DESCRIPTION
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, which means they act to speed up heart rate and breathing. Some types of amphetamines are legally prescribed by doctors to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy and Parkinson’s. Other types of amphetamines such as speed are produced and sold illegally. The more potent form is crystal methamphetamine (ice), speed now mostly contains methamphetamine of varying purity. Speed (aka amphetamines) comes in various forms including powder, tablet, paste (ox-blood) and crystal.
DURATION OF EFFECTS
Snorted
Total duration: 3 - 6 hours
Onset: 5 - 10 minutes
Peak: 15 - 40 minutes
Coming down: 45 mins - 3 hours
Hangover/After effects: 1- 12 hours
Injected/Smoked
Total Duration: 2 - 4 hours
Onset: Immediate
Swallowed
Total Duration: 4 - 8 hours
Onset: 15 - 30 minutes
After Effects: 1 - 12 hours
HALF LIFE
Even though the apparent effects of the drug wear off after 6 hours, the drug is still active in your system for up to 12-14 hours after you have taken it. Try to remember this if using other substances or redosing.
EFFECTS
‘Set’ (your mind & body) + ‘Setting’ (environment) + Drug
PHYSICAL
Dilated pupils
Increased energy, alertness and hyperactivity
Dehydration
Excessive talking
Tightened jaw muscles, teeth grinding, headaches
Increased body temperature and sweating
Restlessness and agitation
Body rushes - hot and cold *LESS COMMON
Insomnia - decreased need for sleep *LESS COMMON
Increased sexual activity/desire *LESS COMMON
Nausea/vomiting *LESS COMMON
Loss of appetite, weight loss *LESS COMMON
Heart palpitations *LESS COMMON
Seizures, stroke, heart attack or coma *RARE
Collapse *RARE
Tooth decay as a result of dry mouth and teeth grinding *RARE
Emotional
Euphoria
Increased Empathy & compassion
Moodiness
Irritability
Anxiousness or nervousness
Aggressiveness *LESS COMMON
Depression *LESS COMMON
Psychological
Repetition of simple acts
Abrupt change of thoughts and speech
Increased self confidence
Suicidal tendencies/thoughts
Panic attacks *LESS COMMON
Suspicion & paranoia *LESS COMMON
Compulsive picking/scratching skin *LESS COMMON
Sense of confidence and power (delusions of grandeur) *LESS COMMON
Visual and auditory hallucinations (hearing voices) *LESS COMMON
Psychotic episodes and /or mania *LESS COMMON
Delusions *LESS COMMON
Excited Delirium Syndrome *RARE
Know your local laws e.g. the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld), the Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substance Act 1981 (Vic).
LONG TERM EFFECTS
Physical and Psychological Dependency, Loss of appetite, weight loss, Poor health and nutrition , Lowered resistance to illness, Poor dental health, Impotence, Psychosis, Fatal kidney and lung disorders, Possible brain damage and/or psychological problems, Stroke,Vein collapse or infection (long term injecting), Blood Borne Virus and liver damage (long term injecting)
It is not recommended to use speed if you have or are at risk of:
Heart Problems, Anxiety, Psychotic disorders, Schizophreni, Respiratory problems, Heart problems
DRUG COMBINATIONS
Polydrug use has many possible outcomes. What could be fun for one person could be dangerous for another. We recommend you proceed with caution.
DANGEROUS
Tramadol - Increase of risk of seizures
MAOIs:
MAO-B inhibitors - can increase the potency and duration of phenethylamines unpredictably.
MAO-A inhibitors with amphetamine can lead to hypertensive crises, psychosis, agitation and aggression.
CAUTION
2C-T-x - Stimulants increase anxiety levels and the risk of thought loops which can lead to negative experiences. In extreme cases, they can result in severe vasoconstriction, tachycardia, hypertension, and in extreme cases heart failure.
DXM (cough syrup) - Both substances raise heart rate, in extreme cases, panic attacks caused by these drugs have led to more serious heart issues.
LOW RISK
Psychedelics (LSD, Psilocybin) - can increase anxiety levels and risk of thought loops leading to negative experiences
Stimulants(Cocaine, Methamphetamine etc) - Combination of stimulants will increase the strain on the heart risking stroke.
Alcohol - Stimulants reduce the sedative effects of alcohol which can lead to excessive drinking and the risks associated with that.
GHB/GBL- Stimulants increase respiration rate allowing a higher dose of sedatives. If the stimulant wears off first then the sedative may overcome the patient and cause respiratory arrest.
Opioids - Stimulants increase respiration rate allowing a higher dose of sedatives. If the stimulant wears off first then the sedative may overcome the patient and cause respiratory arrest.
DRUG TESTS
Roadside Police: Roadside saliva tests do look for speed (amphetamines) and other substances can be detected that might have been cut into your speed. It is illegal to drive under the influence of any illicit drugs, including speed and any driver may be subject to a roadside behavioural impairment test. Wait at least 72 hours before driving
Workplace: Urine: 1-4 days Hair: Up to 90 days Blood: 12 hours
‘Pill Testing’/Drug Checking: Lab-quality testing has been trialed in Australia and is not available as a health service yet but DIY reagent testing is an option. Marquis and Mandelin give a reaction. Mecke and Robadope do not give a reaction. This information can be used to cross-reference results.
SAFER USING
Use around people you trust and somewhere you feel safe.
Eat about 30 minutes before use.
A standard recreational dose of snorted amphetamine is between 10mg and 40mg.
Prescription based amphetamines, like Dexamphetamine contain their own prescribed dosage information
Be aware of overheating or an elevated heart rate and make sure to cool down & chill out regularly.
Keep your fluids up, but don’t drink too much—1 cup of water (250ml) p/h when resting & 500ml per hour when active.
Try eat every 2-3 hours, have a smoothie/sports drink to keep your electrolytes up
Sleep! Or at least lay down and rest during a 24-hour period to avoid sleep deprivation.
SNORTING
Crush to fine powder as crystals can cause little cuts.
Snort water before and after to protect your nose.
Use your own straw/spoon (& not money bills) to avoid infection or blood borne viruses (HIV/HVC)
Repeated snorting can damage your nose, switch nostrils regularly and take breaks.
INJECTING
Use your own, new and sterile injecting equipment (inc. water when mixing).
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after.
Learn about safer injecting practices.
Dispose of syringes & equipment responsibly.
SHELVING (DRY)/PLUGGING (WET MIX)
Use lubrication to avoid tearing the skin
Use a condom or latex/vinyl glove to avoid internal scratches
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after
Use sterile water to mix with powdered pill
Find a discreet and safe place to do it.
SELF CARE
Carrying drugs & paraphernalia puts you at greater risk of criminal charges (inc. trafficking, even if you don’t deal). Know your local laws.
Carrying speed and paraphernalia (e.g. injecting/snorting/plugging equipment) puts you at risk of criminal charges including trafficking, even if you don’t deal.
MORE INFO
This resource has been made by people who use drugs for their peers & the wider community. The role of DanceWize is to provide credible & non-judgmental info to promote health & harm reduction. In an unregulated (illegal) market you don’t know the purity or dose of any drug and there is always some risk. You can educate yourself and practise harm reduction to reduce risk. Knowledge is power. #JUSTSAYKNOW
