What is ephedrine and why is it addictive?
Found in nature in plants like Ephedra sinica and Ephedra equisetina, ephedrine is an alkaloid, commonly used in medication to treat asthma, nasal congestion or even as a part of different supplements.
Because it can be a stimulant of the nervous system, some people might abuse it in order to achieve pleasurable effects. This is achieved through the activation and release of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which create a feeling of pleasure. In practice, this is achieved through taking increased dosage or combination with different psychoactive substances.
What are the symptoms and signs of ephedrine addiction?
With this substance, the immediate signs of trouble are ephedrine withdrawal symptoms, but these usually become apparent in the later stages of addiction. Starting ephedrine addiction treatment as soon as possible is always the best possible solution where the chances of a successful recovery are the highest. There are some behavioral signs that can help you determine this, as well as psychical and psychological symptoms as well. You can read more about it in the text below.
Behavioral signs
While it might be difficult to pinpoint the exact behavioral signs that show a person has developed an addiction and is in need of ephedrine addiction treatment, there are some things that can become noticeable over time. Among these are increased talkativeness, hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, neglect of responsibilities and continued use despite the negative ephedrine withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of ephedrine use
Individuals who use ephedrine can experience some of the following symptoms:
- Suppressed appetite
- Increased energy
- Raised blood pressure
- Elevated heart rate
- Tremors or shakiness
- Sleep disturbances
What are the side effects of ephedrine addiction?
Ephedrine side effects include negative symptoms that affect the physical and mental health of the person. Like other types of addiction, this disease is also progressive in nature, meaning that it only leads to further problems when left untreated. Now we will talk some more about the short-term and long-term ephedrine addiction symptoms.
Short-term effects of ephedrine addiction
When a person becomes addicted to ephedrine, the first signs of trouble include the following short-term effects:
- Higher blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
- Vomiting and nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Increased anxiety
These ephedrine addiction symptoms may be difficult to notice at first, but as addiction gets into the later stages, they become more apparent. If a person starts an ephedrine addiction treatment at this time, the chances of making a full recovery are excellent.
Symptoms of ephedrine overdose
However, if someone who has been addicted for a longer time tries to abruptly end their consumption of this substance, strong ephedrine withdrawal effects might show up. These symptoms can be so overpowering that a person might take high doses of ephedrine in order to avoid them. When this happens, an overdose might occur, which is a state that requires immediate medical intervention. Here are the symptoms of overdose:
- Difficulty breathing
- Extremely fast or irregular heartbeat
- Mental confusion and hallucinations
- Intense and persistent headache
- Seizures or intense tremors
- Cardiovascular collapse
Long-term effects of ephedrine addiction
While occasional use of this substance can be detrimental to one’s health, long-term addiction only exacerbates the problems. These are some of the most common ephedrine long-term side effects:
- Damage to vital organs
- Cardiovascular issues
- Deterioration of overall health
- Exacerbation of mental issues
- Legal and financial consequences
- Increased risk of overdose
In case you are suffering from these symptoms, know that an ephedrine withdrawal treatment can help you avoid any signs of trouble. Additionally, while eliminating ephedrine side effects is important, this is only the first step to complete recovery. In order to completely leave an ephedrine addiction behind, a full ephedrine addiction treatment is the recommended method.
How and why does ephedrine addiction start?
Although ephedrine is used in many different drugs, this substance is dangerous due to its ability to alter brain chemistry. Even though ephedrine nose spray addiction is very rare when the drug is used in the form of tablets, with any misuse, the addiction potential only increases.
When the body begins to develop tolerance to the effects of the drug, this is a clear sign that dependence has occurred. Any further intake of the drug only increases the dependence and without getting proper medical help, leads to addiction.
What is the treatment for ephedrine abuse?
Ephedrine addiction treatment remains the best way to overcome this disease. At Dr Vorobjev rehab center, all patients receive specialized care, directly suited to their needs. This includes a complete checkup prior to starting the treatment, in order to get a full diagnosis of the patient’s health. Because being addicted to ephedrine can also have consequences on one’s general health, additional therapies may be performed simultaneously alongside detoxification.
With the substance being eliminated from the body, it is necessary to determine the root cause of addiction and create barriers that would prevent relapse. Through the use of medication, all ephedrine side effects that come with withdrawal are significantly reduced. That means that patients can dedicate all of their energy toward the steps needed to achieve independence from ephedrine.
How to start treatment of ephedrine addiction?
For individuals addicted to ephedrine, the most difficult step is usually making the decision to place their trust in others and ask for help. With Dr Vorobjev clinic on your side, you can always count on receiving the best possible care. In order to help you with this decision, you can always check out some of the experiences of our patients after treatment. Join them on the road to recovery and move toward a better life you deserve. Call us today and set up a consultation for your ephedrine addiction.
Doctors
Doctors can not only help patients deal with ephedrine withdrawal symptoms effectively, but ephedrine side effects are only one part of the problem. The main job of a medical care provider is to help patients and guide them through every part of recovery. This can significantly increase the chances of reaching a successful outcome.
Cost of ephedrine addiction treatment
In order to stop ephedrine withdrawal symptoms and achieve complete mental stability, every patient receives a treatment plan according to their needs. Due to that, the costs of treatment may vary based on the duration of treatment and the number of therapies used. Contact us to get more information.
Patents and certificates
Dr Vorobjev clinic possesses all the needed certificates to perform ephedrine addiction treatment, as well as several patents for therapies developed by our experts to combat ephedrine withdrawal symptoms and make the process of recovery easier.
- Katherine O.
„For years I dealt with ephedrine withdrawal symptoms every time I tried to quit, which left me hopeless and defeated. At this clinic, I finally managed to overcome my ephedrine addiction and get rid of ephedrine long-term side effects that were preventing me from living the life I always wanted.“
- Michael B.
„When I tried to stop taking the drug, I ended up with ephedrine addiction withdrawal symptoms that were so severe I had to go back to taking it. With the support and therapy I received here, I was able to deal with ephedrine withdrawal much easier, and with the help of psychologists, I created a strong plan to stay away from the drug for good.“
