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Kristen Fuller, M.D., enjoys writing about evidence-based topics in the cutting-edge world of mental health and addiction medicine and contributes to medicine board education.




The editorial staff of Recovery.org is comprised of addiction content experts. Our editors and medical reviewers have over a decade of cumulative experience in medical content editing and have reviewed thousands of pages for accuracy and relevance.

Kristen Fuller, M.D., enjoys writing about evidence-based topics in the cutting-edge world of mental health and addiction medicine and contributes to medicine board education.
Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. Its molecular structure represents what’s known as an enantiomer, or mirror image, of the substance amphetamine. It is available by prescription in the U.S. to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.1 Occasionally, it has been prescribed for off-label management of a diverse set of medical issues, including orthopedic pain, obesity and Alzheimer disease.
When used according to prescription doses, dextroamphetamine can be a safe, therapeutic medication. Unfortunately, its sought-after stimulant effects have led to the rise of an illicit market that is fueled in part by widespread prescription diversion. Dextroamphetamine can stave off fatigue and sleep, decrease appetite, and increase energy and alertness. College students may consider it a ‘study drug’. Others may abuse it for weight control. No matter the motivation, dextroamphetamine abuse can have serious medical consequences.
Dextroamphetamine users are at high risk for developing chemical dependency and, eventually, stimulant addiction. This is especially true if the drug is used outside of prescribed parameters, either in excessive doses or with increased frequency. Abuse of this drug can lead to physical and psychological dependence. A person who abuses dextroamphetamine may find that they need more and more of the drug to achieve the same desired effects. This is known as tolerance, and it is a building block for addiction.
When abused, dextroamphetamine can have a number of risky side effects:1
Selecting a rehab center that fits your needs is an important early step toward recovery. Your addiction treatment team should be familiar with the dynamics of dextroamphetamine or other stimulant addiction.
Treatment programs can vary greatly in setting, location, amenities, staffing, provider experience and training, clientele, length of stay, cost, and options for financing your treatment. Finding the right center can improve the treatment process.
Treatment for dextroamphetamine addiction should evolve as a person progresses in recovery. The beginning of treatment will involve detox and withdrawal, which can be an uncomfortable experience.
After detox, therapy and counseling begin. Once a patient completes their treatment plan and feels comfortable returning to day-to-day living, aftercare services will help the person maintain abstinence.
In treatment, a recovering dextroamphetamine abuser may find:
Finding the right dextroamphetamine treatment center may seem like a daunting task, but there is free, private and confidential help available! If you or a loved one is ready to seek rehab for a substance use disorder, explore your options and reach out to a rehab center using our rehab directory tool today!
Sources:
[1]. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus. (2010). Dextroamphetamine. Available at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a605027.html
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