Amphetamines, also called speed, amphet, crystal, ice, yaba or meth, are synthetic products sold in the form of powder, capsules or tablets. Their consumption involves risks and can lead to addiction.

WHAT IS SPEED?

Amphetamines or "speed" are manufactured in illegal laboratories from simple chemical precursors. There are several types of amphetamines (amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine) and they are most often mixed with other products, medications, drugs and excipients that are sometimes toxic.

IS OCCASIONAL USE RISKY?

Physical disorders generally accompany the consumption of amphetamines: palpitations, headaches, tremors, fever, sweating, dehydration, etc. If you have taken high doses or are particularly vulnerable, some of these effects can be fatal. You may be the victim of a high fever, convulsions or a cardiovascular accident (heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism). This is called an overdose.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF AN OVERDOSE?

An overdose is the consumption of a dose higher than your body can tolerate. It results in an accelerated heart rate, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and profuse sweating, sometimes accompanied by severe paranoia, frightening hallucinations and acts of violence. If you are in the presence of a person who has overdosed, call the emergency services immediately (15 or 112), stimulate them and keep them awake while waiting for help. Overdose prevention involves knowing your limits, paying attention to the slightest warning sign and being very responsive on the part of the consumer or those around them in the event of a significant "nose pick".

WHAT RISKS ARE LINKED TO THE METHOD OF CONSUMPTION?

Some risks are linked to the method of consumption:
If you sniff: risk of damage to the nasal septum and infectious contamination, particularly by hepatitis B or C viruses, when exchanging straws.
If you inject: infections such as abscesses or septicemia, linked to bacteria or fungi, and transmission of viruses: HIV or hepatitis.

CAN I HAVE A BAD EXPERIENCE?

The phase during which the effect of the product diminishes, the "come down", is sometimes very difficult to live with. You may feel spasms, deep anxiety, a depressive state with suicidal thoughts, or be violent. In the days following your use, you may be tired, nervous, irritable or aggressive, suffer from insomnia and have lost your appetite.

CAN I BECOME DEPENDENT?

Psychological dependence can set in very quickly, after a few weeks of use, or even from the first week. You will then be obsessed with the idea of ​​starting again and will consume compulsively (this is called "craving"). Very quickly, the reduction in the effect of the drug, a phenomenon called tolerance or habituation, will push you to consume more to obtain the same result. If you stop, you will possibly feel a state of withdrawal (insomnia, agitation, depression, etc.).

WHAT ARE THE RISKS IF I USE REGULARLY?

Regular use of amphetamines can affect your health due to repeated insomnia and the appetite suppressant effect which leads to nutritional deficiencies. This can lead to a state of exhaustion, cause oral and dental problems, bone decalcification, loss of resistance to diseases and psychological disorders: anxiety, anguish, depression, violent behavior. Skin lesions (pimples, acne), erectile dysfunction or menstrual cycle disorders are often observed in regular users. Serious psychological symptoms such as paranoia, obsessive delusions, hallucinations can also occur and persist for several years after stopping consumption.

HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISKS?

It is preferable to abstain because any consumption exposes you to risks. If you consume, you can nevertheless try to reduce these risks.
Never consume alone.
Do not consume if you are tired, anxious, depressed.
Split the doses (especially the first few times) and wait to measure the effect of the product on you.
Avoid mixing, especially with alcohol, medications or other illicit drugs.
Drink water regularly, but in reasonable quantities. Wear loose clothing. Rest and ventilate regularly.
If you snort, never share your straw and rinse your nasal passages after snorting with physiological serum, purchased in a pharmacy, or warm water.
If you inject the product, never share your injection equipment.
Obtain sterile equipment from specialized centers, mobile units, pharmacies or vending machines.
Click here to find out about the risk reduction devices available to you
Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases.
After consuming, do not engage in any responsible or risky activity, in particular do not drive.
When coming down, plan to rest and eat vitamin-rich and sugary products.
Do not consume if you are pregnant.
If you suffer from a chronic, physical or mental illness, if you are undergoing treatment, if you are or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about your consumption.

I WANT HELP

A lot of help is available to you:
Websites that inform you and list reception structures by department.
Reception structures where you can meet professionals specialized in risk reduction and addiction management.
Free telephone numbers that offer you a listening ear 7 days a week.
Click here to find out about the assistance available to you
You can also talk to your GP who will be able to direct you to a suitable structure.
Amphetamines are sometimes trivialized and consumed during outings, exam periods or during training or sports competitions. However, their consumption quickly leads to addiction and can be fatal. They are on the list of doping substances and are the cause of death in the world of sport.