Amphetamines
Amphetamines are a group of central nervous system stimulants drugs. In small doses, certain streams of amphetamines may be prescribed by a physician as a decongestant, an aid for weight loss, to treat caffeine withdrawal symptoms or narcolepsy and to balance behaviour suppressant medications for Attention Deficit Disorder patients. The other types of amphetamines which are illegal have longer and more toxic effects on the central nervous system. These are highly addictive stimulants.
Examples of amphetamines
Examples of legal amphetamines include:
- Desoxyn
- Dexedrine
- Ionamin
- Preludin
- Tenuate
- Ritalin
Example of illegal amphetamines:
- Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth)
Slang
Speed, crank (rock form), sulf, crystal meth (powder form), dex, uppers, Ritalin, pep pills, glass, ice (smoke form), crystal, chalk, tina
How it works
When ingested, these drugs bring on a sense of euphoria or heightened emotions by stimulating the release of dopamine and noradrenaline into the central nervous system. It speeds the heart rate, increases metabolism and allows for more acute awareness or focus.
Crystal meth releases a constant flow of these chemicals (including serotonin) for a period of 9 to 12 hours. There is an intense rush of extreme pleasure, which lasts only a few minutes. After the rush comes a high or euphoria. The timeline for the effects depends on the method of ingestion and the amount ingested. Meth is very cheap and often comes alongside other drugs. Combining drugs increases the risk of overdose and injuries. It also increases their addictive qualities.
Side effects
Side effects of legal amphetamines include:
- Dilated pupils
- Restlessness
- Talkativeness
- Severe positive mood change
- Heightened awareness
- Decreased body temperature
- Increased blood pressure
- Fever
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Dehydration
- Vomiting, nausea, drastic loss of appetite and abdominal pain (on occasion)
- Paranoia, aggression, impulsiveness, confusion, hallucinations, strokes or heart failure (when taken in large quantities)
- Withdrawal symptoms can include severe mental and physical depression, a huge appetite and a prolonged but restless sleep
Side effects of meth include:
- Hyperactivity
- Delusions of power
- Increased aggressiveness and irritability
- Anxiety
- Hypothermia
- Convulsions
- Heart palpitations
- Psychosis
- Rotten teeth
- Severe anorexia and malnutrition
- Skin sores and infections (the result of picking at imaginary bugs)
- Bone erosion
- Facial lesions
- Increase in metabolism, heart rate and blood pressure
- Jitteriness, twitching and muscle spasms
- Compulsive behaviour
Long term effects
Long term effects of legal amphetamines:
- Weakened immune system
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Malnutrition
- A state of “amphetamine psychosis” (a condition similar to paranoid schizophrenia).
Long term effects of meth include:
- Increased chance of HIV infection
- Heart, liver, kidney and lung damage
- Increased chance of hepatitis C infection
- Structural changes to the brain
- Memory loss
- Inability to do routine (and complex) intellectual or physical tasks.
Facts
- Methamphetamine, second to Marijuana, is the most widely used illicit drug in the world (Drug Rehabilitation).
- Due to their mind-altering, fatigue and pain-masking properties they can lead to long-term physical injuries (Drug Rehabilitation).
- Since amphetamine can produce a powerful and intense high, often users suffer a “crash” when coming off the drug which brings physical consequences (Drug Rehabilitation).
- Crystal meth is typically a white or transparent, odorless and bitter tasting powder that can be swallowed, smoked, injected or snorted (Crystal Free).
- Most people develop a quick tolerance (with feelings of desire for more) to the drug even if taken in small amounts (Here To Help).
- Crystal meth is made with a variety of over-the-counter medications and chemicals commonly found in households (paint thinner, ether, Drano and lithium from batteries) (Articlebase.com).
- Users experience a “superhuman feeling” while on the meth. It is often used by people to lose weight (CBS News).
Laws
Amphetamines and their salts, derivatives and analogues are governed by the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable to Schedule III. Possession is a criminal offence.
Crystal meth has been added to Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which provides access to the highest maximum penalties. Possession of the substances used in the production of methamphetamine with the intent to produce the drug is a criminal offence.
Where to go for help
For more information on amphetamines, please talk to your family doctor or your school counsellor. You can also check out the Health Canada website or the links below.
Links
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Leeds , Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
Capital Health - Amphetamines
Health Canada – Drug and Health Products