AMPHETAMINES - RISKS OF RECREATIONAL DRUG USE
Editorial Team

Amphetamines:

This is a group of drugs known as speed. It is normally sold as white or yellow powder or as tablets or capsules.

They were developed in the 1920s. In the 1960s they began being used by doctors to treat depression and obesity. These days they are normally only prescribed for uncontrolled sleeping (narcolepsy) and some forms of childhood hyperactivity.

Amphetamines are used illegally because of the drugs potential to increase feelings of alertness, well being, and self confidence.

The risks of long term use of amphetamines include malnutrition, trouble sleeping and psychotic events. People who use the drug for prolonged periods may also find they need more to produce the same feelings the drug produced when first using amphetamines.

People are also more likely to have sex without a condom under the influence of amphetamines, which could lead to sexually transmitted diseases.

Injecting amphetamines carries the risk of infection with HIV or hepatitis C. Long term injection of amphetamines can lead to abscesses and blocked blood vessels (mainly due to the substances often mixed with illegal amphetamines).

Pregnant women who use amphetamines have a higher risk of miscarriage, premature births and having a low birth-weight baby. There is some evidence the babies also experience withdrawal symptoms after birth.

An overdose can cause an irregular heartbeat, heart attack, high fever and burst blood vessels in the brain.

A severe headache after using amphetamines could indicate the possibility of a brain haemorrhage.

Getting help:

People who have become dependent on any drug should speak to their family doctor about how to break their addiction. Those who have decided to stop taking an illegal drug should also contact their doctor or local drug rehabilitation unit as help and support are available.