What are Amphetamines? Amphetamines are powerful, toxic and addictive, central nervous system stimulants. They are similar in chemical composition to the body's natural stimulant adrenaline. They are only legal when prescribed by a doctor (often used to treat depression or obesity). Street Names: Uppers, speed, jollies, black beauties, crystal, dexies, pep pills, wake-ups, bennies, co-pilots How is it taken? Amphetamines are most commonly taken in pill form, but sniffing and smoking the drug is becoming increasingly popular. Many chronic users desire a more immediate and long-lasting high, and will intravenously inject the drug. The Scoop on Amphetamines:

• Though rarely prescribed today, amphetamines can be used to treat depression and obesity, but it is a class of drugs rarely used due to its highly addictive nature.
• Amphetamines are commonly used by athletes to enhance performance, but that is a risky decision as it can strain the cardio-vascular system, desensitize the sensation of pain, and hide the feeling of tiredness.

Short Term Effects of Amphetamines:

• Increased heart rate / blood pressure
• Increased breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Increase in energy
• Hypersexuality
• Compulsive behavior
• Memory loss
• Aggression
• Psychotic behavior
• Cardiac and Neurological Damage

Long Term Effects of Amphetamines:

• Malnutrition
• Mental illness
• High risk of illness and infection
• Violent and irrational behavior
• Blockage of blood vessels
• Irregular heart beat
• Stroke / heart failure (caused by the strain on the blood vessels)

What are methamphetamines? Methamphetamines are man-made amphetamines (central nervous system stimulants) that are illegal in all forms.  They are usually made in home laboratories from inexpensive ingredients.  They have no medicinal value. Street Names: Crank, ice, chalk, zip, cristy, crystal, quartz, meth, speed, go-fast How is it taken? Methamphetamines can be smoked, snorted, or injested. The Scoop on Methamphetamines:

• Methamphetamines are a very dangerous class of drug that are man-made in 'meth-labs'. Making meth is a relatively simple process, with the main ingredient being ephedrine (found in most cold and asthma medicines). Other ingredients commonly used include hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, battery acid, fuel, and anti-freeze.
• Methamphetamine use has contributed to higher rates of infextious disease transmission, including HIV and Hepatitis.
• Methamphetamine is neurotoxic causing serious problems in brain functions.

Short-Term Effects:

• Intense high
• Hallucinations
• Alertness
• Twitching/jerking/uncontrolled movements
• Numbness
• Confusion
• Dangerous rise in body temperature
• Acne/skin blemishes
• Depression
• Decreased interest in food, people, and normal behaviors (work, sex, acitivities)
• Rise in blood pressure and heart-rate

Long-Term Effects:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Skin rash
• Malnutrition
• Low tolerance to disease and infection
• Heart and respiratory troubles

Tolerance: Tolerance to amphetamines and methamphetamines occurs at a rapid pace. A user will require an increased amount of the drug to attain the same high sensation. These drugs are both physically and psychologically addictive. Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms affecting amphetamine and methamphetamine users can include fatigue, hunger, irritability, loss of interest in friends, family, and the environment. Studying for finals? Got a paper due early tomorrow morning? During exam periods on many college campuses, there is a sharp increase in the use of amphetamine based drugs. Many students use the drug to stay awake for a few extra hours of studying. What many don?t realize is that the drug can affect the body for up to 96 hours- that could mean 4 days without sleep. Neglecting sleep can upset the body?s ability to operate and perform all necessary biological functions.

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Sources: 1.  Koch Crime Institute. "Fast Facts about Meth" and "Methamphetamine, Frequently Asked Questions" http://www.kci.org/meth_info/meth_facts.htm and http://www.kci.org/meth_info/faq_meth.htm 2.  Wisconsin Clearinghouse. "Amphetamines- Mind Altering Drug Series", 1991.