What you need to know:

Prescription Stimulants, also known as amphetamines, are typically used to treat health conditions, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When a doctor prescribes an a stimulant, such as Ritaln or Adderall, to a patient, the dose prescribed is recognized as safe and effective. However, these can be misused when they are not taken as prescribed, used to get high, or when the prescription is given to someone else for whom it was not prescribed. The amphetamine “Sulfate” (known as speed), is generally used for recreational or non-medical purposes.

What are the risks?

Side effects of these substances include rapid heart rate, loss of appetite, issues with skin including acne, rashes, and hives, mood swings, insomnia, and obsessive behaviors.

Methamphetamines are extremely addictive stimulants. “Crystal Meth” is a form of the drug that people can smoke, snort, inject, or take as a pill. Many people take methamphetamines in the form of binging, called a “run,” where they don’t eat or sleep for several days.

Risks of methamphetamine use include severe weight loss, addiction, serious dental problems, skin sores, anxiety, violent behavior, paranoia and hallucinations. There is also a risk for developing Parkinson’s Disease later in life. If they inject, they are at an increased risk for HIV/AIDS.