Our small Netherlands is unfortunately big in producing drugs. It is even known that it is easy to get synthetic drugs such as amphetamine and XTC in the Netherlands. Due to the low prices and fragmented fight against drug crime, the amphetamine trade in the Netherlands remains a problem.
Amphetamine: use and addiction in the Netherlands
The production of amphetamine in the Netherlands continues to increase every year. In 2017, for example, 614 million grams of amphetamine and 972 million XTC pills were produced. This had an estimated value of between 18.9 and 21.7 billion euros. According to researchers, this increase is because the danger posed by the drug industry in the Netherlands is underestimated and the penalties for drug trafficking here are relatively low compared to other countries.
As a result, the Dutch drug industry is underestimated and there is no priority in combating it. As a result, the police are unable to tackle the amphetamine trade effectively.
Research in 2016 has shown that 4.4% of the Dutch population sometimes uses amphetamine. Of these, about 20.000 people are said to use amphetamine on a weekly basis. 1.800 of these users were eventually admitted to a clinic for amphetamine addiction.
The Effects of Amphetamine
Stimuli such as amphetamine are used by users to perform better. When taking amphetamines, the speed at which body and brain communicate with each other is increased. This improves focus and concentration, among other things.
Stimuli also ensure that the dopamine content in the brain increases. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (a messenger substance in the brain) that is associated with pleasure and reward, as well as initiative, activity and drive. By taking these stimuli you can get a euphoric effect. This happens when you receive high doses. Communication between brain cells is disrupted and a temporary feeling of euphoria occurs. When amphetamine is ground and then snorted or injected, the euphoric effects can be enhanced.
Because the euphoric effect can be experienced as pleasant by the user, the risk of addiction can increase. In addition, amphetamine also has a number of short-term and long-term risks. The larger your dose and the more often you use, the greater the risk of problems. Long-term risks can include brain damage, depression, dental damage, damage to the nose and even impotence in men and reduced periods in women.
Not only bad for people, but also for nature
Drug crime is also seen as environmental crime, because drugs such as amphetamine are not only bad for your health, they are also bad for nature. As drug production increases, there are more and more drug labs. These drug labs often dump their waste illegally and in places where the waste can cause a lot of damage. One kilo of amphetamine creates no less than 20 to 30 kilos of residual waste. This is deposited in nature with all its consequences.
Treatment for amphetamine addiction
Do you have an amphetamine addiction and do you want to do something about it? Then don't wait and sign up. Castle Craig has an experienced team ready to help you in your battle against your addiction.
A treatment looks like this: we start by drawing up a personal treatment plan. The next step is detoxification. Depending on the severity of the amphetamine addiction, a clinical or outpatient treatment is chosen. Take a look at Onze Addiction treatment for more information about our treatment offer.