Amphetamines

Amphetamines facts

Street names

Speed, whizz, billy, crank, meth, pink champagne, amphet.

How they affect you

Are they legal?

Generally they’re illegal, as Class B drugs, but are Class A if prepared for injection.
Class B means you could go to prison for up to 5 years for possession, and Class A means it could be up to 7 years.
Some are legal, but only if on prescription to you from a doctor, e.g. Ritalin and Dexedrine.

Risks, signs and symptoms

Overuse can cause anxiety, panic attacks, irritability and aggressive behaviour, as well as weight loss and illness, because of eating poorly and generally not looking after yourself.
Regular use can bring on a state of intense paranoia – feeling terrified of things around you.
If you have a heart condition, there is a particular risk of death from heart problems.
Depending on how you take, an amphetamine it can damage your nasal lining, gums or stomach. If you inject it, it can cause permanent damage to your body.
It can also make your jaw feel tight, which can make you grind your teeth and chew constantly.
Amphetamines can reduce your sexual sensitivity and performance.
The comedown can cause aches and pains, hunger, tiredness, depression and loss of self-esteem.
If you snort drugs, the lining of your nose often breaks and bleeds, and you can easily get an infection.
Injecting amphetamines is especially dangerous. It can badly damage your veins and there’s the added risk of catching a dangerous disease if you share equipment.

How you can reduce the risks

The only way to fully reduce the risks from amphetamines is to not take them.
If you have a heart condition, it’s especially important to avoid any stimulants.
If you use amphetamines, don’t share any drug equipment.
Always carry condoms, if there’s a chance you may have sex.
If you’re feeling anxious, agitated or aggressive, try to reduce your use and get medical help.
Stimulants stop you feeling hungry and keep you awake, so you need to sleep and eat to recover.