Amphetamines

What are they?

Amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine are collectively referred to as amphetamines. Their chemical properties and actions are very similar. These drugs stimulate the central nervous system - that is, they increase activity in the brain.

Medicinal uses

Amphetamine was first marketed in the 1930s as Benzedrine in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion. By 1937, amphetamine was available by prescription in tablet form. During World War II, amphetamine was widely used to keep soldiers alert and both dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methamphetamine (Methedrine) became readily available.

Medical use of amphetamines was common in the 1950’s and 1960’s when they were widely used to combat mild depression and cause weight loss. However, due to their side effects and addictive properties they fell out of favour and the majority of brands were removed from the market. Doctors have now considerably reduced their prescription.

Used properly, amphetamines increase alertness and physical ability. They are prescribed to counter the effects of narcolepsy, a rare disorder marked by episodes of uncontrollable sleep, and to help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Abuse of amphetamines

Prescription amphetamines (i.e. legally manufactured medicines) are sometimes stolen, acquired by obtaining false prescriptions forms or by conning a doctor into writing a prescription. These drugs then enter the black market in their tablet or capsule form. They have a number of slang names (often related to their appearance) such as ‘black beauties’, ‘black bombers’, ‘black ‘n whites’, ‘blues’ etc. but are no longer common as a drug of abuse because of the reduced use of such medications in recent years.

The most widespread type of amphetamine on the street is a white powder called Amphetamine Sulphate. It’s manufactured in illicit laboratories and then adulterated so the final product usually contains between 6% and 10% amphetamine. The other 90% can comprise of just about anything, from baking powder to laxatives. Amphetamine Sulphate costs between 5 and 10 pounds sterling a gram.

Amphetamine Sulphate can be swallowed, sniffed up the nose (snorted) or injected. Slang names include ‘sulphate’, ‘wizz’, ‘speed’, ‘Billy Wiz’ etc.

How do they work?

Amphetamines speed up the nervous system and cause adrenalin to be released. This increases the heart and respiration rates, increases blood pressure and decreases appetite.

In a sense, Amphetamines (by causing a release of adrenalin) mimic the “fight or flight response”. This is a natural survival mechanism of man/womankind that operates in a dangerous situation - such as the approach of a hungry lion (or headmaster, police officer, tax inspector etc. - depending on your situation!). At such times the body will automatically go into ‘fight or flight’ mode. Adrenalin floods the system, this increases heart and respiration rates so that oxygenated blood can be rushed to the muscles. Mental alertness is increased. The digestive system shuts down to leave more blood for muscle use. The man or woman is now physically ready to fight the lion - or run like hell!

What effect do they have?

When injected, amphetamines take effect immediately. Swallowing or sniffing powdered amphetamines leads to onset of effects after 10-40mins. Prescription amphetamines may take effect after various lengths of time as some are designed as short-acting and some as time-release medicines. The effect of a single dose of amphetamines generally lasts about 3-6hrs, although that of pharmaceutical time-release capsules last for longer.

An amphetamine user may experience a temporary boost in self-confidence and feel far more energetic than usual. It’s common for users to talk a lot and they often display a lot of physical activity - repeatedly getting up, walking around etc. - hence the slang terms “speed” and “speeding” for the drug and its use. When under the influence of amphetamines, users find relaxation difficult and sleep impossible. They will have little or no appetite, although amphetamines simply postpone the need for rest and food, they do not replace it.

Side effects

As amphetamine users tend not to eat or sleep and burn off a lot of energy by physical activity, the body becomes exhausted - both physically and mentally - after a long period of amphetamine use. As a result users often feel fatigued and depressed for a few days after using amphetamines and may also feel irritable, anxious and restless. Other side effects include blurred vision, sleeplessness, and dizziness.

Many women who use amphetamines find that their periods become irregular or even stop.

To maintain the desired effect, regular users have to take increasing doses. When they eventually stop they are likely to feel very depressed and lethargic. High doses, especially if frequently repeated, can produce delirium, panic attacks, hallucinations and feelings of paranoia.

Consequences of amphetamine abuse

Consequences for health

Amphetamines are psychologically addictive. Users often become dependent on the drug to avoid the depression experienced when the drug’s effect wears off. This dependence can lead a user take larger doses of amphetamines - and more often - in order to maintain a “high”. Of course, this can also lead to users taking other - more powerful - drugs.

Regular amphetamine users who take high doses may develop delusions, hallucinations and feelings of paranoia. In addition, heavy amphetamine use can damage blood vessels and cause heart failure, especially among people with existing high blood pressure or heart trouble, or amongst those who over-exert themselves while using the drug.

Legal consequences

Amphetamines are Class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act. It is illegal to produce, supply or possess them.