Amphetamines - Consequences

Consequences

Amphetamines can be extremely toxic. When uppers are "used without medical supervision, they are potentially dangerous, even for first-time users," warned Murray. People who are high on amphetamines are more likely to take chances and engage in riskier behavior than they would if they were not high. This increases the danger of becoming infected with HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus), which can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), either through unsafe sex or by sharing needles.

Drug abuse among young people is associated with early sexual activity, increased involvement in criminal activities, and higher

Many countries destroy illegal drugs seized in police raids. Here, Thailand officials load packs of amphetamines onto a cart to be burned in an incinerator in December 2004. The amphetamines were among 3.5 tons of drugs taken to the incinerator
Many countries destroy illegal drugs seized in police raids. Here, Thailand officials load packs of amphetamines onto a cart to be burned in an incinerator in December 2004. The amphetamines were among 3.5 tons of drugs taken to the incinerator. Pornchai Kittiwongsakul/AFP/Getty Images.

school dropout rates. Amphetamine users often take other drugs along with uppers. This can increase the likelihood of becoming involved in accidents. It can also contribute to the development of physical, mental, and emotional problems, including high rates of infection, phobiasExtreme and often unexplainable fears of certain objects or situations., depression, and suicidal tendencies.

Infants born to mothers dependent on amphetamines have an increased risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. The infants may actually experience symptoms of drug withdrawal. Mothers taking the drug should not breast-feed their babies, since amphetamine is excreted in human milk. A number of studies using rodents as test animals indicate that women should not take amphetamines at all when pregnant.