How Do I Know If Someone Is On Amphetamines?

Amphetamine abuse generally isn’t easy to hide. Understand the signs and symptoms of using amphetamines so you can get your loved one addiction treatment if needed.

If you’re asking yourself questions like “How can I tell if someone is on amphetamines?” or “What are the signs of abuse?” you probably already have a suspicion that your loved one is using drugs and, in particular, abusing amphetamines. Unfortunately, broaching this subject can be incredibly difficult, and the person is likely to respond with defensiveness. That’s why it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of using amphetamines entirely so that you can decide on the best next step.

Signs of Amphetamine Abuse & Symptoms

Some drugs may make it easier to hide their use. Amphetamine isn’t one of them. The signs of amphetamine addiction are often relatively visible to outsiders, and the effects of these drugs tend to last for a long time.

One of the most common signs someone is on amphetamines and possibly abusing them is talkativeness. When someone uses these drugs, their brain is stimulated, which can lead them to talk a lot, and quickly. In most cases, if someone is on amphetamines, it becomes clear when you interact with them.

The individual may stay up for a day or more because the drug keeps them awake. Since these drugs are stimulants, they may appear very fidgety. They may have trouble staying still.

They will also tend to lose their appetite. If you notice someone once had a normal appetite and suddenly seems uninterested in food, particularly on a prolonged basis, it can indicate drug abuse.

Other signs of amphetamine use can include a fast heart rate, increased body temperature, and a sense of euphoria. Blood pressure can quickly rise, breathing can speed up and pupils will often become dilated.

While these are the most common signs to look for, some adverse effects may occur as well, including digestive problems, hallucinations, or aggressive, paranoid, or anxious behavior.

When the euphoric effects of amphetamines begin to wane, the user may start to seem fatigued, depressed, or generally disinterested in things. This is referred to as the “amphetamine come-down,” and withdrawal symptoms may include headaches, irritability, blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, periods of anxiety and cravings for more drugs.

Signs of Amphetamine Tolerance

The brain quickly develops a tolerance to the amphetamine class of drugs. This means that people who begin using them will quickly need to start taking higher doses to get the same effect. This can lead to something that’s called binging, where people take large doses of amphetamines over a brief period.

Signs someone has been binging on amphetamines can include extreme depression or anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, extreme tiredness, psychotic episodes and sleeping for extended periods (anywhere from 24 to 48 hours).

Behavioral Signs of Someone Who Is On Amphetamines

Some behavioral signs of amphetamine use are nearly instantaneous after a dose, such as talkativeness. Others may start to occur over time with more prolonged abuse.

At first, someone who is taking amphetamines may seem incredibly motivated when it comes to school or work. If they’re continuously abusing the drug, they may start to struggle to keep up with responsibilities.

Eventually, they may shift their focus from their previous priorities to focus on obtaining and using the drug. The individual may start doing anything they can to get more drugs, including stealing from other people or trying to visit different doctors to obtain a prescription.

When people are on amphetamines, they can appear to have an inflated sense of self or overestimate their abilities.

Over time they may become malnourished if they’re abusing amphetamines. They may also start having trouble with their existing relationships and lose interest in activities.

Being on amphetamines can be incredibly dangerous. When they’re used over prolonged periods, it can increase the likelihood of the person developing psychological and health problems. Amphetamines can permanently deteriorate brain function, so if you suspect someone you love is displaying the signs and symptoms of amphetamine abuse, it’s important to seek professional medical or addiction help.

What Are Amphetamines?

To understand the warning signs of being on amphetamines, you must first understand what this class of drugs is, and how it works. Amphetamines are stimulants, and they impact the user’s central nervous system. They can be prescribed as a medical treatment for issues such as hyperactivity disorders like ADHD, narcolepsy, and asthma. In rare cases, it can be prescribed to treat depression.

When amphetamines are taken, they stimulate brain activity and activate the central nervous system. This can lead to improved cognitive function and help the user feel more alert and awake. Amphetamines can also make people generally feel more motivated and euphoric.

How Are Amphetamines Abused?

You may suspect someone is on amphetamines or abusing them in a few specific instances. The first would be if the person has a prescription for amphetamines, but is taking higher doses or taking doses more often than is prescribed. Some individuals who are prescribed these drugs may crush them and then snort them for a faster, more powerful high. They may also be abused by people who don’t have a prescription and purchase them illegally.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, roughly 4.8 million people in the United States abused amphetamines in 2015, which amounts to 1.8% of the country’s population aged 12 and older. These levels remained consistent through 2018.

Visit the following websites to learn about The Recovery Village’s network of rehabilitation facilities. Call today for admissions. Each center is ready to help people learn how to cope with their Ambien addiction and uncover the root causes for their substance use disorder.

• Orlando Recovery Center: A premier rehabilitation facility in Orlando, Florida that helps individuals recover from addiction and substance use disorders. The center also offers the opportunity to treat co-occurring disorders.
• The Recovery Village Columbus: Located in Ohio, this facility provides inpatient, outpatient and aftercare treatment for people looking to begin detox. The center provides individualized plans to help patients through recovery while addressing their unique co-occurring disorders or any setbacks that may happen during recovery.
• The Recovery Village Palmer Lake: In Colorado, this facility offers inpatient, outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment for individuals looking to kick-start their journey to recovery.
• The Recovery Village Ridgefield: Located right in southern Washington, this facility provides patients with outpatient and aftercare programs. Just 20 minutes outside of Portland, this facility assists individuals who are ready to begin treatment.
• The Recovery Village: In Umatilla, Florida, this is a rehabilitation facility that provides resources for individuals seeking drug and alcohol treatment. There are inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization treatment programs available for those suffering from Ambien addiction.
• IAFF Center of Excellence: Specializes in assisting firefighters who struggle with behavioral health problems and addiction. Members can enter the recovery process sooner so they can return back to work as quickly as possible. Inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs are all available at this facility, where patients can address their Ambien addiction in a safe, supportive environment.
• Denver Mental Health & Counseling: Denver Mental Health and Counseling by The Recovery Village is a physician-led outpatient center specializing in evidence-based addiction and mental health treatments, offering services such as TMS, IOP, and personalized care for both ongoing and new patients, dedicated to fostering long-term recovery and overall well-being.
• The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health: The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health is a premier physician-led treatment center in South Florida, offering a comprehensive spectrum of services from medical detox to outpatient programs for alcohol, drug, and co-occurring mental health conditions, with a commitment to rejuvenating lives, families, and communities, and facilitating same-day admissions.
• The Recovery Village Atlanta: Located in Roswell just outside downtown Atlanta, is a 62-bed physician-led treatment facility offering a comprehensive range of services, from medical detox to outpatient care, specializing in alcohol, drug, and co-occurring mental health conditions, dedicated to transforming lives, families, and communities throughout Georgia.
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Editor – Melissa Carmona

Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing experience to work helping people understand substance abuse, addiction and mental health disorders. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Eric Patterson, LPC

Eric Patterson is a licensed professional counselor in the Pittsburgh area who is dedicated to helping children, adults, and families meet their treatment goals. Read more