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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