Amphetamine use (part II)

Abstract

Amphetamine sulphate is a drug that is used widely throughout the UK. It can cause many physical and psychological problems and yet amphetamine users are under represented numerically in terms of referral to drugs agencies. A sample of 506 amphetamine users in South Glamorgan was interviewed in June 1993 regarding their drug use patterns and reported associated problems. The ratio of males to females was approximately 2:1 with an age range of 10–54 years. Of the sample 18.6% were currently injecting and 7 people in the sample reported that they were still sharing injecting equipment. High levels of both physical and psychological problems were reported, particularly from the injecting group, although only 11% of the whole sample reported seeking help from drug agencies. The findings highlight the need for drugs agencies in the UK to try to work more closely and appropriately with amphetamine users.