Methamphetamine Addiction Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted to Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug with a high potential for misuse and addiction.¹ This self-assessment can help determine if your methamphetamine use has become problematic. If you or somebody you love is misusing methamphetamine and may be dealing with a methamphetamine addiction, you might consider reaching out to a medical professional. If methamphetamine use has brought you or a loved one to a state of crisis, contact 911 emergency medical services.

What Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that affects your central nervous system, which includes your spinal cord and brain.¹ Like other CNS stimulants, methamphetamine increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to of increased energy, alertness, and attention as well as a number of other physiological effects.. Methamphetamine also has rewarding, reinforcing effects and can ultimately be addictive. ¹

Methamphetamine is a Schedule II drug in the United States.¹ Legal methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is sometimes prescribed for ADHD. A person taking Desoxyn as prescribed is generally not taking as high a dose as when it is misused. ¹

Do I Have a Methamphetamine Addiction?

If you have a compulsion to use meth or continue to use meth despite adverse effects on your health and close relationships, this may signal that you have a problem with meth addiction.³

Using methamphetamine can also increase the risk of:² 

• Anxiety.
• Paranoia.
• Confusion.
• Insomnia.
• Structural and functional brain changes.
• Psychosis.
• Mood disturbances.
• Violent behavior.
• Slower motor speed.
• Impaired verbal learning.
• Increased risk of stroke.
• Dental decay and tooth loss.
• Skin sores.
• Weight loss.

What Are the Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction?

Medical professionals use a set of criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5^th edition,  to diagnose methamphetamine use disorder, a type of stimulant use disorder (SUD). Meeting 2 or 3 of the criteria within a 12-month period signifies mild severity of SUD, while 4 to 5 symptoms signify a moderate SUD, and 6 or more symptoms signify a severe SUD.³ The criteria for SUD includes:³ 

• Using the stimulant in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
• A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control stimulant use.
• Spending a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain the stimulant, use the stimulant, or recover from its effects.
• Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the stimulant.
• Failing to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home due to stimulant use.
• Continuing stimulant use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the stimulant.
• Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to stimulant use.
• Recurrent stimulant use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (such as driving or operating machinery).
• Continuing stimulant use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the drug.
• Tolerance, meaning a need for markedly increased amounts of the stimulant to achieve intoxication or the desired effect, or an inability to experience the same effects with the same amount of the stimulant.
• Withdrawal, which refers to unpleasant symptoms that can develop when someone abruptly stops or cut down their dosage of the drug.

How to Get Help for Methamphetamine Addiction

No matter what substance you’re struggling with, help is available. Addiction treatment programs range from detox and inpatient rehab to outpatient care and long-term recovery support. Use our search tool to find rehabs near you that fit your needs. Search by insurance provider, level of addiction treatment, location, and more.