Speed is an amphetamine also known by other names, such as “whizz” or “dexies.” It is a psychostimulant drug that promotes focus and wakefulness, decreases perception of fatigue, and reduces appetite. Speed affects several neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
Speed has been used in the military to improve focus and increase energy during long missions. Controlled use of the substance has shown positive effects on productivity. This prompted many students and athletes to adopt the use of speed to augment their energy for studying and training. Abuse of the drug, however, has led to numerous cases of psychosis. Speed detox centers have been created to battle dependence on speed due to uncontrolled usage.
Did You Know?
A British cyclist named Tom Simpson died from using speed during the Tour de France in 1967. His death was linked to his lack of perception of fatigue due to the stimulating effects of speed.
If you know someone who might be addicted to speed, detox and rehab are strongly advised. Contact us immediately at our toll-free number, . This helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This may help save the life of a loved one.
Speed Addiction Signs
People who take speed gradually develop tolerance. This means they are likely to take more and more of the drug to achieve the desired effect. Increased intake of the drug makes them more prone to show the following signs of addiction:
- Paranoia
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
When the effects of speed are gone, addicts are likely to exhibit the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Lack of sleep
- Depression
- Weakened immune system
- Irritability and aggression
Psychosis is usually attributed to high doses and prolonged intake of speed. In an Australian study of 309 active speed users within speed detox centers, 18 percent had experienced psychosis in the year prior. Speed is also known to increase taxation to the heart, leading to high blood pressure. Injection of speed puts users at risk of HIV and hepatitis and may also lead to gangrene, ulcers and vein damage.
Did You Know?
Up to 1979, there were 79 recorded amphetamine overdose deaths worldwide, nearly all of which were caused by injection.
Speed in Normal Use
Withdrawal to uppers such as speed can take from a few hours to a few days. The length of withdrawal varies depending on how long addicts have been abusing the drug. This makes it highly imperative to refer an addict to a speed detox center as soon as abuse is detected.
Many users claim normal and controlled use of the drug provides great benefits to productivity. What they do not realize is that even recreational use of the drug produces harmful effects in the body.
The health dangers that are associated with the use of speed include:
- Decrease of lung capacity
- Drying of mouth, leading to dental problems
- Loss of weight and malnutrition
- Degradation of neurons and neurotransmitters
- Liver toxicity
- Waste retention in the kidneys
- Increased tiredness after use
Even with moderate use, there are plenty of reasons to stop using speed. It should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor for necessary cases. Even if prescribed by a doctor, speed must never be taken with other uppers and alcohol. Failure to follow prescribed use may lead to addiction and even death.
Speed Withdrawal Treatment Facilities
Many detoxification centers exist to address the growing population of people becoming addicted to speed. Because speed is readily available to some people, such as college students and truck drivers, there is an increased use of the drug with less awareness of its harmful effects. Speed detox centers aim to remove the harmful substance from the body and alleviate the symptoms associated with withdrawal from the drug.
The process of getting past speed addiction depends highly on an individual’s motivation to break free from the drug. No matter how much effort is put into denying access to the drug for the sake of detoxification, if patients do not exhibit any desire to stop, they will eventually find themselves addicted to speed once more. That is why part of the treatment modalities in detoxification involves intensive counseling of the patient. This ensures that both the physical and the psychological effects of addiction are addressed.
Treatment does not stop when an addict finishes a speed detox program. It is imperative that the individual, as well as his or her loved ones, continues to participate in the ongoing care and prevention of relapse.
If you suspect you have an addiction to speed, seek professional help as soon as possible. Call us today at for reference to a luxury speed detox center in your area. Compassionate counselors on this hotline are waiting for your call and eager to give expert advice to help you.
