Short Term and Long Term Effects of Amphetamine Drug Abuse

Amphetamines, one of the most addictive drugs available, are a group of active psychostimulators. They are so called because, when abused, they result in increased production of neurotransmitters in central nervous system, mainly Dopamine and Noradrenaline (norepinephrine). This activity results in increased sense of alertness, focus, energy, euphoria in the drug abused individual. It is also supposed to decrease the sense of fatigue, sleepiness and appetite in the individuals.

A small or limited amount of the drug is used to treat psychological disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFT). But if taken in high doses or without prescription, the drug is found to have very serious effects on human body. These effects may be for long term or short term.

The short term and long term ill effects of Amphetamine drug abuse on human body are as follows:

Short-term effects
An individual consuming Amphetamines regularly will have high chances of getting addicted to it. This is because of the sense of high energy and well-being that is created in the minds of individual. Amphetamines are so dangerous that the individual is prone to ill effects of drug abuse, in the initial stages itself. Some of the effects that can be noticed during the initial phase of drug administration are:

• Anorexia
• Hyperactivity
• Fatigue
• Dilated pupils
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Elevated heartbeat
• Headache
• Lack of appetite
• Rapid breathing
• Restlessness
• Increased alertness

These short term effects are an indication for the individual to cease the intake of the drug. On identifying the short term effects, an individual should immediately seek good treatment to avoid many serious consequences further.

Long-term effects
Individuals, who overlook the short term effects of the drug, might be inviting many fatal consequences. Prolonged drug administration takes a toll on all the functions of the body. It is mainly found to have a serious impact on central nervous and cardio vascular systems of the human body. The individuals addicted to this drug are found to be more susceptible to Parkinson's disease. The disease resistant power in the individuals is also found to decrease. Apart from these, the other problems which arise are:

• Psychiatic disorders
• Cognitive disorders
• Neurotoxicity
• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia

Long term administration of drug also makes an individual resistant to any kind of drug treatments, which ultimately takes away the chance from an individual to better his/her life. As most of the long term effects are deathly, an individual should take precautionary measures in the initial stages of drug abuse or better stay away from those things.

Amphetamines, because of their addictive nature, make it hard for an individual to withdraw the drug abuse. A person trying to get rid of the habit may suffer from mental fatigue, depression, increased appetite, anxiety, suicidal ideation, lucid dreams, etc. Hence, an individual should be aware of the consequences of the Amphetamine drug abuse, as it is the question of well-being of the individual.