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• Drug Info:

Amphetamines

Also known as:
SPEED – BILLY – WHIZZ – BASE – DEXIES

WHAT IS IT?

Speed is the street name for Amphetamine. Like coke it’s a stimulant that people take to keep them awake and alert. It’s Britain’s least pure illegal drug. It is sold in wraps like cocaine, and the powder is off white or pinkish and can sometimes look like small crystals. Base is purer and is a pinkish-grey colour and feels like putty.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS.

Speed is a class B drug, illegal to have, give away or sell. If prepared for injection, speed then becomes a class A drug which carries a tougher sentence. Possession can get you up to 5 years in jail and/or unlimited fine. Supplying can be punished with up to 14 years in jail and/or an unlimited fine.

THE EFFECTS.

• Makes you feel wide awake, chatty and excited.
• It’s impossible to sit still or sleep on speed.

THE RISKS.

• Speed users have died from overdose.
• Taking speed can lead to depression – anxiety – irritability and aggression as well as mental illness.
• Speed puts a strain on your heart. It’s bad news for people with high blood pressure or a heart condition.
• Taking speed can be bad for your immune system. If you take a lot this could mean getting more colds, flu and sore throats.
• Avoid taking speed and anti-depressants or alcohol. This combination has been known to be fatal.

PLAY IT SAFE.

Drugs can severely damage your physical and mental health. They can get you in to trouble with the law and even kill you.

But if you do decide to use drugs, reduce the risks by finding out as much as you can about the effects, risks, etc. and then decide if it’s really worth it.

If you do decide to use drugs keep these points in mind: –
If you’re dancing wear light clothing.

The smaller you are the fewer drugs you need to get the same effect, but where your are, and the mood you are in will also affect the way you’ll react.

Don’t score off strangers; poor quality drugs can give you bad trips.

Mixing drugs and alcohol can be fatal.

Never drive if you have had drugs.

Always carry a condom; never risk unprotected sex.

FIRST AID
If your mate collapses call 999.
Get help to put them into the recovery position.
Tell the medics what they have taken.
IT COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE.

This information leaflet has been put together by:
FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service, an initiative of the Gwent Council on Alcohol and Drug Misuse.

The information on this leaflet is correct at the time of going to press.

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