Amphetamine Addiction
Amphetamine use can become difficult to control, even when someone recognises its effects on their sleep, mood, health or relationships. If you are worried about your own use or someone close to you, a confidential conversation can help you understand what support may be appropriate.
Medical review: Dr Mann, GP
Approval status: Approval pending
What is Amphetamine Addiction?
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. In the UK, illicit amphetamine is often called speed. Some prescribed medicines also contain amphetamine-related stimulants, but taking medication as prescribed is not the same as having an addiction.
Amphetamine addiction involves a pattern of use that becomes hard to control despite negative consequences. People may experience strong urges to use, spend increasing time obtaining or recovering from the drug, or continue using despite problems at work, at home or with their health. A clinical assessment considers the whole pattern of use rather than any single symptom. [1, 2]
How Addictive Are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines can produce increased alertness, energy and confidence, followed by tiredness or low mood as their effects wear off. Repeated use can reinforce a cycle of taking more to avoid the crash or to manage cravings. Not everyone who uses amphetamines develops addiction, and risk varies with the pattern of use and individual circumstances. [2, 3]
How to Get Help With Amphetamine Addiction
You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. An assessment can explore the type and amount of stimulant used, sleep, mood, physical health, other drug or alcohol use, and any immediate safety concerns. The most appropriate support may be community-based treatment, psychological support or residential rehabilitation, depending on individual needs. [1, 2]
Amphetamine Addiction Treatment
Assessment and treatment planning
A safe plan begins with a full assessment, including physical and mental health, patterns of use, prescribed medicines and any co-occurring dependence. People with chest pain, severe agitation, psychosis or significant suicidal thoughts may need urgent medical or psychiatric care before routine addiction treatment. [1, 2]
Psychological and behavioural support
Psychosocial treatment is central to care for stimulant problems. NICE recommends contingency management programmes for people who primarily misuse stimulants, where these are available and delivered by appropriately trained services. Treatment may also include motivational support, relapse-prevention work and support for family relationships. CBT may be appropriate for co-occurring depression or anxiety; NICE does not recommend routine CBT focused solely on stimulant misuse for everyone. [1]
Residential rehabilitation
Residential rehabilitation may be considered when someone needs a structured environment and has significant additional mental health, physical health or social difficulties, particularly where community support has not met their needs. It is not automatically required for amphetamine withdrawal. A suitability assessment should establish whether the setting can meet the person’s clinical needs. [1, 2]
Signs of Amphetamine Addiction
Signs of amphetamine addiction may be difficult to spot, especially when it is used sporadically. The following are some of the most prominent physical and psychological indications of amphetamine use:
Behavioural signs
Possible signs include repeated use despite intentions to stop, neglecting commitments, increasing secrecy around drug use, financial difficulties and spending substantial time obtaining or recovering from amphetamines. These signs are not diagnostic on their own. [1, 2]
Physical signs
Changes in sleep, reduced appetite, weight loss, restlessness and a racing heartbeat may occur with stimulant use. Prolonged wakefulness and poor nutrition can worsen physical and psychological wellbeing. [2, 3]
Psychological signs
Anxiety, irritability, mood changes and paranoia may occur. Heavy or prolonged use can sometimes be associated with hallucinations or stimulant-induced psychosis. These symptoms require clinical assessment rather than an assumption that they are simply part of addiction. [2, 3]
What Is Amphetamine?
Amphetamine is a stimulant that affects the brain and body, available both as a prescribed medication and as an illegally manufactured drug. It can be taken in several different ways and, whether used as prescribed or recreationally, carries a real risk of dependency. Below is an overview of how it works, how it’s used medically, and how it’s commonly used outside of a prescription.
How It Works
Amphetamine sulphate and dextroamphetamine are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by raising the number of neurotransmitters, primarily dopamine and serotonin levels, and norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline or noradrenalin, that operates in the brain and body as a hormone and a neurotransmitter.
Prescribed Use
Various forms of amphetamine are available on prescription in tablets, extended-release capsules and liquid form. Different doses are determined by patient response and the condition it is being used to treat, ranging from 5mg up to 60mg. Even if taken as directed, amphetamine medications can become addictive, and it is important to be aware of this.
Recreational Use
Amphetamine tablets are normally crushed and snorted when used recreationally. Often it’s sold illegally in a powder form mixed with caffeine pills, baby milk and drugs such as aspirin or paracetamol. It may also be sold as a putty-like substance or illegally manufactured pills. You can also dissolve it in water and drink it or use it intravenously.
Effects of Amphetamine Use
Short-term effects
Amphetamines can increase heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. They may also reduce appetite and disrupt sleep. The risks vary with dose, potency, other substances taken and underlying health conditions. [2, 3]
Long-term effects
Ongoing problematic use may contribute to sleep disturbance, nutritional problems, anxiety, depression and difficulties with relationships or work. Some people experience persistent psychological symptoms and need specialist mental health assessment. [2, 3]
When Is Amphetamine Use a Medical Emergency?
Call 999 for chest pain, collapse, seizures, severe overheating, severe confusion, or symptoms suggesting a stroke, such as sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. Severe agitation, hallucinations or suicidal intent also need urgent assessment. Do not assume these symptoms are a routine part of withdrawal. [2, 3]
Dangers of Mixing Amphetamines With Other Substances
Using amphetamines alongside other stimulants can increase strain on the heart and raise the risk of overheating or severe agitation. Combining substances may make their effects less predictable. Tell the assessing clinician about alcohol, prescribed medicines and any other drugs used so that risks can be considered properly. [2]
Amphetamine Use vs Amphetamine Addiction
Use does not automatically mean addiction. A person may experience harm from amphetamines without meeting criteria for a substance use disorder. Addiction is assessed by the impact on control, behaviour, functioning and continued use despite harm. People should be offered support without judgement at any stage. [1, 2]
Amphetamine Withdrawal: What to Expect
After reducing or stopping heavy amphetamine use, people may experience a crash involving fatigue, increased sleep, low mood, irritability, increased appetite and cravings. Some have disturbed sleep or difficulty concentrating. Symptoms vary and can last longer for some people. Severe depression or suicidal thoughts require urgent mental health assessment. [2]
Unlike alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, uncomplicated amphetamine withdrawal does not usually cause a characteristic life-threatening seizure or delirium syndrome. However, co-occurring substance use, acute intoxication and physical or psychiatric illness can create serious risks. There is no routinely recommended substitute medication that reliably treats amphetamine dependence; supportive care and psychosocial treatment are central. [2]
Support From Step by Step Recovery
Step by Step Recovery can discuss concerns about amphetamine use and explore appropriate treatment options. An initial conversation should establish whether a residential programme is suitable or whether specialist medical, psychiatric or community-based support is needed first. Treatment recommendations depend on individual assessment, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.
Common Questions
FAQs
We know that asking for help raises a lot of questions. Here are the ones we hear most often, answered honestly and without judgement. If you would like to talk about something, our team is available 24 hours a day on 0800 170 1222.
Is speed the same as amphetamine?
Speed is a common street name for amphetamine in the UK. Street drugs can vary in content and strength, so their effects are unpredictable. [2, 3]
Can you become addicted to amphetamines?
Yes. Repeated use can develop into a pattern of compulsive use with cravings and continued use despite harm. Not everyone who uses amphetamines becomes addicted. [2]
What happens when you stop taking amphetamines?
Common symptoms include tiredness, sleep changes, low mood, increased appetite and cravings. Anyone experiencing severe depression, suicidal thoughts or psychosis needs prompt clinical assessment. [2]
Do you need a medical detox for amphetamines?
Not everyone does. Routine amphetamine withdrawal is usually managed with supportive care and assessment of mental and physical health. Hospital care may be needed for acute complications or serious co-occurring conditions. [2]
What treatment works for amphetamine addiction?
Psychosocial approaches are central. NICE recommends contingency management for people primarily misusing stimulants where appropriately delivered; other interventions should be selected according to individual needs. [1]
Can residential rehab help?
It may help some people who need structured support, particularly when there are significant additional difficulties or community treatment has not been sufficient. Suitability should be assessed individually. [1]
Other Addictions We Treat
Amphetamine addiction often occurs alongside, or can lead to, other substance dependencies. Here are some of the related addictions we treat at Step By Step Recovery.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Learn more about prescription drug addiction and available support.
Xanax Addiction
All types of benzos can be addictive, causing both mental and physical harm when used long-term.
Pregabalin Addiction
Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures and is also commonly prescribed for pain caused by diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and spinal cord injury.
Clinical Sources
[1] NICE CG51, Drug misuse in over 16s: psychosocial interventions, recommendations: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg51/chapter/recommendations
[2] Department of Health and Social Care, Drug misuse and dependence: UK guidelines on clinical management, especially section 4.10.2 (stimulants): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/drug-misuse-and-dependence-uk-guidelines-on-clinical-management
[3] NHS, Drug addiction: getting help and information on stimulant-related harms: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/
Three specialised Clinics
Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Essex, London and Birmingham
Step By Step Recovery operates three specialist clinics providing residential detox and rehabilitation in Essex and outpatient treatment in London and Birmingham. Wherever you are in the country, help is closer than you think.
RESIDENTIAL
Essex Clinic
- 1A Southchurch Avenue, Southend-On-Sea, SS3 9BA
- 01702 296 006
outpatient
London Clinic
- Finsgate House, 5 Cranwood Street, London, EC1V 9EE
- 0207 118 9400
outpatient
Birmingham Clinic
- Suite 201c Bradford Court Business Centre, 123 – 131 Bradford Street, Birmingham, B12 0NS
- 0121 401 1700
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