What are amphetamines?
Amphetamines are a group of drugs that are synthetically made. Amphetamines usually come as white, yellow or brown powder and as small white crystals. The most common way of using amphetamines is to inhale their fumes.

Various street names: Shabu-shabu, SS, Ubas, Ice, etc.
Stimulants like amphetamines, affect the central nervous system by speeding up the activity of certain chemicals in the brain. Other stimulants include caffeine and cocaine.

What are the immediate effects of amphetamines?
Reduced appetite
Increased rate in breathing and pulse
Enlarged pupils
Feeling of well-being; greater confidence and energy
Sleeplessness
Hyperactivity and talkativeness
Panic attacks
Irritability and aggressiveness

What are the long-term effects of amphetamines?
Decreased resistance to infections and disease
Heavy users are likely to suffer from malnutrition
Amphetamine psychosis. This includes delusions, hallucinations and bizarre behavior
Need to take other drugs to deal with the effects
Dependence, the user's body adapts to the drug

Other dangers and effects

Tolerance and Dependence
Amphetamine tolerance means the user has to take greater and more regular doses of the drug to achieve the original effects. The drug also becomes central to the user's thoughts, emotions and activities making it difficult to stop or reduce use. This is called dependence.

Overdose
Amphetamines are often mixed with other dangerous ingredients, so it's impossible to know how the body will react. It is also difficult to know what dose of the drug is being taken. This can cause overdosing.

An amphetamine overdose can cause:
Irregular heartbeat
Heart attack
Very high fever
Burst of blood vessels in the brain
Death
Crime
Users often commit crimes to sustain their amphetamine addiction. They steal from their parents of relatives both money and things they can sell. They may also be involved in more serious criminal activity that could lead to prison or put them in situations of extreme danger.

Signs of overdose:
Paleness
Unconsciousness
Weak pulse
Convulsions
Shallow/difficult breathing
If any of these symptoms appear, get help. Leaving someone in this condition can be fatal.

Steps to take while help arrives:
Clear the breathing passage. (nose and mouth)
Lay victim on his side. (to prevent choking)
Check for breathing
Check heart beat.

When help arrives, inform the medics what the victim overdosed on. This is information that can save their lives.