Amphetamines Facts

Various amphetamines facts may or may not be known to users. Most people who take amphetamines are aware of the boost in energy that comes with taking the drugs but have no clue about the dangers or the side effects of amphetamine use and the risks associated with amphetamine addiction.  Amphetamines are a class of drugs that are synthetic meaning that they are synthesized or created in a lab.  They cause a psychoactive effect on the Central Nervous System which results in a stimulant reaction.

Medications that contain amphetamines may be prescribed to help people who suffer from narcolepsy, obesity, ADD or ADHD.  Amphetamine molecules can be modified to produce specific bodily reactions such as appetite suppression or certain cardiovascular actions. Unfortunately, there is much controversy over whether the use of amphetamines for weight loss or to control certain behaviors associated with Attention Disorders is worth the dangerous side effects that come with sustained or repeat amphetamine use.  One thing that doctors do agree on in the successful treatment of narcolepsy with amphetamine based prescription medications.

Below is some information on amphetamines, facts that you may or may not have known:

Amphetamines Facts

Amphetamine abuse can lead to psychological issues.

  • Amphetamines can be ingested, crushed and snorted, dissolved in water and injected or smoked
  • Physiologically, using amphetamines and cocaine is much the same except the effects of amphetamines last much longer than cocaine
  • Parkinson’s disease is sometimes treated with amphetamines due to the reaction that the CNS has to the drug
  • Sustained amphetamine use can lead to physiological and behavioral disorders or toxic psychosis
  • Studies estimate that between 2 & 4 million children have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD and been prescribed amphetamines
  • Chronic amphetamine use can lead to erratic behavior, violence and psychosis that is similar to schizophrenia
  • Amphetamines are often referred to by various street names including speed, crank, pep pills and black beauties
  • According to the World Health Organization, there are about 20 countries in which the use of Amphetamine type stimulants is more widespread than the use of heroin and cocaine combined.
  • Methamphetamine use is increasing in many countries and the presentation of methamphetamine psychosis cases to mental health services providers is on the rise.

These are just some of the facts about amphetamines that many people don’t even realize.  In fact, some people who use these drugs are simply unaware of the long term effects of amphetamines on the body or the dangers associated with amphetamine addiction.  Even legal amphetamines such as those used to treat ADD or ADHD, like Adderall, have inherent dangers associated with long term or excessive use.