The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

What are Amphetamines?

Amphetamines are a stimulant drug, which temporarily increases the activity of an organism or any of its parts.  Amphetamines trigger the release of adrenaline, which stimulates the central nervous system.  Amphetamines are sold under a variety of different names, but they are commonly known as speed or bennies.  Amphetamines come in a tablet or capsule form.  Abusers can grind and sniff the capsules or even shoot the drug into their body by making it into a solution.  Amphetamines speed up the physical and mental processes, lessen fatigue, boost energy and create a sense of excitement, but there are serious side effects and long-term risks.

Amphetamine users generally feel confident of their ability to think clearly and perform any task even though amphetamines, in fact, do not boost performance or thinking.  Higher doses of amphetamines can make a person feel wired, talkative, excited, anxious or moody.  If the drug is taken intravenously, the person will feel a rush of elation and confidence, but they can also be confused, ramble or speak incoherently, feel very anxious, suffer from headaches and palpitations.

Amphetamines are addictive.  Users can develop dependence on the drug with occasional or daily use.  Taking high doses of amphetamines is dangerous because they can cause rapid or irregular heartbeats called palpitations, loss of coordination and tremors.  If the drug is injected, the user may experience sudden increases in blood pressure, which could cause high fevers, heart failure or a fatal stroke.

Amphetamine users can develop an acute paranoid psychosis.  This means the user may hear, see, and feel things that don't exist.  The user may also have delusions, become paranoid or violent.  Amphetamine use can also lead to delirium, which is a state of mental confusion and disorganization.

If you would like more information about amphetamines, please contact the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at 800-662-4357, or visit them online at csat.samhsa.gov.

You can also contact the Drug and Alcohol Rehab Referral Network at 800-515-3277, or visit them online at www.drugandalcoholrehab.net.

Phone code: 1773