What is it?
Amphetamine is a white, pink, yellow or greyish powder, or occasionally a pill. Users often buy it in folded paper envelopes (wraps).
They take it either by swallowing it, inhaling it up their nose (snorting) or by injecting.
How does it make you feel?
Amphetamine is a stimulant. About half an hour after taking it you feel more alert, confident and energetic.
But as the effects wear off, you begin to 'come down' and you may feel tired, anxious and depressed.
Most users find they can’t sleep or eat properly until they’ve fully come down, which can take days.
What are the health effects?
Amphetamine affects memory and concentration. It can also cause dehydration, panic attacks and hallucinations and could lead to heart strain.
Like most illegal drugs, it’s often sold mixed with other substances like oven cleaner or sugar, which can have damaging health effects of their own.
Amphetamines can be addictive. Plus the more often you take it, the more you need to have the same effect.
When regular users stop taking it, they get side effects like heart palpitations, angina, depression or even convulsions, coma and brain haemorrhage.
The law
Amphetamines are class B drugs - illegal to have, give away or sell. If prepared for injection, they become a class A drug, and can get you tougher sentencing if you're caught with it or selling it.
If you're convicted of owning amphetamines (possession) you could face a fine and a prison sentence of five (class B) to seven (class A) years.
If you’re convicted of selling amphetamines (supply) you could face a fine and prison sentence of 14 years (class B) to life (class A).
Further help and advice
• Talktofrank.com
• Thesite.org
• Adfam.org.uk
• Radio 1 OneLife
Or you can call Childline on 0800 1111 (free) or The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (cost of a local call), 24/7, to talk about your problems.
Disclaimer: the BBC can't be held responsible for the content of external websites.
