Amphetamines were discovered at the end of the 19th century but not used medically until the middle of the 20th century, when they were prescribed for many conditions such as:
- Low blood pressure
- Asthma
- Sleep disorders
- Migraine
- As appetite suppressants (they were widely used as slimming pills)
Gradually their addictive potential was recognised and they are now much more widely used as street or social drugs. Use of amphetamines increased in the 1990s with rave culture but surveys suggest it has now stabilised or is even in decline.
Amphetamines usually come in a powder form or tablets, although sometimes as a pinkish-grey putty-like substance (known as base). The powder has often been heavily mixed with other powders such as glucose, baby milk, laxatives or other drugs, and its purity may be low.
Amphetamines may be known as speed, uppers, dexies, whizzes or billy whizz, whites, and many other names.
A similar but more powerful type of the drug is methamphetamine, often known as crystal meth (in its powder form) or glass and ice (in its crystal form).
Amphetamines are usually taken by snorting the powder into the nose, rubbing it on the gums or swallowing the tablets. As base has an unpleasant taste it may be wrapped in a cigarette paper and swallowed – this is known as a speedbomb. Some users inject the drug. Methamphetamine crystals may be smoked, using a glass pipe.
Amphetamines are a Class B illegal drug (Class A if prepared for injection) with severe penalties for possession and sale.
Effects of amphetamines
Amphetamines increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain, and prevent these chemicals from being recycled. This leads to their stimulant effects, making people feel more lively, awake, energetic and confident. Improved focus, concentration and wakefulness mean they are still useful treatments for narcolepsy or hyperactivity. There may be a mild euphoria (more intense if the drug is injected) and ability to stay awake for hours without feeling tired.
The drugs have powerful physical effects too increasing breathing, heart rate and temperature, dilating the pupils and suppressing the appetite.
When amphetamines are snorted they produce effects within three to twenty minutes (depending if injected or taken as tablets) with effects lasting for up to about eight hours. As the drug wears off, the person may become anxious, irritable and restless, but even when they feel desperate for sleep the drug may continue to keep them awake. Finally, exhaustion and often intense mood swings kick in.
Methamphetamine has a very strong effect especially if the crystals are smoked, when it produces a very rapid and hard hit. There may be intense paranoia, and the effects as it wears off (the “comedown”) can be very unpleasant.
Risks of amphetamines
Taking large amounts of amphetamines, especially over a short space of time, can lead to marked psychological problems, especially a sense of panic and paranoia and extreme exhaustion. In the long term, there may be chronic sleep deprivation with reduced performance at work and disruption of relationships.
The physical effects can be particularly dangerous if someone has pre-existing problems with their heart or blood pressure with palpitations and a risk of abnormal heart rhythms and even a heart attack.
There may also be:
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Headache
- Twitching and tremor
In the long term, convulsions, coma and even death can occur. Amphetamines are particularly risky if taken with alcohol, and those who inject the drugs are at risk of infections such as HIV or hepatitis if they share needles.
Users may become very run down and more vulnerable to infections and other disease. Depression is not uncommon, and there may be more extreme problems such as hallucinations, aggression, erratic behaviour and psychotic illness.
Amphetamines and especially methamphetamine, with its rapid high and terrible comedown, may be very addictive. Users may be very tempted to take more of the drug just to avoid the awful feelings as it wears off. (It's important to point out that when amphetamines are used to treat hyperactivity, in lower doses and in a carefully controlled way, the risk of addiction is much lower.)
Psychological dependence can occur, as regular users may feel especially lethargic, hungry and depressed without the drug. Tolerance is also a problem, which means that users need to take increasing amounts to get the same effects. Cycles where the user overindulges and then recovers until the next binge, are typical.
Managing amphetamine addiction
It can be very difficult to stop taking amphetamines, especially after prolonged use. The withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression and fatigue are often so intense and unpleasant that the user returns to regular drug use. They may also experience very strong cravings.
Most heavy users need support from experts to quit. Medical treatments aren't particularly helpful, although antidepressants are sometimes used. Psychological and behavioural therapies have an important part to play in helping the person to give up their habit.
Talk to your doctor or local substance abuse resource if you want more information.
