Amphetamines: abuse, dependence and addiction
Amphetamines can be addictive, but with the right support, recovery is possible.
Ready to overcome your addiction? Book your free assessment today.
Amphetamines (now prescribed “Amfetamines) are a type of stimulant drug that speed up activity in the brain and body. While they’re available on prescription for conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, amphetamines are also sold as a street drug. This is known as speed.
Many people experiment with amphetamines recreationally or use them to cope with stress or exhaustion. Dependence or misuse can develop gradually through use of prescription amphetamines like dexamphetamine or Adderall. Even when used for medical reasons, amphetamines can have a high potential for addiction. They used to be used as slimming agents, eg Fenfluramine (a derivative of amphetamine)
Here, we explore the signs and symptoms of amphetamine addiction, the risks of long-term use and how to get help.
Symptoms of amphetamine addiction
Amphetamines can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Over time, the brain adapts to their effects, making it harder to feel alert or motivated without them.
Early warning signs
When amphetamine use starts to shift from occasional or prescribed use into early dependency, the signs can be subtle. Early warning signs include:
- Increasing dosage or frequency beyond what’s been prescribed
- A fixation on getting or taking the drug and planning your day around it
- Neglecting sleep or food
- Sudden bursts of energy or hyperfocus, followed by crashes
- Low mood, including irritability or anxiety, especially when the drug wears off
- Hiding use from friends and family
- Not being fully honest with healthcare providers about your use
Symptoms of active addiction
Over time, regular amphetamine use can lead to an increase in tolerance. This means you need to take larger amounts to achieve the same effect, thus increasing the risk of full addiction.
Symptoms of amphetamine addiction show up in your behaviour, your physical health and your psychological wellbeing.
Behavioural symptoms:
- Becoming socially withdrawn from non-using friends or family
- Engaging in risky or illegal activities to obtain amphetamines
- Continued use despite clear harm to health, work, relationships or finances
Physical symptoms:
- Chronic insomnia or erratic sleep patterns
- Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure or frequent headaches
- Noticeable teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw tension
- Severe weight loss or malnutrition
Psychological symptoms:
- Paranoia, hallucinations or extreme mood swings
- Heightened anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression and lack of motivation when not using amphetamines
Timeline of amphetamine addiction
Amphetamine addiction usually progresses gradually so while use may start innocently, it can escalate over months or years.
Initial use - for medical or recreational reasons
Amphetamines may be prescribed to treat conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy. Alternatively, they may be used recreationally for energy and euphoria. At this stage, you may be using amphetamines occasionally and are likely to feel in control.
Stage 2. Tolerance begins to build
The body adapts to the effects of amphetamines. At this stage, higher doses or more frequent use may be needed to achieve the same effects. This can happen very subtly and you may find yourself justifying taking “just a little bit more”.
Stage 3. Psychological dependence develops
At this stage, you may feel you need amphetamines to function. Without them, you struggle to focus and you may notice you lack productivity or confidence. Your cravings increase and the thought of being without amphetamines will likely cause anxiety.
Stage 4. Physical dependence and withdrawal
Your body has become reliant on amphetamines to maintain normal functioning at this stage. It’s very difficult to go without, and missing a dose can trigger fatigue, depression, irritability and/or intense cravings.
Stage 5. Addiction takes hold
By this stage, amphetamine use has become compulsive, meaning your desire for it is persistent and intense. Life now revolves around getting and taking amphetamines despite the risk of harm to your health and the impact it’s having on your relationships and responsibilities.
Stopping without professional help feels nearly impossible.
Types of amphetamines
Amphetamines come in several forms, from prescribed medications to street drugs. Addiction can develop no matter how they’re used.
Prescription amphetamines
Often prescribed for conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy, these medications can be safe and effective under medical supervision but long-term use or misuse can still lead to dependence.
Common examples include:
- Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)
- Dexamfetamine
- Elvanse/Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Illicit/street amphetamines
Often sold as ‘speed’ or ‘base’, these drugs typically appear as a powder or paste and may be swallowed, snorted or injected. They are frequently mixed with other substances, which increases health risks and unpredictability.
Methamphetamine or Crystal Methamphetamine “Crystal Meth”
A much stronger and more addictive form of amphetamine. While rare in the UK, it’s more common in some other countries and carries a high risk of rapid dependence and severe health consequences.
Long-term side effects of amphetamines
The effects of long-term amphetamine use on your health can be significant, affecting you both physically and psychologically.
The long-term physical side effects of amphetamines include:
- Chronic insomnia and severe fatigue
- Significant weight loss and malnutrition
- Cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and increased risk of stroke or heart attack
- Dental problems (often called ‘meth mouth’ in illicit use) from dry mouth, teeth grinding and poor oral care
- Weakened immune system and slower healing
The long-term psychological side effects of amphetamines include:
- Ongoing anxiety, paranoia or panic attacks
- Depression and loss of motivation
- Cognitive difficulties, including problems with memory, focus and decision-making
- Increased risk of psychosis, especially with high doses or long-term use
Amphetamine withdrawal
Withdrawal happens when someone who has developed a physical or psychological dependence reduces or stops their amphetamine use.
Common drug withdrawal symptoms include extreme fatigue and sleepiness, depression or low mood, increased appetite, intense drug cravings and irritability or mood swings.
The timeline for withdrawal will depend on factors like how long you’ve been using amphetamines and the dose, as well as your general health. However, a general rule of thumb is:
- First 24 to 48 hours: During this ‘crash’ phase, you might experience overwhelming tiredness, low mood and increased appetite
- Days 2 to 7: Symptoms peak, including strong cravings, mood instability and sleep disruption
- Weeks 2 to 4: Gradual improvement in energy and mood, though cravings and emotional swings may linger
You should always seek professional support when withdrawing from drugs. Going cold turkey at home can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
Detoxing from drugs is the first step towards recovery from addiction. Medical supervision provides safety, emotional support alongside strategies to manage cravings, which increases the likelihood of a successful recovery.
No medication has been demonstrated to be effective in alleviating amphetamine withdrawal but some medications my help to treat some of the symptoms.
Treatment for amphetamine addiction
Amphetamine addiction is fully treatable. With structured, professional support, many people go on to rebuild healthy, fulfilling lives.
Private rehab programmes draw on evidence-based methods tailored to each person’s needs, often combining medical, psychological and lifestyle approaches for the best chance of lasting recovery. Typically, treatment plans are different for everyone but here are some of the kinds of treatments that you might engage in.
A medically supervised detox can help manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably. However, detox alone rarely addresses the underlying causes of addiction. Long-term success depends on follow-up therapies and support.
Psychological therapies are evidence-based approaches to treating addiction. These include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Helps identify and challenge thoughts and behaviours linked to drug use, replacing them with healthier coping mechanisms
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal skills. It’s especially beneficial for people with co-occurring mental health challengesRecovery also includes structured relapse prevention. These are strategies that equip you to stay drug-free in the real world. Examples include:
Identifying personal triggers (such as stress, social situations and certain emotions)
- Developing coping skills (such as mindfulness and thought reframing)
- Building new daily routines to support a drug-free lifestyle
Peer support and aftercare are important because ongoing connection to others in recovery is a strong protective factor against relapse.
Examples include peer-led groups (such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery) and long-term aftercare programmes with regular group sessions, alumni networks and family involvement to maintain motivation and accountability.
Holistic and complementary lifestyle-based therapies are a big part of recovery programmes as they can help repair the brain’s reward pathways and improve mood. One key example of this is aerobic exercise.
A PLOS meta-analysis found that it may aid dopamine recovery and reduce relapse risk. Activities like brisk walking, running or group fitness can also provide structure and stress relief.
Nutrition, mindfulness practice and creative therapies are also helpful ways to support your physical and emotional healing.
Treatment at Priory
Priory offers private addiction treatment at locations across the UK. These sites provide a range of options – from inpatient treatment to more flexible formats – allowing you to access support in a way that suits your lifestyle and needs.
Your journey begins with a free, confidential addiction assessment, where one of our experienced specialists will take the time to understand your challenges, answer any questions and explain the different services available.
Book a free assessment to begin your recovery journey with Priory, or find out more about our drug addiction treatment programmes on our dedicated addiction services page.
