The danger of death by overdosing on amphetamines is extremely low, with only 79 recorded OD deaths world-wide in the forty years up to 1979, almost all injecting users.

However, just as the pull of heroin is over dramatised, the pull of speed is dramatically understated. The combination of the physical rush and psychological boost is a strong draw for many users.

The danger comes from over-regular use, and over familiarity, becoming more dependent on the release of energy and more uncomfortable with the body's natural energy levels.

Paranoia and nervous tension are common after even mild recreational use. Even occasional, light users can suffer depression and lasting fatigue.

Heavy users hit severe, sometimes suicidal lows, and can slump into deep sleeps lasting well over 24 hrs.

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speed psychosis
Consistent heavy use or a single large dose can induce amphetamine psychosis, almost identical in symptoms to schizophrenia.

Vivid auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions are the real frighteners and, unlike hallucinogens, the "trip" cannot be turned around. This is a very real mental state caused by over-excitement of the brain's fright centres.

Its effects often start with curiosity, deep thought, and paranoia. Its slow build up makes it all the more dangerous, as it is harder to recognise the symptoms.

Some people get into obsessional activities, ironing or scrubbing floors though the night, or dismantling and reassembling electrical equipment.

While amphetamine psychosis is much more common amongst heavy regular users there are real dangers that any small amount of speed used by a person with schizophrenic tendencies could push them over the edge.