Amphetamines
The lowdown on amphetamine risks, effects and law.
Chemical name: Amphetamine Sulphate
Street name: Sulphate, sulph, whiz, speed.
What is it?
Amphetamine sulphate is a man made drug that usually comes in a white, grey, pink or yellow powder or pill/tablet form. It may be taken by mouth, dissolved in water, injected, sniffed up the nose, or smoked. Tablets and capsules may be manufactured illegally or diverted from medical use.
Effects- what happens when you take Amphetamines:
• Amphetamine is a stimulant, which acts on the central nervous system and quickens the heartbeat. The effects tend to set in about half an hour after taking the drug. Users may also experience increased confidence, sociability and energy levels. Sometimes users feel anxious and restless and may panic and feel everyone is getting at them. This tends to disappear as the drug wears off. The effects depend on how you take it; it being strongest when injected or smoked.
• As it wears off people may feel very tired and depressed. What goes up must come down. Feelings of irritability, anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, depression and tremors may occur. Insomnia is very common and can keep users awake for days afterwards. The "come down" can last for days, even after small doses. Large amounts can cause panic, paranoia and hallucinations.
Risks
• Individuals can suffer a bad reaction to amphetamines; there have been cases of severe toxic reactions occurring even at low doses. It can cause increased blood pressure; this can cause small veins under the skin to burst, leaving red spots especially around the face. Increased blood pressure can also rupture or block tiny blood vessels, If this happens in the brain, it can lead to paralysis or coma. Injecting can damage veins and lead to gangrene. Injection also puts users at risk of dangerous infections such as Hepatitis and HIV, from contaminated needles, syringes and other equipment.
• Individuals can develop a tolerance to amphetamine so they find themselves taking more and more to get an effect. Disruption of sleep and eating patterns may lead to regular users becoming very physically run down. This can reduce resistance to illness. The impurities in amphetamines can be dangerous in themselves. Heavy, regular users may become very depressed and paranoid. Taken over a period of time, this can cause psychotic mental illness to develop.
• Research suggests that amphetamines damage some types of neurons in the brain. No one knows whether these neurons can regain their normal function when abuse is stopped.
Law
The Misuse of Drugs Acts controls most of the amphetamine type drugs. Their unauthorised production, supply or possession is an offence, as is allowing premises to be used for producing or supplying the drugs.
First-Aid responses
What to do if the user feels tense and anxious.
• Calm the person down and reassure them that everything is alright.
• Talk quietly and explain that the panicky feeling will gradually go.
• Keep them away from loud noises and bright lights.
• Encourage them to breathe slowly and deeply to prevent hyperventilation
If someone is overheating
• Move to a cool area (i.e outside)
• Remove excess clothing and try to cool them down.
• Encourage them to sip non-alcoholic fluids such as soft drinks.
• Call an ambulance if the problem continues, and explain to the ambulance crew what you have done if user faints or loses consciousness.
Overheating through taking amphetamines can cause the user to faint. If this happens:
• Call an ambulance as soon as possible and explain what has happened and what you have done when they arrive.
• Put the person in the recovery position.
• Loosen any tight clothing that might restrict their breathing.
• Keep them warm - however; do not do this if fainting is due to overheating. If they are not breathing, do mouth to mouth resuscitation.
Content thanks to YouthHealthNE authors.
See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.
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