How to Observe For Speed Withdrawal Symptoms and Speed Addiction Symptoms

Speed Withdrawal Symptoms: Recognizing Your Loved Ones Need Help With Speed Abuse

Are you starting to grow concerned that your loved one may be abusing speed, or possibly completely dependent on the drug? If so, as you continue reading you will be provided with several tips for observing for speed addiction symptoms, as well as speed withdrawal symptoms. A speed use problem can lead to very serious consequences which could impact one’s health, relationships, finances, and more. However, the bright side is there are ways to observe for a speed use problem, and there are also treatment options available.

What Is Speed?

Methamphetamine, also commonly referred to as it’s slang name “speed”, is a potent and habit-forming stimulant drug. The drug is typically found in the form of a white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II stimulant drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and is typically medically prescribed for treating attention deficit disorder and for short-term use in weight loss. Methamphetamine has very powerful effects, it can increase both wakefulness and physical activity, and decrease appetite.

However, the comedown from speed can cause very unpleasant effects such as extreme depression and thoughts of suicide. Typically, people who abuse methamphetamine use the drug for its ability to instantly elevate dopamine levels.  The euphoric high which speed produces causes individuals to repeatedly use the drug, often leading to patterns of abuse or addiction to the drug.

Speed Addiction Symptoms

If you are under the impression that your loved one is addicted to speed there are several signs and symptoms that you can observe for. Typical signs of speed addiction include but are not limited to:

• Loss of control over speed use
• Inability to reduce or stop use of speed
• Preoccupied with speed use
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when use has been reduced or abruptly ceased
• Lying, cheating, and/or stealing in relation to speed use
• Finding drug paraphernalia on the person or among their personal belongings
• Tolerance for speed
• Unexplained changes in behavior in relation to use of speed
• Experiencing negative health consequences
• Experiencing legal troubles in relation to use of speed
• Experiencing troubles in interpersonal relationships as a result of speed use

Being as though no two addictions are the same, signs of addiction will look different from person to person. Observe the more common symptoms such as the ones listed above and if your loved one has shown two or more, chances are they need drug abuse or addiction treatment.

Speed Withdrawal Symptoms

Speed withdrawal symptoms are very similar to those of any stimulant withdrawal symptoms. The severity of the symptoms a person will experience will vary and is typically contingent upon factors such as their longevity of use, rates of use and pre-existing medical conditions. Common speed withdrawal symptoms include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Intense cravings for speed
• Suicidal thoughts and ideation
• Low energy or fatigue
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Body aches
• Dehydration
• Slowed heart rate

One of the most common stimulant withdrawal symptoms, especially in relation to speed is depression. The comedown from speed can cause users to feel extreme depression, often leading to suicidal ideation. We strongly suggest encouraging your loved one to get help immediately if they are struggling with using speed, as the effects can be dangerous or even deadly. A medically supervised drug detox can help safely assist your loved one through the withdrawal process. Detox is typically the first step in recovery from substance abuse and addiction.

Getting Treatment for Speed Abuse and Addiction

Speed abuse and addiction can both be successfully treated with a combination of pharmacological and behavioral treatment approaches. One of the first steps is enrolling in a medically supervised drug detox to assure that all substances and toxins have been completed eliminated from the body. Upon completion of detox, inpatient or outpatient rehab are strongly recommended to help address one’s drug use issues and behaviors, as well as equip individuals with the support and tools they need to maintain their sobriety.

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.