Amphetamine Type Stimulants
Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) belong to a strong group of drugs called psychostimulants and include Ecstasy, Cocaine and Meth/Amphetamines. ATS generally trigger an excessive release of the pleasure chemicals (dopamine, serotonin and noradrenalin) that our brain produces which stimulate the central nervous system causing a speeding up of the messages sent from the brain to the body.
Methamphetamine and Ecstasy are the two most widely used and most easily accessible ATS in Australia. ATS use has moved out of the underground and the use of stimulants has become extremely common at night clubs, dances, festivals, house parties etc. While young people may be drawn to use ATS, they are also used by a spectrum of ages and people.
People who use ATS use them for a number of different reasons:
- To have fun - To feel more in touch with music, giving people bursts of energy which enables them to dance for long periods and to stay awake all night, and others may use ATS to increase sexual performance.
- To fit in - To increase self confidence as it helps them interact andsocialise more easily.
- To self medicate - To help cope with emotional pain, mental health symptoms including depression and anxiety, to mask painful memories and trauma, or to escape from reality.
- Dependence - Some develop a physical and/or psychological dependence and use ATS on a more frequent basis.
- Work - Dependency on ATS helps some people to work through the day and may be used for students trying to meet an assignment deadline.