Amphetamines have many different street names, but 'speed' and
'ice' are most common. They are supplied in different forms
including powder, tablets, liquid, crystal and paste. A few
prescription medicines include amphetamines as an ingredient. The
possession, use, supply and manufacture of any other type of
amphetamine is illegal in Australia. Most amphetamines are made
illegally, often in unsafe conditions. The ingredients can vary a
lot, so you never know how strong the drugs are, or even what's in
them. This increases the risk that you will overdose or suffer
other bad effects.
How are amphetamines taken?
Amphetamines can be swallowed, injected, smoked, inhaled or
snorted, depending on the form that you buy.
What are the effects of amphetamines?
Effects straight after taking amphetamines can include:
- Feeling excited, happy and well
- Feeling more alert
- Having more energy
- Feeling more confident
- Being more talkative
Effects that aren't so good can include:
- A dry mouth
- Headaches
- Tremors in the hands and fingers
- Blurred vision
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating a lot
- Nausea, stomach cramps and dizziness
- Faster heart rate and higher body temperature
- Nervousness, panic, anxiety and paranoia
- Irritability that can cause aggression
- Psychosis, which can involve hallucinations, delusions and
bizarre behaviour
The effects you experience will depend on how strong the
amphetamine is, the amount taken, and your body size. Other things
that can affect your reaction include your health, your mood just
before taking the drug, the way it has been taken, and whether you
have taken other drugs.
The time taken for the drug to wear off depends on how much you
have taken, and how you have taken it. Usually the effects last
anywhere from one hour to six hours, and can be followed by
symptoms like tension, depression, mood swings, aggression and
exhaustion.
How can amphetamines affect my physical health?
Amphetamines are often mixed with other substances or 'cutting
agents' that can be dangerous. Using amphetamines a lot can cause
some serious health problems, such as:
- High blood pressure and risk of a heart attack
- Weight loss, because your appetite is reduced
- Sleeping problems
- Increased risk of infections
- Damage to brain cells leading to problems with memory and
thinking
- Dental problems from grinding your teeth
- Lung damage from smoking
- Damage to the lining of the nose from snorting
- Scarring, abscesses and vein damage from injecting
- Blood-borne viruses like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV (the
AIDS virus) from sharing needles
How can amphetamines affect my mental health?
Amphetamines can cause psychosis, which means you have trouble
telling what is real and what is not. This can lead to symptoms
like paranoia, delusions, hallucinations and bizarre behaviour.
Heavy use of amphetamines can trigger acute paranoid psychosis.
Amphetamine use can also lead to delirium - a state of mental
confusion and disorganisation.
What about withdrawal?
If you suddenly stop taking amphetamines after taking them for a
while, you might suffer withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can
include hunger, extreme tiredness, restless sleep and nightmares,
anxiety, panic, irritability and depression.
Managing your drug use
If you, your family or your friends think your drug use is
becoming a problem, then get some help and talk to people about it.
Changing your drug use can be hard work, but it will be worth it.
Some people can reduce or stop drug use on their own, but think
about talking to a trusted family member, friend, doctor or
counsellor. Check out the getting help section to find services near
you.