Amphetamines are also known as "speed", "whizz" and "sulph". They are stimulants - that is, they activate or excite the central nervous system to make the user feel more energetic, alert and awake.

Amphetamines are found in a variety of forms:a powder available in a variety of colours and textures, folded in a piece of paper, in capsules in tablets.

Amphetamines bought on the street will not be pure, and the smaller the quantity bought, the less pure it will be. Powders can be only about 10% purity - the other 90% can be anything from glucose powder to paracetamol.

Amphetamines are taken in several ways snorted (sniffed), dabbed (licking the powder off the finger), injected - and as with any drug, injecting carries the added risk of infecting yourself or others with HIV or Hepatitis. Whether injected or taken orally, there is a "buzz" or "rush" produced which brings an overwhelming sense of euphoria and elation.

Amphetamines can give you confidence and energy, keep you alert, awake and happy. Users may also find an increased ability to concentrate. HOWEVER Even with low doses, it may be that you feel:Paranoid, Aggressive, Diarrhoea, Palpitations, Talkative and with higher doses flushing, sweating, headaches, teeth grinding.

AMPHETAMINE PSYCOSIS
It is possible that users may experience this no matter how much or little is used. Amphetamine psychosis is characterised by the following:excessive mood swings, irritability, agitation, confusion and maybe bouts of uncontrolled violent behaviour

Those who use amphetamines on a regular basis will begin to build up a tolerance to the drug after a relatively short period of time, with prolonged use, psychological dependence will develop where the user feels that they cannot function properly without the drug.

Users dependent on the drug have a generally poor state of health, particularly mental health, and severe depression, mental illness and even suicide can result.

An overdose of amphetamine sulphate causes the body temperature to rise and there is a danger of hallucinations, convulsions and possibly death.

Stopping after long term use will reduce the psychosis symptoms and they may eventually go away, but the user will also go through withdrawals including:cramps, sweating, fever, extreme fatigue, hunger, depression.

THE LAW
Amphetamines are a Class B drug - so if you are caught with it for personal use you could be facing up to 5 years in prison and a fine, but for selling it on (dealing) you're facing a much larger sentence - up to 14 years and a bigger fine BUT If you prepare amphetamine for injection, it is then considered a Class A drug, so you are looking at bigger sentences still.

Amphetamine was given to troops in the second world war.