Amphetamine Addiction: The Causes, Symptoms and Impacts
Amphetamines are a class of stimulant drugs that affect the central nervous system, leading to increased energy, focus and alertness. They come in various forms, including prescription medications used for ADHD and narcolepsy and illicit substances known colloquially as “speed” or “uppers”. Both legal and illegal amphetamines carry significant risks, including severe health issues and addiction. If you or someone you love has an amphetamine addiction, learning more about the causes, effects and signs can give you the knowledge and confidence needed to seek help.
What is amphetamine addiction?
Amphetamine addiction (sometimes called amphetamine salts addiction) is when you feel like you have no control over amphetamine use. Like other forms of drug addiction, it causes huge harm both to the individual and their loved ones, with successful recovery requiring professional drug rehab and detox.
Various factors, such as genetic predisposition, stress, social influences and the desire to enhance performance or lose weight, can all increase the likelihood of someone using amphetamines and becoming addicted. Whatever the causes of your amphetamine addiction, it can be a fatal condition, with 111 amphetamine-related deaths in England and Wales in 2023 alone.
Amphetamine abuse and addiction statistics
- In 2017, police in the European Union seized nearly 6,000 kilograms of amphetamines, with the United Kingdom accounting for the second-highest amount at 1.3 thousand kilograms.
- There were 2,482 amphetamine seizures in the UK in 2023 alone.
- A United Nations report estimated that approximately 36 million people worldwide used amphetamines in 2021.
- Men are more likely to use amphetamines than women, with 1.8% of men and 0.8% of women in the 16-59 age group reporting amphetamine use.
- Among younger adults (aged 16-35), the usage rate is higher, with about 2.1% reporting amphetamine use.
What are the stages of amphetamine addiction?
Amphetamine addiction usually develops step-by-step, beginning with initial amphetamine use. Legal amphetamine use is usually after being prescribed the medicine for conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy. When taken as directed and with a doctor’s supervision, amphetamine use can be very effective in helping to manage symptoms.
However, some people use amphetamines for other reasons, like staying awake to study, performing better at work, or even trying to lose weight. This is called amphetamine abuse, and it can be very dangerous because there is no medical supervision, and it can be easy to take more than you should. In fact, this is often what happens as your body develops a tolerance so you need to take more to feel any effects.
Amphetamine dependence happens when your body starts to expect the drug. You may start to feel like you can’t stay alert without it or feel exhausted, depressed or moody if you skip a dose.
While dependence is a physical state, amphetamine addiction goes deeper. It is when amphetamines really start to take over your life. When this happens, the compulsion to keep taking them is too much to fight, even as you watch addiction take your life apart.
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Finding the best amphetamine treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.
What are some telltale amphetamine addiction signs?
Early detection can mean entering drug rehab sooner, and this can make a huge difference in overcoming amphetamine addiction. If you are starting to worry about yourself or someone close to you, here are some amphetamine addiction signs which shouldn’t be ignored:
- Rapid weight loss due to loss of appetite
- Increased energy and hyperactivity
- Dilated pupils
- Skin problems and dental issues
- Insomnia and other sleep issues
- Tremors, muscle spasms or twitching
- Dramatic shifts in mood
- Experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms, like fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances and strong cravings when trying to quit (these can be dangerous and so professional drug detox is usually advised for anyone who has developed a dependency)
- Lying about the extent of amphetamine abuse
- Running out of amphetamine prescriptions early or needing to get more illegally
If you notice any of these, professional amphetamine addiction treatment can protect you from the worst outcomes.
How is amphetamine addiction screened?
Amphetamine addiction is usually screened using a test like the DAST-10 (Drug Abuse Screening Test – Version Ten). This includes questions about how amphetamines and other substances have impacted your life, like whether you’ve struggled to cut down, faced relationship issues or put yourself in risky situations while using.
Your doctor or addiction specialist might also ask about how often you use, what effects you’ve noticed and whether you’ve ever felt physically or emotionally unable to stop. In some cases, a urine or blood test may be used to confirm recent amphetamine use.
Amphetamine addiction long-term effects
Prolonged amphetamine abuse can cause significant physical and mental health issues as well as major problems in your personal life. Some of the most serious include:
Amphetamine overdose
Amphetamine overdose is a potentially fatal emergency which is most common with high doses or mixing substances. Overdose can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart failure, stroke, seizures and hyperthermia.
The rising potency of illicit amphetamines has greatly increased the risk of fatal overdose, and anyone taking these strong drugs needs to be very careful. Amphetamine overdose symptoms include:
- Agitation or extreme restlessness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Pinpoint pupils
- Chest pain
- Tremors or muscle twitches
If any of these symptoms are present, immediate emergency medical intervention is required.
Cardiovascular problems
Amphetamines put a lot of strain on your heart and blood vessels. This can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes, even in young people with no history of heart problems. Long-term users may develop heart disease or experience sudden cardiac arrest, especially during periods of heavy amphetamine abuse.
Mental health issues
Amphetamine addiction often affects your mental health just as much as your physical health. Long-term abuse can leave you feeling anxious, paranoid or depressed even when you haven’t taken any. Some people also develop full-blown psychosis, which can include hallucinations, delusional thinking, paranoia and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms can be terrifying and sometimes last for weeks or even months after stopping.
Severe dental problems
One of the most visible effects of chronic amphetamine addiction is serious dental decay. This happens due to dry mouth, jaw clenching, poor hygiene and long periods without eating or drinking water. The broken, decaying or missing teeth often seen in long-term amphetamine and methamphetamine users is often described as “meth mouth” and it can have a major impact on self-esteem and overall health.
Skin sores and other issues
Amphetamine users often develop skin sores or scabs from picking at their skin, sometimes without even realising they’re doing it. If left untreated, these can become infected and leave permanent scars. It is also common to develop acne, rashes or general poor skin condition due to lack of sleep, dehydration and neglecting basic hygiene.
Neurological damage
Amphetamine addiction can alter your brain’s chemistry and structure, especially in areas that control mood, memory and decision-making. In some cases, the damage can last even after you stop using it, making recovery confusing without professional support.
Finding help if you have an amphetamine addiction
Defeating amphetamine addiction can be a tough battle, but it’s not one that you have to fight on your own. In accordance with our treatment pathway Providence Projects provides primary treatment that includes amphetamine detox and therapy, optional secondary care options as well as sober living options, and our UKAT alumni services, all within our comprehensive residential amphetamine rehab programme.
Wherever you are in your recovery, we can help you move forward and plan a whole new life for yourself and your family. Contact us today and we will be by your side from here on out.
Reach out to our expert support team 24 hours a day
Start the Amphetamine Rehabilitation Process Today
Finding the best amphetamine treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent amphetamine addiction?
The best way to prevent amphetamine addiction is to stay informed about the risks and avoid taking amphetamines unless they’ve been prescribed to you by a doctor. Even when prescribed, it’s important to follow medical advice carefully and never increase the dose on your own. If you’re using amphetamines recreationally for partying, studying or staying awake, it is worth pausing to think about why you’re using them and whether there’s a safer alternative.
Is MDMA an amphetamine?
Yes, MDMA (often known as ecstasy or Molly) is chemically related to amphetamines, though it has its own unique effects. It shares the stimulating properties of amphetamines, like increased energy and alertness but also has strong mood-lifting and emotional effects that can make you feel euphoric or deeply connected to others. While some people use it as a “party drug,” MDMA can be addictive and has serious risks, especially with regular use.
Is meth an amphetamine?
Yes, methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive form of amphetamine. It produces intense euphoria and energy but also causes some of the most serious long-term health problems of any stimulant drug. Meth is often stronger than prescription amphetamines and works faster, which can make the risk of addiction and overdose much higher.
(Click here to see works cited)
- United Nations. “World Drug Report 2023.” United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/world-drug-report-2023.html – Accessed 1 July 2025.
- Statista Research Department. “Quantity of amphetamines seized in Europe in 2017, by country.” Statista, 5 May 2025, https://www.statista.com/statistics/551850/quantity-of-amphetamines-seized-europe/ – Accessed 1 July 2025.
- GOV.UK. “Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2022 to 2023: report.” GOV.UK, 21 December 2023, https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2022-to-2023/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2022-to-2023-report – Accessed 1 July 2025.
- Stewart, Conor. “Number of drug-related deaths due to amphetamine use in England and Wales from 1993 to 2023” Statista, 7 February 2025, https://www.statista.com/statistics/470819/drug-poisoning-deaths-by-amphetamine-in-england-and-wales// – Accessed 1 July 2025.
- GOV.UK. “Seizures of drugs in England and Wales, financial year ending 2023.” GOV.UK, 10 December 2024, https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/seizures-of-drugs-in-england-and-wales-financial-year-ending-2023/seizures-of-drugs-in-england-and-wales-financial-year-ending-2023 – Accessed 1 July 2025.