Amphetamines
August 16, 2023 Addictions
Psychosocial Workers
The different types of amphetamines and amphetamine-based drugs, such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin), are stimulants. Stimulants speed up the activity of the central nervous system. They act like adrenaline, a stimulant hormone naturally produced by the body. Cocaine, ecstasy, and caffeine are among the many drugs that have similar effects.
4 dangers of amphetamines
- An overdose can lead to seizures, coma, and death (following a rupture of blood vessels in the brain), heart failure, or a very high fever
- Amphetamine use is linked to dangerous and violent behaviour and increased injury and sexually transmitted diseases
- Amphetamines can cause strange or repetitive behaviours, hallucinations, and paranoia
- Injecting any drug can put the user at risk of infection, either from a used needle or from impurities in the drug, and sharing needles can lead to transmission of hepatitis or HIV
Did you know?
Between the 1930s and 1970s, different types of amphetamines were available over the counter.
As a result, the medical benefits of certain amphetamines were identified.
In the 1970s, laws restricted the medical use of these drugs. Today, only dextro-amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate, or amphetamine mixed salts are manufactured for medical use to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. The remaining amphetamines are all manufactured in illegal laboratories.
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