Amphetamine

Amphetamine is a powerful stimulant drug that speeds up the brain and body. It is illegal and is most commonly sold as a powder or paste.

Across the UK and North West, amphetamine is often known by street names such as:

  • Speed

  • Whizz

  • Billy

  • Base

  • Paste

The strength and purity of amphetamine can vary significantly, which increases the risk of harm.

What does amphetamine look like?

Amphetamine usually appears as:

  • An off-white or pinkish powder

  • Small crystal-like pieces

  • A damp, gritty paste that may be white, grey or brown

Paste or “base” amphetamine is often stronger and harder to judge in terms of dose.

What does it taste or smell like?

Amphetamine has a strong, bitter and unpleasant taste. It does not usually have a strong smell.

How do people use amphetamine?

People take amphetamine in a number of ways, all of which carry risks.

Common methods include:

  • Snorting the powder

  • Rubbing it onto the gums

  • Swallowing it wrapped in paper, often called “bombing”

  • Mixing it into drinks

  • Injecting it (this is particularly dangerous due to impurities)

Injecting amphetamine greatly increases the risk of overdose, infections, vein damage and other serious health problems.

How amphetamine can make you feel

Amphetamine is a stimulant, meaning it increases alertness and energy.

People may feel:

  • Energised or wide awake

  • Talkative and confident

  • Excited or restless

  • Less hungry or tired

Some people use amphetamine to stay awake for long periods, for example when dancing or socialising.

However, it can also cause:

  • Anxiety or panic

  • Agitation or irritability

  • Paranoia

  • Psychotic symptoms such as delusions

Changes in behaviour

Amphetamine can affect how people behave. Some people may become:

  • Very chatty or restless

  • Anxious or agitated

  • Aggressive or confrontational

In some cases, people can experience psychosis, including paranoia or believing things that are not real.

How long the effects last

How long amphetamine lasts depends on the amount taken, how it is used, and whether other substances are involved.

  • When snorted, effects can begin within minutes

  • When swallowed, effects may take 20 minutes to an hour to start

  • The main effects usually last between 3 and 6 hours

After using, people may feel low in mood, tired or emotionally flat for several days.

Amphetamine can usually be detected in urine for 1 to 5 days after use.

Risks to physical health

Amphetamine puts significant strain on the body, particularly the heart.

Physical risks include:

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure

  • Risk of heart attack or stroke, especially at high doses

  • Difficulty sleeping or relaxing

  • Reduced appetite, leading to weight loss and poor nutrition

  • Lowered immune system, making illness more likely

Injecting amphetamine increases the risk of:

  • Vein and artery damage

  • Ulcers, abscesses and infections

  • Gangrene

  • Overdose due to impurities

Mental health risks

Amphetamine can have a strong impact on mental health.

Risks include:

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Low mood or depression after use

  • Irritability and aggression

  • Problems with memory, learning and concentration

  • Paranoia and psychosis

The comedown from amphetamine can last several days and may feel overwhelming without support.

What amphetamine is often mixed with

Street amphetamine is usually very impure. It is often mixed with other substances to increase weight or strength.

This can include:

  • Caffeine

  • Ephedrine

  • Sugars or laxatives

  • Talcum powder

  • Paracetamol

  • Other drugs

Some impurities are also created during the manufacturing process, adding further risk.

Mixing amphetamine with other substances

Mixing drugs always increases risk.

Combining amphetamine with:

  • Alcohol

  • Other stimulants

  • Prescription medications

  • Drugs that affect the heart or mental health

can increase the chance of overdose, heart problems, anxiety or psychosis.

Tolerance and dependence

Amphetamine is addictive. With regular use, people can build tolerance, meaning they need more to get the same effect.

Some people continue using to avoid:

  • Low mood

  • Exhaustion

  • Cravings

Support is available to help reduce or stop safely.

Staying safer

If someone is using amphetamine, harm reduction steps include:

  • Taking breaks from use

  • Eating and drinking regularly

  • Getting rest and sleep

  • Avoiding mixing with alcohol or other drugs

  • Avoiding injecting

  • Using sterile equipment every time if injecting

If someone becomes unwell, confused, overheated or distressed, seek medical help. Getting help will not get you into trouble.

Support from Wirral Ways

Wirral Ways offers free, confidential support for people affected by amphetamine use, as well as support for families and carers.

We can help with:

  • One-to-one support

  • Support to reduce or stop using

  • Harm reduction advice

  • Mental health and wellbeing support

  • Physical health support

  • Help with housing, benefits and wider life issues

Support is shaped around you and your goals.

Worried about someone else?

If you are worried about someone you care about, you can contact us for advice and support. You do not have to manage this alone.

Get support

You can contact Wirral Ways to access support:

  • Self-refer online

  • Speak to a member of our team

  • Visit one of our services

Support is available, and change is possible.

Last Updated on 4 February 2026