Dextroamphetamine is a prescription medication used to treat ADHD and sometimes used to treat narcolepsy. When taken as directed, the medication can help alleviate symptoms associated with ADHD and narcolepsy. However, the drug is often misused by those who do not need it, which can lead to dependence and addiction.
What Is Dextroamphetamine?
Dextroamphetamine is the generic name for the brand name medications Dextrostat and Dexedrine. It is a stimulant medication that helps increase focus, concentration, and energy. It also helps to keep people awake when used to treat narcolepsy. The drug increases the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Dopamine is associated with pleasure while also helping improve concentration and reduce impulsive behaviors and hyperactivity. Norepinephrine increases cognitive functions, attention, alertness, and arousal.
When people misuse dextroamphetamine, the rush of these neurotransmitters can cause intense feelings of pleasure, increased energy, hyperarousal, calmness, and euphoria. It is these effects that make dextroamphetamine an addictive substance.
Side Effects of Dextroamphetamine
As with other prescription medications, dextroamphetamine has several side effects one should be aware of before starting this drug:
- Dizziness
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Weight loss
- Reduced appetite
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Irritability
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Sleep disturbances
- Nervousness
- Tremors
When someone misuses dextroamphetamine, they can experience similar side effects, as well as:
- Hallucinations
- Aggressive behavior
- Seizures
- Delusional thoughts
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- Anxiety
- Drug-induced psychosis
- Mania
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Sweating
Is Dextroamphetamine Stronger than Adderall?
Adderall is another type of prescription medication used to treat ADHD. It is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. While one might mistakenly assume Adderall would be stronger, it is not because it contains amphetamine, which is not as strong as dextroamphetamine. Of the two drugs, dextroamphetamine is considered stronger because it only consists of dextroamphetamine.
Is Dextroamphetamine Addictive?
Dextroamphetamine is considered a highly addictive substance. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means there is a high risk of misuse and addiction. Part of the reason this drug is addictive is the effects people experience when taking the drug illicitly. The brain remembers the pleasurable and euphoric effects as positive behaviors.
As a result, people start to develop a carving for dextroamphetamine because the brain wants to experience those effects again. Additionally, the more the drug is misused, tolerance builds to its effects, resulting in having to increase dosages to achieve the desired effects. The never-ending cycle of increased tolerance and increased dosages contributes further to addiction.
For individuals taking the drug for ADHD or narcolepsy, they too can develop a tolerance for it. While the drug is working as it should, they may not think it is. Unfortunately, this can cause some people to start self-medicating and taking higher doses than prescribed. Self-medicating can also lead to increased dependence and addiction to dextroamphetamine.
How to Treat Dextroamphetamine Addiction
Dextroamphetamine addiction is treated using a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities along with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Depending on the severity of addiction, there are different levels of care available to meet the specific needs of individuals, including:
- Detox: Detox is an essential first step to overcoming dextroamphetamine addiction. People are carefully tapered off the substance and medically supervised during the process. MAT, which involves using FDA-approved medications, can be used to help alleviate and manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Residential: Residential treatment is for individuals who have a severe dextroamphetamine addiction, lack a supportive home environment, or could be a harm to themselves or others. This level of care provides highly structured and intensive treatment with round-the-clock monitoring and supervision.
- Partial Hospitalization: Partial hospitalization treatment is well-suited for individuals who have a supportive home environment or are residing at a sober living facility. The program provides the same level of care as residential treatment, except participants do not stay overnight at the treatment facility.
- Intensive Outpatient: Intensive outpatient treatment is for people who have mild to moderate dextroamphetamine addiction and can effectively manage their triggers and cravings in between treatments. Treatment sessions usually involve half days, several times weekly. This level of care is also well-suited for individuals who have completed a higher level of care but still need intensive treatment.
- Outpatient: Outpatient treatment is for individuals who have completed a higher level of care and need ongoing support and guidance to maintain a substance-free life. Outpatient sessions are usually held a few times weekly at flexible times to allow people to meet their daily obligations, such as work or school.
- Aftercare: Aftercare is the lowest level of care, which provides individuals access to community resources, ongoing individual and group therapy sessions, and other alumni activities and events to help them maintain their sobriety.
Contact Phoenix Rising Recovery to Treat Dextroamphetamine Addiction Today
Are you struggling with dextroamphetamine addiction and want help? At Phoenix Rising Recovery, our caring and supportive team is here to help you start your recovery journey. We offer a safe and secure environment with comprehensive detox and treatment programs customized to your unique needs. Contact us today to discover the path to a substance-free and better future.