April 30, 2015 —

Head Games: Drugs of Abuse – Amphetamines

A m p h e t a m i n e s  

 Introduction

Amphetamine is a synthetic form of Ephedrine, which is found in the herb ma huang, as this herb has been used in China for the past 5,000 years. Amphetamine is a stimulant and has some of the same effects on the person as the drug cocaine does (which is faster acting). Amphetamine and methamphetamine are produced in “home labs” in predominantly Western countries and could be taken orally as a tablet or capsule, sniffed, injected, or consumed in a liquid.

Slang/Street Names

Bennies, hearts, pep-pills, dex, beans, black beauties, crank, pink football, dexies, speed, crystal, meth, uppers, moth, crosses, ice, methlies, quick.

Pharmacokinetics

Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, and MDMA (“Ecstacy”) primarily affect the Sympathetic Nervous System, which causes the “flight or flight” response. However, like cocaine, they cause the release of Norepinephrine (NE) and Dopamine (D) from the endings of the neurons and block their re-uptake. They are well absorbed from the intestinal tract; and they are excreted unchanged, which adds to the intensification of their effect.

Symptoms and Side Effects of Abuse/Dependence

Acute effects of Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, and Ecstasy abuse include wakefulness, alertness, heightened concentration, and an increase in energy in addition to an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate. Acute effects also include decreased appetite, reduced weight, and delayed sleep. People who use these stimulants may become acutely psychotic (auditory, visual, or tactile hallucinations) and may be prone to violent outbursts, even to the point of homicide. Chronic effects of these stimulants cause severe hypertension, cerebral hemorrhaging, seizures, and coma.

Withdrawal and Overdose

Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, and Ecstasy users, just as those who abuse cocaine, will experience a depression, agitation, anxiety and intense craving for more of the drug followed by fatigue, distorted sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, suicidal or homicidal ideation, and anhedonia, or the absence of pleasure from the acts one would normally receive pleasure in doing. Overdose could cause seizures, heart attacks, elevation in blood pressure and temperature (leading to cardiovascular shock and even death), hallucinations, convulsions, and possibly death.

If you are struggling and abusing amphetamines, please consider asking others for help, by clicking here.

Other HEAD GAMES Drugs of Abuse:

Alcohol

Cocaine

Hallucinogens (Marijuana and LSD)

Opiates 

Sedative/Hypnotics

TeleHealth/Video counseling sessions are available for those who prefer to meet online – Dr. McGill

Businesswoman presses button psychological counseling online on virtual screens. technology, internet and networking concept.

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About Dr Ken McGill

Dr. Ken McGill is an ordained minister and has been involved in counseling for more than 25 years. Dr. McGill holds a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University), a Certificate of Completion in the Alcohol and Drug Studies/Counseling Program from the University of California at Los Angeles and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. Dr. McGill received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in May, 2003. Dr. McGill's dissertation focused on the development of an integrated treatment program for the sexually addicted homeless population, and Ken was "personally mentored" by dissertation committee member Dr. Patrick Carnes, a pioneer in the field of sex addiction work. Dr. McGill authored a chapter in the text The Clinical Management of Sex Addiction, with his chapter addressing the homeless and sex addiction. Dr. McGill is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the States of Texas and California and Mississippi, and is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, through the International Institute for Trauma and Addictive Professionals (IITAP). Dr. McGill had a private practice in Glendora, CA (Aspen Counseling Center), Inglewood, CA (Faithful Central Bible Church), and Hattiesburg, MS (River of Life Church), specializing in the following areas with individuals, couples, families, groups and psychoeducational training: addictions and recovery, pre-marital, marital and family counseling, issues related to traumatization and abuse, as well as depression, grief, loss, anger management and men's and women's issues. Dr. McGill also provided psychotherapeutic treatment with Student-Athletes on the University of Southern Mississippi Football and Men's Basketball teams. Dr. McGill served as the Director of the Gentle Path Program, which is a seven-week residential program, for people who are challenged with sexual addiction, sexual anorexia, and relationship issues. Dr. McGill also supervised Doctoral students in the Southern Mississippi Psychology Internship Consortium with the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. McGill was inducted into the Azusa Pacific University Academic Hall of Honor, School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences, in October, 2010. Dr. McGill currently works as a Private practice clinician with an office in Plano, Texas, providing treatment with people who are challenged in the areas mentioned above.

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