What Are Amphetamines?

Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Meth and Amphetamines and other Substance Abuse topics.

What are amphetamines?

What Are Amphetamines?

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that have been around for more than a century. They have some legitimate medical uses -- the U.S. Army, for instance, prescribes "go pills" (Dexedrine) for pilots who need to stay awake while flying long missions. Paradoxically, some amphetamines cause a calming reaction in people with attention-deficit disorder. It wasn't until 2006 that Major League Baseball explicitly banned amphetamine use by players and began testing them for the drugs, which were once common in clubhouses.

Amphetamines -- particularly methamphetamine, a stronger derivative of the standard "speed" pills -- are addictive, meaning a patient develops a physical dependence and a set of drug-seeking behaviors. They also have significant physical and emotional ill effects.

Meth addiction has become a growing cause of concern in drug detox programs and law enforcement settings, particularly in western states.

   

Comments

Nobody has commented on this tip yet. Be the first.



Name:


URL: (optional)


Comment:


Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Substance Abuse Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Susan Sayour
Buy My Book