Speed
(amphetamines, amphet, phet, billy, billy-wizz)
Amphetamine, or speed, is a stimulant drug that was first synthesized in Germany in 1887, however, its psychostimulant effects were not discovered until 1929. Its recreational use rose in popularity in the UK during the 1970s in the Northern Soul scene and it’s remained popular since.
Effects | Dosage | Advice | Support
Effects
- Increased energy/alertness
- Confidence
- Focussed
- Insomnia
- Anxiety/paranoia
- Palpitations
- Increased sex drive
- Appetite suppression
Dosage
Dosage will depend on a number of factors including tolerance, gender and weight, amongst others.
| Strength | Dose |
| Threshold | 2.5 mg |
| Light | 5-10 mg |
| Common | 10-25 mg |
| Strong | 25-50 mg |
| Heavy | 50 mg |
Harm Reduction Advice
- Snorting drugs can be damaging to your nose, so always chop your drugs finely, alternate nostrils, avoid sharing equipment and wash your nose out at the end of the night.
- Mixing drugs, including alcohol, can be risky. Click here for more information on drug combinations.
- The purity of speed varies a lot so dose carefully.
- Speed can be moreish, set a limit and try stick to it.
- Some people find it difficult to eat when they’ve taken speed, so make sure to eat something before.
- Speed lasts a long time (12ish hours), so factor this in before you take it.
- If you feel anxious or paranoid, stop taking speed and try to get some sleep.
- You’re likely to feel depleted after using drugs. Hydrate, eat something nutritious and rest. Click here for more information on taking care of yourself after a session.
- If you can’t imagine going on a night out without doing speed, it’s probably time to take a break. If you’re struggling to control your use, contact us.
- If someone collapses or becomes unresponsive, seek immediate medical attention. You will not get in trouble for doing this. Click here to read up on drug-read up on drug-related emergencies.
- We recommend you always test your drugs, for information on testing services in Bristol, click here.
- If you’re out and about, make sure you and your mates have a safe way to get home, definitely don’t drive.
Access Support
The Drop is BDP’s one stop shop for support, advice and resources around party drugs.
