Amphetamines (Speed, Whizz, Uppers)
Amphetamines
The misuse, abuse or dependence on any recreational drug can seriously damage your mental health. Although an argument exists that anything taken in moderation can’t be harmful, using drugs to pump yourself up, anaesthetize feeling of depression, shyness or lack of confidence, can often delay a diagnosis of the real problem and make you feel worse. Anyone who knows they have a mental illness or an addictive personality should exercise extreme caution where taking any recreational drugs is concerned.
Amphetamines (speed, whizz, uppers)
Amphetamines were originally introduced into the UK in the 1930s as a treatment for colds, flu and hay fever.
The most common is speed – one of the most impure drugs in circulation – often mixed with talcum powder or bicarbonate of soda. Amphetamines were distributed during the Second World War among English, German, Italian and Japanese soldiers as a supplement to war rations. At the end of the war, the surplus flooded the streets and caused many addiction problems.
Medical use: Ritalin is an amphetamine-related drug used in the treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Amphetamines were used for weight loss but are no longer commonly prescribed.
Effects: Last for several hours – like an adrenalin rush, with breathing and heart rate increasing. Appetite is suppressed and users feel increased energy and confidence. Risk of dehydration with body temperature rising. It is most commonly found in the form of powder which is sniffed up the nose. Usage does not cancel fatigue and hunger but merely postpones them until the following day, when the user can wake up feeling lethargic ravenously hungry and deeply depressed (the speed blues).
For obvious reasons, anyone suffering from a manic depressive condition should not consider taking speed.
