Everything You Need To Know About Amphetamines

Amphetamines

What You Need to Know About Amphetamines

Common Street Names (mostly for methamphetamine): Ice, speed, meth, crystal, crystal meth, chalk, crank, cookies, snacks, trash, and white cross.

Brand Names: Desoxyn Adderall.

Recreational or party drugs are very popular amongst youngsters nowadays. Amphetamine is a type of drug that falls under the category of “stimulants” or “psychostimulant drugs” and tends to be abused. The stimulating effect of the drug makes it be craved by the youth to “party hard.”

Studies published in SAGE Journals reveal that this very class of drug was discovered (by Dale and Barger in 1910) over a century ago, but their use was restricted to clinical application (in 1937) for ADHD and narcolepsy patients. The true nature of amphetamines and their effects on cognition and appetite were revealed between the 1930s and 1940s.

Evidence also suggests that amphetamine and its uses include enhanced cognition and athletic performance, but in the modern era, this very drug is abused as a party drug. This article majorly contains details regarding methamphetamine (ice) because it is the most potent form of amphetamines.

General Use of Amphetamine

So, what are amphetamines?

The main use of amphetamine (or methamphetamine) increases concentration and stimulation of the mind. Teens are found consuming it in high doses to achieve a “pumped up” feeling. This includes having high mental alertness, concentration, and energy.

Medical Uses of Amphetamine

Clinically used amphetamine, i.e., dextroamphetamine (Adderall and Desoxyn), are prescribed for the following conditions:
  • Weight loss
  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Narcolepsy

How To Recognise Amphetamine?

It can be in any form, from pills to capsules to crystals to powders. The size of the tablets varies. Many youngsters are seen carrying ice in aluminium foils, balloons, and plastic bags when purchasing illegally.

In most cases, the crystals, powder, and tablets are white. Sometimes the pills may range in colour from white to brown and may even have a tinge of pink and grey.

How Does It Work?

As mentioned, amphetamine is a CNS stimulant that increases the number of chemical messengers in the brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This elevated release of neurotransmitters results in increased alertness and potential treatment for ADHD/narcolepsy patients. However, a quick urine test can help determine drug usage.

What Effects It Has on The Body?

The effect of amphetamine is different for different individuals as it depends upon the person’s weight, overall health, and habit of drug abuse.

Very quick results are seen when the drug is injected, and even faster outcomes are observed when smoked. The average onset time of amphetamines is 30 minutes (after swallowing or snorting).

Amphetamines’ effects on the body are discussed below:

Physical Effects on The Body

Immediately after administration, a person can feel the following physical changes in the body:
  • Increased heart rate and breathing rate
  • Pumped up energy
  • Reduced appetite
  • Dilation of pupils
  • Increased drive for sex
  • Dry mouth

Psychological Effects on The Body

Youngsters taking ice report increased levels of happiness and self-confidence. Some even portray violent, aggressive, and demon-like behaviours after snorting amphetamines.

Anxiety and nervousness may also appear following amphetamine administration.

Amphetamines Side Effects and Overdose

Overdosage can lead to the development of the following symptoms:
  • Very fast heartbeat
  • Fits and convulsions
  • High-grade fever and chills
  • Breathing difficulties
  • And even death (due to stroke/heart attack)

The effects usually last for around 6 hours. If you feel any serious complications mentioned, immediately call 000 for an ambulance.

It can also cause addiction in the long run.

The drug can become even more dangerous when used with other drugs like anti-depressants, alcohol, and opioids.

How Is It Administered?

The drug is mostly swallowed or snorted (in powder form). Some people also administer it via injections.

Conclusion

Amphetamines belong to the class of psychostimulant drugs that increase the activity of your brain, thereby making you energetic, vigorous, and aggressive. Methamphetamine goes by the street names of meth, ice, speed, crystal, etc. Clinically it is used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity, but majorly it is abused as a party drug by peers.

Methamphetamine is illegally available in the form of (white brownish) tablets, capsules, pills, and powder that can be swallowed, snorted, or injected.

FAQs

Amphetamine (ice, meth, speed) is a stimulant drug youngsters abuse as a party/recreational drug. Clinically it is used to treat attention/sleeping disorders such as ADHD and narcolepsy. It increases mental alertness, energy, and confidence.
This drug has gained rapid popularity in teens. The tendency of amphetamine to be abused and overdosed by teens puts them at an increased risk of tachycardia (fast heartbeat), fever, fits, stroke/heart attacks, and even death.
Nicotine (present in tobacco), widely used for recreation, has a stimulant effect on the mind.
Yes, Ritalin is a stimulant used in the treatment of ADHD.
  • Increased heart/breathing rate
  • Boosted energy and dilated pupils
  • Increased sex drive
  • Elevated self-confidence

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