Usage of speed and cocaine may lead to strong physical and mental exhaustion. Usage may also lead to a strong mental addiction. This means that people long for to use the drug again and again. Because of frequent use it may be that more and more speed or cocaine is needed to feel the same effect. This is called tolerance or habituation.
In the short-term
- The body may become get exhausted through making efforts without becoming tired, hungry or thirsty.
- Cocaine and speed give you a feeling of self-confidence, which may lead to you taking too many risks (e.g. in traffic or unsafe sex)
- Cocaine and speed are very harmful during pregnancy for both mother and unborn child.
- The sharing of needles or straws to sniff can lead to HIV infection and hepatitis B and C.
- Too high a dose may lead to developing heart problems that can be fatal
In the long term
- Using these substances may cause severe exhaustion.
- Damage to the blood circulation can occur and it is stressful for the heart.
- One may become depressed, volatile, paranoid or aggressive.
