Amphetamines (Speed, Whizz)

Sniffing (Snorting):

Speed is chopped finely with a razorblade and arranged in lines on a smooth surface. The lines are then sniffed, usually through a rolled-up banknote.
Much illegally produced amphetamine is amphetamine sulphate. It comes as a powder or more rarely crystals. It should be white, but can be anything from bright pink to dirty grey.

Paper Wrap
Dexedrine, a yellow or white tablet, is the only amphetamine still available to doctors.
Speed can be taken in a variety of ways; snorted or dabbed on a finger and placed on the tongue are the most common. Speed can also be smoked or injected.

WHAT IS AMPHETAMINE?

Amphetamine is a stimulant drug.
It produces sensations of alertness, confidence and well being and seems to raise levels of energy and stamina.
It lessens the desire to eat and sleep.
It costs Ł10 for a gram.

IS AMPHETAMINE ADDICTIVE?

Regular use can produce a need to increase the dose to get the same effect.
Amphetamine can produce powerful craving for the drug.
Long-term use can produce serious mental and physical problems.

HOW IS AMPHETAMINE USED?

Amphetamine can be sniffed, swallowed or injected.
Swallowing the drug, either mixed in a drink or wrapped in a cigarette paper is the safest method of using amphetamine. The effect comes on gradually and lasts longer than with other methods.
Sniffing amphetamine takes effect faster than swallowing but it can damage the nose.
Injecting is the riskiest method of using amphetamine.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INJECTING?

Behaviour can become more compulsive, as users chase `the rush' that is produced by injecting.
The dose reaches the brain almost immediately, increasing the possibility of overdose.
Impurities are introduced directly into the bloodstream and can cause septicaemia and other infections.
Repeated injections damage the veins, leading to thrombosis and abscesses.
Sharing syringes can cause hepatitis and HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS.
Clean needles are available from some chemists or needle exchange schemes.

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS ASSOCIATED WITH AMPHETAMINE?

When the drug wears off, there can be an unpleasant `comedown'. Users feel tired, lethargic and depressed. This leads some people to take more speed, to try to avoid the comedown.
Although rare, high doses of amphetamine can cause seizures and death from overdose.
Loss of appetite may lead to weight loss. Many users become physically run down, which leaves them susceptible to a wide range of infections.
Amphetamine use may become compulsive or dependent.
Extended use of amphetamine can cause psychosis. The user may think that everybody is out to get them, or they are being followed or watched.
Amphetamine use can also trigger underlying psychiatric problems. Some people use just a single dose of the drug and enter a psychotic state.

SPEEDING IS AGAINST THE LAW

Possessing amphetamine is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and unlimited fine.
Supplying amphetamine (including giving some to a friend) is punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
It stays in the urine for 2-4 days.

Sniffing (Snorting): Speed is chopped finely with a razorblade and arranged in lines on a smooth surface. The lines are then sniffed, usually through a rolled-up banknote.
	Much illegally produced amphetamine is amphetamine sulphate. It comes as a powder or more rarely crystals. It should be white, but can be anything from bright pink to dirty grey.
Paper Wrap
		Dexedrine, a yellow or white tablet, is the only amphetamine still available to doctors.
	Speed can be taken in a variety of ways; snorted or dabbed on a finger and placed on the tongue are the most common. Speed can also be smoked or injected.