Modes of awareness associated with use of amphetamines or similar drugs

The effect of taking amphetamines is like a long-acting cocaine, with mood elevation and energizing and a feeling of euphoria; the tired feel more awake, the sad feel brighter. There is a heightened sensitivity to weak stimuli and awareness is "de-automatized". However, following the high experienced on taking amphetamine there is a subsequent post-amphetamine depression, where the individual may be paranoid or suicidal, with delusions of persecution. There may also be panic or delirium, accompanied by auditory, touch or smell hallucinations and violent or aggressive behaviour with an urge to commit antisocial acts. The high level of excitation may be followed by excessive fatigue. Repeated use induces neuro-physiological changes which diminish the pleasurable feeling zone so that higher doses are needed for reducing response and ordinary pleasurable activities are hardly registered.