Amphetamines are powerful stimulants that are highly addictive. Habitual, repeated use of amphetamines results in amphetamine addiction.
Amphetamines excite the central nervous system. They cause an overall sense of well-being for 6 to 8 hours. This period is followed by agitation that can cause violent behavior. Repeated use increases an individual's tolerance to the drug. As tolerance builds, more of the drug is needed to achieve a desired effect by the user. Classic signs of addiction are present with amphetamine use. When the drug is stopped, withdrawal symptoms appear.
Risk factors for amphetamine addiction include the following: