Amphetamine addiction: Symptoms, consequences, and treatment

Written by Drew Redd. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Prescription amphetamines often lead patients into addiction. What starts as a legitimate medical treatment can quickly escalate into dependence on stronger, illicit stimulants (particularly methamphetamine). The brain rapidly builds tolerance, forcing users to take higher doses to avoid increasingly severe withdrawal symptoms.

Amphetamine addiction inflicts devastating physical and psychological damage, making it one of the most difficult substance use disorders (SUDs) to overcome without professional help. Ardu’s comprehensive amphetamine rehab program combines medical expertise with evidence-based therapy to help you overcome addiction and rebuild your life.

What amphetamines do people abuse?

Amphetamines are powerful central nervous system stimulants that boost feelings of pleasure, energy, focus, and euphoria. They exist in both legal and illicit forms. Prescription medications treat medical conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, depression, binge eating disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome under proper medical supervision.

People abuse the following amphetamines:

Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts): enhances focus, energy, and alertness in people with ADHD and narcolepsy, as well as students and professionals who seek performance enhancement.
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine): a more potent prescription stimulant for ADHD and narcolepsy treatment.
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine): a long-acting stimulant with modified abuse-deterrent properties, prescribed for ADHD and binge eating disorders.
Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate): a shorter-acting amphetamine prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy.

What often begins as prescribed use can develop into misuse as tolerance builds. Users seek stronger effects, up their doses, or alter methods of administration. This progression frequently escalates to abuse of illicit amphetamines such as:

Methamphetamine (“meth”, “crystal”, “ice”): the most dangerous illicit amphetamine, typically smoked, injected, or snorted. It causes severe physical and psychological damage, including rapid addiction, dental destruction, skin problems, and psychosis.
Street amphetamine (“speed”, “base”, “whizz”): an Illegally manufactured stimulant, often cut with dangerous substances and mixed with other stimulants.
Counterfeit prescription pills: fake versions of legitimate amphetamine medications, often containing dangerous amounts of fentanyl or other toxic substances.
Modified amphetamine compounds: designer drugs based on the amphetamine structure, including “bath salts” and synthetic cathinones. It is often more potent and unpredictable than traditional amphetamines, with unknown long-term effects.
Base amphetamine: a particularly potent form of the drug that carries high risks of overdose and infection.

Prescription and illicit types of amphetamines are abused through different methods, most often including oral consumption of pills or powder, snorting crushed substances, smoking crystalline forms, or injecting dissolved solutions. Each method carries progressively higher risks of addiction and health complications.

Beyond the administration method, the unpredictable purity and potency of illicit amphetamines, especially when cut with other substances, creates a lethal risk of severe health consequences. People mix amphetamines with alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines to manage the intense stimulant effects or intensify their high. This simultaneous use of multiple drugs—known as polysubstance abuse—dramatically increases the risk of fatal overdose.

Our drug and alcohol rehab center specializes in treating amphetamine addiction and polysubstance use disorders through comprehensive medical detox and evidence-based therapy. Contact Ardu, and take the first step toward recovery.

What does amphetamine addiction do to the brain?

Amphetamines alter brain chemistry to trigger an enormous release of dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters control pleasure, motivation, energy, and attention. While the natural brain releases these chemicals in small amounts to reward healthy behaviors, amphetamines flood the system with levels 10 to 1,000 times higher than normal, creating intense euphoria and alertness.

With repeated use, the brain begins to adapt to these overwhelming chemical surges. It reduces its natural production of dopamine and decreases the sensitivity of dopamine receptors through a process called downregulation. This creates a destructive cycle where increasingly higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects, while the brain becomes less capable of producing natural feelings of pleasure and motivation.

Amphetamine addiction also causes severe structural and functional damage to the brain. Berman, et. al. found evidence that long-term amphetamine abuse reduces gray matter volume in critical brain regions and impairs areas responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control. These changes disrupt cognitive functions including learning, memory formation, and motor skills.

We understand how overwhelming amphetamine addiction can feel. Our dedicated amphetamine detox center is here to support you through every stage of withdrawal. We do our best to make you detox comfortable and safe while your body begins its natural healing.

How to recognize amphetamine addiction

Amphetamine addiction manifests through distinct behavioral, physical, and psychological changes that progressively worsen as dependency develops. The early signs may be subtle, but chronic amphetamine use leads to increasingly severe symptoms.

Physical signs of amphetamine addiction

Severe weight loss and malnutrition
Dental problems (tooth decay, gum disease)
Skin sores and premature aging
Intense sweating
Dilated pupils
Rapid, irregular heartbeat
Tremors and twitching
Sleep disturbances and insomnia
Poor hygiene
Frequent nosebleeds (if snorted)

Behavioral change caused by amphetamine addiction

Increased aggression and irritability
Erratic or hyperactive behavior
Isolation from family and friends
Neglecting responsibilities at work or school
Financial problems due to spending on drugs
Doctor shopping for prescriptions
Risky behaviors and poor decision-making
Stealing or lying to obtain drugs
New, drug-using social circles
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

Psychological symptoms of amphetamine addiction

Intense drug cravings
Anxiety and paranoia
Depression when not using
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Mood swings
Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions)
Confusion and disorientation
Increased impulsivity
Loss of motivation for anything except drug use

If you notice these warning signs of substance abuse in yourself or someone close to you, reach out to Ardu. Our addiction specialists can provide appropriate treatment and support for amphetamine dependence.

What are the symptoms of amphetamine toxicity?

Amphetamine toxicity (overdose) can occur unexpectedly because of the drug’s unpredictable potency, particularly with illicit forms. The risk becomes even more severe when amphetamines are mixed with other substances such as alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines.

Here are some signs a person is experiencing an amphetamine overdose:

Severe chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Extremely high blood pressure
Dangerously high body temperature
Intense anxiety and panic
Confusion and disorientation
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Heart attack
Stroke
Kidney failure
Hallucinations
Coma

If you notice someone exhibiting these signs after taking an amphetamine drug, call 911 right away.

If you’re ready to break free from amphetamine addiction, our drug detox program in Provo, Utah helps you take the first step toward recovery.

Ardu’s amphetamine detox services

Amphetamine addiction requires immediate professional intervention. Without proper medical supervision, withdrawal can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Ardu offers the most comprehensive and effective amphetamine detox program available, with our state-of-the-art facility providing 24/7 medical monitoring and clinical support for a safe and comfortable withdrawal process.

Here’s what sets Ardu’s comprehensive approach apart:

Medical detox: Our expert medical team offers 24/7 supervision with FDA-approved medications to reduce amphetamine withdrawal symptoms and restore brain chemistry. We monitor vital signs and adjust medications while providing the most comfortable path to stabilization and recovery.
Trauma-informed care: We recognize that addiction often stems from underlying trauma, so we make sure every aspect of our program addresses these deeper issues with sensitivity and expertise.
Comprehensive therapy: Individual and group sessions combine cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with motivational interviewing to address the psychological impacts of addiction.
Family healing program: We help repair and strengthen family relationships damaged by addiction and create a stronger support system for long-term recovery.
Holistic wellness: Our holistic treatment program includes mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, gentle yoga, and supervised physical activities to naturally regulate sleep, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
Specialized support groups: Connect with others who truly understand your journey through our carefully curated peer support programs focused specifically on amphetamine recovery.
Thorough aftercare planning: You continue on your recovery path after leaving our facility with personalized planning and ongoing support.

Attempting to overcome amphetamine addiction alone can be dangerous and increases the risk of severe health complications and relapse.

Ardu’s amphetamine rehab services

After safely completing detox, you’ll transition into our comprehensive rehabilitation program, where we equip you with essential tools and strategies for lasting recovery. Our specialized services target every aspect of recovery: from mental health and emotional healing to physical wellness and spiritual growth. They include:

Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions: Many users struggling with amphetamine addiction also face anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health challenges that require simultaneous treatment.
Art and music therapy for emotional expression: Creative therapies provide healthy outlets for processing emotions and trauma. These treatment options are particularly beneficial for those recovering from amphetamine’s effects on mood and emotional regulation.
Nutritional counseling and dietary support: Our nutrition experts help repair the physical damage caused by amphetamine use through personalized meal planning and supplementation.
Stress management and relapse prevention techniques: We teach practical strategies to handle triggers, manage cravings, and build resilience against potential relapse.
Adventure therapy and outdoor activities: Taking advantage of Utah’s natural environment, these activities rebuild confidence, reduce stress, and promote physical healing.
Spiritual counseling and mindfulness practices: Our services combine traditional mindfulness practices with Native American wellbriety principles to restore mental clarity and spiritual balance disrupted by amphetamine use.

We provide two treatment modalities to match your specific needs and circumstances in overcoming amphetamine addiction.

Our intensive inpatient treatment provides 24/7 residential care in a serene, supportive environment that promotes healing and recovery. In this structured setting, you’ll receive continuous medical supervision and support while participating in immersive therapy programs away from everyday triggers and temptations. Our residential program also offers valuable community support through peer interaction and group activities to create a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
For those who need more flexibility, our outpatient treatment program allows you to maintain work, family, and personal responsibilities while receiving comprehensive care. This program features regular therapy sessions and check-ins, helping you apply recovery skills in real-world situations.

We know that SUDs come in many forms, each with unique challenges. Whether you’re struggling with amphetamines, opioid addiction, alcohol use disorder (AUD), or any other substance, our experienced team provides compassionate, personalized care tailored to your specific needs.

To enroll in our amphetamine rehab program, contact Ardu online or via phone at (801-872-8480). Our treatment providers will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs during detox and beyond.

Drew Redd is the executive director of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.

Amphetamine addiction FAQ

What does amphetamine do to the brain?

Amphetamines and other stimulant drugs flood the brain with unnaturally high levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. This creates intense feelings of energy and euphoria. Over time, it disrupts the brain’s natural chemistry, causing your brain to produce less dopamine and become less sensitive to it. Eventually, you need higher doses for the same effect.

Long-term use damages areas responsible for decision-making, emotional control, and memory in the prefrontal cortex, while reducing gray matter in the cingulate cortex and hippocampus. These changes can persist long after stopping use.

What is the amphetamine withdrawal scale?

Amphetamine withdrawal follows a predictable timeline.

The initial crash occurs within 24 hours, bringing extreme fatigue and depression.
Days 2–5 involve intense cravings, anxiety, and disturbed sleep.
Weeks 1–2 typically feature continued depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Physical symptoms generally improve within a month, but psychological symptoms such as mood swings and cravings can persist longer.

Medical professionals use standardized scales to assess the risk factors for severe withdrawal and adjust treatment accordingly. Because of potential complications, withdrawal should be monitored by healthcare providers.

What is amphetamine disorder?

Amphetamine use disorder is a serious mental health condition characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences. The drug use disorder develops when regular amphetamine use changes brain chemistry and function, leading to tolerance, dependency, and addiction.

Key diagnostic criteria include:

Using larger amounts than intended.
Failed attempts to quit.
Continued use despite health problems.
Interference with work, school, or relationships.

The condition requires professional treatment because of its complex effects on physical health and the potential to trigger or exacerbate mental disorders.

Is caffeine an amphetamine?

Caffeine is not an amphetamine, though both are stimulants. While caffeine increases alertness and energy, it works through different mechanisms and is much milder than amphetamines. Caffeine primarily blocks adenosine receptors to promote wakefulness, while amphetamines dramatically increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Unlike amphetamines, caffeine doesn’t carry significant risks for addiction or severe health consequences when used normally, though it can cause mild physical dependency.

What drugs are similar to amphetamine?

Several drugs share similar stimulant effects with amphetamines.

Prescription stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) produce comparable but typically milder effects.
Methamphetamine is a more potent, dangerous form of amphetamine.
Cocaine, while structurally different, creates similar stimulant effects.
MDMA (ecstasy) is an amphetamine derivative with additional effects on serotonin.
Bath salts and other synthetic cathinones are designer drugs that mimic amphetamine effects but can be even more dangerous.

Each of these drugs carries risks for abuse, addiction, and health complications.

What happens if you take too many stimulants?

Too many stimulants can lead to severe health consequences or overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), dangerous symptoms include dangerously high heart rate, severe hypertension, and potential heart failure. Other harmful effects include extreme anxiety, paranoia, seizures, and hyperthermia. Physical symptoms can include blurred vision, abdominal pain, and chest pain. Stimulant overdose requires immediate emergency medical attention, as it can result in permanent organ damage or death.

Can you take stimulants for life?

While some people require long-term prescription stimulants for conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), lifelong use carries significant risks that need careful monitoring by healthcare providers. The development of tolerance to amphetamines is common; it often leads to stimulant use disorder. Regular medical check-ups and dose adjustments are essential for those requiring long-term treatment.

Is amphetamine long-acting?

The duration of amphetamine effects varies by formulation and administration method. FDA-approved medications such as extended-release amphetamines can provide 12–14 hours of therapeutic effects through controlled oral administration. Recreational drugs and illegal amphetamines have unpredictable durations and much higher risks.

The effects of amphetamine use depend on dosage, individual tolerance, and method of intake. Healthcare professionals typically recommend extended-release formulations for medical use to maintain stable drug levels and reduce abuse potential.

Why do people like Adderall?

People often misuse Adderall because it increases focus, energy, and alertness while reducing daytime sleepiness. Adderall abuse can quickly lead to compulsive drug use and addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that college students particularly abuse Adderall for academic performance, either as a result of peer pressure or misconceptions about its safety.

While it effectively treats ADHD when properly prescribed, recreational use carries serious risks including addiction, mental illness, and severe health complications.

Resources

Berman SM, Kuczenski R, McCracken JT, London ED. Potential adverse effects of amphetamine treatment on brain and behavior: a review. Mol Psychiatry. 2009 Feb;14(2):123-42. doi: 10.1038/mp.2008.90. Epub 2008 Aug 12. Erratum in: Mol Psychiatry. 2010 Nov;15(11):1121. PMID: 18698321; PMCID: PMC2670101.

Addiction and Health | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, August 13). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/addiction-health

Welsh JW, Shentu Y, Sarvey DB. Substance Use Among College Students. Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2019 Apr;17(2):117-127. doi: 10.1176/appi.focus.20180037. Epub 2019 Apr 10. PMID: 31975967; PMCID: PMC6527004.