If you're either a company looking to bring someone new to your team or an individual seeking a job, you're likely familiar with the drug testing policies that are common in most work environments. Amphetamines, also known as "amp," are among the substances that can be detected through drug testing. AMP is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.
Therefore, if amphetamines are detected in a drug test, it signifies that the test was able to identify amphetamines in your system. However, the implications of this for you, whether you're an employee or an employer, vary based on several factors.
What are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines, also known as AMP, are a class of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They're often prescribed to treat conditions like narcolepsy, ADHD, and obesity. However, they also have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Common street names for amphetamines include speed, meth, and uppers.
Amphetamines act like adrenaline in the body. They increase alertness, energy, and heart rate while decreasing appetite. They are also sometimes used as performance-enhancing drugs because they can improve stamina and reaction time.
How Do Amphetamines Work?
Amphetamines stimulate the release of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain. These three neurotransmitters play a role in mood, energy, and attention. Amphetamines also block the reuptake of dopamine, which means they stay active in the brain for longer.
There are different types of amphetamines — some of which include methamphetamine, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine — and they can be detected in the body using different ways.
How are Amphetamines Detected?
Amphetamines can be screened for using a variety of drug tests, including urine and hair tests.
US Drug Test Centers' hair drug testing can detect amphetamines up to 90 days after the last use. Amphetamines bind to the hair follicle as it grows, so they can be detected even if the individual has tried to remove them from their system.
US Drug Test Centers also offer urine drug tests, another standard tool used to screen for amphetamines. Amphetamines can be detected in urine up to five days after the last use. The test looks for metabolites, which are the breakdown products of a drug that remain in the body after the effects of the drug have worn off.
What are the Risks and Side Effects of Amphetamines?
The use of amphetamines is associated with a number of risks and side effects, including:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Increased alertness
- Sweating
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of appetite
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Aggressive behavior
Amphetamines are extremely addictive drugs. People who use them improperly may eventually become addicted and engage in a cycle of obsessive drug-seeking actions despite negative outcomes. Addiction to amphetamines can cause issues with employment, education, personal connections, and money management.
In addition, the effects of long-term amphetamine abuse can cause a plethora of health issues, including:
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Insomnia
- Skin sores
- Tooth decay
- Severe dental problems
Amphetamines can be deadly if they're mixed with other drugs, including alcohol, some antidepressants, and cannabis (marijuana). Overdosing on amphetamines can lead to stroke, heart attack, seizure, and death.
How Long Do Amphetamines Stay in the Body?
If you're an individual who uses amphetamines and you're worried about a potential drug test, the best thing to do is stop using them and wait for the amphetamine to clear your system. The amount of time it takes for amphetamines to leave the body will depend on a number of factors, including:
- How often do you use them
- The amount you use
- Your age
- Your weight
- Your metabolism
In general, amphetamines have a half-life of about 10 hours. That means it takes about 10 hours for the level of amphetamines in your body to be reduced by half.
AMP on a Drug Test: What Does This Mean?
Amphetamines are a federally-controlled substance, so employers are required to follow certain guidelines if an employee tests positive for them. If you need help interpreting the outcome, here's a simple guide on how to read drug test results.
Order the 5-panel urine drug test + alcohol
These guidelines vary from state to state, but generally, the first step is to confirm the positive result with a medical review officer (MRO).
If you're prescribed amphetamines for a legitimate medical reason, then you'll likely be able to continue taking them with no issue. However, if you're not prescribed to take them, you may face disciplinary action from your employer, including termination. In some cases, individuals who test positive for amphetamines may be referred for treatment. This is usually only the case if there's evidence of a problem, such as a failed drug test at work or repeated run-ins with the law.
If you're an employer, it's essential to have a clear drug-free workplace policy in place regarding amphetamines and other drugs. This will help you to avoid any legal issues down the road.
The Bottom Line
If you see AMP on a drug test, it means that the test screened for amphetamines. Amphetamines are a federally-controlled substance, and positive test results may lead to disciplinary action from an employer.
Amphetamines can be addictive, and long-term use can lead to several health problems. If you think someone you know may be abusing amphetamines, it's important to try to get them help as soon as possible. Amphetamine addiction is a serious problem, but it is treatable. With the right support, individuals can recover and live healthy, happy lives.
If you need to test for amphetamines and other types of drugs, you can trust US Drug Test Centers to deliver quick and accurate results. Order a test online, or locate a drug test center near you.
Ashlee Arnold is one of the founders of US Drug Test Centers and is currently the Vice President. 
