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Meth-amphetamine-related deaths in Australia
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive substance that has caused serious public health problems globally. There is emerging evidence of serious long-term effects of amphetamine use, including depression, anxiety, psychosis and memory disturbance.
Methamphetamines have also contributed to a clinically significant number of deaths in Australia between 2000 and 2005. A study examining methamphetamine-related fatalities in Australia between in this period found that, of the 371 identified cases of methamphetamine-related deaths; methamphetamine was the only drug contributing to the deaths in almost 1 in 5 cases. The study also found that just over half (51%) of the cases were due to combined drug toxicity and cardiovascular complications, or disease arising from or complicated by methamphetamine use that was the direct cause of death in 14% of the cases. Cerebrovascular complications, such as cerebral haemorrhage, seizures and hypoxic brain damage in association with methamphetamine toxicity, was concluded the direct cause of death in 6% of cases. Read more about the study.
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Using even a small amount of amphetamines can cause you to lose control of your life without you realising it. We’re here to set the record straight. Watch videos featuring the Amphetamine experts, read up on the facts, or chat live and confidentially with a qualified drug counsellor and ask some questions of your own.
If you require immediate help, call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on (08) 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024 toll-free for country callers.
| How long before amphetamines leaves your system and is no longer detectable in a blood or urine test? | | | Amphetamines can be detected in blood from 4-8 hours after use, and in urine for up to 3-4 days after use, but can depend on the amount and potency used, and a person’s metabolism rate. |
| Why type of drug are amphetamines? | | | Amphetamines are a group of drugs that increase the activity of certain chemicals in the brain and are classed as stimulant drugs. |
| What are the other names for amphetamines? | | | Amphetamines can also be known as Crystal Meth, ICE, Rock, Uppers, Speed, Whizz and Dexies. |
| Where does amphetamines come from? | | | Amphetamines were first developed in Germany in 1887. During the 1930s, they were introduced as a treatment for asthma and low blood pressure. During World War II they were used to help soldiers fight fatigue. |
| How are amphetamines used? | | | Amphetamines can be swallowed, injected, smoked or inhaled (snorted). The effects of amphetamines can last from four to eight hours. Sometimes a person may experience a hangover effect that can last up to three days. |
| If you are pregnant, can you still use amphetamines? Even occasionally? | | | Amphetamine use has been linked with bleeding, early labour and miscarriage and can affect the baby’s development before birth. It can also cause the heart rate of mother and baby to increase. If amphetamines are used close to birth, the baby may be born directly affected, and may be over-active and agitated. Babies of mothers who regularly use amphetamines may also experience withdrawal symptoms in the first few weeks after birth. Injecting amphetamines also increases the risk of HIV infection and other disease for both the mother and the baby. Read more |
| Is driving after using amphetamines dangerous | | Yes. Amphetamines can impair driving ability by:- Giving the driver a false sense of confidence;
- Rash decision making and exaggerated confidence can lead to increased risk taking behaviour; and
- Greatly affecting drivers’ reflexes, coordination and ability to concentrate on driving due to the tiredness and inability to sleep;
which increases the risk of being involved in a crash that could result in fatality or serious injury. Read more |
| Can you overdose from amphetamines | | | Yes. 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. |
| How long does amphetamines stay in your system? | | | Amphetamines can be detected in blood from 4-8 hours after use, and in urine for up to 3-4 days after use, but can depend on the amount and potency used, and a person’s metabolism rate. |
| How long after consuming amphetamines can it be detected in saliva? | | | Amphetamines can be detected in saliva for approximately 24 hour after use, but can depend on the amount and potency used, and a person’s metabolism rate. |
| Will drinking lots of water flush the amphetamines out of my system? | | | No. This is a myth. Drinking a lot of water does not work to cheat a drug test, or get rid of the drug faster from your body. |
| Some of my friends use amphetamines and alcohol at the same time. Is this dangerous? | | | Using amphetamines with other drugs increases risks. If amphetamines are used in conjunction with alcohol, it can have dangerous masking effects, as 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. Using amphetamines and alcohol at the same time can also result in dangerous amounts of drugs and/or alcohol being used without the user realising it and may lead to other risky and dangerous behaviours. |
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