special subjects
Amphetamines
Symptoms ofAmphetamineUse
Amphetamines use causes both immediate and long-term symptoms. The following are some immediate effects ofamphetamineuse: Increased alertness Reduced fatigue Heightened concentration Decreased appetite Enhanced physical performance Amphetamines may produce a feeling of well-being, euphoria, and loss of inhibitions. Also, people sweat profusely, and their pupils are dilated. Binge usage (perhaps over several days) eventually causes extreme exhaustion and a need for sleep. High doses (overdose) increase blood pressure and heart rate. These increases may be life threatening. People may become extremely paranoid, violent, and out of control. People may become delirious. Acute Coronary Syndromes (Heart Attack; Myocardial Infarction; Unstable Angina) have occurred, even in healthy young athletes. Blood pressure may become so high that a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing a People who habitually use amphetamines rapidly develop tolerance as part of dependence. They need to use more and more to get the same effect. The amount ultimately used may be more than several times the original dose. Most people using very high doses over several days or weeks become confused and psychotic because amphetamines can cause severe anxiety, paranoia, and a distorted sense of reality. Psychotic reactions include hearing and seeing things that are not there (auditory and visual hallucinations) and false beliefs (delusions), such as a feeling of having unlimited power (omnipotence) or of being persecuted (paranoia). Memory may be affected. Confusion, memory loss, and delusions may last for months. Although these effects can occur in any user, people with a mental health disorder, such as , are more vulnerable to them. Methamphetamineusers have a high rate of teeth grinding (bruxism) and severe tooth decay affecting numerous teeth. The causes include decreased salivation, corrosive substances in the smoke, and poor oral hygiene—called "meth mouth." When anamphetamineis suddenly stopped, symptoms vary. People dependent on amphetamines become tired or sleepy—an effect that may last for 2 or 3 days after stopping the drug. As a result, they are more likely to be injured. Some people are extremely anxious and restless, and some, especially those with a tendency toward Depression , become depressed when they stop. They may become suicidal but may lack the energy to attempt suicide for several days. 