During the 1950s as many as 55,000 Japanese per year were arrested for amphetamines. Because of this history, shabu is still associated with the shame of the lost war by the older generation, which is why all illegal drugs have become a taboo subject in otherwise fairly non-puritanical Japan. Our bodies have limits, need rest and food. Amphetamines fool you into thinking you can achieve anything, without tiredness or hunger, but your body will tell you the truth, in the end. Chronic amphetamine abuse can lead to powerful psychological dependency.
Chronic abuse can lead to psychosis, paranoia and aggressive behaviour.
Paranoid delusions are common amongst heavy users, who often carry weapons. Use of amphetamines contributes to the violence of the yakuza scene. Amphetamines also cause serious physical health problems including damage to the liver, kidneys or stomach. Users lose weight up to the point of severe malnutrition. Since amphetamines interfere with the calcium supply of the body they can cause damage to bones and loss of teeth.