Amphetamine is a stimulant drug that works to accelerate the body's functions. This substance functions by making the central nervous system work faster in increasing the amount of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. It comes in various forms, including powder, tablets, crystals, and capsules. Amphetamine can be injected, inhaled, smoked, or swallowed.

When amphetamine is consumed, neurotransmitters stimulate cells to send signals quickly, instructing them on how to perform their tasks. As a result, a person may feel alert, attentive, calm, energetic, and happy (euphoria or 'rush').

Amphetamine can create addiction in users because the euphoric feelings it produces make individuals feel happy and improve their mood. Therefore, individuals often consume it more frequently than necessary, especially when used illegally, to continuously experience pleasure.

Purposes of Use

Amphetamine can be legal or illegal. It is legal when prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of certain medical conditions, but it is illegal when used as a narcotic. Therefore, not only consuming it but also manufacturing and selling it are considered illegal activities. Here are the purposes of using amphetamine:

1. Medical

Legal amphetamine is prescribed, especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, obesity, and depression.

2. Non-Medical

Illegal amphetamine is consumed when used as a recreational drug, such as to increase libido, alertness, or cognitive control, induce euphoria, enhance muscle strength, and reduce fatigue.

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Excessive and Long-Term Abuse

Amphetamine can have severe side effects when used in higher doses and through routes not prescribed by a doctor. It can also have adverse effects in long-term use. Here is an explanation:

1. Overdose Symptoms

Amphetamine can cause difficulty breathing, seizures, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremors, fever, inability to urinate, violent and aggressive behavior, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, stroke, and heart attack.

2. Long-Term Consumption Symptoms

Amphetamine can lead to psychosis, decreased cognitive abilities, muscle damage, extreme weight loss, malnutrition, depression, sleep disturbances, dry mouth, dental problems, nasal issues, mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, violence, aggression, heart and kidney problems, and stroke.

Not only does amphetamine have adverse health effects, but its misuse can also lead to financial, legal, school, and job-related problems. This is due to its high cost, potential for problematic behavior, and difficulty concentrating, leading to decreased performance.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Apart from the adverse effects experienced during long-term consumption or excessive doses, withdrawal attempts can also cause symptoms, even when it is consumed based on a doctor's prescription. Withdrawal symptoms typically last between 1 to 3 days, possibly extending up to 10 days after discontinuing use, including:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headache
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Paranoia
• Frequent hunger

In conclusion, amphetamine is a stimulant drug that accelerates the central nervous system's functions. Its legal use is when prescribed to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, obesity, and depression. On the other hand, its consumption becomes illegal when used as a narcotic. Consuming it in excessive doses can lead to severe side effects, as can discontinuing its use.

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