Amphetamines in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that speed up activity in the brain and nervous system. In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, they are a growing concern for individuals, families, and healthcare providers.

Common street or slang names for amphetamines include:

  • Speed
  • Uppers
  • Goey
  • Whiz
  • Ice (crystal meth)
  • Glass
  • Shard

There are both legal (prescription) and illegal forms of amphetamines.

In Grand Rapids, doctors may legally prescribe certain amphetamine medications to treat conditions such as:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Narcolepsy (a sleep disorder)

These medications are controlled substances and must be taken exactly as prescribed. Misusing your own prescription or taking someone else’s prescription is illegal and can be dangerous.

Major health systems in Grand Rapids that may prescribe and monitor these medications include:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health���West (formerly Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health physician groups

Illegal Amphetamines

Illegal amphetamines (including most methamphetamine sold on the street):

  • Are made in unregulated labs
  • Often contain a mix of drugs, binding agents, caffeine, and sugars
  • May be contaminated with unknown or more dangerous chemicals

Because quality and purity are unpredictable, the risk of overdose and long-term harm is high.

Types of Amphetamines

Amphetamines come in several forms:

  • Speed – usually a white or off‑white powder
  • Base – an oily, sticky, or waxy paste
  • Crystal methamphetamine (ice) – clear or bluish crystals or crystalline powder

Crystal meth (“ice,” “glass,” “shard,” “shabu”) is the most potent and commonly misused form of methamphetamine in the United States and is frequently seen in West Michigan, including Kent County.

How Amphetamines Are Used

People may take amphetamines by:

  • Swallowing (tablets, capsules, powder in drinks)
  • Snorting (powder)
  • Smoking (especially crystal meth/ice)
  • Injecting (using a needle and syringe)

Each method has different risks. Injecting and smoking typically cause faster, more intense effects and higher risk of harm.

How Amphetamines Work

Amphetamines are stimulants. They:

  • Speed up messages between the brain and body
  • Increase levels of dopamine and serotonin (brain chemicals linked to pleasure and reward)

Effects can:

  • Be felt almost immediately if smoked or injected
  • Begin within about 30 minutes if snorted or swallowed

Short-Term Effects of Amphetamines

Short-term (“immediate”) effects may include:

  • Burst of energy; feeling alert, talkative, restless, or excited
  • Elevated mood, happiness, and confidence
  • Increased heart rate and breathing
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Dry mouth, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding
  • Sweating and enlarged (dilated) pupils
  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased sex drive (libido)
  • Aggression, irritability, or anger
  • Anxiety, panic, or paranoia

Physical Risks

Depending on how they are used, amphetamines can cause:

  • Snorting: nosebleeds, damage to nasal passages
  • Injecting:
    • Vein damage and blood clots
    • Increased risk of infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, and tetanus (especially if needles are shared)

Amphetamine use can also impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of:

  • Motor vehicle crashes (a concern on winter roads in Grand Rapids)
  • Falls, fights, or other injuries

“Coming Down” and the Binge–Crash Cycle

Some people use amphetamines continuously for days without sleep. This is called binge use. When the drug wears off, they may experience a “crash.”

In the 2–4 days after use, people may experience:

  • Restless or poor-quality sleep and exhaustion
  • Headaches, muscle aches, and twitching
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Paranoia, confusion, or feeling “on edge”

To cope with the “come down,” some people use other drugs such as:

  • Alcohol
  • Benzodiazepines (including sleeping pills)
  • Cannabis (marijuana)
  • Opioids (such as heroin or prescription pain pills)

Mixing these substances can lead to dependence on multiple drugs and greatly increases the risk of overdose.

How Long Do Amphetamine Effects Last?

Even after the “high” has worn off, amphetamines can remain in the body.

As a general guide, methamphetamine may be detectable:

  • In blood for about 4–8 hours after use
  • In urine for about 2–5 days after use

Detection times can vary based on dose, frequency of use, and individual health factors.

Mixing Amphetamines with Other Drugs

Combining amphetamines with other substances can be especially dangerous. Risky combinations include:

  • Alcohol
  • Benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax, sleeping pills)
  • Some antidepressants
  • Cannabis (marijuana)
  • Opioids (e.g., heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl)

These combinations can:

  • Mask the effects of one or more drugs, leading to higher doses
  • Put extra strain on the heart and brain
  • Greatly increase the risk of overdose, stroke, or heart attack

Synthetic Amphetamines and “Party Drugs”

In recent years, a range of synthetic products have appeared in the U.S., sometimes sold as “bath salts,” “research chemicals,” or “legal highs.” These may:

  • Claim to have similar effects to amphetamines
  • Contain chemicals such as MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone) or other unknown substances
  • Have unpredictable and potentially more harmful effects than amphetamines

MDMA (Ecstasy)

MDMA (often called ecstasy or molly) is classified as an empathogen, but it shares some stimulant effects with amphetamines, such as:

  • Feeling energetic and euphoric
  • Increased heart rate

Many pills or capsules sold as MDMA:

  • Contain only small amounts of MDMA, or none at all
  • May be mixed with amphetamines or other dangerous chemicals

This makes MDMA use particularly risky.

Amphetamine Overdose

An amphetamine overdose is a medical emergency.

You can still be in danger even if not all overdose symptoms are present.

Overdose is more likely if you:

  • Take a large amount
  • Use a particularly strong or “pure” batch
  • Mix amphetamines with other drugs (including alcohol or prescription medicines)

Symptoms of Amphetamine Overdose

Possible signs of overdose include:

  • Chest pain or racing heartbeat
  • Very high blood pressure
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Seizures (fits, uncontrolled jerking)
  • Extreme agitation, hostility, or violent behavior
  • Severe paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions
  • Chills, fever, or very high body temperature
  • No urine output
  • Loss of consciousness

Overdose can lead to:

  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Organ failure
  • Death

What to Do in an Emergency in Grand Rapids

If you suspect someone has overdosed:

  1. Call 911 immediately.
  2. Stay with the person until help arrives.
  3. If trained, provide first aid (e.g., CPR) if needed.

Emergency medical teams in Grand Rapids (including those working with Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids) focus on saving lives. Paramedics do not need to involve police just because someone used drugs.

Fast action can save a life.

Long-Term Effects of Amphetamine Use

Regular or long-term amphetamine use can cause serious health and lifestyle problems, including:

Physical Health

  • Extreme weight loss and malnutrition
  • Dry mouth and significant dental problems (“meth mouth”)
  • Heart and kidney problems
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Weakened immune system, leading to frequent colds and flu (especially during Michigan’s long cold seasons)
  • Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to unprotected sex

Mental Health

  • Mood swings, anxiety, and panic attacks
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • “Amphetamine psychosis” – hallucinations, severe paranoia, and delusions
  • Out-of-character behavior, aggression, or violence

Lifestyle and Social Impacts

  • Drug dependence and addiction
  • Problems at work, school, or college (including reduced performance and concentration)
  • Financial difficulties
  • Relationship and family conflict
  • Legal problems

In Grand Rapids, these issues can be made worse by:

  • Seasonal depression (SAD) linked to long, dark winters
  • Limited transportation or housing instability for some residents

Dependence, Tolerance, and Withdrawal

Tolerance

Over time, your body can become used to amphetamines. This is called tolerance. You may need larger or more frequent doses to get the same effect, which increases the risk of overdose and long-term harm.

Dependence

With regular use, your body and mind may come to depend on amphetamines just to feel “normal.” This can make it hard to cut down or stop, even when you want to.

Withdrawal

If you have been using amphetamines for a long time and decide to stop or cut down, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These are usually worst in the first week and generally improve over about a month.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Extreme tiredness and lack of energy
  • Anxiety and restlessness
  • Depression and low mood
  • Paranoia or confusion
  • Irritability and “crankiness”
  • Intense hunger and weight gain
  • Aches and pains
  • Sleep problems and vivid nightmares

Some people experience a severe “speed crash” with:

  • Nausea
  • Extreme exhaustion
  • Strong cravings
  • Feeling very depressed

Getting Support for Withdrawal in Grand Rapids

If you are planning to stop or reduce amphetamine use:

  • Seek advice from a healthcare professional first.
  • Your primary care provider or a specialist addiction service can help create a safe plan.

Most withdrawal symptoms improve significantly within a month, but emotional and mental health support may be needed longer.

Treatment Options for Amphetamine Use in Grand Rapids

Effective treatment is available in West Michigan. Options may include:

  • Detoxification (detox): medically supervised withdrawal
  • Individual counseling: to explore triggers, coping skills, and relapse prevention
  • Group therapy: support from others facing similar challenges
  • Peer support: talking to people who have lived experience of substance use and recovery
  • Mental health care: for depression, anxiety, or psychosis related to amphetamine use

Local Healthcare and Support Resources

You can start by talking to:

  • Your GP or primary care doctor (through Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, UM Health–West, or Mercy Health networks)

Local and regional resources include:

  • Kent County Health Department
    • Information on substance use services and referrals
  • Network 180 (Kent County Community Mental Health & Substance Use Services)
    • Central access point for publicly funded addiction and mental health treatment
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics
    • Screening, brief intervention, and referrals

If you are unsure where to start, you can call:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – for emotional support and crisis help
  • SAMHSA National Helpline (1‑800‑662‑HELP) – confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information

(Phone numbers and services may change; check current details online or through the Kent County Health Department.)

Family members and friends can also access support and education through local family support groups and community organizations in Grand Rapids.

Amphetamines and the Law in Michigan

In Michigan, amphetamine use is heavily regulated. It is illegal to:

  • Make or sell amphetamines without proper authorization
  • Possess amphetamines without a valid prescription
  • Give or sell your prescription medication to someone else
  • Drive under the influence of amphetamines

Penalties may include:

  • Fines
  • Loss of driver’s license
  • Probation or jail time

Law enforcement in Kent County and across Michigan treats illegal manufacture, distribution, and impaired driving very seriously.

Key Points

  • Amphetamines are powerful stimulant drugs that can be prescribed legally for certain conditions, but illegal use is common and dangerous.
  • Crystal meth (“ice”) is the most potent form and is associated with severe physical and mental health harms.
  • Short-term effects include increased energy, confidence, and heart rate, but also anxiety, aggression, and risky behavior.
  • Long-term use can lead to psychosis, heart and kidney problems, severe weight loss, dental damage, and addiction.
  • Overdose is a medical emergency. You can still be in danger even if not all symptoms are present.
  • If you suspect an overdose in Grand Rapids, call 911 immediately.
  • Stopping amphetamines after regular use can cause withdrawal symptoms; most improve within about a month, but professional support is strongly recommended.
  • Local resources in Grand Rapids – including your GP, Kent County Health Department, Network 180, and major hospital systems – can help you or a loved one find safe, effective treatment and support.