One of the most common Amphetamines today is known as Speed. Amphetamines or Speed, as I will call it from now on, are synthetic stimulants which have been available since the 1930s. In the 1950s and 60s it was commonly prescribed by doctors for depression and as an appetite suppressant.

It usually comes as a grey, white, or dirty white, pale pink or yellow powder, and is often contained in a 'wrap' which is a folded piece of paper that looks like a very small envelope. Illicit tablets containing amphetamine are available, but are much less common than the powder form of the drug.

This drug can be snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked, it has also been known to be mixed with liquid and drank. Other street names for this drug are Whizz, Billy, Uppers and Sulphate.

Amphetamines include drugs like Dextroamphetamine, Benzedrine, Ritalin and many other chemicals. Amphetamines were originally developed as a treatment for asthma, sleep disorders (narcolepsy) and hyperactivity. Many of the effects of amphetamines are similar to cocaine.

Amphetamine commonly used today is illegally manufactured, as opposed to amphetamines diverted from legitimate sources. The amphetamine sulphate powder is 'cut' with other substances (e.g. brick dust, scouring powder, sugars, caffeine), and purity levels are often only three to five per cent.

Amphetamine is the most impure illegal drug available in Britain.