Mixing speed with other drugs
People who use speed sometimes take other drugs at the same time to cope with some of the things speed does to the body. Some people take drugs such as minor tranquillisers, alcohol, marijuana or heroin to help them sleep.
This can make you dependent on several drugs at once. For example, some people need speed each day to get them going and minor tranquillisers each night to get to sleep. This type of dependence can lead to many serious physical and psychological problems.
Mixing different drugs can also make you more likely to overdose.

Speed and pregnancy
Using speed when you are pregnant may increase the chance of losing the baby before it is born, having the baby too early and other problems.
Babies of speed-using mothers may weigh less and may get withdrawal symptoms from the mother’s speed use. Little is known about the long-term effects on the child as it grows.

Tolerance and dependence
Anyone can develop a ‘tolerance’ to speed.
Tolerance means that you must take more of the drug to feel the same effects you used to have with lower amounts.
‘Dependence’ on speed means that it takes up a lot of your thoughts, emotions and activities.
Dependence on speed can lead to a variety of health, money, legal, work and relationship problems.
Not all people who use speed are dependent.

Withdrawal
People who are dependent on speed may find it very hard to stop using or cut down because of withdrawal symptoms.
These can include:

• tiredness
• hunger
• feeling anxious
• feeling irritable
• deep depression (feeling very down or sad)
• being ‘nervy’ or restless
• feeling angry or upset
• long but disturbed sleep
• wanting speed very badly (cravings).

These symptoms are usually fairly short-lived and most withdrawing people don’t need medication.
However, if you are worried about withdrawal, contact your doctor or health centre.

Speed and the law
Using speed is illegal. If you use, sell or give speed to someone else and get caught, you could face substantial fines and penalties including a prison sentence.

Speed and driving
Speed can make you feel more confident when you drive. This can make you take dangerous risks and have accidents. It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs, including speed.

Penalties include losing your licence, a fine and/or jail.