Amphetamine Misuse

Drug abuse is now a global problem, affecting the health and safety of individuals and threatening the stability and economies of nations. The pandemic of drug abuse shows no sign of abating despite the vigorous and costly attempts to control the supply of illicit drugs which have been sustained over many years. The abuse of amphetamines has long been neglected by authorities whose attention, with that of the media, has been focused on high profile drugs such as heroin, cocaine and 'crack' cocaine. However, what has been viewed as a 'Cinderella' drug is now the focus of increasing attention with the synthesis of an abundance of new forms of amphetamine-type substances as dealers become aware of the rising demand for low cost stimulants. Amphetamine is now economically attractive to suppliers and customers alike. Amphetamine Misuse appears at the beginning of a phase in drug history that will see changes in patterns of use that will impact society at a variety of levels: potential users; systems of health care; social control; international trade procedures and even the economic bases of nations. It studies the nature of amphetamine use in different cultural settings, identifying common features and exposing enigmas. Greater international collaboration is needed if appropriate preventative measures are to be devise, and the sharing of information whould be regarded as only the first step towards a more co-ordinated approach that includes social research within improved systems of national and international drug monitoring and communication.