Summary

The rise in amphetamine use in some countries has reached epidemic levels. The introduction and uptake of "ice¿, or crystal methamphetamine in Australia has been recent compared to most affected countries, but already its devastating effects are being felt throughout the community ¿ addiction, extreme random violence, paranoia, depression, drug-induced psychosis. In Australia, more than 100,000 people are thought to have used amphetamines in the past 12 months and more than 1000 are believed to have been hospitalised for mental or behavioural disorders. Crystal methamphetamine use has now been acknowledged by the federal Government as the nation¿s worst drug problem, causing more community problems than heroin. There is no established treatment for amphetamine dependence. What are the medical, psychiatric, criminal and social impacts of this drug? This book seeks to educate readers about the forms and effects of amphetamines, a drug which can be snorted, ingested, smoked and injected ... and which can destroy lives in the process. Chapter 1: Amphetamine Use and Supply Chapter 2: Amphetamines ¿ Health and Social Implications Glossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Resources; Index