Speed, more formally known as methamphetamine, is a stimulant drug that directly affects the central nervous system and is typically used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. Speed is also known as crystal meth, crank, meth, ice, glass, and crypto. It is white, odorless, and is often taken through smoking it, snorting it, swallowing it as a pill, or through intravenous injection. Speed is very dangerous and can be very addictive. The National Institute on Drug Abuse noted earlier this year that speed both starts and fades quickly, which causes people to take this drug more often and in higher doses to try and achieve the same “high” they initially felt when they first took it.
People who use speed long-term are at elevated risk for contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C. Use of needles for intravenous injection and sharing of needles allows these diseases to transfer via blood or other body fluids from one person to another. Many people who abuse this drug wear out their body by taking it consistently; this may cause them to not sleep or eat for up to a week. Once ingested, the drug’s effects can appear within 3-5 if injected or within 15-20 minutes if taken orally.
Common side effects of speed are increased body temperature, euphoria, increased blood pressure, dry mouth, faster heartbeat, dilated pupils, increased energy and alertness, decreased fatigue and decreased appetite. Some unwanted side effects of the drug are hostility, paranoia, aggressiveness, cardiovascular system failure, convulsions, malnutrition, skin disorders, and more. Treatment for methamphetamine addiction first involves detoxification, in which the body dispels toxins from length and severity of addiction. It is important that the person detoxes from this drug in the presence of a health care team.
Recovery can be challenging in the beginning, especially since it may seem daunting. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles confirmed in their 2015 study the importance of individualized interventions and multiple, simultaneous approaches and resources to promote abstinence in addiction recovery for users of methamphetamine. In some cases, medication may be provided to assist you with the unwanted symptoms of withdrawal. Nonetheless, you will have a dedicated health care team ready to support you through your recovery.
If you suffer from methamphetamine addiction, speak with a health care professional today. Avalon Malibu Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Center is one of California’s only certified primary mental health treatment facility – we can help you overcome your addiction and assist you with developing the coping skills you need to work through deep-rooted issues. Make the decision to save your life today. Call us at 855-548-8394.
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