Q: What are the specific differences between amphetamine sulphate, base amphetamine -the paste, and methamphetamine crystals? Are there specific chemical differences? And just how much difference is there in strength? I think base amphetamine is something more used over here in the U.K. as ice is in the U.S. I know base is chemically related structurally to crack, cut just how much?

A: Most illegally synthesized amphetamine in Europe is amphetamine sulfate, a product which is usually taken orally and cannot be smoked. For a variety of reasons, essentially all amphetamine synthesized in the United States (and in Asia and Mexico and South America destined for the US illegal market) is methamphetamine hydrochloride. This product is often made with ephedrine or pseudo ephedrine as a starting chemical and can be smoked (as ice or crystal) or injected. This was the product injected intravenously as “speed” in California in the late 1960s. Unlike crack, it is the hydrochloride, not the base, which is smoke- able.

In equivalent doses there is little difference in response to amphetamine v. methamphetamine. Recall that methamphetamine is still legally marketed in the US as desoxyn and is given for ADHD. An experiment comparing oral doses of amphetamine sulfate with the same oral dose of methamphetamine hydrochloride, demonstrates no differences between the two and subjects cannot distinguish one from the other.

The apparent greater toxicity of methamphetamine relates to its pattern of use (smoking and injection) and greater dosage. There is some possibility that the illegal synthesis of methamphetamine hydrochloride yield some contaminants or even unusual chemicals but I know of no evidence that this contributes to the problems of toxicity. To repeat, there are few differences between methamphetamine HCl and amphetamine sulfate-- chemically or pharmacologically. The differences in outcome reflect dosage and mode of administration.

Q: I have used crystal meth between 20 - 30 times (by nasal and smoking) within the past 2 years until July of this year. I am having disoriented feelings and loss of attention and focus. I am really scared of these long-term side effects. What can I take, eat, drink, or do to help in anything? Thank you so much.

A: The only thing to prevent any side effects, whether they are short-term or long-term is to discontinue use. If you feel as though you may be in need of treatment, we encourage you to look at the treatment section of our website. Good luck!

Q: We have an epidemic problem with ice in Hawai'i. What resources are available to support these students to help them “break the cycle”?

A: It largely depends on which island you’re on, but a common resource available to many communities are after-school programs that are either school-based or community-based, like Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs or the Scouts. Luckily, there has been a lot of funding made recently available to serve youth, provide after school programs, and offer positive alternative activities. For more information, check out the Youth Service Center in Hawai’i, the Kalihi YMCA, and the Honolulu Boys’ and Girls’ Club.

Mentoring programs, such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, can also be very successful and are very popular among prevention specialists.

Your best bet, though, is to get the youth involved in all the prevention programs that are available in their areas. We cannot encourage you enough to NOT look to the criminal justice system as an answer. Drug prevention and treatment are always better than sending young people to the Hawai’i Youth Correctional Facility.