Amphetamines: Harm Minimisation Strategies

Set and Setting in Amphetamine Use

The set (mindset) and setting (environment) are crucial in influencing the effects of amphetamine use and the potential for harm.

Set: Mindset and Expectations

• Mental health: avoid using amphetamines if you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. Amphetamines can intensify these feelings, leading to negative experiences.
• Intentions: be clear about why you are using amphetamines. Ensure that your reasons do not include escaping from problems or coping with negative emotions.
• Aware: monitor your usage patterns to prevent shifts from occasional to problematic use. Recognize and address any signs of increased tolerance or dependency.

Setting: Environment and Social Context

• Safe environment: use amphetamines in comfortable and secure environments. Avoid places where you feel pressured or unsafe.
• Supportive company: use with trusted friends or people who understand your limits and can provide support if needed.
• Controlled access: limit your access to amphetamines to avoid impulsive re-dosing and binge usage.

Mixing and Masking Effects of Substances

Amphetamines are stimulants that can interact dangerously with other substances, masking effects and increasing overdose risks.

Amphetamines and Depressants

• Risks of mixing: mixing amphetamines with depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines can mask the depressant effects, leading users to consume more than intended, increasing the risk of overdose and respiratory depression.
• Overdose risk: this combination can lead to erratic behaviour and significant health risks like respiratory arrest, especially when depressant effects are masked by the stimulant action of amphetamines.

Amphetamines and Other Stimulants

• Enhanced stimulant effects: Mixing amphetamines with other stimulants can lead to severe cardiovascular stress, heightened anxiety, and risk of stroke or heart attack.
• Identifying overamping: Excessive use can lead to overamping, where users experience severe agitation, paranoia, and physical symptoms like rapid heart rate and hyperthermia.

General Tips for Safer Amphetamine Use

• Stay hydrated: drink water regularly to avoid dehydration, especially when active or dancing.
• Eat balanced meals: amphetamines suppress appetite; ensure you eat properly to maintain energy and health.
• Measure and test: use small amounts initially to test strength and purity. Use reagent test kits where possible to check for harmful adulterants.
• Set personal limits: pre-determine your dosage and usage frequency to avoid impulsive re-dosing.
• Avoid mixing drugs: especially avoid mixing amphetamines with other stimulants or depressants to prevent masking effects.
• Pace yourself: limit use to avoid continuous high doses that lead to tolerance and increased risk of adverse effects.

Strategies to Reduce Harm

• Take regular breaks: implement breaks from amphetamine use to allow your body and mind to recover.
• Monitor and reflect: keep track of your use, noting amounts and effects, to identify any rising tolerance or problematic patterns.
• Seek support: if struggling with use, consult with supportive friends, family, or professional services for guidance.
• Educate yourself: understand the risks, standard doses, and signs of overamping or overdose to stay informed.

Understanding and Managing Overamping

The Risks of Excessive Use

• Physical symptoms: tremors, rapid breathing, elevated body temperature, and cardiovascular stress.
• Psychological symptoms: severe anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and confusion.

Safe Management of Overamping

• Seek medical help: for severe symptoms like seizures or acute psychosis, immediate medical assistance is crucial.
• Calm and cool environment: reduce stimulation by moving to a quiet, cool area to help manage anxiety and overheating.
• Hydration and rest: drink water and rest in a comfortable position to help stabilize your body.

Responding to Amphetamine Overdose

Signs of amphetamine overdose:

• Agitation and paranoia.
• Severe hyperthermia and sweating.
• Irregular heartbeat or chest pain.
• Unconsciousness or severe disorientation.

How to Respond to an Overdose:

• 1. Call emergency Services: immediate medical intervention is needed for severe symptoms.
• 2. Keep calm: reassure and stay with the person, ensuring they are safe and monitored.
• 3. Cool down: use water and cool cloths to reduce body temperature if overheating is evident.
• 4. No additional stimulants: do not provide caffeine or other stimulants which can worsen the situation.