Amphetamines

The effects, the risks, the law.

AKA:

Speed, Dexy's Midnight Runners, phet, meth, base, glass, uppers, whizz, billy, sulph, wake-up and crank paste.

Background:

Speed is the most popular name for amphetamine, which is a chemical compound that acts as a central nervous system stimulant. Its chemical structure closely resembles the body's own chemical transmitter norepinephrine, which plays an important role in the fight-or-flight response to stress and excitement.

There are three main pharmaceutical classes of amphetamine (the common brand names are in brackets): laevo or dl-amphetamine (Benzedrine), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methylamphetamine (Methedrine). The latter is also known as crystal meth and, weight-for-weight, is the most potent of the three.

The most common street speed is amphetamine sulphate, which contains equal amounts of laevo-amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It comes as a grey, dirty-white or pinkish powder which is snorted, rubbed on the gums, dissolved in liquid for injection or drinking, or swallowed in pill form. A 'speedbomb' consists of speed wrapped in Rizlas, which is then swallowed.

It's the most impure illegal drug available in the UK - it can be heavily cut with paracetamol, baby milk, talcum powder or other substances, so it's unlikely you'll know exactly what you're taking. Base speed - which is pinkish-grey and feels like putty - is purer.

The effects:

• Amphetamine is a stimulant. It quickens the heartbeat and breathing rate;
• The user becomes a lot more lively, confident and outgoing;
• They may become more talkative, and experience tension in the jaw;
• Greater responsiveness to the outside world;
• Appetite may completely disappear, but in no way does it fulfil the body's nourishment needs.

The risks:

• Some users become tense and anxious while on amphetamines;
• The comedown can last for a couple of days, leaving users feeling tired, depressed and irritable;
• In the short term, memory and concentration are affected;
• Tolerance for amphetamines can build quickly, so bigger doses are required for the same sort of hit;
• Long-term users may become dependent on the buzz speed gives them;
• Heavy abuse over long periods can also place a serious strain on the heart and has been linked to mental illnesses such as psychosis;
• Heavy use can put a strain on your immune system, so you may be more susceptible to colds and flu;
• Amphetamine users have died from overdose.

The law:

Amphetamines are Class B drugs, but carry Class A penalties if prepared for injection. Crystal meth is a Class A drug.

If you're planning on taking amphetamines:

• The greatest danger to your health is from mixing amphetamines with cocaine or ecstasy. The first is an unlikely combination because they have such similar effects. This pairing brings a danger of increased toxicity and strain on the heart;
• Mixing with ecstasy puts extra strain on the heart and you will be at risk of over-heating;
• It is possible to overdose on amphetamines, which can lead to permanent damage or death;
• If you are using amphetamines over long periods of time you are advised to take multi- vitamin and calcium supplements, as well as keeping a check on your body weight;
• Avoid injecting speed. This can damage your body and sharing needles can pass on diseases such as HIV;
• If you have schizophrenic tendencies there are real dangers that even the mildest use of speed could push you over the edge.