What is Speed?
Speed is a common street name for Methamphetamine, a potent and addictive central nervous system stimulant, chemically related to amphetamine. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II stimulant by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), which means it has a high potential for abuse and is available legally only by prescription.
Medically, methamphetamine has been used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity, but these uses are limited in the U.S. due to the high potential for abuse and diversion. Prescription doses are typically much lower than those used illegally.
Why is it Called Speed?
Speed gets its name from the impact the stimulant typically has—an adrenaline rush that will get you up and keep you racing for hours.
Other street names for methamphetamine when it is being abused include meth, chalk, uppers, phet, whiz, sulph, base and dexy. When abused, methamphetamine is usually smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally.
Short-term Effects
- Exhilaration, energy and confidence
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Dilated pupils
- Increased breathing, heart rate and blood pressure levels
- Dry mouth, diarrhea and increased urination
- Flushing, sweating, headaches, teeth grinding, jaw clenching and racing heart
- You may become talkative, even argumentative and aggressive
- You may experience amphetamine psychosis
Long-term effects
- Rising tolerance; the more you take, the more you’ll need to get the same high
- Anxiety, depression, irritability and aggression
- Powerful cravings
- Mood swings
- Mental health problems such as psychosis, paranoia, delusions and hallucinations
- Weight loss
- Scratching or itchy skin
- Sniffing speed can damage the inside lining of your nose
- Injecting speed can cause vein damage and sharing needles puts you at risk of HIV and hepatitis
Other dangers
- Risk of overdose
- Heart failure
- Risk of HIV and hepatitis if you share snorting or injecting gear
- May trigger underlying mental health problems
- Increased sex drive can lead to unsafe sex and sexually transmitted disease
- Increased danger when combined with anti-depressants or alcohol
Methamphetamine is cheap and easy to make from common ingredients including the cold decongestant pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine can only be purchased from behind the pharmacy counter now in the U.S. and in limited quantities. This law is intended to curb abuse and keep record of pseudoephedrine purchasers.
Addictive
You can become addicted to speed physically and psychologically, to the extent your body craves it and you find it hard to cope with life and function without it. This makes stopping extremely difficult. Withdrawal symptoms can be very difficult and even life-threatening. Often those recovering from methamphetamine abuse suffer anxiety and panic attacks as a part of withdrawal.
If you see signs of methamphetamine abuse in yourself or a loved one, we can help.
At Honey Lake Clinic, we understand that substance abuse is a complex and dangerous mental health concern, affecting not only the one in its grip, but also others. Our experienced staff, licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatric specialists, strongly believe that faith-based treatment, encompassing mind, body and spirit, will provide you with the long-lasting tools and knowledge to find freedom from substance abuse.
A beautiful and tranquil 1300-acre lakeside setting, a safe medical environment, 24-hour nursing, doctors and psychiatric specialists, all administering care from a Christian worldview and perspective—Honey Lake Clinic is a unique solution in Christian mental health.
