Amphetamine Tolerance: Causes And Risks

Amphetamines are a class of drugs that are sometimes prescribed to treat symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

Chronic use of amphetamines, even when taken as directed, can lead to a buildup of what’s known as tolerance. While this isn’t dangerous by itself, it can be a sign of drug abuse or amphetamine addiction.

Here you will find information on:

• what amphetamine tolerance is
• types of amphetamine tolerance
• signs of an amphetamine tolerance
• risks of tolerance

What Is Amphetamine Tolerance?

Amphetamine tolerance is a reduced sensitivity to the effects of amphetamine drugs, including drugs such as methamphetamine and methylphenidate.

Put simply, your body can become tolerant to the stimulant effects of amphetamines over time, with the repeated use of these drugs.

Studies show this can inhibit the effects of amphetamines with chronic administration—that is, long-term drug use. This can result in weaker drug effects.

What Causes An Amphetamine Tolerance?

The development of tolerance occurs through a metabolic process and can be influenced by certain environmental and behavioral factors.

Generally, this takes time. Tolerance will develop through at least several weeks of regular drug use, although rapid tolerance may occur in some people.

Certain neurotransmitters, like dopamine, are believed to be involved in this development of amphetamine tolerance, due to the drug’s mechanism of action in the brain.

Which Amphetamines Can Cause Tolerance?

The amphetamine drug class contains a range of substances that are most well-known for their psychostimulant effects. This includes both prescription and illicit amphetamine drugs.

Common forms of amphetamine tolerance include:

• Adderall tolerance
• Vyvanse tolerance
• Ritalin tolerance

Signs Of An Amphetamine Tolerance

Amphetamine tolerance can develop through prescription drug use, or as a result of amphetamine abuse—defined as a pattern of misusing amphetamines.

Primary signs of amphetamine tolerance include:

• reduced drug effects after taking the same dose for some time
• needing high doses of amphetamines to achieve the desired effect
• certain behavioral effects (i.e. urges to continue drug use, or increased drug use)

Does Amphetamine Tolerance Come With Risks?

Amphetamine tolerance isn’t dangerous. Unlike physical dependence, it does not lead to withdrawal symptoms if you attempt to stop or reduce your drug use.

However, it can be a sign of drug abuse, or lead to substance abuse if someone attempts to overcome tolerance by taking higher doses without doctor approval.

If you do build a tolerance to an amphetamine drug like Adderall or Ritalin, talk to your doctor before making any adjustments to your drug dosage or frequency of use.

Treatment For Amphetamine Abuse

Tolerance can develop with chronic amphetamine use. Having a very high tolerance to amphetamine drugs, prescription or otherwise, can be a sign of drug abuse.

If you are abusing amphetamines, a doctor may recommend psychiatric or behavioral health treatment to help you safely stop using amphetamines.

Treatment for amphetamine abuse may involve:

• amphetamine detoxification (detox)
• behavioral therapy
• group therapy
• drug counseling

Recovering from an addiction to illicit or prescription amphetamines is possible with professional help.

While this journey can take time, healing from the physical, psychological, and mental effects of addiction is an achievable goal.

Amphetamine Tolerance FAQs

Get answers to frequently asked questions about amphetamine tolerance, dependence, and amphetamine addiction.

❓ What Is The Difference Between A Tolerance And An Addiction?

✔️ Tolerance is a change in the body’s response to a substance. This can build up over time with repeated use of amphetamines. But it’s not necessarily a problem by itself.

Addiction, on the other hand, is a serious condition that’s characterized by a compulsive need to repeatedly use drugs. Conquering an addiction may require professional treatment.

❓ Is Tolerance To Amphetamine A Problem?

✔️ Amphetamine tolerance can become a problem if it leads to drug misuse. For instance, if someone takes more of the drug without prescriber approval to overcome their tolerance.

Tolerance is not dangerous. If you develop tolerance to amphetamine treatment, your doctor can help guide you on what your next steps should be.

❓ Is There A Way To Avoid Amphetamine Tolerance?

✔️ Tolerance to amphetamines can develop through chronic, repeated drug use.

If you become tolerant to the effects of amphetamines, it is possible for your tolerance to decrease by safely and slowly weaning off the drug, or by completing drug detox.

Find Treatment For Amphetamine Abuse Today

Abuse of amphetamines like Adderall or Ritalin can lead to drug tolerance, drug dependence, and increase the risk for addiction. If this describes you or a loved one, you are not alone.

For more information about amphetamine abuse treatment options, and how to find a rehab center near you, call our helpline to speak to a specialist today.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff