3.9 Speed

"You are simply unstoppable. You just keep going endlessly. Where the energy comes from? You're bound to find out... After a few days, you're completely out of steam. And don't ever think that you're being productive, that you're creating something useful, You're only busy with idiotic things. Freaking on the square inch - boy, it kills your nerves. "

A user, Vraagbaak bij Verslavingen', 1995.

In comparison to most other drugs, speed has not existed all that long. At the end of the 19th century, amphetamines (one of the various types of uppers) were produced in a laboratory for the first time. Amphetamines were originally prescribed as slimming pills and were used as stimulants by soldiers during the Second World War. Only during a real 'speed craze' among the youth, (1969
1972), the health risks of excessive speed use revealed themselves. After this, most countries made the use of speed illegal.

How is speed used?

Speed is available as a tablet or in powder form and is taken mostly orally. Speed is the street name for 'uppers', substances of which we have heard in connection with doping checks. Use of uppers in sports is not really surprising as they, among others, increase one's stamina. "in Trainspotting, no more drugs are used than during the Olympic Games", film director Danny Boyle said sharply, when asked whether his movie was in favour of drugs.

How does speed work?

When taken orally, speed takes effect after around 15 to 20 minutes. When sniffed, the effect sets in already after several minutes and when injected, more or less immediately. In all cases, speed tapers off after around eight hours. Speed has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system and is exh ating. Speed gives energy, while sleepiness, fatigue and hunger disappear. The body temperature and blood pressurerise, and the pulse quickens. The pupils dilate, and the muscles tense up, resulting in a stiff jaw and grinding teeth. Speed use can also lead to accelerated heartbeat, headache and dizziness. At the same time, speed can make you very active, cheerful, alert and self-assured.

How can you tell speed use in prison? 

Speed users act rushed and speedy. As with cocaine, speed users become hyperactive and self-assured. In conflict situations, speed users are more likely to let go of their inhibitions, which can result in aggressive behaviour.

Hitler's 'Blitzkrieg'
His soldiers took it at the front. And Adolf Hitler himself used it too. He was given speed injections five times per day. But in spite of all those amphetamines, the Allies turned stronger in the end.