Drugs
AMPHETAMINES - SPEED
Appearance:
An off-white or pinkish powder sold in wraps like cocaine, which sometimes looks like small crystals. Base speed is purer and is a pink-grey colour that feels like putty.
It can be dabbed onto the gums, sniffed in lines like cocaine, rolled up in cigarette paper and swallowed, smoked, mixed in drinks, smoked or injected.
Effects:
- Speed makes people feel wide awake and chatty.
- Curbs appetite
- Restlessness - it is impossible to sit still or sleep.
- After effects for users are irritability and panic.
- Possible panic and hallucinations.
The Risks:
- Addictive
- Death from overdose
- Affects the heart. It can be fatal for those with blood pressure and heart conditions.
- High consumption affects the immune system
- Can lead to anxiety, depression, aggression and mental illness, such as psychosis and paranoia.
- Injecting drugs can cause vein damage, ulcers and gangrene. Danger of contracting hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.
- Easy to overdose if injecting.
The Law:
Speed is a Class B drug – illegal to possess, give away or sell. If prepared for injection it becomes a Class A drug.