Amphetamines are a group of drugs commonly known as speed, but sometimes called gooey. Other names include uppers, ups, wake ups, dexies, black beauties or jollies. The effect of them is to stimulate the activity of certain chemicals in the brain and are classed as a stimulant drug. Amphetamines bought on the streets can be supplied as usually a white or yellow powder, or as tablets or in a liquid capsule form. Amphetamines are expensive, and can lead to financial problems. Amphetamines can be swallowed, injected, smoked or snorted. In NSW, it is illegal to possess, manufacture, supply, import or trade amphetamines. The penalties for for breaking this law can range from $2,000 and/or 2 years in prison to a $500,000 fine and/or life imprisonment.
Health effects
Use of any drug can damage your health. Street speed is often of a very poor quality, and a 'dirty' hit can make users quite sick. Of course the effects of speed will vary from person to person depending on mood, physical size, personality, gender, the way they use it, quality of the drug and previous history of use. The immediate effects last between two and five hours and can include:
- increased alertness
- increased confidence and energy
- hyperactivity
- inability to sleep
- increased blood pressure
- enlarged pupils
- panic attacks
- reduced appetite
- hangover for up to 26 hours
The major risks with use of speed include higher risk of having unsafe sex because of greater confidence and the risks associated with sharing injecting equipment. This increases the risk of infection with HIV or other STDs. Other risk taking behaviours such as driving or swimming while intoxicated are also common. Most deaths due to speed are as a result of accidents while under the effects. Higher doses of amphetamines are also dangerous. They can produce sweating, headaches, pale skin, restlessness, dizziness, shaking, repetitive movement, irregular breathing, very rapid irregular heartbeat, hallucinations and delusions. Some people become hostile and aggressive.
Sometimes a high can mimic the symptoms of psychosis such as paranoia, delusions, hallucinations and confused thinking: in some people this can lead to a drug-induced psychosis lasting from two days to months. Often fear and anxiety over new coming down from an intense high can make these feelings worse.
You know yourself better than anyone else, so be aware of how the drugs affect you and keep yourself safe - both mentally and physically.
Social effects
Use of any drugs can lead to problems with emotions and in our social lives. The greatest effect is often on relationships with family and friends. This can include paranoid behaviour and becoming difficult to live with. Arguments will often focus on money and drug use.
Helping friends
If you or someone you know is using amphetamines remember the following: it is not safe to use amphetamines at all; users often put themselves in dangerous situations, they should not be left alone; if the situation becomes unsafe call for help immediately; if a user is unconscious place them in a coma position and ensure the airway is clear; if injecting ensure that clean syringes and equipment are being use.
Hooked
Dependence means that amphetamines become central to a person's life. Some people can become dependent on speed. If speed is unavailable they may panic or become anxious.
When a person withdraws from amphetamines, symptoms can include: fatigue, hunger, deep depression and lack of energy, exhaustion, irritability, agitation, insomnia, paranoia, aggression, anxiety and drug cravings. With assistance dependence can be reduced and stopped. For help visit the alcohol & drug unit within your local health service. Old habits can be changed.