What is it?
Amphetamine-type stimulants are used illicitly and, in specific prescribed forms, medically. Illicit purity varies widely.
Common forms
- Powder or paste
- Tablets
- Prescribed medicines (different context and supervision)
How it affects the body
They increase release of dopamine and noradrenaline, raising alertness, heart rate and body temperature.
Short-term effects
- Increased alertness and energy
- Reduced appetite and sleep
- Jaw clenching
- Anxiety, agitation or paranoia
Long-term effects
- Sleep and mood disturbance
- Weight loss and dental problems
- Cardiovascular strain
- Psychosis with heavy or prolonged use
- Dependence
Dependence and addiction
Dependence can develop when the body and brain adapt to regular use. It is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. Signs people describe include needing more to get the same effect, difficulty cutting down, spending more time thinking about use, and continuing despite harm. Support is available at any stage — you do not need to have reached a crisis point.
Withdrawal
Stopping or reducing after regular use can cause withdrawal. Withdrawal varies between people and depends on how much and how long someone has used, their physical health and other substances involved. Some withdrawal can be medically serious, so it is safer to plan a reduction with a clinician or a drug and alcohol service rather than stopping abruptly alone. Fatigue, low mood, increased appetite and disturbed sleep are commonly described.
Overdose risks
Very high temperature, chest pain, seizures, severe agitation or collapse require an emergency response. Call 999.
Mixing substances
Combining stimulants with each other, or with alcohol or opioids, increases strain on the body and can mask sedation.
Harm-reduction information
- Rest, eat and hydrate — sleep deprivation compounds harm
- Avoid overheating
- Do not share snorting or injecting equipment
- Be cautious with any heart condition or stimulant medicine
When to seek urgent medical help
Call 999 if someone is unconscious or cannot be woken, is having difficulty breathing, has a seizure, has chest pain, becomes very confused or agitated, or you are worried they may have overdosed. For urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call NHS 111. You will not get someone into trouble by calling for medical help.
Treatment and recovery options
- Talking therapies and structured psychosocial support
- Community drug and alcohol services, including self-referral where available
- Medication-assisted treatment where clinically appropriate
- Medically supported withdrawal, arranged and monitored by clinicians
- Peer support and recovery communities
- Residential rehabilitation for some people, usually via assessment
- Support for related needs — mental health, housing, family and welfare
UK support resources
- NHS — health information and service finders (nhs.uk)
- Talk to FRANK — UK drug information service (talktofrank.com)
- Your local community drug and alcohol service — many accept self-referrals
- Local pharmacy teams, who can offer advice and signposting
Sources / references
This page is a plain-language summary written for education. For clinical or legal detail, use authoritative UK sources: NHS (nhs.uk), Talk to FRANK (talktofrank.com), NICE (nice.org.uk), UK Government and devolved government publications, and guidance from UK professional bodies. Each page on this site carries a review date, and we welcome corrections.