Amphetamines

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Amphetamines

 

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, which means that they increase brain activity and intensify the messages between the brain and the body.

Amphetamines are available in different forms.

The powder form of amphetamine is known as ‘speed’.

Crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) is a stronger, more addictive and therefore more harmful form of amphetamine. Crystal methamphetamine usually comes as small chunky clear crystals that look like ice.

In contrast, some types of amphetamines are legally prescribed by doctors to treat medical conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

Other names:

Crystal meth, Meth, Ice, Shabu, Crystal, Glass, Chard, Speed, Whizz, Goey, Fast, Uppers.

What are the possible short-term effects?

People may use amphetamines to feel euphoric and to increase energy, alertness and confidence.

Short-term effects include:

  • Insomnia.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Enlarged pupils.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Teeth grinding.
  • Increased body temperature.
  • High blood pressure and increased heart rate.
  • Agitation.
  • Anxiety.
  • Paranoia.

What are the possible long-term effects?

Amphetamines affect people differently depending on a range of factors including how strong it is, how much is consumed, whether it is used with other drugs, whether the person is used to taking it and the individual characteristics of the person (size, weight and health).

While all forms of amphetamine can cause harm, people who use “crystal methamphetamine” or “ice” tend to experience more problems sooner than those who use other forms of the drug.

The gross weight of illicit amphetamine often includes substantial amounts of diluents and impurities. As a result, amphetamines bought on the street may actually be partly, or entirely made up of one of the weaker stimulants such as ephedrine or caffeine.

In either case, it is important to know that there is no safe level of illegal amphetamine use.

Other possible long-term effects include:

  • Blood-borne viruses (Hepatitis B & C, HIV & AIDs) from needle use.
  • Weight loss.
  • Restless sleep.
  • Regular colds or flu.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Breathlessness.
  • Muscle stiffness.
  • Dental problems.
  • Organ damage.
  • Agitation.
  • Mental health problems (including persistent psychotic symptoms).
  • Paranoia.
  • Anxiety.
  • Depression.
  • Heart and kidney problems.
  • Increased risk of stroke.
  • Dependence on ice.
  • Financial, work, social or legal problems.

Snorting amphetamines may also cause:

  • Runny nose and nose bleeds.
  • Nose infection.
  • A hole in the tissue separating the nostrils.
  • Long term damage to the nasal cavity and sinuses.

What are the signs of an AMPHETAMINE problem?

  • Spending a large amount of time getting, using, or recovering from the effects.
  • Using greater amounts, or for longer than originally planned.
  • Needing to use more to get the same effect.
  • Having cravings, difficulties stopping/reducing use.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Amphetamine: Difficulty sleeping and exhaustion, headaches, dizziness and blurred vision, paranoia, hallucination and confusion, irritability and feeling ‘down’.

  • Social problems including relationship issues, financial problems, impacts on study or work and legal problems.

Treatmeant

When a person is dependent on a drug, withdrawal of the drug carries risks of physical harm, psychological trauma and (rarely) death. As a result, our team work closely with the patient to withdraw the drug safely from the body. During this phase, we may supply short-term medications to modify the withdrawal process, making it safer and more tolerable.

In some cases, we may suggest we refer you to a specialist facility for 24 hour medical supervision during the withdrawal phase. In such cases, we will discuss this with you when devising your treatment plan.

Following the withdrawal, our team will work with the patient to help them maintain their abstinence. This will include skills training for relapse prevention. It will also normally include a holistic engagement that focuses on the mental, emotional, relation or spiritual health of the individual.

The withdrawal process may also unmask underlying mental illnesses or symptoms. If these are identified, we will work with the patient to treat these medical conditions. This may include medication and/or counselling/psychological therapies.

If you, or someone you know, is affected by Amphetamine addiction, contact PRS on (07) 3059 1301 or fill out the form below to book an appointment.

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