If you’re trying to work out how to tell if someone is on speed, it usually means you’ve noticed changes that don’t feel typical for them. Speed can affect someone’s body, mood, sleep, and behaviour, and those changes can show up quickly.
This page explains what is speed, the most common speed drug effects, and what you can do if you’re worried about someone’s wellbeing.
What is speed?
Speed is a street name for amphetamine, a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It’s often sold as a white or off-white powder or paste, and strength can vary. Sometimes it’s mixed with other substances, which can make the effects harder to predict.
People may take speed drugs in different ways, and risks can change depending on what’s in it, how much is taken, and whether other substances are involved.
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What does speed do to you?
If you’re asking what does speed do to you, it helps to think of it as a drug that pushes the body into “overdrive”. In the moment, it can cause:
- increased energy and alertness
- faster or louder speech
- reduced appetite
- reduced need for sleep
- sweating, a racing heart, and feeling overheated
- anxiety, irritability, or agitation as it wears off
These speed drug effects can look like someone being unusually driven or talkative, but they can also tip into panic, paranoia, or aggressive behaviour, especially with higher doses or little sleep.
Signs someone is on speed
No single sign proves someone has taken speed. Some signs can overlap with stress, anxiety, or other substances. What often stands out is a cluster of changes, especially if they’re new or out of character.
Quick checklist of how to tell if someone is on speed
- Pupils on speed: pupils may look noticeably larger than usual, even in normal light
- Restlessness, pacing, constant fidgeting
- Rapid or pressured speech, jumping between topics
- Jaw clenching, teeth grinding, muscle twitching or tremors
- Sweating, flushed skin, feeling very warm
- Staying awake for long periods, then crashing
- Mood swings: confidence or euphoria that flips into irritability or anxiety
- Impulsive or risky decisions
Behaviour changes you might notice
Speed can change how someone relates to other people. They might seem unusually confident, talkative, or intensely focused, then become impatient or confrontational. Some people get stuck in repetitive behaviour, while others become edgy and easily startled. If you’re seeing secrecy, sudden routine changes, or repeated fallouts with family and friends, it can point to a wider pattern of substance misuse rather than a one-off. But this doesn’t just apply to speed, these behaviour changes can come from misuse of the most commonly used drugs in Ireland
Psychological signs and mental health effects
Speed doesn’t just affect energy. It can affect thoughts and emotions too. You might notice:
- Heightened anxiety or agitation
- Panic symptoms (racing heart, fear, feeling out of control)
- Suspiciousness or paranoia
- Confused thinking, especially after little sleep
- In some cases, seeing or hearing things that others don’t
Sleep deprivation can make all of this feel more intense.
The speed comedown
A speed comedown is the crash after the stimulant effects wear off. Someone might feel exhausted, low, irritable, or anxious. Cravings can also show up, especially if they’re used to taking more to avoid the crash.
How to support someone during a comedown
- Keep things calm and low-stimulation
- Encourage water and light food if they can manage it
- Avoid arguments or lectures while they’re distressed or exhausted
- Support rest, and discourage “topping up” to stay awake
- If low mood becomes severe, or they talk about harming themselves, get urgent help
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When it could be an emergency
Call 112 in Ireland if someone has chest pain, trouble breathing, seizures, collapses, severe overheating (hot skin, confusion), extreme agitation, or you can’t wake them properly.If you need confidential advice on support options, the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline can also guide you towards services in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can you smoke speed?
People do ask can you smoke speed, but it’s not safer. Smoking unknown substances can irritate or damage the lungs, and it can make dosing harder to judge. Because “speed” varies in strength and may be mixed with other substances, the risks can be unpredictable.
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What legal implications could arise from someone using or possessing Speed?
In Ireland, amphetamines are controlled drugs, and possession without a valid prescription is an offence. The consequences can depend on the amount involved and the circumstances (for example, personal possession versus supply-related offences). For clear, up-to-date information, check Citizens Information and speak with a legal professional if needed.
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What are the differences between the recreational use of speed and medically supervised amphetamine treatment?
Recreational speed use is unregulated, with uncertain strength and content, and it’s often taken in ways that increase harm. Medically supervised stimulant treatment (for example for ADHD) involves regulated medicines, carefully planned dosing, monitoring of side effects (like blood pressure and sleep), and regular clinical review as part of a wider treatment plan. Also, a drug rehab in Ireland, such as Smarmore Castle, can offer a medically managed detox for drug addiction. We have a page explaining more about amphetamines withdrawal symptoms.
Contact us today
If you’re worried someone may be using speed, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Speak to the team at Smarmore Castle in confidence to talk through what you’re seeing and what support could look like. Call 041 986 5080.
Alternatively, if you’re ready to take the next step, visit our admissions page to find out how to start your journey with us.
