WHAT IS SPEED?

  

• Speed (amphetamine or methamphetamine) is a stimulant drug.

• It produces alertness, confidence and raises levels of energy and stamina.

• It reduces appetite and lessens the desire and ability to sleep.

 

IS SPEED ADDICTIVE?

  

• Regular use can produce a need to increase the dose to get the same effect, and can lead to physical dependence on the drug.

• Speed can produce a powerful craving for more of the drug.

• Long-term use can result in serious mental and physical problems.

 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INJECTING?

  

• The dose reaches the brain almost immediately, increasing the possibility of overdose.

• Impurities are introduced directly into the bloodstream and can cause septicemia and other infections.

• Repeated injections damage the veins, leading to thrombosis and abscesses.

• Sharing syringes can cause hepatitis and HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS.

 

DANGERS!

  

• The 'comedown' off speed can make you feel tired, lethargic and depressed. This may tempt users to take more, and can lead to dependency.

• Speed users are at higher HIV and hepatitis risk through unsafe sex and needle sharing.

• Although rare, speed can cause seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and death from overdose.

• Many users become physically run down, which leaves them susceptible to a wide range of illnesses.

• Extended use of speed can cause psychosis. The user may think that everybody is out to get them, or that they