What are
amphetamines?
The substances within the amphetamines group are all
based on the amphetamine molecule. The group includes
drugs such as amphetamine, methamphetamine and
dexamphetamine. Street names include: speed, crank,
goey, meth, ice, crystal, base, tweak, yaba, shabu, glass
etc. After cannabis and ecstasy, amphetamines are the third
most widely used illicit drugs in Australia. Recent research
suggests that while around 6% of Australians have ever
used amphetamines, their use appears to be in decline over
the past few years.
Methamphetamine is the most common type of
amphetamine available in Australia and is sold in various
forms and at various levels of potency.
Speed – usually a white or slightly pink, yellow or brown
substance, ranging from fine powder to coarse crystals. Can
be snorted, injected or swallowed. Purity varies but generally
less potent than other forms. Most ‘speed’ sold in Australia is
methamphetamine.
Base – oily or waxy paste, often yellow or light brown
in colour. Does not dissolve in water and therefore is not
suitable for injecting or snorting. Usually swallowed or
smoked. Again, purity varies but more potent than speed.
Ice/crystal – translucent or white crystals or crystalline
powder. Can be smoked, snorted, injected or swallowed.
Purity varies but can be as much as 80%. Most potent form
of methamphetamine available.
Dangers of injecting amphetamines
Amphetamines tend to be more irritating or damaging to
body tissue than other drugs. This means a greater chance
of vein damage or inflammation and infection if you miss a
vein. Cutting (adding bulk) or binding (to hold pills together)
agents may not dissolve completely. When injected they can
cause serious vein and/or organ damage.
Psychological effects
Physical effects
(Depending on how much is consumed)
(Depending on how much is consumed)
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Euphoria & self confidence
Elevated mood and sense of wellbeing
Confusion, anxiety and agitation
Repetitive actions (e.g. chain smoking)
Impaired thinking
Aggression, hostility and violent behaviour
From ongoing or frequent heavy use:
• Poor concentration, memory, and thinking
• Extreme mood swings, anxiety, paranoia
• Delirium and depression
• Panic attacks and psychotic symptoms
• Chronic sleeping problems
The type, intensity and duration of the effects when using
amphetamines will depend on three things:
• The form of drug taken – generally the more potent forms
will have longer lasting and more intense effects.
• How the drug is taken – injecting will produce more
intense effects with a faster come-on (often called the
‘rush’), but with a rapid fall off in intensity. Snorting will
be less intense, though the effects will be felt for longer.
Swallowing has the slowest onset, taking up to an hour to
reach full strength, but the effects take the longest to fall
off in intensity.
• What other drugs are used – mixing different substances
(e.g. alcohol, caffeine or cannabis) makes it more difficult
to predict the effects on your body. Using a depressant
like alcohol or cannabis will not ‘cancel out’ the effects
of amphetamines or other stimulants. It will only place
an additional burden on the functioning of your central
nervous system.
Increased heart rate & body temperature
Rapid speech, increased alertness and energy
Impaired co-ordination
High blood pressure or seizures
Rapid or abnormal heart beat
Reduced appetite or nausea & vomiting
Sleeplessness and reduced fatigue
Dilated pupils
Dry mouth
Cerebral haemorrhage (stroke)
Jaw clenching & teeth grinding
From ongoing or frequent heavy use:
• Malnutrition & weight loss
• Seizures
• Cardiovascular complications
• Memory loss, dizziness
• Menstrual problems
‘Serotonin toxicity’ is a potentially fatal condition that can
occur when a person uses stimulants like cocaine, ecstasy,
or amphetamines. The risk is even higher when these
drugs are used in combination with some prescribed antidepressants. Symptoms include confusion, shaking, fever,
coma and uncontrolled jerking movements. If you or anyone
you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical
attention immediately.
All amphetamine use is risky. The best way to
reduce the risk is not to use amphetamines at
all. If you do use, there are things you can do
to reduce the risks to yourself and others (see
‘Reducing the harms’ over the page).