Amphetimine Use, in the Essay Drugs and Work

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Amphetamine Use
by Andrew D. Carson, Ph.D.

Amphetamines are a class of synthetic drugs whose chemical makeup resembles adrenaline and noradrenaline (Weil & Rosen, 1983, p. 47). They are more toxic than cocaine and create longer-lasting effects (mainly because they are metabolized more slowly by the liver). Although they can provide pep and energy for the period of their effect, they (as with other stimulants) extract a penalty of relative exhaustion after the effects wear off, sometimes leading the user to take more amphetamines, which only postpones an even greater "down" episode. In such down episodes users can appear paranoid or even psychotic.

Amphetamines were once widely prescribed (especially to housewives) to combat depression and support weight loss. Three common forms are plain amphetamine (Benzidrine), dextroamphetamine (Dexidrine), and methamphetimine (Methedrine). Dexidrine and Benzidrine are chemically similar to Benzidrine but achieve their effects at lower doses. Into the 1970s, these drugs were readily available by prescription, but thereafter access was tightened, and since then their illegal distribution has been increasingly supplied through secret labs, which has turned into a booming cottage industry, especially in isolated, rural areas, where evidence of the manufacture (e.g., characteristic smells) may be hidden. Amphetamines cost much less than cocaine, and have sometimes been called the "poor-man's coke."

In their various forms, amphetamines are consumed by students (to study for longer hours, although they may not result in higher grades), long-distance truckers, athletes (although drug tests have probably curtailed such use), actors (e.g., Judy Garland) and dancers.

Amphetamines are also reportedly used by the military to pep up its soldiers. ABC News recently reported that the United States military routinely gives its fighter pilots amphetamines, nicknamed "go pills," which were recently reintroduced to servicemen after being banned since 1992. In the 1991 Gulf War, the U.S. military had reportedly relied heavily on amphetamines, but had banned their use after reports of servicemen becoming addicted. ABC News reported that with the recent invasion of Afghanistan, the U.S. brought back the pills, particularly for pilots. The ABC News report argued that amphetamines may have contributed to a serious friendly-fire incident in April, 2002 in which two American pilots killed four Canadians engaged in a practice exercise. Reportedly, the attorney of at least one of the servicemen has said the fact that the U.S. military supported amphetamine use by the pilots was a strong contributing factor to the friendly-fire incident.

As interesting as amphetamine use might be to study across a number of occupational contexts (particularly in the military), some practical difficulties might make such research difficult. In particular, it would be difficult to enlist the active and voluntary participation of both users and their employers.

Links:
Amphetamines (Australian Drug Foundation).
Amphetamine (from Encyclopedia.com)
Aphetamines, in Factfile on Drugs (BBC News).
Truckers used amphetamines (U.S. Department of Justice).
History of amphetamines (Recreational Drugs Information)
Meth labs in United States and Mexico major problem in both urban and rural areas.
Methamphetamine testimony before United States Congress, July, 2001 (Drug Enforcement Administration).
Need for Speed: Did Amphetamines Play a Role in Afghanistan Friendly Fire Incident? December 20, 2002.

References to citations in the text.

Credits:
1 Amphetamines. Believed to be in the public domain, from http://www.drugs.indiana.edu/prevention/govphoto.html