Recovering from Speed Addiction

Learn about recovering from speed addiction at White Sands Treatment Center

Speed is one of the street names for the drug amphetamine, which is classified as a Schedule II controlled narcotic in the U.S. The drug is a potent central nervous system stimulant that “speeds” up the system, and is often prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and obesity. If you are addicted to speed and are interested in recovering from speed addiction there is professional help available at a drug rehab center. The medical staff at a drug rehab center is experienced and knowledgeable in drug addiction and recovery and is able to safely assist you through the recovery process, and prepare you for a life of sobriety.

Street names for amphetamines include speed, crank, fire, bennies, uppers, ice and freeze. Speed can be taken orally, snorted or injected and the effects of the drug will be felt in a matter of minutes. Speed works in the body by stimulating the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which create feelings of euphoria and well-being. Some of the physical effects of speed addiction include:

• Wakefulness
• Enhanced cognition control
• Increased libido
• Increased muscle strength
• Reaction time impairment
• Rapid muscle deterioration
• Decreased appetite and sleep
• Improved scholastic
• Improved athletic performance
• Malnutrition and physical collapse
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased respiration rate
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Abnormalities of the cardiovascular system
• Angina pectoris
• Hypertension
• Seizures
• Coma and death

Some of the psychological effects of speed addiction include euphoria, altered sexual behavior, depression, paranoia, risky behavior, hostility, delusions and more. Many addicts with a speed addiction are also struggling with mental disorders and may use speed as a form of self-medicating. Some of the mental disorders include:

• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety disorder
• Benzodiazepine abuse
• Depression
• Alcoholism
• Bi-polar disorder

Speed is popular among college students who use it to stay awake when they have to cram for exams, or on the weekends when they want to stay up late and party with their friends. It is estimated that about 6% of full-time college students use amphetamines non-medically and the number is increasing. Athletes may use the drug to improve their stamina and athletic performance. The drug may also be used by anyone who has to stay awake and alert for long periods of time.

According to an article on the Hightimes website, the FDA has currently approved a candy-flavored amphetamine based medication to be prescribed to children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This new version of speed is called Adzenys and is a chewable fruit-flavored drug that is being marketed to children as young as six year olds. The safety of this Schedule II narcotic, and it ease of use and potential for abuse, is raising red flags among parents, medical doctors and lawmakers.

Speed addiction can negatively affect every area of the addict’s life. The addict may be impacted both physically and psychologically; affecting his health and behavior. Social relationships may begin to suffer and estrangement from family and divorce are not uncommon. The addict may suffer from job loss and financial ruin, and may begin to borrow or steal money to get speed. Addicts often lie about their drug use and whereabouts and will try to manipulate people to do their will. Some speed addicts become homeless or incarcerated for criminal activity. Speed addiction may cause a complete breakdown of the addict’s physical, psychological, financial and social welfare.

If you are struggling with speed addiction and want to recover, you should consider entering a drug treatment program at a rehab center. The professional staff is equipped to help you get off of speed and stay off speed if you agree to complete at least a minimum ninety day program. You owe it to yourself to take another chance at life and get clean. The rehab center should perform a safe, medically assisted detox process to slowly wean you off of the speed. Each addict will experience the speed withdrawal symptoms of the detox differently depending on the severity of the addiction and other health issues. Some of the speed withdrawal symptoms you may experience include

• Extreme depression
• Anxiety
• Drug cravings
• Intense fatigue
• Increased hunger
• Sleep problems
• Psycho-motor agitation
• Vivid dreams and nightmares

Are you a speed addict who in interested in recovering from speed addiction? If you are, then today is the day to start the recovery process to get your life back.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.