- Amphetamines are a class of powerful central nervous system stimulants that include both prescription medications (Adderall, Dexedrine) and illicit drugs (methamphetamine, speed).
- In 2022, approximately 3.7 million Americans aged 12 and older reported misusing prescription stimulants.
- Amphetamines increase dopamine levels by up to 1,000% above baseline - compared to natural rewards like food which increase dopamine by about 50%.
- Chronic amphetamine use can cause structural changes in the brain that persist for months or years after stopping use.
- Amphetamine-related overdose deaths have more than tripled since 2015, often involving combinations with opioids.
- Comprehensive treatment combining behavioral therapy with structured outpatient programming produces the best long-term recovery outcomes.
What Are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines are synthetic stimulant drugs that accelerate central nervous system activity. They increase the release and block the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin - neurotransmitters that regulate mood, energy, attention, and pleasure.
Types of Amphetamines
Amphetamines exist in both legal and illegal forms:
Prescription Amphetamines: - Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) - prescribed for ADHD - Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) - prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy - Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) - prescribed for ADHD and binge eating disorder
Illicit Amphetamines: - Methamphetamine (crystal meth) - highly potent and dangerous - Speed - street amphetamine in powder or paste form - Ecstasy/MDMA - contains amphetamine-like properties
How Amphetamines Work
Amphetamines force the release of stored dopamine and norepinephrine from nerve terminals while simultaneously blocking their reuptake. This creates an intense flood of stimulating neurotransmitters that produces feelings of euphoria, increased energy, heightened alertness, and enhanced confidence.
The brain rapidly adapts to these artificially elevated neurotransmitter levels, requiring increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effect - the hallmark of tolerance and the beginning of addiction.
Signs of Amphetamine Addiction
Early Warning Signs
- Taking higher doses than prescribed or using more frequently
- Using amphetamines for purposes other than prescribed (weight loss, studying, staying awake)
- Feeling unable to function normally without the drug
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using
Physical Symptoms
- Rapid weight loss and malnutrition
- Dilated pupils and dry mouth
- Elevated body temperature and excessive sweating
- Dental deterioration ("meth mouth" in methamphetamine users)
- Skin picking and sores
- Irregular heartbeat and chest pain
- Insomnia lasting days
Psychological Symptoms
- Paranoia and suspiciousness
- Agitation and aggressive behavior
- Hallucinations (visual and auditory)
- Repetitive, purposeless behaviors
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Psychotic episodes resembling schizophrenia
Social and Behavioral Signs
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Declining performance at work or school
- Financial problems from spending on drugs
- Legal issues related to drug use
- Neglecting personal hygiene and appearance
Health Consequences of Amphetamine Abuse
Cardiovascular Effects
- Hypertension and tachycardia
- Cardiomyopathy (weakening of heart muscle)
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Aortic dissection
Neurological Effects
- Dopamine system damage that may be partially irreversible
- Cognitive deficits in memory, attention, and decision-making
- Increased risk of Parkinson's disease later in life
- Seizures
Mental Health Effects
- Chronic anxiety and depression
- Stimulant-induced psychosis
- Suicidal ideation
- Worsening of pre-existing psychiatric conditions
Amphetamine Withdrawal
When someone who has been using amphetamines heavily stops, they experience a "crash" followed by a prolonged withdrawal period:
Withdrawal Timeline
- Hours 6-24 (Crash): Extreme fatigue, increased appetite, depression, excessive sleeping
- Days 1-7: Intense cravings, irritability, vivid and disturbing dreams, continued fatigue
- Weeks 2-4: Gradual improvement in mood and energy, though cravings and anhedonia persist
- Months 1-3: Ongoing emotional regulation challenges, intermittent cravings, and gradual restoration of cognitive function
Unlike opioid or alcohol withdrawal, amphetamine withdrawal is generally not life-threatening but can be psychologically severe, with depression and suicidal thoughts being primary concerns.
Treatment for Amphetamine Addiction
Evidence-Based Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies triggers and develops coping strategies to prevent relapse
- Contingency Management: Provides tangible rewards for maintaining sobriety, shown to be particularly effective for stimulant addiction
- Matrix Model: A 16-week structured program combining CBT, family education, individual counseling, and 12-step support - specifically designed for stimulant addiction
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy: Builds internal motivation for change
Treatment Programs
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP): Intensive structured treatment during the day with the ability to return home in the evening
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP): Flexible evening programming that accommodates work and family obligations
- Outpatient Program (OP): Step-down care for ongoing recovery maintenance
Holistic Support
- Nutritional rehabilitation to address malnutrition
- Exercise programs to naturally restore dopamine function
- Sleep hygiene protocols
- Stress management techniques including yoga and meditation
FAQ
Are all amphetamines illegal?
No. Several amphetamines are available by prescription for ADHD and narcolepsy. However, any use outside of a valid prescription - including taking someone else's medication or using higher doses than prescribed - is illegal and dangerous.
How quickly can you become addicted to amphetamines?
Addiction can develop within weeks of regular misuse, particularly with high-potency forms like methamphetamine. Even prescription amphetamines can lead to dependence within one to three months of daily use.
Can the brain recover from amphetamine damage?
Research shows that many neurological changes from amphetamine use are at least partially reversible with sustained abstinence, though full recovery of dopamine function may take 12 to 18 months or longer.
What makes amphetamine addiction different from other addictions?
Amphetamine addiction involves particularly intense dopamine system disruption, which can cause prolonged anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) during early recovery. This makes the first months of sobriety especially challenging and underscores the importance of professional treatment support.
References:
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/methamphetamine/overview
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh-annual-national-report
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6235688/
- https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/amphetamines
Valley Spring Recovery Center Editorial Team
Our team of behavioral health experts includes licensed counselors, addiction medicine specialists, and certified recovery professionals. We provide accurate, evidence-based information to support your path to lasting recovery.