Background Information:

Amphetamine dependence
Across the UK, amphetamine is the second most commonly taken drug after cannabis. More people inject it than any other drug apart from heroin, and it is second only to heroin in the number of users who are dependent. Socialising, controlling weight and providing energy are all reasons given for using the drug.

Injecting amphetamine – a web of risks
Those injecting do so more frequently than heroin users, with increased damage to veins. It can increase sexual activity resulting in many sexual partners and the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Its stimulant effect can contribute to a chaotic lifestyle, psychoses and violence. Damage to individual and public health can be substantial.

Drugs and the law
The law divides drugs into three classes: A, B, C. This is based on the harm individual substances may cause to individuals, families and society.

• Class A includes most dangerous drugs like heroin and cocaine
• Class B includes amphetamines and barbiturates
• Class C includes tranquillisers and some steroids

Amphetamines become Class A if prepared for injection. (Class A carries the heaviest penalties for both possession and dealing.)

Possession and dealing
Possession means being caught with drugs you intend to use. Dealing means selling or giving drugs to others or being caught with drugs you intend to sell or give to someone else. Those found guilty of possession or dealing can be fined, sent to prison or both. See the Links section for information on sentencing.

It is also illegal to supply or sell solvents such as cigarette lighter refills, glue or aerosol sprays to someone in the knowledge that they will be abused. It is illegal to grow or produce drugs. Some drugs are not yet classified and are regulated through the Medicine’s Act, for example ketamine.

Cannabis reclassified – not decriminalised
This is likely to happen in 2004 as cannabis is moved from a Class B to a class C drug. This is not the same as legalisation or decriminalisation. Both the possession and supply of cannabis will remain criminal offences. The maximum penalty for dealing cannabis is likely to remain at 14 years imprisonment. (Check the progress and process of reclassification through the Links section.)

Drugs and Crime
Apart from breaking the law governing the possession, distribution and production of drugs themselves, crime to feed a heroin habit is a problem for police and communities in parts of the UK. Heavy use of heroin and cocaine are much more expensive than alcohol and recreational drugs and can result in crime to feed a habit.

The relationship between crime and injecting drug use is complex. Some heavy users were originally involved in crime, which took them into the world of drugs; others resort to crime to feed a habit. Imprisonment is common but figures vary enormously across the UK and sentences reflect possession and dealing, as well as 'acquisitive' crime. Prostitution has strong links with heroin use.