Amphetamine Addiction
Amphetamine sulphate and dextroamphetamine are more commonly known as amphetamine medications. They are stimulant medications prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What is Amphetamine Addiction?
Occasionally, it may also be prescribed to help with weight loss if you are overweight and significantly over your healthy body mass index (BMI) and sleep disorders. Brand names include Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, Ritalin and Evekeo.
Usually called speed when sold for recreational use, tablets are typically crushed and cut with other substances. It is highly addictive when used off prescription and can be abused to the point where it may cause physical and psychological dependence.
Amphetamine Addiction Treatment
Amphetamine has legitimate prescribed medical uses, but even short-term recreational or off-prescription use can result in dependence, and it’s easy to find yourself quickly addicted. So you need to be aware of indicators of addiction, such as difficulty going without or feeling nervous if the amount you have gets depleted.
Dependency can appear far off when you believe you have remained “in control,” however, be cautious. Denying that you have an amphetamine problem is typical rather than admitting you have one. Feeling embarrassed or ashamed of yourself is a sign you have an issue. It is crucial to understand that becoming addicted usually occurs over time and without knowing about it.
Addiction to amphetamines might be challenging, but there is hope. Amphetamine addiction residential rehab and outpatient addiction treatment typically begin with a medical detox, followed by intense counselling. This can help you discover the reasons you started to abuse amphetamine and teach you alternative better ways of dealing with the factors that trigger you.
Outpatient therapy is available, or you can enter a residential rehab centre for an enhanced comprehensive treatment plan that mixes scheduled therapy sessions with leisurely pursuits that will assist you in establishing new patterns of behaviour. There is expert support available through the NHS outpatient addiction treatment. Nevertheless, you must meet important eligibility requirements, and admission for NHS funded residential rehabilitation will likely take a long time.
Whether you are concerned about prescription or recreational amphetamine usage, this issue is dangerous. At Step by Step Recovery’s residential rehab in Essex, we treat amphetamine addiction, and our team may be able to arrange same-day admission if we have a bed available. Please complete our online assessment form or call us at 0800 170 1222 for free, private guidance.
The Reality of Amphetamine Addiction
Amphetamine has an elevated risk of abuse and addiction. You may initially believe you are in charge of your use, but the danger of dependency and addiction is extremely serious. Once tolerance grows, more frequent and higher amounts are commonly required to achieve the same result.
Amphetamine may additionally be taken to avoid withdrawal symptoms after continued use. The tragic fact of amphetamine addiction is that this dependency is common, and it’s extremely hard to notice before it takes hold. Whether or not you are motivated by psychological urges or physical withdrawal symptoms, being unable to regulate your consumption is a recognised classification for addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Amphetamine Addiction
Signs and Symptoms of Amphetamine Addiction
Signs and symptoms 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
- Extremely talkative
- Memory loss
- Anxiety and irritability
- Paranoia
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Money problems
- Missing work or college
- Going missing for long periods
- Poor personal hygiene
- Loss of interest in activities previously done regularly
Physical Signs
- Nausea
- Inflammation of blood vessels, which may display as a skin rash or broken blood vessels, which can look like red or purple lines and dots on the skin
- Fever or a high temperature
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Joint pain
- Heart palpitations and shortness of breath
- Sleep disturbance and insomnia
- Weight loss
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.
Amphetamine Effects
Amphetamine affects the brain and body in different ways depending on how it’s used, and it carries risks alongside its effects. The following sets out what amphetamine does when taken, and the health risks associated with its use.
Amphetamine Effects
- Increased alertness
- Improved attention span and concentration levels
- Feelings of energy
- Reduced hyperactive symptoms
- Euphoria
- Increased self-confidence
- Reduced appetite
- Decreasing impulsive behaviour
Risks of Amphetamine Use
- Stroke
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cellulitis (severe skin infection which may be life-threatening if not treated quickly)
- Seizures and brain haemorrhage
- Brain damage
- Liver and kidney damage
- Amphetamine toxicity
- Seek Emergency Help Immediately
If you or someone you know has used amphetamine and experiences seizures, chest pain, shortness of breath or any signs of stroke, call 999. Without immediate treatment, these symptoms can result in death.
Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms
After you use amphetamines in any form, your brain functions adjust and adapt. When it is no longer in your system, and the effects abruptly cease, amphetamine withdrawal symptoms might appear extremely fast.
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you decide to quit taking amphetamine, you might experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Intense cravings
- Headaches
- Increased appetite
- Extreme fatigue
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Agitation and fidgeting.
Withdrawal Severity
The extent of these effects is determined by how long you’ve been using this drug, the dose and quantities, and other variables such as your age or physical or psychological conditions.
Residential Treatment
At Step-by-Step Recovery, we provide private residential rehab treatment in Essex for Amphetamine addiction. We provide non-judgmental support to help individuals beat addiction permanently. If you need advice about addiction, please complete our online assessment form or call our understanding team on 0800 170 1222 for free and they will advise you about our addiction treatment options.
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.
What separates amphetamine and methamphetamine?
Amphetamine and methamphetamine (often called crystal meth, meth, and ice) are both stimulant drugs with distinct effects, depending on the ingredients in each.
Can I consume alcohol while taking amphetamines?
You should not consume alcohol when taking amphetamines since it may increase the risk of addiction. Delay drinking alcohol for at least four to six hours after taking an immediate-release amphetamine and at least eight hours after an extended-release amphetamine.
Can you die from an amphetamine overdose?
Death from amphetamine toxicity is rare, but the risk increases significantly for people with pre-existing cardiac problems (NIDA / NHS).
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
Many people with alcohol addiction also develop dependency on prescription medications, including benzodiazepines, sleeping pills or painkillers. These combinations can be particularly dangerous and require specialist clinical management.
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.
- Page revised in April 2026, by Danielle Byatt, a Level 4 addictions counsellor, Level 5 in Leadership & Management, BA applied social work and Treatment Director at Step by Step Recovery.
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
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- 0207 118 9400
outpatient
Birmingham Clinic
- Suite 201c Bradford Court Business Centre, 123 – 131 Bradford Street, Birmingham, B12 0NS
- 01702 296 006
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