AMPHETAMINES AND RELATED DRUGS

Methamphetamines
Referred to as speed, meth, crystal, crank,

or ice. Methamphetamine is a powerful, synthetic central nervous system stimulant. Produces a longer high than cocaine and is typically less expensive by comparison. It stays in the body 10 times longer too.

 Methamphetamine is generally a white or

off-white powder that can be ingested in several ways:

Orally
Snorted

Injected
Smoked

Short Term Side Effects

Excessive Talking Increased Activity Nervousness Decreased Fatigue

Anxiety / Panic Attacks

Hallucinations Nervousness

Excessive Sweating
Skin Welts Violent / Suicidal Behavior

Long Term Side Effects

Methamphetamine use can cause serious long term side effects that can affect the user for the rest of their life:
Immune System Damage
Psychological Problems Severe Brain Damage

Fatal Kidney Disorders

Fatal Lung Disorders Birth Defects

Stroke
Death

Ecstasy
An MDMA

(Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) drug, also known as XTC, E, X, rolls, or Adam. Is a popular club drug, promoted as enhancing closeness to others, affection, and communication abilities. It is a type of stimulant that also produces hallucinogenic effects.

 Ecstasy usually comes in the form of a tablet, in various shapes, sizes and colours.

The effects of ecstasy may start to be felt

within 20 minutes to 1 hour after an ecstasy pill has been swallowed and may last for approximately 6 hours.

Effects of Low to moderate doses

increased confidence and increased blood pressure

energy lowered inhibitions feelings of wellbeing feelings of closeness to others empathy anxiety paranoia, aggression and psychosis poor muscle control and unsteadiness muscle aches and stiffness

& heart rate nausea loss of appetite increased body temperature sweating skin tingles dilated pupils heightened sensations (sight, hearing, touch) jaw clenching teeth grinding.

Effects of higher doses

floating sensations vomiting high body temperature high blood pressure increased heartbeat hallucinations irrational or bizarre behaviour

convulsions

AMPHETAMINES
Metabolism: Are taken orally; well- absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, excreted basically unchanged by the kidney; and continue to have an effect until cleared.

AMPHETAMINES
OVERDOSE TREATMENT Cause tachycardia Induction of vomiting Severe hypertension Acidification of the urine Cardiac ischemia Cerebral hemorrhage Forced diuresis Seizures Coma

AMPHETAMINES
WITHDRAWAL Physical withdrawal is relatively MILD Psychological withdrawal is SEVERE For individuals withdrawing under medical supervision, the withdrawal process is GRADUAL AND SAFE. Without medical supervision causes AGITATION, IRRITABILITY and SEVERE DEPRESSION, FREQUENTLY WITH SUICIDAL IDEATION. Withdrawal from cocaine causes intense craving for the drug.