What are amphetamines?
Methylamphetamine
Legal penalties
What does it look like?
How is it used
Effects of use

What are amphetamines?

Amphetamines, otherwise known as 'speed', are chemically made stimulant drugs. Amphetamines were issued to combat troops in WW2 to keep them fighting in the absence of food. They were once prescribed by doctors to combat depression and as an appetite suppressant, but amphetamine prescribing for these conditions stopped because of the side effects produced by the drug, and resulted in a withdrawal of a range of amphetamines from the market.

Just about the only medical uses now for amphetamine are as a treatment for the rare sleeping disorder narcolepsy or for children with hyperactive disorder.

More common by far is the amphetamine sulphate sold on the street, an illegally manufactured powder produced in varying strength. Low quality street amphetamine sulphate of between 5 and 20% purity, encourages more users to inject to increase the effect of the drug.

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Methylamphetamine

Not so widely available in the UK, this is made from ephedrine. Injectors may use it because of the initial rush when administered. It is usually of low purity, and cut (mixed) with other substances such as caffeine, paracetamol, baby milk, glucose, and talcum powder. Ice is a crystallised version of methylamphetamine, which is smoked more often that it is injected.

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Legal penalties

Amphetamines are classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act as a Class B drug. Doctors can still prescribe them and patients may possess them on prescription. Otherwise it is an offence to produce, supply or possess them. If amphetamines are prepared for injection, the increased penalties of Class A drugs apply. But for Class B, the penalties are as follows:

For possession: up to 5 years' imprisonment and a fine.

For supply: up to 14 years' imprisonment and a fine.

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What does it looks like?

Amphetamine sulphate is an ivory-coloured or pale pink powder.

Methylamphetamine is a white powder.

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How is it used?

Amphetamine is usually sniffed through a narrow tube, but it can be prepared for injection, swallowed in a drink, or smoked with tobacco.

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Effects of use

Physical

General - amphetamines arouse and activate the body in a similar way to the body's natural adrenaline.

The body's energy stores are depleted through lack of resting, and the increased demands made upon it. A battle between the stimulating effects of the drug and the body trying to rest becomes evident when feelings change to anxiety, irritability and restlessness. Breathing and heart rate speed up, the pupils widen and appetite is suppressed. Other effects are dry mouth, talkativeness, sweating and increased blood pressure. Initially, sex drive can be increased, so it's important to practise safe sex, but the long-term use of amphetamine can lead to a reduction in sex drive. Heavy users also risk damaging blood vessels or risk heart failure, particularly those people with existing high blood pressure or high heart rate, and those who take strenuous exercise while taking the drug. Many women who use amphetamine regularly find their period becomes irregular or even stops. This may be linked to the drug itself or the weight loss associated with use.

Psychological

Increased confidence, exhilaration, alertness, along with increased aggression, irritability and feelings of paranoia. High doses of amphetamine, especially if repeated frequently over a period of several days, can produce delirium, panic, hallucinations and feelings of persecution.

Dependence

To maintain the desired effects, regular users have to take increasing doses. Profound psychological dependence is common. Amphetamines postpone tiredness and hunger and do not satisfy the need for rest or food. Withdrawal: Craving for the drug, hunger, tiredness, irritability, disturbed sleep and acute depression.

Some health hazards

Heavy amphetamine use can cause a mental illness called psychosis where people report seeing, feeling or hearing things that aren't really there, and can also induce suicidal tendencies. Injectors run the risk of thrombosis, blood poisoning, and abscesses. Those who share their equipment are at risk of infection with blood-borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

Treatment

Amphetamine users who want to stop should seek advice from their local drugs service. Drugs workers will help them manage their withdrawal, and offer supportive relaxation techniques, and information on managing craving.

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