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Amphetamines

Treatment

It takes several days to help a person recover from an acute amphetamine reaction. It is important to control body temperature and to reassure a person undergoing the psychological effects of the drug. In order to control violent behavior, tranquilizers are administered to quiet the patient. Treatment of the depression which is an after-effect of heavy usage is also required. Patients will seek to deal with the fatigue that comes after the body has eliminated the drug by resuming its use. A long-term program for maintaining abstinence from the drug has to be adhered to. Just as in the case of recovery from alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse, recovering addicts benefit from support groups.

Resources

Books

Clayton, Lawrence. Amphetamines and Other Stimulants. New York: Rosen Publishing Group, 1998.

Conolly, Sean. Amphetamines (Just the Facts). Oxford: Heinemann Library, 2000.

Klaassen, Curtis D. Casarett and Doull's Toxicology. 6th ed. Columbus: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 2001.

O'Neil, Maryadele J. Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, & Biologicals. 13th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., 2001.

Shapiro, Harry. Waiting for the Man. New York: William Morrow, 1988.

Stimmel, Barry. The Facts About Drug Use. New York: Haworth Medical Press, 1991.


Periodicals

Chan, Paul, et al. "Fatal and Nonfatal Methamphetamine Intoxication in the Intensive Care Unit." Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology 32 (June 1994): 147-56.

Kiefer, D.M. "Chemistry Chronicles: Miracle Medicines." Today's Chemist 10, no. 6 (June 2001): 59-60.

Steele, M.T. "Screening for Stimulant Use in Adult Emergency Department Seizure Cases." Journal of Toxocology 38, no.6 (2001): 609-613.


Jordan Richman

KEY TERMS

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AIDS

—Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; a fatal viral disease contracted by a virus transmitted through the blood or body fluids.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

—A childhood condition marked by extreme restlessness and the inability to concentrate, which is sometimes treated with amphetamines.

Crashing

—Coming down from a prolonged drug high such as that produced by amphetamines.

Euphoria

—Feelings of elation and well being produced by drugs like amphetamines.

HIV

—Human immunodeficiency virus, which leads to AIDS.

Ice

—Crystalline methamphetamine that is smoked to produce a high.

Neurotransmitters

—Chemicals produced in the brain, which are responsible for different emotional states.

Paranoia

—Delusions of persecution; one of the main psychotic conditions produced by an excess use of amphetamines.

Speed

—An injectable form of methamphetamine.

Tranquilizers

—Drugs used to pacify anxiety attacks.

Additional topics

Science EncyclopediaScience & Philosophy: Ambiguity - Ambiguity to Anticolonialism in Middle East - Ottoman Empire And The Mandate SystemAmphetamines - History, Ice, Action, Physical And Psychological Effects, Treatment