Drugs A-Z

Amphetamines

AKA

Amfetamine, Speed, Whizz, Sulph, Fast, Lou, Billy, Phet, Paste, Base, Dexamfetamine, Dexies, Dexedrine, Methamphetamine, Crystal Meth, Ice, Glass, Tina, Christine Methylphenidate or Ritalin is an amphetamine type drug with virtually identical effects.

Description

Amphetamines are synthetic stimulant drugs that act on the brain and nervous system and are much stronger and longer acting than other stimulant drugs. They are generally produced as a white, pinky or yellowish powder or putty (base) which is often cut with a number of different substances. They can be snorted, swallowed (in a cigarette paper) or injected and can also be added to drinks. Methamphetamine also comes in crystal form which can be smoked.

In Scotland the vast majority of speed available on the streets is amphetamine sulphate. Average street speed may contain only 5% amphetamine sulphate yet base speed may be 10 times as strong or more. Pharmaceutical supplies are now limited to white, round 5mg dexamphetamine (dexedrine) tablets and various strength methylphenidate (ritalin) tablets and capsules both prescribed for narcolepsy or ADHD.

Effects

• Euphoria
• Decreased need for sleep & an increased excitability
• Increased sexual desire
• Increased energy and alertness
• Increased confidence, alertness & a 'buzzing' feeling
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature & rate of breathing
• 'Amphetamine psychosis' (at high doses) resulting in paranoia, auditory & visual hallucinations, self-absorption, irritability, aggressive and erratic behaviour, and picking at the skin. This can be magnified by lack of sleep.
• Repetitive use may lead to paranoia, depression, anxiety and psychosis, tooth decay, stomach and body cramps and severe headaches.
• Long term physical effects can include loss of appetite leading to weight loss and a susceptibilty to infections

If snorted, effects usually start within 20 mins whereas swallowing it can take up to an hour depending on how full the stomach is. Smoking methamphetamine produces immediate effects as does intravenous injection.

Comedown: when the drug wears off there can be an unpleasant comedown with users feeling tired, lethargic and depressed.

Harm Reduction

• Amphetamines are a stimulant and therefore users may experience difficulties sleeping and eating. Try to eat and sleep well before and after use.
• If snorting it is advisable to use a nasal douche or clean your nose after each session to minimise damage.
• It is best not to mix amphetamines with other drugs.
• If injecting make sure you rotate your sites and always use clean equipment.
• Don't share injecting equipment or tooters as this can increase the risk of getting infections like HIV and Hepatitis C.
• Sleep deprivation is half the comedown from amphetamines.
  
• Try to rest even if you don't feel tired.
  
• Speed leeches calcium from the body. Eat dairy products to replace it.

Law

Most amphetamines are class B drugs. Max penalty for possession is 5 years imprisonment and unlimited fine. Max penalty for supply and trafficking is 14 years and unlimited fine.

Methamphetamine is a class A drug, as are other amphetamines prepared for injection which carries stiffer penalties: max 7 years for possession and unlimited fine and life imprisonment for supplying others.

Detection

Can be found in urine from 2-6 days.