Amphetamines (Speed)

• Speed is a stimulant drug.
• Speed belongs to a group of drugs called 'psychostimulants' also commonly known as 'amphetamines' that stimulate the central nervous system.
• Amphetamines speed up the messages going to and from the brain to the body.
• Amphetamines can come in many different forms, such as; powder, tablets, capsules, crystal or red liquid.
• Most speed sold on the streets is manufactured in illegal laboratories. The strength and purity vary enormously and often mixed with other substances.

Street names

Speed, up, fast, louee, goey, whiz, pep pills and uppers, bennies, jollies.

Effects

Depending on the make-up of a person, the effects of any drug vary. A given amount might have a slight effect on one person, but a greater effect on another person. A person may experience the following short-term effects after taking speed.

• increased aggressiveness
• increased heart rate
• increased blood pressure
• hallucinations
• reduced appetite
• anxiety, sleeplessness and panic.

Speed use may result in chronic sleeping problems, anxiety and tension, high blood pressure and a rapid and irregular heartbeat. People who use amphetamines also use alcohol, and other sedative/hypnotics, yarndi and available opiates. Long term speed use can lead to:

• malnutrition
• psychosis
• less resistance to infections
• need to take other drugs
• violence
• hepatitis and HIV.

Overdose

The following symptoms may indicate that a person has taken too much of the drug and need help. If you or someone you know have been taking speed and notice these effects, go to a doctor, the emergency department of the nearest hospital or call an ambulance (000):

• fever and sweating
• blurred vision
• loss of coordination
• collapse
• tremors
• dizziness.

Speed and pregnancy

It is possible for babies of mothers who use amphetamines to be born with:

• cardiac defects
• cleft palate
• other birth defects
• addiction and withdrawal.

Harm minimisation

It depends on how you want to get off speed too. To stop completely or reduce the amount you use is also an option. How often or frequently you use it will depend on your treatment options, so speak to your local Aboriginal drug and alcohol worker, Aboriginal health worker or GP to discuss the options that will suit you.

Amphetamines and the law

Possessing, using, making or selling speed is illegal.

Federal and State laws have heavy penalties for the possession/manufacturing and supply of speed. If you are charged with a drug offence, you should get legal help.

Where to get help

If a person is concerned about their amphetamine use, they need to be encouraged to get help from their local Aboriginal Health Service, their doctor or from a drug and alcohol service. Family and friends who are concerned about someone they care about can also get information and support from these places:

• Direct Line; Phone: 1800 888 236
• Family Drug Help; Phone: 1300 660 068
• Youth Substance Abuse Service (YSAS); Phone: 1800 014 446; Website: www.ysas.org.au
  Drug and alcohol services for people aged between 12 and 21 who are experiencing significant problems related to their drug use.
• VIVAIDS (Injecting Drug Users Peer Support); Phone: 9419 3633
  Information and education for injecting drug users (IDUs), ex IDUs and carers
• Alcoholism and Drug Treatment Centre Moreland Hall; Phone: 9386 2876.

 This fact sheet has been reproduced with permission from the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO).

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