AMPHETAMINES, SPEED, WHIZZ, BASE, BILLY WHIZZ, UPPERS, SULPH, SULPHATE

What are amphetamines?

Amphetamines (most commonly amphetamine sulphate) are stimulants, which act on the central nervous system.

Although prescribed in the past for slimming purposes, doctors now feel there are few reasons to prescribe them, because of the side effects from long term use. Their popularity as a 'club' drug seems to be slowly rising again after losing prominence to other stimulants, like ecstasy and cocaine in the 1990s, and more recently to methamphetamine.

Amphetamine sulphate comes in the form of a powder which is usually a dull white, but may sometimes be other colours such as pink. It's usually sold in small paper packets called 'wraps'. A smokeable form of amphetamine is also available, known as 'base'. This looks more like a paste than a powder and is usually grey in colour. What are the desired effects of amphetamines?

In general the user's whole nervous system will be excited and speeded up. This means increased heart rate and breathing, and dilated pupils. Sweating may occur as the body heats up and appetite is suppressed. Users will usually feel energetic, alert and talkative.

How are amphetamines used?

The most common ways of using amphetamines are either to swallow ('bomb') them or to sniff ('snort') them. A relatively rare method of using speed, known as 'dabbing,' involves rubbing the drug into the gums. This damages the gums and can lead to mouth ulcers. They can also be dissolved in water and injected. As purity levels are on average very low (about 5-10%), there is an added risk from the impurities when they are injected.

What are the risks of injecting amphetamines & how you can inject more safely?

When amphetamine is injected and any injecting equipment is shared (needles, syringes, spoons, filters or other paraphernalia), there is a risk of contractingHepatitis B and C, HIV (which can lead to AIDS) and other blood-borne diseases. These viruses are extremely resilient, and normal cleaning will not eliminate them, particularly in the case of Hepatitis, which can live outside the body for three months. People who are infected with these viruses usually appear healthy, and may not develop the disease for years. From the moment someone is infected however, they carry the virus in their blood, and can infect others through sexual intercourse (particularly with HIV) and sharing any injecting equipment, even spoons and filters.

Those who inject can protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis by always using clean equipment, obtainable from needle exchanges and some chemists, and not sharing with anyone else.

What are the adverse effects of amphetamines?

Often, the day after using, users will feel generally fatigued. During binge use, this may be more severe. When frequently used, lack of sleep and poor diet may lead to the problems associated with being generally run-down.

Long-term use can lead to mood swings, from confident and alert to anxious and irritable. In its most extreme form, this can lead to severe paranoia / psychosis. A good diet can help to accelerate recovery.

Are amphetamines addictive?

Tolerance can build up, so that more has to be taken to produce the same effect. Users may find that they take the drug more frequently in order to avoid the 'come down' during which they feel tired and depressed.

This, together with feeling more able to cope when taking amphetamine, can lead a small number of people to find it hard to do without the stimulating effects of the drug. Although withdrawal symptoms are not primarily physical, they may include depression, exhaustion and lethargy.

Mixing

As a powerful stimulant and popular dance / club drug, amphetamine is usually associated with polydrug use (the use of several drugs simultaneously or consecutively). It is most commonly combined with other popular 'club' drugs, like ecstasy, cannabis and alcohol. A small number of users combine it with cocaine, although it is more usual to substitute one of these drugs for the other.

What are the detection times?

Detection times need to be considered in conjunction with the weight, age, gender and general health of the user. The following figures are intended as a rough guide to the elimination times of amphetamine from the body. Amphetamines are detectable in hair samples for 6 months after use and longer, although the accuracy of the tests declines with time. They are measurable in urine for up to 72 hours and in saliva for up to 48 hours. The presence and quantity of amphetamines can be detected in blood for up to 24 hours after use.

What is the legal position?

Amphetamine is a Class B drug unless prepared for injection, in which case it becomes a Class A drug. It is illegal to possess (unless prescribed), supply or produce amphetamine.

It is illegal for occupiers of premises, or anyone concerned in the management of premises, to allow those premises to be used for the production or supply of any controlled drug.

Being unfit to drive under the influence of any intoxicant, including amphetamine, is an offence which is likely to lead to the loss of your driving licence. Getting your licence back and obtaining insurance after losing it are likely to be difficult.

Sentences, especially for supply (including giving or selling to friends), can be heavy. Possession of even a small quantity of amphetamine can lead to a charge for intent to supply. Sentences for drug offences depend upon the quantities involved, previous convictions and other relevant circumstances.

On the 18 January 2007 Methylamphetamine was reclassified from a Class B drug to Class A drug. This means that sentences for possession or supply will be likely to more severe than those given for offences involving other amphetamines which remain controlled as Class B drugs.

For further clarification of the current legal position please call our legal helpline or consult your solicitor.