, and/or spiritual components through practices such as yoga, tai chi, and dance, etc.