Speed
What is Speed Drug?
Speed is a term used to describe the generic drug amphetamine. Amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant whose primary use today is for the treatment of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants are psychoactive drugs that can suddenly and dramatically enhance physical and mental faculties. Speed’s stimulating effects trigger the brain’s reward system and heighten the user’s pleasure sensors. It is often used by athletes, performers and recreationally by young adults who want the energy and mood enhancement so that they can party all night. Some people seek it out specifically for its aphrodisiac and euphoric effects.
Studies show that when Speed (amphetamine) enters the body, through various neural activities, it enables the release of dopamine and plug neurotransmitter molecules so that dopamine remains at high levels in the brain. When dopamine levels are high, various functions in the body literally accelerates or “speed up”. User’s typically experience a burst of energy, causing the individual to move faster, feel excited. The drug also increase blood pressure and the heart rate.
Drug Classification
Speed (amphetamine) is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance. As defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Controlled Substance Act, this drug has accepted medical use with severe restrictions. The drug also has a high potential for abuse with the potential for severe psychological or physical dependence. Manufacture, distribution, possession, sales and use are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Those who violate any of these stipulated regulations can face severe penalties under Federal law.
Speed Drug: Use and Abuse
The drug can be administered as a powder, tablet or capsules which come in various colors. Over the years Speed has acquired multiple slang names that mostly describe the impact the drug has on the user. The most popular, to name a few include:
- Uppers,
- Bumblebees
- Amp or Amped
- Cartwheels
- Blue Mollies
- Jelly Beans
- Super Jellies
- Pick me ups
- Wake ups
- Eye poppers
- Fast lightening
- Truckies
This drug is highly abused with serious consequences such as addiction, money problems, health risks, and even death.
History of Speed Drug
Speed (amphetamine) was discovered in 1887 and was originally synthetized for use in the treatment of nasal congestion, depression, and obesity. It was first called phenylisopropylamine by Laz’r Edeleanu, the Romanian chemist who discovered it. In the 1920s it was researched and investigated for use as a preventative treatment for epilepsy, schizophrenia, alcoholism, opiate addiction, migraine, head injuries, and radiation sickness.
After its stimulant effects and sympathomimetic properties were discovered, Speed (amphetamine) was resynthesized by Gorden Alles in 1927, however, the drug had no medicinal use until 1934. At that time it was marketed as a decongestant and used by allied forces during World War II. This led to the manifestation of the drug’s addictive properties which subjected the drug to strict guidelines for manufacture, distribution and use. Despite these severe guidelines however, the drug enjoyed widespread illicit use and popularity among those in the creative arena such as actors, musicians, authors as well as athletes and mathematicians.
Today, although Speed has taken a back seat to prescription medication and designer drugs, it is still manufactured illegally in clandestine labs evidencing the fact the drug is still undergoing a high level of abuse today.
Effects of Speed Drug
The following effects have been reported by users and researchers. Although everyone who use this drug will display these effects, most people will experience some in varying degrees based on volume and duration of use. The most common side effects after taking the drug includes heart palpitations, spikes in blood pressure, respiratory acceleration, sweating, dry mouth, irritability, dilated pupils, reduced appetite and anxiety.
Long term effects typically include insomnia, panic attacks, depression, paranoia, high blood pressure, malnutrition and respiratory complications. Users who overdose on Speed should seek immediate emergency medical attention to avoid the following prognosis:
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Coma
- Death
Treatment for Speed Drug Addiction
In many cases, treatment for addiction to Speed is a three-fold process that may necessitate a drug intervention by loved ones to get the addict into a treatment program. Drug interventions are significant because they are often the only way most addicts get the help they need. As such, keen understanding of the intervention process is critical to ensure that the person in addiction is not only receptive to the intervention but make it into a rehabilitation program. At our treatment facility we have experienced interventionist that can help you to understand how to initiate a successful intervention. This service also includes participation in the intervention to enable a smooth transition into a rehab facility.
Drug Detoxification is usually necessary in long term addiction due to unpredictable withdrawal symptoms. Medical oversight during the withdrawal process facilitate a safe and comfortable withdrawal process. Our board certified addiction specialist provide around the clock medical supervision and are able to address any emergency medical events in our state of the art fully equipped treatment facility.
Rehabilitation following detoxification entails a comprehensive and integrative process that utilize evidence based treatment protocols. These various therapies are designed to understand and mitigate the underlying factors leading to habitual drug use and to alter obsessive drug seeking behaviors.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the relapse rate for Speed (amphetamine) addiction is high. As such, relapse prevention education and training is also a significant and essential component of any drug rehabilitation process.
If you or a loved one is addicted to Speed (amphetamine), please call our Drug Rehab Treatment Centers today at 877-855-3470. We can help you in your hope and quest for a drug-free lifestyle. Our qualified and compassionate call representatives are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have about amphetamine addiction and our treatment services.