Speed - Amphetamine

Speed is the common name for amphetamine sulphate a drug that people use to stay alert, or do whatever they are doing for longer (drinking, dancing, socialising).

Speed usually appears as a white or off-white powder. However it can vary depending on factors such as purity and manufacturing methods.

The powder can be quite fine and crystalline, looking similar to other powdered substances. It might be sold in small bags, capsules, or tablets. Keep in mind that the appearance of illicit drugs can be altered, and they may be mixed with other substances or additives to increase weight, potency, or disguise their true nature.

How does it make you feel?

Taking speed makes you feel more alert, have more energy, feeling excited and wide awake. People often use it to give them more energy to continue doing thier thing without getting tired (chatting, drinking alcohol, dancing, clubbing or socialising for example). It also stops you from feeling hungry and has been used in diet pills in the past.

However, Speed can also make users feel nervous, restless, fidgety, stressed, agitated, angry, panicked and aggressive. Some users can also see or hear things that aren’t there which can be very scary.

Stimulants like speed can interfere with sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.

It can lead to an increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure, which can be dangerous for individuals with heart conditions.

It depends on how much you’ve taken, how big or small you are and if you have any other drugs in your system.

When speed is ‘snorted’ it only takes a few minutes to kick in. When it is taken orally (through your mouth) it takes between 20 minutes to an hour. The affects can last between 3 and 6 hours.

If speed is smoked or vaporized, the effects can be almost immediate and intense. The duration of effects might be shorter compared to other methods, lasting around 2-4 hours

The comedown from speed can last several days, and users often say they feel lethargic and sad after taking it.

Injecting speed intravenously provides an almost instantaneous and intense effect, with effects lasting around 2-4 hours.

It's important to note that the "high" or euphoric effects of speed may wear off before the drug is completely eliminated from the body. After the effects wear off, individuals may experience a "crash," characterized by fatigue, depression, irritability, and intense cravings. The duration of the crash can vary but is generally shorter than the duration of the initial effects.

Also if you use it repeatedly in a short period your body can get used to it (increased tolerance), so your body becomes less responsive to the drug's effects. This can lead to individuals taking higher doses to achieve the desired effects, which increases the risk of negative consequences and dependence.

Speed is a stimulant so it increases the work your heart has to do. Excessive use can result in heart problems, like a stroke. It is definitely not a good idea if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure – some users have died from taking too much.

Taking a lot of speed affects your desire for food (hunger) which can lead to malnutrition. It also leads to poor sleep quality, sleep deprivation, and your ability to relax.

Injecting speed is particularly dangerous, and it's much easier to overdose when injecting. Speed is usually very impure, so it’s not just the amphetamine that goes into your bloodstream, but everything else that it’s been cut with. Injecting can also cause damage to veins and arteries, and may cause ulcers and even gangrene (that’s when bits of the body start to die). Viral hepatitis and HIV can be spread by users sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment.

Regular use of speed can also lead to problems with learning and concentration too.

The disinhibiting effects of speed can lead to engaging in risky behaviours, such as unprotected sex or driving under the influence, which can have serious consequences.

When the effects of speed wear off, individuals may experience a "crash" characterized by fatigue, depression, irritability, and intense cravings. Withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to manage and may contribute to the cycle of continued use.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have a problem with speed, it's essential to take proactive steps to address the issue and seek help.

Talk to someone you trust: Reach out to a close friend, family member, or a supportive person you can confide in about your concerns. Sharing your worries with someone can be the first step towards seeking help.

If you suspect that you have a problem with speed, it's essential to stop using the drug. Continued use can exacerbate the issue and lead to further complications.

Call Response on 0151 666 4123

Learn more about speed, its effects, and the potential consequences of its misuse. Understanding the risks associated with speed can reinforce your commitment to seeking help.

Focus on self-care:

Engage in activities that promote overall well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, and healthy social interactions. Taking care of your physical and mental health can contribute to your recovery.