Desoxyn Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
Desoxyn is a highly addictive prescription medication used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and sometimes obesity. It is a stimulant and belongs to the class of drugs called CNS stimulants. Desoxyn (methamphetamine hydrochloride) is methamphetamine and is the only prescription methamphetamine available on the market.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:
Methamphetamine has been classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II stimulant, which makes it legally available only through a nonrefillable prescription. Medically it may be indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and as a short-term component of weight-loss treatments, but these uses are limited and it is rarely prescribed; also, the prescribed doses are far lower than those typically misused. (NIH)
Although there are very few prescriptions written for Desoxyn versus Adderall or Ritalin, it is still significant enough to be talked about. There are approximately 16,000 Desoxyn prescriptions dispensed annually. Chemically, Desoxyn is identical to illicit street methamphetamine. With that being said, it has extreme potential for abuse and diversion. Desoxyn produces an extreme euphoric effect which can result in binge use, drug tolerance, increased dose, dependence, and addiction.
Desoxyn increases the levels of dopamine in the brain that are associated with pleasure and reward. The drug takes over the reward pathways making it the most important thing to the addict. Dopamine levels in a healthy individual stay at 100%. Sex increases those levels to 200%. Cocaine increases the dopamine levels to 350%, and Desoxyn increases the dopamine levels up to 4,000%!
Signs and Symptoms of Desoxyn Addiction
Desoxyn misuse causes terrible damage to the body and mind and alters both for a short period. Some of the symptoms of Desoxyn misuse can include:
- Aggression and Irritability
- Panic and Anxiety
- Loss of concentration and focus
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Excessive talking and rambling
- Jaw clenching
- Increased blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
- Profuse sweating
When someone develops an addiction to Desoxyn, the signs and symptoms get far worse, and the drug causes major health issues. Here are some of the symptoms of Desoxyn addiction:
- Drug tolerance or needing more of the drug to produce the same effects
- Anorexia or loss of appetite
- Dangerous weight loss and malnutrition
- Muscle wasting
- Intense cravings
- Psychosis, hallucinations, and delusional thoughts
- Skin infections, lesions, and feelings of “skin-crawling”
- “Meth-mouth” or severe tooth decay
- Brain damage
- Heart problems
- Loss of kidney function
Can You Get Addicted to Desoxyn?
Stimulant abuse is common in a lot of college students and young adults. College students will take them to stay awake and alert to study and take exams. An alarming 62% of college students admit to being offered stimulant medications for nonmedical reasons at some point along their college journey, and 1 and 3 admit to taking a prescription stimulant during their college career.
Just like a lot of times prescription opioid abuse will eventually lead to heroin addiction, prescription Desoxyn will many times lead to meth abuse and addiction. An individual may run out of their medicine and be unable to get another prescription, so they turn to the streets. Illicit street methamphetamine is relatively cheap and always available, especially in this day in age. Since 2011, the price of street methamphetamine has gone down while the purity levels have gone up.
We are currently not only experiencing an opioid crisis, we are experiencing a meth epidemic. So much focus has been put on trying to control the opioid epidemic, that a meth epidemic slowly crept upon us. This country is in big trouble when it comes to substance abuse issues. As a nation, we need to come together and try to combat this problem once and for all!
Treatment for Meth Abuse
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Evoke Wellness offers safe medical detoxification in a comfortable environment and with minimal discomfort. We provide residential treatment in a structured environment and then provide you with aftercare support to help lead you on a road to long-lasting recovery. You don’t have to suffer any longer. Call us today.