Everything You Need to Know About “the Speed Drug”

There are a number of addictive drugs available, but one of the most well-known is methamphetamine. This is a stimulant that speeds up your brain, which is why it's also known as “the speed drug.” This drug goes by many other names as well, including:

  • Crank
  • Crystal meth
  • Glass
  • Ice
  • Meth
  • Uppers

Meth comes in several forms including powder, pill, and crystal. When it comes in crystal form, people typically call it ice. Since it's a stimulant, speed is popular among young adults. This demographic often use it at parties, dance clubs or other places where a rush of energy can sustain partying.

The Addictive Nature of the Speed Drug

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies speed as a Schedule II drug. The DEA uses these schedules classify drugs based on their potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs have the highest potential for abuse, and Schedule V drugs have the lowest. Being classified as Schedule II, speed has an increased chance for abuse and is highly addictive.

Surprisingly, meth does have medical purposes, and medical professionals sometimes prescribe it in the US. Most notably, speed is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Only a doctor can prescribe this drug to treat ADHD. Additionally, prescription doses are much lower than what people use recreationally.

How Do People Take Speed?

Speed users take this drug orally, by snorting it, or through injection. When users inject speed, they experience a high right away. Speed users refer to this as a rush. This feeling only lasts a few minutes. Snorting and oral use also get users high but doesn’t provide the same rush. Speed takes around five minutes to work when snorted, and nearly 20 minutes when ingested.

Some people also smoke or inhale speed. Smoking it causes an almost instant high, much like injecting it. In either case, the high doesn't last very long.

After taking the drug, people also experience:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Wakefulness
  • Increased libido
  • A sense of well-being

Many users who try speed develop addictions quickly, which is why abuse is so common. Users typically require more of the drug to get the same high each time. In some cases, they may even use the drug constantly over a period of several days. This binge is referred to as a run, and people usually don't sleep or eat food during it.

Speed Health Hazards

Taking the speed drug is dangerous to a person's health. As a stimulant, it increases breathing rate, blood pressure, body temperature and heart rate. In some cases, speed also causes tremors, anorexia, and insomnia. When taking large doses of speed, people have been known to become confused, nervous and irritable.

The real problem is that speed causes permanent damage to blood vessels in the brain. Damage to these vessels can cause a stroke. Furthermore, continued use of speed frequently leads to the collapse of the cardiovascular system and even death. Some individuals experience psychotic episodes months and even years after they stop abusing speed.

Sadly, the damage that speed causes doesn't end there. It can also lead to memory loss and dental problems. People who use speed often develop meth mouth, a condition in which the teeth rot from the inside.

Pinnacle Peak Recovery Can Help You Fight Meth Addiction

At Pinnacle Peak Recovery, we help people in all stages of meth addiction get the help they need. We take a proactive approach to battling addiction. Through the use of therapy and accountability, we can help you overcome your dependence on meth through addiction treatment. We also offer dual-diagnosis treatment programs.

If you or a loved one is addicted to meth, you shouldn’t attempt to beat it alone. Contact Pinnacle Peak Recovery at 866-377-4761 to speak to our trained staff.

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