Speedball (drug): Difference between revisions
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'''Speedball''' is a drug term for the mixing of [[heroin]] and [[cocaine]]. This is a potentially lethal concoction: the cocaine acts as a [[stimulant]], raising the heartbeat, but its effects wear off more quickly than those of [[heroin]], which in turn slows the heart. As a result, it is possible to experience a delayed "overdose" (technically, severe respiratory depression) when the stimulant wears off and the full effects of the heroin are felt in isolation. The term may be applied to the simultaneous use of any [[opiate]] drug with a [[stimulant]], and methamphetamine has been used in place of cocaine |
'''Speedball''' is a drug term for the mixing of [[heroin]] and [[cocaine]]. This is a potentially lethal concoction: the cocaine acts as a [[stimulant]], raising the heartbeat, but its effects wear off more quickly than those of [[heroin]], which in turn slows the heart. As a result, it is possible to experience a delayed "overdose" (technically, severe respiratory depression) when the stimulant wears off and the full effects of the heroin are felt in isolation. The term may be applied to the simultaneous use of any [[opiate]] drug with a [[stimulant]], and methamphetamine has been used in place of cocaine. |
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The term "speedball" was by consensus almost always in reference to an injection unless otherwise stated, but the popularization of the concept in recent years has meant that many people who insufflate heroin and cocaine now combine the two drugs in order to achieve the purported effects. Some people who use heroin also combine it with smoked [[freebase]] cocaine (crack); in some circles this is considered a type of speedball. |
The term "speedball" was by consensus almost always in reference to an injection unless otherwise stated, but the popularization of the concept in recent years has meant that many people who insufflate heroin and cocaine now combine the two drugs in order to achieve the purported effects. Some people who use heroin also combine it with smoked [[freebase]] cocaine (crack); in some circles this is considered a type of speedball. |
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Revision as of 08:06, 10 October 2005
Speedball is a drug term for the mixing of heroin and cocaine. This is a potentially lethal concoction: the cocaine acts as a stimulant, raising the heartbeat, but its effects wear off more quickly than those of heroin, which in turn slows the heart. As a result, it is possible to experience a delayed "overdose" (technically, severe respiratory depression) when the stimulant wears off and the full effects of the heroin are felt in isolation. The term may be applied to the simultaneous use of any opiate drug with a stimulant, and methamphetamine has been used in place of cocaine.
The term "speedball" was by consensus almost always in reference to an injection unless otherwise stated, but the popularization of the concept in recent years has meant that many people who insufflate heroin and cocaine now combine the two drugs in order to achieve the purported effects. Some people who use heroin also combine it with smoked freebase cocaine (crack); in some circles this is considered a type of speedball.
Actors John Belushi, Chris Farley, and River Phoenix, as well as former Major League Baseball pitcher Eric Show are all reported to have died after taking speedballs.
Dr. Ernst von Fleischl-Marxow, a friend of Sigmund Freud, may have been the first person to experience a speedball, as Freud advised he use cocaine to overcome his morphine addiction.
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