Amphetamines are a category of drugs that function as stimulants of the central nervous system. Among the common effects of amphetamines are increased energy, enhanced ability to focus and concentrate, and improved sense of motivation and pleasure. Amphetamines create these effects via interactions with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and motivation. Amphetamines are considered highly addictive and can lead to long-term addiction.

Understanding Amphetamine Addiction

Learn about amphetamine addiction and abuse

Prescription medications that contain amphetamines are most commonly employed to treat symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The most common amphetamine-based prescription ADHD medication is Adderall. Unfortunately, the prevalence of prescription amphetamines and the positive effects of these medications make them popular substances of abuse. Prescription amphetamines typically appear in pill form and are swallowed with water. When abused, amphetamines may be swallowed, snorted, injected, or smoked.

Though amphetamines can be safe for long-term use when taken as directed by a qualified prescribing prescription, amphetamines are addictive substances that can inflict a wide range of negative effects when misused for purposes of self-medication or abused for recreational purposes.

Statistics

Amphetamine addiction statistics

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 10 Americans under the age of 17 has been treated with a prescription amphetamine. Experts estimate that about 15 million Americans have used an amphetamine for a non-medical purpose at least once. The World Health Organization reports that amphetamines are the second-most commonly abused drugs across the globe.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for amphetamine addiction

The following are examples of genetic and environmental factors that may influence a person’s likelihood of engaging in amphetamine abuse.

Genetic: Research strongly suggests that genetics play a significant role in determining whether or not a person will struggle with substance abuse and addiction. Family history of mental illness and substance abuse is a strong predictor of future problems with a stimulant use disorder. Heritable traits such as impulsivity can also increase a person’s risk for stimulant use disorder.

Environmental: Being prescribed a medication that contains amphetamine can be an environmental influence on the development of amphetamine abuse and addiction, as can early exposure to amphetamines and ease of access to such drugs. Other environmental influences include having an unstable home life during childhood and associating with individuals who abuse amphetamines.

Risk Factors:

Having a disease or disorder that is treated with an amphetamine
Family history of substance abuse
Family history of mental illness
Unstable home life
Early exposure to amphetamines
Prior substance abuse
Personal history of mental illness
Gender and ethnicity (amphetamine abuse is most common among white males)
Impulsivity

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of amphetamine addiction

The following are among the common signs that may indicate that a person has been abusing or has become dependent upon amphetamines:

Behavioral symptoms:

Doctor shopping (trying to get prescriptions for amphetamines from multiple doctors)
Borrowing or stealing amphetamines that have been prescribed to others
Secrecy and deceptiveness regarding whereabouts, activities, and associates
Using amphetamines when it is clearly dangerous to do so
Trying and failing to curtail one’s amphetamine abuse
Abusing amphetamines even after negative repercussions from prior use
Losing interest in significant activities

Physical symptoms:

Diminished appetite
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Needing increasing amounts of amphetamines to achieve the desired effect
Elevated body temperature
Profuse perspiration
Insomnia
Headaches

Cognitive symptoms:

Increased ability to concentrate and focus
Improved confidence
Heightened sense of alertness

Psychosocial symptoms:

Feelings and expressions of grandiosity
Hallucinations and/or delusions
Heightened sex drive
Irritability and agitation
Mood swings

Effects

Effects of amphetamine addiction

The following are among the many negative effects that can result from chronic untreated amphetamine abuse and addiction:

Dehydration
Damage to kidneys and liver
Malnutrition
Hypertension
Heart problems
Family discord
Damaged relationships
Academic and/or occupational setbacks
Job loss and unemployment
Financial problems
Arrest, incarceration, and other legal problems
Withdrawal and isolation
Depression
Suicidal ideation and attempts

Dual Diagnosis

Amphetamine addiction and dual diagnosis

People who become dependent upon amphetamines may be at increased risk for a variety of additional mental and behavioral health disorders. The clinical term for the presence of multiple disorders is dual diagnosis. The following are among the more common disorders experienced by people who have amphetamine addiction:

Other substance use disorders, especially those that involve sedatives
Antisocial personality disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Gambling disorder

Your potential for dual diagnosis is one of the many reasons why it’s important to get help at a program that provides comprehensive services. Many people don’t realize they’re dealing with dual diagnosis until they enter a program. Failing to identify and address dual diagnosis concerns will undermine your ability to achieve successful long-term recovery from amphetamine addiction.

Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of amphetamine withdrawal and overdose

Effects of amphetamine withdrawal: Stopping one’s amphetamine abuse after one has become dependent on these drugs can trigger the onset of several withdrawal symptoms, including but not limited to the following:

Intense cravings for amphetamines
Disrupted sleep patterns
Hunger
Exhaustion
Psychomotor retardation or agitation
Anxiety
Depression
Agitation and irritability
Vivid unpleasant dreams
Increased appetite

Effects of amphetamine overdose: The following signs may indicate that a person has ingested amphetamines in an amount or potency that exceeds his or her body’s ability to process. An amphetamine overdose can be fatal and anyone who exhibits these signs after taking amphetamines should be provided with immediate medical attention: