Speedball (Drug Mix)

What Is Speedballing?

Speedballing is injecting or ingesting a combination of a stimulant and a depressant drug.

The most common combination is cocaine and heroin, but other stimulants and depressants can be used, such as methamphetamine, prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol.

Speedballing produces a unique high that is more intense and longer-lasting than the effects of heroin or the effects of cocaine on their own.

Speedballing is also highly addictive and can cause physical and psychological harm to the user. It also poses a significant risk to others around them.

Slang Names for Speedballing

Speedballing has many street names, depending on the drugs used and the location.

Some of the most common slang terms for speedballing include:

• Belushi (referring to the late comedian John Belushi, who died from a speedball overdose)
• Bombita
• H & C
• Powerballing
• Snowballing
• Screwball
• Spaceball
• Speedyballing
• Dynamite

How Does Speedballing Affect the Body?

The negative effects of speedballing depend on the combination of drugs used, the dosage, and the method of administration.

Typically, the stimulant drug (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine) produces a rush of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness. Alternatively, the depressant drug (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, benzodiazepines) produces a sense of calm, relaxation, and sedation.

However, when these two drugs are combined, they can create a dangerous synergy that can overwhelm the body’s central nervous system. This push-pull impact on the body can result in fatal consequences.

When taken simultaneously, stimulants and depressants can mask one another’s side effects, leading to risky behavior (i.e., impaired driving), overconfidence, and the potential for engaging in dangerous activities.

Examples of Speedballing

Speedballing is commonly associated with Hollywood celebrities and musicians, who are notorious for their drug use.

However, speedballing can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Some high-profile cases of speedball overdose include:

• John Belushi: The famous comedian died from a speedball overdose in 1982.
• River Phoenix: The actor died from a speedball overdose in 1993.
• Chris Farley: The comedian died from a speedball overdose in 1997.
• Heath Ledger: The actor died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, including oxycodone and diazepam, in 2008.
• Philip Seymour Hoffman: The actor died from a speedball overdose in 2014.

Why Is Speedballing So Dangerous?

Speedballing is particularly dangerous because it combines two drugs with opposite effects on the body.

Side effects of stimulant drugs can include an increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Alternatively, depressant drugs can cause drowsiness, lower heart rates, and a slowed breathing rate (i.e., respiratory depression)

The combined effects of the stimulant and depressant create a push-pull effect on the body, straining the central nervous system and other organs.

The negative side effects of speedballing may include: 

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Respiratory failure
• Coma
• Fatal overdose

Speedballing can also cause mental health issues, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Psychosis

Additionally, speedballing increases the risk of addiction and overdose, as the user may develop a tolerance to one drug and use more to achieve the desired effect.

Overdose can occur suddenly and without warning, especially if the user is unaware of the potency or purity of their drugs.

Statistics About Speedballing

There are no official statistics about speedballing specifically, as it is often classified as a type of polydrug use.

However, data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that:

• In 2019, an estimated 1.6 million people aged 12 or older reported cocaine use in the past year, while 10.1 million had misused prescription opioids.
• In 2018, there were 46,802 opioid-involved overdose deaths in the United States, and 67,367 drug overdose deaths, involving all types of drugs.

These numbers highlight the serious public health issue of drug abuse and overdose, affecting millions of people and their loved ones yearly.

Dangers of Polydrug Use

Polydrug use is the use of two or more drugs at the same time or in close succession. It can include combinations of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or alcohol, increasing the risk of adverse effects and overdose.

Mixing different types of drugs can result in unpredictable interactions, causing negative side effects or worsening pre-existing conditions.

Polydrug use can also make diagnosing and treating substance use disorders harder, as the user may have multiple drug dependencies and withdrawal symptoms.

Polydrug use can also mask the symptoms of overdose or withdrawal, making it harder for the user to seek medical attention in an emergency.

Detoxing from Speedballing

Detoxification from speedballing can be difficult and potentially dangerous, especially without medical supervision or support.

Polydrug withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Chills
• Fever
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Hallucinations

Withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration depending on the drug(s) used and the individual’s history of use.

Detoxification can occur in a hospital, a residential facility, or an outpatient setting, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. It may involve a gradual tapering of the drugs, a rapid detox under anesthesia, or a medically assisted detox with medications.

These prescription medications help to ease withdrawal symptoms, lessen cravings, and prevent relapse.

Common medications prescribed during detox include:

• Buprenorphine
• Naltrexone
• Methadone
• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates

In general, detoxification from speedballing should occur under the care of a healthcare professional who can monitor vital signs, administer medications, and provide emotional support.

After detoxification, the former drug user should be referred to further treatment options, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, to address the underlying causes of addiction and prevent relapse.

Treatment for Speedballing and Other Polydrug Abuse

Treatment for speedballing and other types of polydrug abuse usually involves a combination of medical, psychological, and social interventions, depending on the severity and duration of the addiction.

The first step to a drug-free life is often detoxification, which involves clearing the body of drugs and managing withdrawal symptoms.

After detoxification, the user may benefit from behavioral therapies, such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Contingency management (CM)

In some cases, residential or inpatient rehabilitation may be recommended, especially for those with severe or long-term addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, or a history of relapse. These programs can provide 24-hour care and supervision.

Outpatient addiction treatment offers many of the same beneficial programs and activities but does not require the patient to stay overnight.

The most common types of activities found at both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers include:

• Individual and group therapy
• Educational classes
• Recreational activities
• Twelve-step program meetings
• Employment assistance

Get Help for Any Kind of Polydrug Abuse

Addiction is a treatable but chronic disease that requires ongoing care and support and can have serious physical, emotional, and social consequences if left untreated.

If you or someone you know is dealing with polydrug abuse, including speedballing, it’s important to seek help immediately.

You can start by talking to your primary care physician, a mental healthcare provider, or a substance abuse counselor, who can assess your condition and refer you to appropriate treatment programs.

You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), which provides free and confidential information, referrals, and support for drug addiction and mental health issues.