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Speed, also known scientifically as amphetamine, is a stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system and can lead to various physical and psychological effects. This drug can be prescribed medically for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy but is often used recreationally, which can potentially lead to abuse and other serious consequences. Understanding the impacts of speed on the body can help you make informed decisions about your health and wellbeing.

What is Speed Exactly?

Speed is the street name for amphetamine sulphate, although it can sometimes refer to other amphetamine-type drugs, including methamphetamine. In the medicinal context, drugs like Adderall, which contain amphetamine, are used to enhance focus and reduce impulsivity in individuals with ADHD. As a street drug, however, speed is typically used for its euphoric and energy-boosting effects.

The drug is generally found in powder form and can be white, yellow, grey, or pink. It can be swallowed, snorted, injected, or even smoked. No matter how it is consumed, speed increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, neurotransmitters that elevate mood, attention, and energy levels, as well as bodily functions like heart rate and blood pressure.

Physical Effects of Speed

The immediate effects of speed include increased alertness and energy, rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and a reduced appetite. Because it stimulates the brain so heavily, users often feel more awake and think they can perform tasks more quickly and effectively.

However, the physical impacts aren't all positive. Here are some common side effects:

• Increased Heart Rate and Hypertension: Frequent use can lead to cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias.
• Overheating and Hyperthermia: Speed can raise your body temperature to potentially dangerous levels, especially in a club or dance environment.
• Insomnia: The stimulating effects can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to significant sleep deficits.
• Weight Loss: Appetite suppression may seem beneficial, but it can lead to unhealthy weight loss and malnutrition.
• Dental Health Problems: Oral deterioration, commonly known as "meth mouth", is a risk with prolonged use, characterised by severe tooth decay and gum disease.

With chronic use, these effects worsen and can become life-threatening. Long-term users may suffer from severe heart problems, extreme weight loss, and even neurological damage that can manifest as memory loss or an increased risk of stroke.

Psychological Effects

The impact of speed on your mental health is profound and multifaceted. Initially, speed can cause feelings of euphoria, but this often gives way to less pleasant effects. Here's a look at the common psychological consequences:

• Anxiety and Paranoia: The increase in dopamine can lead to feelings of paranoia and high anxiety levels.
• Mood Swings: As the effects of the drug wear off, the elevated mood can quickly turn to irritability, aggression, and even depression.
• Addiction: Speed is highly addictive. The brain starts to rely on the drug for dopamine production, leading to physical dependence and addiction.
• Psychosis: High doses or prolonged use can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic behaviours, similar to those experienced by schizophrenia patients.

How To Deal with the Impact of Speed

If you or someone you know is using speed, being aware of the potential impacts is critical. Here are some practical strategies to cope with the consequences:

1. Education: Learn about the drug's effects and the potential harm it can bring. Knowledge is a powerful tool for prevention.
2. Seek Help: There are many resources available, including counselling services and rehabilitation centres, which can offer support for recovery.
3. Support Systems: Lean on family and friends for support. Sharing your struggles with trusted individuals can help ease the burden and guide you to recovery.
4. Healthy Alternatives: Engage in activities that promote wellbeing, such as exercise, hobbies, or social events that don't involve drugs.
5. Professional Advice: Consult healthcare providers or therapists who specialise in drug addiction and recovery. They can provide personalised guidance and support.

Understanding the effects of speed, both short-term and long-term, can help you make better decisions for your health and future. If you're concerned about your own or someone else's drug use, it's important to seek help sooner rather than later to prevent more severe consequences.

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.