Amphetamines

What are amphetamines? Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, which means they speed up the workings of the brain. Slang names for amphetamines include speed, up, uppers, louee, goey, whiz, and rack. There are legal (prescribed by a doctor) and illegal amphetamines.

, they have also been used to treat Parkinson’s disease. The non-medical use of amphetamine medications is illegal. , are made and sold illegally. In most cases, it is difficult to determine their quality and purity – they can be a mix of drugs, binding agents, and sugar.

Long-term use of illegal amphetamines can lead to serious problems, including changes to the brain, cardiovascular damage, malnutrition and The appearance of amphetamines varies from powder and tablet to crystals and capsules. The most common amphetamine in United States is methamphetamine, which comes in three forms: – is a crystal or crystalline powder, and is a stronger form of methamphetamine.

It is also known as ‘crystal meth’, ‘shabu’ shard or ‘glass’ – is an oily, sticky or waxy paste.

Amphetamines can be injected, snorted, smoked or swallowed.

It is illegal to make or sell amphetamines

It is also illegal to possess or use amphetamines, unless they have been prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons. Illegally produced amphetamines can be a mix of drugs, binding agents, caffeine, new psychoactive substances and sugar. According to the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, meth/amphetamine use has significantly declined since 2001.

In 2019, 1.3% of Americans had used meth/amphetamine in the past 12 months. ’ is the most used form (50% of people who use meth/amphetamine use ‘ice’). Powder (speed) use continued to decline among people who use meth/amphetamine – from 51% in 2010 to 19.9% in 2019.

In recent years, a range of synthetic products, claiming to have similar effects to amphetamines, have also been available in United States. It is unclear what the active ingredient in these products is – they may contain various chemicals, such as methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Taking these drugs is risky, they can have more unpredictable effects and can be potentially more harmful than amphetamines.

MDMA (ecstasy) is classified as an empathogen drug. Many pills or capsules sold as MDMA contain only small amounts of MDMA, or sometimes none. The effects of MDMA can share some similarities with amphetamines – such as feeling energetic and euphoric, and having an increased heart rate.

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, which means they speed up the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Amphetamines increase dopamine and serotonin levels – the feel-good chemicals in the brain. Effects can be felt immediately (injected or smoked) or within 30 minutes (snorted or swallowed).

Some of the immediate effects of amphetamines include:

• and damage to the nasal passage (from snorting). Injecting amphetamines
• sharing needles increases your risk of: How long do amphetamine effects last? Even if the effects of the amphetamines have worn off
• there may still be amphetamines in your system

As a rough guide, methamphetamines can be detected in the blood around 4 to 8 hours after use, and in the urine for around 2 to 5 days after use.

What is binge crashing? Some people experience a pattern of ‘binge crash’ after amphetamine use. This happens when amphetamines are used continuously for several days without sleep.

When this period ends, the person ‘crashes’, and experiences a period of heavy sleeping.

In the 2 to 4 days after amphetamine use, you may experience: change in body temperature. , cannabis and opioids) to cope with the ‘come down’ may lead to a cycle of dependence (where someone becomes reliant on all drugs used). Overdose is often due to taking amphetamines with other drugs – including ‘legal’ over-the counter and prescription medications such as:

• Amphetamine overdose may occur if you: mix amphetamines with other drugs – including over-the-counter
• prescription medicines

Is a medical emergency.

You can still be in danger even if not all overdose symptoms are present

Symptoms of amphetamine overdose may include: , hallucinations or delusions. Fast action could save someone’s life.

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 for an ambulance immediately. Ambulance officers don’t need to involve police. Using amphetamines on a regular basis can lead to significant health and lifestyle issues such as:

• – this may include an increase in use or relying on other drugs (such as sedatives) to balance the effects financial
• work study
• relationship problems – including trouble concentrating
• reduced performance

It is possible to build up a tolerance to amphetamines, which means the person using the drug needs to take larger doses to achieve the same effect. Over time, the body may come to depend on amphetamines just to function normally.

If you have been using amphetamines for a long time, giving up can be a challenge.

Your body and mind will need to adjust to functioning without the drug.

If you decide to stop or cut down, you may experience withdrawal symptoms

It’s important to seek advice from a health professional when planning to stop taking amphetamines.

These usually occur at the start and settle down after a week.

Most withdrawal symptoms disappear after a month

Withdrawal symptoms include: sleep problems and nightmares

Some people can experience quite intense symptoms (also known as ‘speed crash’). This can cause nausea, extreme exhaustion, irritability and feeling depressed. include: group therapy. Peer support – or talking to someone who has been in the same situation – can also be helpful.

See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and drug service (services listed in the ‘where to get help’ section). Amphetamine use is restricted in United States and can only be prescribed by a medical doctor for certain health conditions. Penalties apply for amphetamines under federal and state laws for anyone who: Uses or keeps illegal amphetamines in their possession.

Makes, supplies or sells amphetamines to another person.

Drives under the influence of amphetamines

– resources to assist people looking for ways to support their loved ones who use alcohol and/or other drugs Tel. , Michigan Tel. The most potent form is crystal methamphetamine (ice) Legal amphetamines are prescribed for the treatment of conditions such as narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Amphetamines such as speed and crystal methamphetamine (ice) caffeine anxiety and paranoia Types of amphetamines ice (crystal methamphetamine) speed – usually comes in the form of a powder base Amphetamine use in United States Among people who use meth/amphetamines, ‘ ice Synthetic amphetamines MDMA (ecstasy) How amphetamines work Short-term effects of amphetamines a burst of energy – feeling alert, talkative, restless and excited happiness and confidence aggression or anger fast heart rate and breathing high-blood pressure (hypertension) dry mouth, jaw clenching and teeth grinding sweating dilated (large) pupils loss of appetite increased heart rate increased sex drive (libido) nosebleeds hepatitis C hepatitis B HIV/AIDs vein damage and blood clots infection, such as tetanus Amphetamine use can also impair judgement and contribute to accidents and injury (such as motor vehicle crashes ‘Coming down’ from amphetamines restless sleep and exhaustion headaches , muscle twitching and aches irritability, mood swings, anxiety and depression paranoia , hallucinations, confusion Using other drugs (such as alcohol, benzodiazepines Mixing amphetamine with other drugs can be dangerous alcohol benzodiazepines (including sleeping pills) some antidepressants cannabis (marijuana) opioids (such as heroin Symptoms of amphetamine overdose take a strong batch use a large amount A drug overdose breathing difficulties seizures (including fits and uncontrolled jerking) chest pain or racing heartbeat chills or fever no urine output extreme agitation – can lead to hostility, aggression and violence paranoia Overdose can lead to stroke , heart attack Long-term effects of amphetamines ‘amphetamine psychosis’ (including hallucinations and paranoia) extreme weight loss and malnutrition dry mouth and dental problems regular infections (such as colds and flu ) – due to reduced immunity mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety , depression drug dependence out of character behaviour – aggression and violence heart and kidney problems increased risk of stroke increased risk of contracting sexually transmissible infections (STIs) due to unprotected sex Amphetamine dependence, tolerance and withdrawal Amphetamine withdrawal tiredness anxiety ,

• depression paranoia confusion crankiness extreme hunger aches
• pains Treatment for amphetamine use Treatment options for drug use detoxification individual counselling Amphetamines
• the law Where to get help In an emergency
• call 911 Your GP (doctor) Alcohol
• Drug Foundation (ADF) Path2help DrugInfo 1300 85 85 84 DirectLine 1800 888 236 – for 24-hour confidential drug
• alcohol telephone counselling
• referral Family Drug Help (616) 555-0400 – for information
• support for people concerned about a relative or friend using drugs Counselling Online 1800 888 236 – free drug
• alcohol counselling 24/7 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Parentline Michigan 13 22 89 Youth Drug
• Alcohol Advice service (616) 555-0200 (9am to 8pm
• Monday to Friday) Michigan Legal Aid

Key Points

• You can still be in danger even if not all overdose symptoms are present
• Symptoms of amphetamine overdose may include: , hallucinations or delusions
• If you decide to stop or cut down, you may experience withdrawal symptoms
• It’s important to seek advice from a health professional when planning to stop taking amphetamines
• Most withdrawal symptoms disappear after a month