SPEED
- At a glance
- What is it?
- Physical effects
- Problems
Problems using speed
Short term
- Increased and irregular heartbeat and breathing
- Excessive sweating
- Overheating
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Teeth grinding
- Jaw clenching
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
Long term
- Dental problems
- Significant weight loss
- Stroke
- Heart problems
- High risk of dependence
- High risk of exposure to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV
Research also shows that both verbal and physical violence are linked with long-term amphetamine use. Heavy binges on speed are associated with reckless and aggressive behaviour.
Users also face further psychological issues with prolonged amphetamine use, including attention and memory issues, decreased emotional control, paranoid delusions, hallucinations, mood swings and depression. This can lead to social and financial problems, the risk of family breakdown and losing friends.