Amphetamines are a class of drugs that has dramatically increased in usage recently.  The use of these particular drugs is becoming a major problem in cities across the United States. In fact, entire towns are being destroyed by the use of this drug.  Local law-enforcement agencies and drug rehabilitation centers are seeing an increased amount of individuals either being arrested or seeking help to quit using amphetamines.

Amphetamines are psychomotor stimulants. They are extremely powerful and people who take them experience feelings of euphoria. This is because the drug releases dopamine and adrenaline both excitatory neurotransmitters. Dopamine helps individuals feel good and is largely responsible for the drug's lure.  Individuals also feel very powerful, confident, focused, strong, extremely motivated and they receive a lot of energy when they are on amphetamines.

You have likely heard people on amphetamines such as meth, being able to stay up for days at a time. They may also forgo eating, this is because amphetamines allow individuals to get by without much sleep or food.

The effects of amphetamines generally last for the few hours. After that time individuals who are addicted will begin to look for more drugs to experience that high again.  After a person comes "down", they generally feel very depressed and tired.  This is because their stores of dopamine have been depleted. As a result, in order to combat this depression individuals take the drugs again and continue to do so.

While some people feel euphoria and happiness, other individuals get violent. These people consequently, find themselves in violent situations either as the perpetrator or the victim more often than then they might if they were not high.

Those who become addicted to amphetamines or use them on a consistent basis may find themselves feeling depressed, may develop psychosis, have heart problems and find that they no longer act like their old selves.

One of the most popular and widely used amphetamines is meth. Speed is another well known amphetamine.  Ice, is a form of meth and is extremely potent.  Those addicted to meth who attempt to stop may experience cravings for the drugs, depression, psychosis, tiredness, feelings of paranoia and inertia.

Amphetamines are also used in legal drugs.  They might be prescribed for those who suffer from asthma, hay fever and to treat colds. Doctors may also give it to individuals who suffer from depression, epileptic seizures, obesity, Parkinson's disease, narcolepsy, impotency and even to children that have problems with hyperactivity. Examples of pharmaceutical amphetamines include Ritalin, Dexetrine and Benzedrine.

The physical results of long-term amphetamine use may result in a fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, retraction of gum tissue, profuse sweating, hemorrhage, convulsions, dry mouth and even death. These are all very serious and possibly even deadly. If you or someone you know has an addiction to amphetamines, please get help.