Injecting or shooting speed—methamphetamine or amphetamines—is one of the most dangerous ways to use the drug. When speed is injected, it rushes directly into the bloodstream and hits the brain within seconds, creating an intense and short-lived high. But that high comes with devastating consequences. The dangers of injecting speed include life-threatening infections, collapsed veins, bloodborne diseases like HIV and hepatitis C, and an overwhelming risk of addiction and overdose.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 2.5 million people reported methamphetamine use in 2021, and stimulant-related overdose deaths have quadrupled since 2011. People who inject meth are among the highest-risk users, with higher rates of physical illness, mental breakdowns, and fatal overdoses.
As addiction advocate Russell Brand once said, “Drugs and alcohol are not my problem, reality is my problem.” Shooting speed doesn’t just destroy the body—it becomes a way to escape reality until reality itself collapses.
Navigating This Guide
This hub page serves as the entry point for deeper exploration. Use the links below to dive into specific areas of speed addiction:
The Dangers of Injecting Speed
The dangers of injecting speed go far beyond a quick high. Each injection floods the body with toxic chemicals that strain the heart, brain, and nervous system. The high is intense but short, leading people to inject more frequently—sometimes multiple times a day.
Common dangers include:
- Collapsed veins: Repeated injections destroy blood vessels, causing scarring and infections.
- Skin and soft tissue infections: Bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to abscesses, cellulitis, and gangrene.
- Bloodborne diseases: Sharing or reusing needles spreads HIV, hepatitis B and C, and other infections.
- Heart infections: Dirty needles can cause endocarditis—an infection of the heart lining that can be fatal.
- Overdose risk: The quick rush from injecting can lead to taking too much too fast, overwhelming the heart or brain.
The physical destruction from shooting speed is visible—but the psychological damage is often just as deep.
How Shooting Speed Affects the Brain and Mind
Speed floods the brain with dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical that controls motivation and reward. But this artificial rush burns out the brain’s natural ability to produce dopamine. Over time, users experience severe depression, anxiety, and paranoia when not high.
Chronic injectors often suffer from:
- Psychosis and hallucinations
- Extreme paranoia and delusions
- Insomnia lasting days
- Aggression and unpredictable behavior
- Cognitive decline and memory loss
Research from NIDA shows that long-term meth users lose significant gray matter in areas responsible for emotion and decision-making. The longer someone injects speed, the harder it becomes to feel normal without it.
The Hidden Risks: Disease and Overdose
Shooting speed carries one of the highest risks for infectious diseases among all drug use methods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that injection drug use accounts for over 30% of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. annually.
The overdose risk is also extreme. Because injecting bypasses the body’s filters, users can accidentally inject a fatal dose in seconds. The CDC reports more than 30,000 stimulant-related overdose deaths in 2021, many involving meth mixed with fentanyl—an increasingly deadly combination.
Even one injection can result in infection or overdose, especially when using street drugs contaminated with dangerous additives.
A True Story of Hope
When Paul lost his previous wife from a brain tumor, addiction took hold of him. Gambling, alcohol, and meth consumed his life. Giving himself to Christ was his way out. His journey reminds us that even when addiction feels unbreakable, hope can be stronger than the habit.
Treatment and Recovery Options
The road back from shooting speed is difficult, but not impossible. With the right treatment and support, the body and mind can begin to heal.
Comprehensive treatment options include:
- Medical detox: Helps manage withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and anxiety safely.
- Inpatient rehab: Offers structure, therapy, and a safe environment away from triggers.
- Outpatient rehab: Flexible programs for people balancing family or work commitments.
- Therapy and counseling: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and contingency management help rebuild healthy thought patterns.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Addresses co-occurring mental health issues like PTSD or depression.
- Aftercare support: Peer recovery groups, sober living, and ongoing therapy reduce relapse risk.
Even for those who have injected for years, recovery is possible. With the right help, the body can heal, the mind can recover, and life can be rebuilt.
Moving Toward Healing
Shooting speed destroys lives, but it doesn’t have to define them. The scars of addiction—physical and emotional—can begin to heal with treatment, faith, and connection.
If you or someone you love is struggling, call SAMHSA’s free 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-HELP for confidential support and treatment referrals.
Addiction thrives in isolation—but recovery begins with a single act of reaching out.
