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What is AMP on a Drug Test? | US Drug Test Centers
If you're either a company looking to bring someone new to your team or an individual seeking a jobyou're likely familiar with the drug testing policies that are common in most work environments. Amphetaminesalso known as "amp," are among the substances that can be detected through drug testing. AMP is classified as a Schedule II controlled substanceindicating it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.
Thereforeif amphetamines are detected in a drug testit signifies that the test was able to identify amphetamines in your system. Howeverthe implications of this for youwhether you're an employee or an employervary based on several factors.
What are Amphetamines?
Amphetaminesalso known as AMPare a class of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They're often prescribed to treat conditions like narcolepsyADHDand obesity. Howeverthey also have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Common street names for amphetamines include speedmethand uppers.
Amphetamines act like adrenaline in the body. They increase alertnessenergyand 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 dopamineserotoninand norepinephrine in the brain. These three neurotransmitters play a role in moodenergyand attention. Amphetamines also block the reuptake of dopaminewhich means they stay active in the brain for longer.
There are different types of amphetamines — some of which include methamphetamineamphetamineand 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 testsincluding 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 growsso they can be detected even if the individual has tried to remove them from their system.
US Drug Test Centers also offer urine drug testsanother 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 metaboliteswhich 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 effectsincluding:
- 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 employmenteducationpersonal connectionsand money management.
In additionthe effects of long-term amphetamine abuse can cause a plethora of health issuesincluding:
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Insomnia
- Skin sores
- Tooth decay
- Severe dental problems
Amphetamines can be deadly if they're mixed with other drugsincluding alcoholsome antidepressantsand cannabis (marijuana). Overdosing on amphetamines can lead to strokeheart attackseizureand 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 testthe 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 factorsincluding:
- How often do you use them
- The amount you use
- Your age
- Your weight
- Your metabolism
In generalamphetamines 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 substanceso employers are required to follow certain guidelines if an employee tests positive for them. If you need help interpreting the outcomehere'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 statebut generallythe first step is to confirm the positive result with a medical review officer (MRO).
If you're prescribed amphetamines for a legitimate medical reasonthen you'll likely be able to continue taking them with no issue. Howeverif you're not prescribed to take themyou may face disciplinary action from your employerincluding termination. In some casesindividuals who test positive for amphetamines may be referred for treatment. This is usually only the case if there's evidence of a problemsuch as a failed drug test at work or repeated run-ins with the law.
If you're an employerit'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 testit means that the test screened for amphetamines. Amphetamines are a federally-controlled substanceand positive test results may lead to disciplinary action from an employer.
Amphetamines can be addictiveand long-term use can lead to several health problems. If you think someone you know may be abusing amphetaminesit's important to try to get them help as soon as possible. Amphetamine addiction is a serious problembut it is treatable. With the right supportindividuals can recover and live healthyhappy lives.
If you need to test for amphetamines and other types of drugsyou can trust US Drug Test Centers to deliver quick and accurate results. Order a test onlineor locate a drug test center near you.
