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Slang:
Speed, dexy's midnight runners, phets, meth, base, ice, glass,
uppers, whizz, billy, and sulph.
Background
Speed comes as a grey, white or dirty-white powder which is snorted
or dissolved in liquid for injection or drinking, or swallowed in
pill form. It's the most impure illegal drug available in the UK.
The Effects:
Speed is a stimulant. It quickens the heartbeat and breathing rate.
The user becomes a lot more lively, confident and outgoing. They may
become more talkative, and experience tension in the jaw. Appetite
may completely disappear, but in no way does it fulfil the body's
nourishment needs.
The Risks:
Some users become tense and anxious while on speed. The comedown can
last for a couple of days, leaving users feeling tired, depressed
and irritable. In short term, memory and concentration are all
affected. Tolerance for speed can build quickly, so bigger doses are
required for the same sort of hit. Long-term users may become
dependent on the buzz speed gives them. Heavy abuse over long
periods can also place a serious strain on the heart and has been
linked to mental illnesses such as psychosis.
The Law:
Amphetamines are Class A drugs,
Health Hazards
Neurological hazards.
Methamphetamine releases high levels of the neurotransmitter
dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body
movement. It also appears to have a neurotoxic effect, damaging
brain cells that contain dopamine and serotonin, another
neurotransmitter. Over time, methamphetamine appears to cause
reduced levels of dopamine, which can result in symptoms like those
of Parkinson's disease, a severe movement disorder.
Addiction. Methamphetamine is
taken orally or intranasally (snorting the powder), by intravenous
injection, and by smoking. Immediately after smoking or intravenous
injection, the methamphetamine user experiences an intense
sensation, called a "rush" or "flash," that
lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable.
Oral or intranasal use produces euphoria - a high, but not a rush.
Users may become addicted quickly, and use it with increasing
frequency and in increasing doses.
Short-term effects. The
central nervous system (CNS) actions that result from taking even
small amounts of methamphetamine include increased wakefulness,
increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased
respiration, hyperthermia, and euphoria. Other CNS effects include
irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety,
paranoia, and aggressiveness. Hyperthermia and convulsions can
result in death.
Long-term effects.
Methamphetamine causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and
can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain,
producing strokes. Other effects of methamphetamine include
respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anorexia. Its
use can result in cardiovascular collapse and death.
If you are Planning on taking amphetamines:
The greatest danger to your health is from mixing amphetamines with
cocaine or ecstasy. The first is an unlikely combination because
they have such similar effects. This pairing brings a danger of
increased toxicity and strain on the heart. Mixing with ecstasy puts
extra strain on the heart and you will be at risk of over-heating.
It is possible to overdose on amphetamines, which can lead to
permanent damage or death. If you are using amphetamines over long
periods of time you are advised to take multi- vitamin and calcium
supplements, as well as keeping a check on your body weight. Avoid
injecting speed. This can damage your body and sharing needles can
pass on diseases such as HIV. If you have schizophrenic tendencies
there are real dangers that even the mildest use of speed could push
you over the edge.
Advice and support:
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