Background

This family of drugs includes Amphetamines and Methamphetamine. Amphetamines includes precription drugs such as Dexedrine, Desoxyn, and Ritalin, which go by street names such as speed, bennies, black beauties, uppers, eye-openers, white crosses, double crosses, and cartwheels. Prescribing of the legal forms of amphetamine (schedule II) is highly regulated, but it is often prescribed for obesity, narcolepsy, Attention Deficit Disorder, or Medial Brain Dysfunction.

The illicit forms, such as Methamphetamine, are legally classified as Schedule I drugs, meaning that they have a high potential for abuse and little or no legitimate medical use. The illicit forms are commonly known by the names Crank, Meth, and Crystal.

These drugs are central nervous system stimulants. Common forms include white crystalline powder which is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. Methamphetamine is freely soluble in both alcohol and water. The powder form sometimes comes in chunks or crystals that are white or off-white. The prescription varieties are available in a variety of capsules and tablets of different colors. The routes of administration can include "snorting" the powder, injecting a solution into the bloodstream, or swallowing a capsule or tablet. They can even be smoked.

Sometimes these drugs are mixed with other drugs to form a "cocktail", such as mixing amphetamine/methamphetamine with barbituates which is known as a "goofball". The drugs can also be mixed with heroin for a "speedball". Sometimes they are also mixed with LSD or PCP.

Effects

After injecting these drugs, users can experience a rush of pleasure similar to orgasm or electric shock. Appetite is reduced. There is increased alertness, euphoria, excitement, creativity, and power. Sex drive can be altered. Users may experience restlessness, dizziness, confusion, depression, or irritability. There is also the possibility of paranoia, distorted perceptions, and hallucinations.

Physical effects can include:

• increased heart rate
• increased breathing rate
• irregular heartbeat
• facial flushing
• dry mouth
• foul taste in mouth
• diarrhea
• suppressed appetite
• retraction of gum tissue
• impotence
• increased urine output
• increased temperature
• fainting
• sweating
• fever
• convulsions
• coma
• hemorrhage

Special Characteristics

A methamphetamine "run" of three to five days can produce euphoria which is replaced by agitation on the second day, along with frightening visual images and exhaustion. An amphetamine "run" may produce psychosis which can bring on uncontrollable violent behavior similar to paranoid schizophrenia. This type of psychosis can be very difficult to differentiate from schizophrenia and often a urine test is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Users can experience a "crash" after long periods of usage. The crash can result in depression and suicidal ideation.

Are You Dependent?

• Do you use speed regularly?

• Do you think about how and when you're going to use speed again?

• Is your work or school performance affected by your drug use?

• Are you having problems with family and friends?

• Do you spend more on speed than you can afford?

• Do you use drugs in addition to amphetamines?

Fact: Speed users reach a plateau where no pleasure is possible.

Other Resources

Indiana Prevention Resource Center