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Combining Drugs    Taking Care    Treatment Pathways    Overdose   Back to Amphet facts

Combining Drugs

Amphetamine users may use other drugs such as minor tranquillisers, cannabis, alcohol or heroin to cope with some of the undesirable effects of amphetamines. These users may develop a rollercoaster dependence on several drugs. For example, some people may need amphetamines each day to get them going and minor tranquillisers each night to get them to sleep. This type of dependence can lead to a variety of very serious physical and psychological problems. Using more than one drug (poly-drug use) increases the harm associated with drug use.

If amphetamines are combined with alcohol, users may not feel the effects associated with alcohol straightaway. However, blood alcohol concentration still goes up and their motor skills (such as coordination and reflexes) are still impaired. Combining amphetamines with other stimulants such as ecstasy or cocaine can greatly influence the immediate effects. The result can be unpredictable and the effects may be similar to taking a very large dose of amphetamines.

Taking Care

To be safe, amphetamine use should be avoided. However, if you use the drug or know someone who does, remember the following:

1. It is important to eat and sleep before and after a drug use episode or binge.

2. Because using amphetamines can have harmful effects, users can be in dangerous situations. Therefore, they should not be left alone.

3. If you suspect any bad effects, call an ambulance immediately. Don’t delay, you could save a life. The ambulance officers are there to help you. Be sure to describe what drug the person has taken. If the user is unconscious and you know first aid, place them in the recovery position and ensure the airway is clear. If they have stopped breathing, perform Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR). The police are not required to attend unless a death has occurred or the ambulance officers are threatened.

4. It is safer not to inject drugs. However, if you do inject, use clean equipment (needle, syringe, swab, tourniquet, spoon, glass, filter and sterile water) and do not share gear. Fitpacks® which contain clean syringes are available from:

- most pharmacies

- needle and syringe exchange programs (For information on opening times and locations of these programs phone the Alcohol and Drug Information Service)

- some regional hospitals, health centres and nursing posts.

Treatment Pathways

There are a variety of treatment pathways available for people with amphetamine related problems. The drug(s) used and the availability of services, as well as the user’s health, desired outcome, support network and unique circumstances need to be taken into consideration. Deciding on the best treatment pathway, or combination of pathways, is best done in consultation with a drug and alcohol counsellor.

Overdose

Overdose occurs when the level of intoxication from the drug reaches a point where it begins to produce physical and/or psychological harm. Overdose from amphetamines usually results from the drug’s stimulatory properties and can cause strokes, heart failure, seizures and death.

The risk of overdose generally increases with a larger dose. As the strength and content of street amphetamines is unknown it can be difficult to judge the dose, increasing the risk of overdose.

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