Amphetamine

Amphetamine (alpha-methylphenethylamine) is a synthetic drug classified as a stimulant.

Amphetamine is typically used orally, by snorting, or intravenously by injection. [1] [2] The purity of amphetamine circulating in Finland varies. [3] [4] In Europe, caffeine is at least used to dilute the powder, sometimes along with other psychoactive substances. [5] [6]

Legal status: Amphetamine is classified as a narcotic in Finland. Its use, purchase, sale, and possession are prohibited. [7] [8] The Supreme Court has ruled that amphetamine is an extremely dangerous narcotic. [9]

How does it work?

Amphetamine has a stimulating effect on both the brain and the peripheral nervous system. It increases the activity of several neurotransmitters, especially dopamine and noradrenaline, and to a lesser extent serotonin. [10] [11] The effects of amphetamine, along with their intensity and duration, depend on the purity of the substance, the size of the dose, and the method of use. Individual sensitivity also plays a role. [11] When used intravenously, the effect of amphetamine begins immediately and is overall stronger. The effect can last up to six hours. [12]

Psychological effects: Amphetamine increases alertness, excitement, and feelings of well-being. Even a small amount of the substance activates a person physically, intellectually, and socially: under the influence of amphetamine, physical energy is abundant, thoughts race, and talkativeness increases. [11] [12] With higher doses, the user may experience intense feelings of euphoria, power, and sexuality. [12] Restlessness, tension, instability, and impulsiveness also increase. The larger the dose, the more likely the experience involves anxiety and paranoia. [10] [11]

Amphetamine reduces sensations of hunger and fatigue. [10] [13]

Physical effects: All amphetamine preparations raise blood pressure and heart rate. This can cause chest pain, arrhythmias, and shortness of breath. [10]

Key risks

Acute risks: Amphetamine stimulates the body, which is associated with life-threatening complications. Symptoms of amphetamine poisoning may include arrhythmias, hyperthermia, intracranial bleeding, or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC syndrome), which can lead to death. [14] However, deaths caused by amphetamine are relatively rare. [12] High doses can trigger psychosis. [11] [12] The likelihood of risks increases with frequent and heavy use.

Impurities and large fluctuations in concentration increase the likelihood of adverse and unexpected effects. [14]

Risks of polydrug use: Combining amphetamine with other stimulants (e.g., cocaine, MDMA) intensifies the body’s stress response. This increases cardiovascular strain. MAO inhibitors and SSRI antidepressants can boost dopamine activity, which can lead to a toxic state known as serotonin syndrome. [11]

Risks of heavy use: Prolonged and heavy use of amphetamine leads to increased anxiety and paranoia. In addition to delusions, paranoia may involve intolerance to normal sounds (hyperacusis), hallucinations, and violent behavior. [11] [12] Amphetamine use can trigger drug-induced psychosis, and chronic use may result in prolonged psychosis. [15] According to studies, about 20% of amphetamine psychoses later develop into schizophrenia. [16]

In addition to psychotic symptoms, amphetamine use can lead to extreme fatigue, sleep problems, malnutrition, and impulsiveness. [11] [12] Heavy amphetamine use also damages the brain. [17]

Intravenous amphetamine use carries the risk of serious infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. [18] [19] Hepatitis C infection is the most common injection-related harm: in Finland, about 75% of people who inject drugs have contracted it. [18] [20] Injection can also cause local infections, which may result from fungi or bacteria entering the bloodstream during injection. [21]

Addiction: Amphetamine can cause strong psychological dependence. Tolerance to the effects increases with use, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. [12]

Quitting amphetamine use typically results in extreme fatigue, exhaustion, depression, suicidal thoughts, and paranoia. [1] [11] [12] These symptoms result from amphetamine’s impact on neurotransmitters: the body essentially tries to repair the damage caused by the drug. [10]

Use during pregnancy: Cardiovascular complications related to amphetamine use are always a risk to the fetus. Use during pregnancy can cause stillbirth. [22] Some studies suggest that amphetamine also increases the risk of brain development disorders, [22] although there is some academic disagreement on this. [11] Babies born to mothers who used amphetamine during pregnancy tend to have lower birth weights. [23]

How can risks be reduced?

Substance use is always risky. Methods for reducing risks can never fully eliminate them.

Some risks associated with amphetamine use can be avoided by not injecting the substance. However, if amphetamine is used intravenously, it is crucial to always use only clean, personal injection equipment and preparation tools. This is the best way to prevent infectious diseases related to intravenous drug use.

Used needles and syringes can be exchanged for clean ones at health counseling centers.

If you’re seeking support to quit using amphetamine, it’s recommended to explore Päihdelinkki’s task workbook that encourages cessation. Stopping long-term use may result in severe mental health issues, which generally require professional support to overcome.