Speed, Whizz, Buzz, Phet, Base
Class B (Class A if prepared for injection)
Around £5 per “wrap” or £8-£12 per gram of powder
Stimulant
- Amphetamines were first discovered in the 1800’s but their medical uses were not recognised until the 1930’s.
- Amphetamine is a very impure substance; sometimes what is sold is only 5% amphetamine. The rest of the powder can be anything!
- Amphetamines should not be used frequently. Frequent use can cause the appetite to be suppressed and sleep patterns to be heavily disrupted.
- Daily use of amphetamines can lead quickly to addiction and dependency.
- Amphetamine that is sold on the street usually comes as a white, grey, yellowish or pinky powder or as putty-like substance known as base.
- Amphetamines makes you breathe faster and also makes your heart beat much quicker.
- It can also stop you from feeling hungry.
- People that use amphetamines can tend to feel more alert, energetic, confident and cheerful and less bored or tired.
- Amphetamine use can easily cause overdoses.
- Amphetamine use can cause high blood pressure along with an irregular heartbeat which places stress on the heart and can lead to heart complications such as heart attacks and heart failure.
- Amphetamine releases adrenaline and gives the user a “rush” however this comes at a price as a “crash” or “come down” shortly follows the high which can leave the person feeling sick, irritable and depressed.
- Regular amphetamine users can build up tolerance which means they need to take larger amounts to achieve the same effect. Over time this can lead to dependency, meaning the person uses more to feel normal rather than for the “buzz” they originally felt.
- Withdrawal symptoms can include tiredness, panic attacks, depression, mood swings, nightmares and crashes can last for several days with heavy sleep.
- Viral hepatitis and HIV/AIDS infections can be spread by users sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment.
- Dental issues present with amphetamine users due to mouth drying out and less blood flow to the gums. In addition, many heavy speed users grind or ‘gurn’ their teeth and jaws which causes damage to tooth enamel.
- Do not mix amphetamine with other substances as this is dangerous; particularly mixing with other stimulants, such as ecstasy. It could cause the heart and the body to speed up too much.
- If a person does begin to inject amphetamines then clean needles should be sought – needles/syringes can be obtained for free from pharmacies and drug and alcohol services.
- Injecting equipment should never be shared.
- Do not mix amphetamines with anti-depressants or alcohol as this has been known to cause death.
- Take a small amount and increase allowing time for the body to digest the amphetamines. Some useful points to bear in mind are: injecting digests instantly, snorting takes 5 minutes and ‘bombing’ or tablets will start to take effect after 20 minutes.
- Do not like to mix amphetamines with hallucinogenic drugs as you are more likely to experience a bad trip.
