Things to know about speed

Dose

Deaths through overdose are possible (and usually linked to injecting), but however the drug is taken, to get the same effect, doses need to increase. The higher the dose the more common the feelings of paranoia or panic.

The down side

Speed can cause teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

The comedown can make users feel depressed, anxious and tired.

Problem use

It is possible to become dependent on speed (mostly psychologically), with withdrawal symptoms of exhaustion, poor sleep and feeling agitated or depressed.

At risk

Long-term use can cause:

• heart, liver, kidney and lung problems
• aggression, paranoia and other mental health problems (‘speed psychosis’)

Rubbing speed into the gums can damage them. Injecting risks damage to veins and skin abscesses, blood poisoning and heart infections. Sharing injecting equipment can transmit HIV and hepatitis B and C.

Side-effects of speed can be raised blood pressure and heart beat irregularities, so it should be avoided by those with high blood pressure or heart conditions.

Mixing

Taking speed with drugs that increase heart rate (such as poppers, cocaine or E) risks a dangerous overworking of the heart. Speed and anti-depressants can lead to a fatal rise in blood pressure.

With HIV medications

Some HIV drugs (protease inhibitors) greatly raise levels of speed in the body.

With alcohol

Speed with alcohol can mask the effects of booze, making people drink more and not realise how drunk and over the limit they are.

The law

Speed is a Class B drug but if prepared for injecting it is a Class A drug.

Penalties

The penalty for possession of speed is up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine, but if prepared for injecting this rises to up to seven years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

The penalty for intending to supply speed, including giving to friends, is up to 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. If it is prepared for injecting this rises to up to life in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

More information and support

For help and advice concerning drugs see the page of Useful info and support in the Power room on this website.