Speedballing, the Deadly Mix of Stimulants and Opioids, Requires a New Approach to Prevention and Treatment

Speedballing, the deadly mix of stimulants and opioids, requires a new approach to prevention and treatment

Speedballing—the practice of combining a stimulant like cocaine or methamphetamine with an opioid such as heroin or fentanyl—has evolved from a niche subculture to a widespread public health crisis. The practice stems from the early 1900s when World War I soldiers were often treated with a combination of cocaine and morphine.

Speedballing – the deadly mix of stimulants and opioids – requires a new approach to prevention and treatment

Speedballing kills nearly 35,000 people in the U.S. every year. Cappi Thompson/Moment via Getty ImagesSpeedballing – the practice of combining a stimulant like cocaine or methamphetamine with an opioid such as heroin or fentanyl – has evolved from a niche subculture to a widespread public health crisis. The practice stems from the early 1900s when World War I soldiers were often treated with a combination of cocaine and morphine. Once associated…