Amphetamine dependency

Even if you start out taking amphetamines every now and then recreationally, it is possible for you to develop a dependence on amphetamines. This means that the amphetamines become central to your life.

In the early stages of dependence, this may mean that you rely on amphetamines to have fun and to enjoy yourself. If you develop more serious problems, you may find that you start to need amphetamines to function in everyday life.

Are you dependant on amphetamines?

Some signs that you may be starting to become dependent on amphetamines are:

• feeling stressed when you can't get any
• feeling anxious
• feeling agitated
• you are aggressive
• you are paranoid
• you are frequently in conflict with family and friends
• scoring starts to take up more and more of your time 
• spending more money than you can really afford on amphetamines
• deciding not to use amphetamines, but then using anyway
• using during the week
• using in the mornings, or
• needing to use it before you go out.

If you are dependent on amphetamines and stop taking them then you may:

• be tired
• be hungry
• be depressed
• have a lack of energy
• be paranoid
• be aggressive
• be anxious.

For more information about effects of amphetamines check out the Amphetamines and the Impact of drug use on your life fact sheets.

Getting help for amphetamine use

If you feel like your amphetamine use might be getting out of control, there are a number of ways to cut down on how much you are using. The treatment option that suits best may be different from one person to another.

If you are using amphetamines regularly and feel like you may want some help to get it under control, then it may be a good idea to talk to a doctor, drug and alcohol worker or other health worker about the treatment options that are best for you. Have a look at the Who can help you section for some info about different health care professionals.

For more information about treatment options you may want to check out the fact sheet on Getting help for drug use, or contact the numbers listed below for help within your State or Territory.

Phone numbers within Australia

NSW Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) - (02) 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599 in rural and regional NSW.

Directline (Victorian Based)- 1800 888 236

SA ADIS - (08) 8363 8618 or 1300 131 340

WA ADIS - (08) 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024

QLD ADIS - (07) 3837 5989 or 1800 177 833

Tasmanian ADIS - (03) 9416 1818 or 1800 811 994

NT ADIS - 1800 629 683 or Alice Springs (08) 8951 7580 or Darwin (08) 8922 8399

NT Amity House - (08) 8944 6565 or 1800 684 372

ACT ADIS - (02) 6205 4545

Family Drug Support

Helpline: 1300 368 186

Website: www.fds.org.au

Acknowledgement:
Dr John Howard
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW.