Amphetamine,Speed,Uppers Substance Abuse Effects

Amphetamines, also known as speed, up, fast, uppers, whiz, goey and louee, are stimulants that speed up the messages that travel from the brain to the body.  They appear in many forms such as tablets, powder and crystals or capsules packaged in aluminum foil (‘foils’), small balloons and plastic bags when they are sold illegally. 

Certain types of amphetamines are prescribed by doctors for the treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and for narcolepsy (an uncontrollable urge to fall asleep).  Illegal use of amphetamines carry a great health risk and can even cause death.

Amphetamine in powder form ranges in color from white to brown, dark purple or orange, with a bitter taste and a strong smell.
Capsules and drugs are often a mixture of amphetamine, caffeine, sugar and binding agents and come in a wide range of colors.

Crystal meth, also known as ‘ice’, is a more potent form of the drug in the form of crystalline powder or more generally in large sheet-like crystals.

Generally, amphetamines are swallowed, snorted, injected or smoked.

The Effects of Amphetamines

When taking any type of drug, it is important to know that all drugs carry risk and there is no safe level for taking any kind of drug.  If injected or smoked, the effects of amphetamines are usually felt immediately.  If swallowed or snorted effects are felt within 30 minutes.

Amphetamines will affect each individual differently and may include:

-    Feelings of confidence and happiness
-    Energetic and talkative
-    Compulsive repetition of things like scratching or itching
-    Dry mouth and enlarged pupils
-    Accelerated breathing and heart beat
-    Teeth grinding
-    Increase in sex drive
-    Excessive sweating

A large amount from a strong batch of amphetamines may also include:

-    Fits
-    Racing heartbeat
-    Passing out
-    Heart Attack
-    Stroke
-    Death

Frequent heavy use and high doses can create “amphetamine psychosis”, characterized:

-    Hallucinations
-    Paranoid delusions
-    Bizarre, violent and aggressive behavior.

These symptoms will usually subside after a few days if the person stops the use of amphetamines.  Frequent snorting of amphetamines can damage the nasal passages resulting in nosebleeds.

Long Term Effects

-    Reduced Appetite
-    Extreme weight loss
-    Muscle stiffness
-    Regular symptoms of colds and flu
-    Kidney and heart problems
-    Difficulty concentrating
-    Restless sleep
-    Trouble concentrating
-    Depression
-    Dependence
-    A need to use more amphetamines for the same effect
-    Anxiety, violence and paranoia
-    Shortness of breath
-    Dental problems and dry mouth
-    Social, work and financial problems.

Giving up amphetamine use after a long period of using is difficult and challenging with severe withdrawal symptoms such as aches and pains, cravings, confusion, nightmares and exhaustion.  Most withdrawal symptoms will settle down after a couple of weeks and disappear after a month.