ABSTRACT

The sporadic use of amphetamines reßects the competition and availability of other drugs of abuse, the desires of the particular socioeconomic group (generation) interested in the substance, and the efforts of law enforcement to eliminate the accessibility of any particular substance of abuse. The amphetamines made their appearance for use in weight reduction and control of obesity. Their stimulant/euphoric effects improved their popularity, which eventually gave rise to common street names such as ups, bennies, dexies, and speed, among others. Today, stimulants such as methylphenidate are available as prescription drugs, due to their frequent use in the treatment of attention deÞcit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Amphetamines are approved for the treatment of short-term depression. They are not approved but are frequently exploited for reducing fatigue among truck drivers and college students.