‘Speedballing’ Evolves From Occasional Celebrity Scandal to Public Health Crisis

‘Speedballing’ evolves from occasional celebrity scandal to public health crisis

Once associated with high-profile figures like John Belushi and River Phoenix, the dangerous mix has become a leading cause of overdose deaths across the United States since the early- to mid-2010s.

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…