Speed Drug: Effects of Amphetamine Addiction

What is Speed Drug?

Speed or amphetamine is a potent stimulant drug that acts on the central nervous system (CNS). It releases a tremendous amount of dopamine in the brain, which is one of the key neurotransmitters that plays an important role in the production of pleasure and reward.

Consequently, it causes alertness and an improvement in energy levels, which has made it gain popularity among anyone who thinks they need an extra boost. Speed is chemically related to crystal methamphetamine, though it is generally considered less potent than its more dangerous counterpart.

While some amphetamines are prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, illicit speed (or “street meth”) is often abused. It appears in various forms, including powder or pills, and it is consumed through taking drugs in the form of swallowing, snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug.

Users take it to enhance concentration, boost high levels of energy, and improve their mood. Still, the drug is associated with significantly high risks of drug addiction and can even lead to serious health complications.

If you or someone you love has been wondering, What is the drug speed?, today we answer your questions.

Speed and Amphetamine Use Disorder Side Effects

Speed is a form of amphetamine, a kind of stimulant that directly influences the CNS. It stimulates the heart rate, raises body temperature, and causes stronger concentration and alertness when used. However, these short-term effects are often followed by a crash, causing exhaustion, depression, and anxiety.

Speed is chemically similar to crystal meth, another potent form of amphetamine. Both drugs cause users to experience a temporary euphoric state. Still, crystal meth is far more dangerous due to its long-term effects, including severe mental health issues and organ damage. It’s important to note that even legal amphetamines used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) carry risks when abused.

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How Does Speed Drug Use Affect the Body?

The impacts of speed are almost immediately felt when smoked or injected, whereas the ones when taken by swallowing or snorting are felt after around 30 minutes. All these temporary effects take effect within 24 hours and depend on the amount. Dopamine is enhanced with the increase of speed, giving the user a temporary state of alertness, euphoria, and high energy.

Speed drug abuse may result in a variety of side effects, including:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Increased body temperature and sweating
• Appetite and weight loss
• Locking of the teeth, grinding the teeth
• Increased sex-drive
• Paranoia, anxiety, or hallucination

Although the initial effect might seem pleasant, long-term use of speed risks the user developing mental diseases like depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The drug can cause memory loss, loss of age-related performance, and absence of emotional control when used in the long term.

Dangers of Speed Drug Abuse

Excessive use of speed over long periods can be hazardous. The most common risks of long-term use of drugs are:

• Increased heart rate and the risk of heart attack or stroke
• Psychosis, like delusions and hallucinations, is associated with crystal meth
• Severe dental issues, including gum disease or tooth decay
• Skin injuries and sores, largely a result of injecting or smoking
• Mental collapse, e.g., paranoia and depression

Similar to any other drug, overdose is never inevitable, particularly when enormous amounts of speed are taken. Overdose symptoms include a racing heart, convulsions, chest pain, and breathing difficulty. Overdoses may cause life-threatening complications, including stroke or death.

Long-Term Effects of Speed Drug Use

Speed can ruin the body over the long haul, never mind the brain. Chronic abuse can bring on severe consequences for one’s health, which are:

• Heart problems, including arrhythmia and even heart failure
• Kidney injury and possible organ failure
• Loss of memory and loss of focus are two psychological problems
• Addiction that could involve expert counseling to overcome
• Psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and paranoia

Its long-term effects are serious and can result in permanent damage that is not easily reversible. Although some effects, such as psychosis, can be mitigated by abstinence, others, such as tooth destruction or heart disease, can be permanent.

Medically Supervised Detox Vs. Cold Turkey Detox

Cold turkey quitting is not recommended. Sudden cessation can increase the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and put the individual’s health at risk. Medically assisted detox is a safer method since it is under the care of a healthcare provider who can monitor and support the patient through the use of drugs to ward off the pain and cravings. This type of treatment also helps address any underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may be contributing to the addiction.

Treatment Options for Speed Drug Addiction

The speed addiction problem has no particular treatment because each patient is special. Nevertheless, several approaches are practical for individuals interested in recovery.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most effective therapies for addiction. It assists one to recognize negative thoughts and find ways to cope to combat relapse.
2. Motivational Incentives: This method is used to reward individuals who abstain from their drug of choice, thereby motivating them to continue attending treatment and increasing their motivation.
3. Support Groups and Peer Therapy: Sharing experiences with other people in recovery may be helpful because those people can encourage and actively suggest strategies to cope with cravings and triggers.
4. Family Therapy: The addiction issue impacts not only the user but also their family. Family therapy enables the restoration of these close relationships and provides loved ones with the mechanisms to support the recovering person.

Where to Find Treatment for Speed Drug Addiction in Washington

There is help at hand in case you are addicted, or a loved one is facing the problem of speed addiction. We Level Up Washington ensures that recovery takes place in a secure and stable environment.

We provide tailored treatment programs, inpatient medical detox, outpatient services, and therapy programs to guarantee extended recovery. Our staff has the expertise to understand the complexity of addiction; we want to help you start a new life.

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Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.