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Want to know more about speed (amphetamine)? Many young people encounter it through parties, clubs, or peers, often lured by the promise of energy and confidence. However, amphetamine use carries significant risks that can affect your health, relationships, and future. Here are ten critical considerations to help you make an informed decision about speed.

1. What Is Speed?

Speed, a street name for amphetamine, is a powerful stimulant that increases energy, alertness, and concentration. It's commonly sold as a powder or pills and is often taken to enhance performance or stay awake. However, the short-term effects are not worth the risks, which include physical harm and mental health issues.

2. How Does Speed Affect Your Body and Mind?

Speed works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, leading to heightened energy and confidence. However, it also raises your heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications. Users often experience agitation, insomnia, and anxiety, and the "comedown" after use can be extremely unpleasant, causing depression and exhaustion.

3. Short-Term Risks

The immediate risks of using speed include heart palpitations, overheating, and dehydration. Since amphetamine suppresses appetite, you might also experience weakness or fatigue from not eating properly. Additionally, the drug's stimulating effects can impair your judgement, leading to risky behaviour.

4. Long-Term Consequences

Regular use of speed can cause significant damage to your body and mind. Over time, users may develop anxiety, paranoia, or even psychosis. Physical effects include weight loss, dental issues, and heart problems. Speed is also highly addictive, and dependence can make it challenging to stop, leading to severe long-term harm.

5. What's in Speed?

One of the dangers of speed is that it's often cut with other substances to increase profit for dealers. These additives can include caffeine, talcum powder, or other unknown chemicals, making it impossible to know exactly what you're consuming. This unpredictability increases the risk of adverse reactions and overdose.

6. The Legal Consequences

In the UK, amphetamine is a Class B drug. Possession can result in up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying speed can lead to even harsher penalties. A criminal record can have long-lasting effects on your ability to travel, find a job, or apply to university.

7. Real-Life Impact: A Teen's Story

Emily, a 17-year-old from Bristol, shared her experience: "I tried speed at a festival because I thought it would make me feel more confident. At first, I felt great, but then my heart started racing, and I couldn't calm down. Afterward, I felt exhausted and depressed for days. I realised it wasn't worth it and haven't touched it since." Emily's story highlights the unpredictable and often unpleasant consequences of using speed.

8. Handling Peer Pressure

Peer pressure can make it hard to say no to drugs, especially if your friends are encouraging you to try them. Here are some strategies to stand your ground:

• Be assertive: "No thanks, I'm not into that."
• Use an excuse: "I have an early start tomorrow."
• Bring a supportive friend: Stay with people who respect your decisions.
• Change the topic: Divert the conversation to something fun or interesting.

Remember, it's your choice, and you have every right to say no.

9. Healthier Alternatives to Trying Speed

If you're considering speed because you want more energy or confidence, there are healthier ways to achieve these goals. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep can naturally boost your energy levels. If stress or anxiety is the issue, consider activities like yoga, mindfulness, or talking to someone you trust.

10. Where to Get Support

If you're feeling tempted to try speed or struggling with its use, know that support is available. Talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or school counsellor. You can also reach out to organisations like Talk to Frank, which provides confidential advice and resources for young people dealing with drug-related challenges. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to try speed is a significant choice with far-reaching consequences. By understanding the risks, the impact on your health, and the legal implications, you can make an informed decision that prioritises your wellbeing. Remember, your future is worth more than the temporary effects of a drug. Saying no to speed is a powerful way to protect yourself and your goals.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.