Amphetamines – how to keep yourself and others safe
This page will tell you about amphetamines (including speed), their side effects and risks, and how to stay safe while taking them.
Understanding amphetamines
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, which means they give you energy and keep you alert and awake.
There are different types of amphetamines, including speed and ‘study drugs’ like Ritalin and Adderall. Some amphetamines are prescribed for medical reasons, but people also take them recreationally.
Amphetamines usually start to work a few minutes after you’ve taken them. They can last for different amounts of time, but it will usually be about 3 to 6 hours.
Crystal meth is also a type of amphetamine, but in the UK it is mainly used by people engaging in chemsex.
Find out more about crystal meth and chemsex drugs.
Amphetamines side effects and risks
It’s easy to take too much. Speed is one of the most impure recreational drugs. It is often mixed with other substances, so you can’t be sure how it will affect you. It can be much stronger than you realise, which makes it easier to take too much. Taking too much speed can cause anxiety, chest pain and overheating.
It can affect your mental health. The comedown from amphetamines can be very unpleasant and last for several days. It can make you feel very tired and depressed. They can contribute to depression, anxiety, mood swings and psychotic episodes.
It can cause problems with your diet and sleep. They can stop you from feeling hungry and can make it extremely hard to sleep.
It makes you more immune to viruses and illnesses. Amphetamines weaken your immune system. This makes you more likely to catch colds, the flu and other illnesses.
It can strain and damage your heart. Amphetamines increase your heart rate and make it work much harder. Over time this can cause long term damage.
It’s very dangerous to inject. Injecting speed or any other amphetamine can cause lots of damage to your veins and arteries. Because speed is usually so impure, it is also much easier to overdose from an injection. Amphetamines also acts like an anaesthetic, so you might not notice the damage and injuries you’re causing.
Naloxone, the drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, does not work on speed.
Keeping yourself safe
There are ways you can reduce the side effects and risks of amphetamines:
Start with small amounts and see how they affect you. This is a good idea for all recreational drugs, but it is especially important with speed. Speed varies in strength, so taking small amounts makes you less likely to take too much and experience speed side effects.
Eat well and drink enough water. This will help to stop you from overheating and will make your comedown less unpleasant. Don’t drink too much water though. Speed can cause your body to release a hormone that stops you from making urine; slowly sip no more than 1 pint of water over an hour.
Don’t forget to take time out. If you’re taking speed to dance, it’s especially important to avoid overheating.
Don’t mix amphetamines with alcohol or other substances. Mixing substances can cause bad reactions and be very dangerous.
Always take speed with people you know and trust. If you feel unwell or anxious, they can make sure you are okay. If you feel like you have taken too much, they can get help.
You should always call 999 if you think someone is having an overdose.
Don’t be scared that you’ll get in trouble. The ambulance will not bring the police with them except in very particular cases.
Getting support with amphetamines
If you want to take steps to address your drug use, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You’re not alone and there's nothing to be ashamed of. There is lots of help and support available. Speak to you doctor about how you’re feeling and speak to supportive family and friends if you can.
Advice and support is always available from your local Change Grow Live Service. If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, we’re here to help.