 amphetamines
Amphetamines are commonly known as speed or go-eey in New Zealand. They belong to a group of drugs called ‘psychostimulants’ (also commonly known as ‘speed') that stimulate the central nervous system. Amphetamines speed up the messages going to and from the brain to the body. Most amphetamines are produced in backyard laboratories and sold illegally. It usually appears as a whitish yellow powder, and occasionally in liquid form. Most amphetamines sold illegally contain a mixture of pure amphetamines and other substances such as sugar, glucose, bicarbonate of soda and ephedrine. These additives can be highly poisonous. They can cause collapsed veins, tetanus, abscesses and damage to the heart, lungs, liver and brain. And because the user doesn’t know whether they are using 5 per cent or 50 per cent pure amphetamines, it is easy to overdose by accident. How it is usedAmphetamines are most commonly swallowed, injected (methamphetamine) or smoked. They are also ‘snorted', or ‘sniffed', through the nose. Effects The effects of any drug vary from person to person. It depends on many factors including an individual’s size, weight and health, how the drug is taken, how much is taken, whether the person is used to taking it, the person’s mood and whether other drugs are taken. The effects also depend on the environment in which the drug is used - for example, whether the person is alone, with others, or in a social setting. The quality and purity of the drug used will also influence its effects. Immediate Effects Soon after taking amphetamines, the following effects may be experienced: - Speeding up of bodily functions - heart rate, breathing and blood pressure
- Dry mouth, increased sweating, enlargement of the eyes' pupils and headaches
- More energy and alertness, greater confidence and a heightened sense of well-being
- Becoming talkative, restless and excited, and having difficulty sleeping.
- Reduced appetite
- Anxiety, panic attacks
- Irritability, hostility, aggression - sometimes people feel a sense of power and superiority over others
In greater quantities Very high quantities of amphetamines can cause paleness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, tremors, irregular heartbeat, stomach cramps, sweating, restlessness, irregular breathing and loss of co-ordination. Some users have collapsed after taking amphetamines. High quantities can also create an ‘amphetamine psychosis', characterised by paranoid delusions, hallucinations and aggressive or violent behaviour for no apparent reason. Coming down As the effects of amphetamines begin to wear off, a person may experience a range of symptoms including uncontrolled violence, tension, radical mood swings, depression and total exhaustion. Long-term effects Regular use of amphetamines may result in - chronic sleeping problems
- anxiety and tension
- high blood pressure and a rapid and irregular heartbeat
- malnutrition - amphetamines reduce appetite, resulting in people being less likely to eat properly.
- psychosis - frequent heavy use can cause ‘amphetamine psychosis'. Symptoms may include paranoia as well as delusions, hallucinations and bizarre behaviour. These symptoms usually disappear a few days after the person stops using amphetamines.
- reduced resistance to infections - regular amphetamine users often don’t eat or sleep properly and are generally run down, so their resistance to infections is reduced.
- brain damage - there is some evidence that brain cells can be damaged by regular use of MDMA (ecstasy). This damage will result in reduced memory function and possibly other impairments in thinking.
Overdose Due to the unknown strength and mix of street amphetamines, some users have overdosed and experienced strokes, heart failure, seizures and high body temperature. Some have died as a result. Injecting runs a greater risk of overdosing due to large amounts of the drug entering the blood stream and quickly travelling to the brain. Tolerance & DependenceTolerance People who are physically dependent on amphetamines usually develop tolerance to the drug, making it necessary to take more and more to get the same effect. The quantity taken can reach a stage at which no further increase in the amount taken will produce the desired effect. Dependence Dependence on amphetamines can be psychological or physical, or both. People who become psychologically dependent on amphetamines find that using them becomes far more important than other activities in their life. They crave the drug and will find it very difficult to stop using it. WithdrawalIf a person who is dependent on amphetamines suddenly stops taking it, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, because their body has to readjust to functioning without the drug. Amphetamine withdrawal symptoms may include hunger, extreme fatigue, anxiety, irritability and depression. People may also have a long but restless sleep, often interrupted by nightmares. Some experience severe distress or feelings of panic. Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Like all drugs, amphetamines may have the potential to cause harm to the unborn child and also harm to the baby whilst breastfeeding. Due to this, it is recommended to not use any level of amphetamines during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding. Legal implicationsAmphetamines are a Class A drug. The maximum penalty for importation/manufacture/supply is life imprisonment, and for possession 6 months jail. It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drug, including amphetamines. Breaking this law carries heavy penalties including disqualification from driving, fines and even imprisonment. It is advised that you do not drive after the consumption of any mood altering substance. You could put your own and other people’s lives at serious risk.
For more information on amphetaminescall the alcohol drug helpline on 0800 787 797free from your landline or mobile10 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week |
