Speedballing is a practice that involves taking a cocktail of drugs–usually a stimulant and a depressant. While some people may turn to this combination for the intense highs it promises, the risks are severe and often life-threatening.

In this article, we’ll explore the dangers and risks of speedballing, as well as gain an understanding of what speedballing feels like by considering first-hand accounts of Reddit users who have tried it themselves.

What is a Speedball?

A speedball is a combination of two drugs: a stimulant, typically cocaine or methamphetamine, and a depressant, usually heroin or another opioid. The stimulant provides a quick, intense high, while the depressant has a calming or sedative effect. 

Speedball combinations involve at least one depressant and one stimulant. Some of the most common combinations include:

• Cocaine and heroin
• Cocaine and fentanyl
• Meth and heroin
• Meth and fentanyl

People may combine stimulants and depressants because they feel that using both substances together balances out the extreme highs and lows of each, but this combination is incredibly risky. It can mask the negative effects of one drug, leading users to take more than they normally would, increasing the likelihood of dangerous side effects or overdose.

Common Side Effects

The side effects of speedballing can vary depending on the type of substances used, however, frequently reported side effects include:

• Increased heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• Respiratory depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion or agitation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest pain
• Risk of overdose
• Seizures
• Anxiety or paranoia
• Loss of coordination
• Difficulty breathing
• Unconsciousness

What Does Speedballing Feel Like According to Reddit?

Reddit users have mixed opinions about speedballing. One user, whose account has since been deleted, said, “Feel great, no other feeling beats it.” Another says, “…mixing them can make you an emotional wreck! I’m on downers an took a dexedrine the other day, I became pretty emotional over the next few days I guess til it got out of my system.”

Blueskyn01se describes their experience as “hard to remember,” but details the high, “It was like, all the euphoria of the fentanyl without the nod, mixed with the distinct head buzz of meth. I had a lot of energy and my whole body was tingling and felt really really good. I do recall nearly falling over several times, and also I was SWEATING. like, A LOT of sweat. I was so hot I had to take my shirt off despite it being pretty cold outside.”

The Dangers of Speedballing

Plenty of Reddit users point out the risks of speedballing. KemWiz says, “

Ehh, I don’t care for speedballs, too much damage on the body and too risky to do. With speed it really isn’t great unless you just take a small amount of speed to keep you up til you nod even harder, which is dangerous.. or using opiates st the come down of speed, which is also pretty dangerous, i usually wake back up speeding after I sleep, which can’t be healthy. Basically what I’m saying is, with speed its not worth it.”

In the subreddit, r/explainlikeimfive, where users explain complex concepts in easy-to-understand terms, DerDudexX observes that many famous people die of overdoses after mixing cocaine and heroin, and they ask why this mixture is so dangerous.

In the replies, internetboyfriend666 explains that “The effects cancel each other out to some degree, so a person might not feel as high and thus either take more of both drugs than they would alone, or re-dose more frequently, resulting an overdose of one or both drugs. Especially, as you pointed out, the cocaine wears off faster. If a person loads up on heroin to counteract the cocaine and the cocaine wears off first, then the effects of the huge heroin dose kick in and a person can easily die from respiratory failure.

It’s important to understand that the 2 drugs don’t actually “cancel each other out,” chemically, they just cancel out the experienced effects. So even if you don’t feel as high, both drugs are still working in your body as if you had taken only one.”

Highlighting the Risks

Speedballing can have short and long-term health risks, including:

• Overdose: The combination of a stimulant and a depressant increases the risk of overdose, as the opposing effects can mask each other, leading users to take higher doses than they realize.
• Cardiovascular problems: The stimulant raises heart rate and blood pressure, while the depressant can slow heart rate and breathing, putting extreme stress on the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Respiratory failure: The depressant can slow or stop breathing, especially in high doses, leading to respiratory arrest.
• Seizures: The stimulant can increase brain activity, while the depressant affects neurotransmitter function, making seizures more likely.
• Impaired judgment and coordination: The combination can lead to risky behaviors, accidents, or poor decision-making, which can result in physical harm or dangerous situations.
• Long-term mental health issues: Repeated use can lead to severe anxiety, paranoia, depression, and other mental health problems.
• Addiction: Both substances in a speedball can be highly addictive, leading to dependency, withdrawal symptoms, and a cycle of abuse.

If you or someone you love is struggling with drug abuse, reach out to the team at Moving Mountains Recovery today to discuss your treatment options.

Treatment for Polydrug Abuse

The National Institute on Drug Abuse highlights that treating speedball abuse can be difficult, as treatments for heroin addiction are only somewhat effective for those using speedballs. 

There is no FDA-approved medication specifically for cocaine addiction, and opioid treatments don’t address the cocaine aspect of the abuse. However, addiction treatment goes beyond just medication. 

Behavioral therapy plays a central role, even when medication is prescribed. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals explore the underlying reasons for their substance use and learn healthier ways to cope with their struggles. The Matrix Model, a therapeutic approach designed for stimulant addiction, combines relapse prevention, self-help involvement, and education about substance abuse. 

With the serious risks involved in using speedballs, individuals struggling with this combination need immediate treatment. If you or someone you love needs help, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Moving Mountains Recovery today. Our admissions line is available 24 hours a day.