Amphetamines
- What are amphetamines?
- Street Names
- How are they taken?
- What are the effects?
- What are the dangers?
- Are they addictive?
What are amphetamines?
There are three kinds of amphetamines with chemical properties and actions so similar that even experienced users have difficulty knowing the difference:
- amphetamine
- dextroamphetamine
- methamphetamine
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Street Names
"speed," "crystal", "ice" (crystallized methamphetamine hydrochloride)
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How are they taken?
- Intravenously (injected by needle).
- Orally (by mouth).
- Smoked ("ice" or crystallized methamphetamine hydrochloride).
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What are the effects?
The effects are similar to cocaine, but the onset is slower and the duration is longer. Physical effects include:
- Increased heart rate.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Increased body temperature.
- Increased rate of breathing.
- Increased appetite.
Behavioral effects include:
- Temporary hyperactivity.
- Sense of increased energy.
Psychological effects include:
- Sense of euphoria.
- Paranoia.
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What are the dangers?
Chronic abuse produces a mental psychosis similar to schizophrenia characterized by:
- Paranoia.
- Picking at the skin.
- Preoccupation with one's own thoughts.
- Auditory and visual hallucinations.
- Violent and erratic behavior.
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Are they addictive?
Yes, amphetamines are addictive.
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Below are links PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse. Created with the help and advice of teens, presents information on the science behind drug abuse and has animated illustrations, quizzes, and games. Accessed March 2008.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug Descriptions: Methamphetamine and Amphetamines. Accessed March 2008.
Office of National Drug Control Policy. Street Terms: Amphetamine. Accessed March 2008.