For Parents
Amphetamines are synthetic psychoactive drugs that stimulate or increase the action of the central nervous system. Amphetamines may be smoked, injected, inhaled, or taken orally as a capsule or tablet. Methamphetamine is the primary form of amphetamine seen in the United States making up 94 percent of all amphetamine treatment admissions reported to the Treatment Episodes Data Set in 1999. Methamphetamine was develop from it parent drug, amphetamine and is similar in its chemical makeup, but it has more pronounced effects on the central nervous system. Street methamphetamine is referred to by names, such as speed, meth, and chalk. Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking, is referred to as ice, crystal, and glass. Both drugs have limited medical uses, primarily in the treatment of obesity.
Legally produced amphetamines may be sold on the black market but quality and quantity of the drug may vary. Underground chemists have also developed a "look-alike" amphetamine. Look-alikes are drugs manufactured to look like real amphetamines and mimic their effects. They are sold on the street as "speed" or "uppers" and are expensive, even though they are a weak substitute for amphetamines. The drugs contain varying amounts of less potent stimulants such as caffeine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine-all legal substances that are usually found in over-the-counter diet pills and decongestants.
Methamphetamine is produced in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive ingredients that can be purchased over the counter making it a drug with a high potential for abuse. It is a white, odorless crystal like powder that readily dissolves in water or alcohol.
Signs of Amphetamine / Methamphetamine Use
These signs may indicate the use of amphetamines:- Dilated pupils
- Dry mouth and nose
- Bad breath
- Frequent lip licking
- Excessive activity, difficulty sitting still, lack of interest in food or sleep
- Irritable, moody, nervous
- Argumentative
- Talkative
The effects of any drug depends on the amount taken, the users past drug-use experience, and the method of administration.
Small doses of amphetamines reduce appetite, increase respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure, and dilute the pupils. Moderate doses can cause dry mouth, fever, sweating, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite. Large doses of amphetamines may cause flushing, pallor, rapid and irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination or physical collapse. Injecting amphetamines creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can cause death from stroke, high fever, or heart failure.
Even in small doses, methamphetamines can increase wakefulness and physical activity and decrease appetite. There can be a variety of cardiovascular problems, such as rapid and irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and irreversible stroke producing damage to small blood vessels in the brain. High doses can elevate body temperature to dangerous and sometimes lethal levels, as well as cause convulsions. Chronic methamphetamine abuse can result in inflammation of the heart lining, and for users who inject the drug, skin abscesses may occur.
In addition to the physical effects of amphetamines and methamphetamines users may feel restless, anxious and moody. Increased doses intensify the effects, and users may become excited or talkative and experience a false sense of self-confidence or superiority. They may behave in a bizarre manner; some become aggressive and hostile.
What Does Meth Look Like?
Meth comes in many forms, including powders and crystals like those shown below.
