Speed is a nickname for the prescription medication methamphetamine. This drug also goes by various street names, such as “ice,” “freeze” and “gofast.” The drug alters naturally produced chemicals in the brain to help treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients. It has also been used for weight loss. This drug can be addictive and habit-forming for patients of all ages. Some will become addicted while taking the medication as directed by a physician, while others can become addicted misusing the drug recreationally.
Users must take precautions when mixing this medication with other substances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are over 12 million Americans currently abusing prescription medications. Addiction to speed is dangerous and can have fatal effects. For more information about the addiction and treatment options for addicts, call our speed abuse hotline at now.
Warning Signs of Addiction
There are many signs of addiction that are easy to notice. Someone addicted to speed will take more medication than prescribed by the doctor at one time or take the medication without any prescription. Taking it more often throughout the day than what is recommended is another warning sign you should be aware of. Running out of the medication before it is time for a refill and getting agitated without the medication may also be signs of addiction. Addicts will often have mood swings, be irritable and become less sociable. Often, addicts will have to buy medication off the street, which will cause them to struggle financially and put them in dangerous situations. You can get more information on the addiction treatment options available by calling our speed abuse hotline at .
Addiction Treatment Options
Treating someone addicted to speed and alcohol is going to be more challenging than treating each addiction separately. The patient has to mentally and physically fight two different addictions at the same time; however, it has been shown that treating both addictions at once is more beneficial that treating one and then the other. The patient will be cut off from both substances completely or could possibly be weaned off the drug and alcohol during treatment. At an inpatient treatment center, there are medical professionals and staff ready to assist with the needs of the addict. The addict is going to go through a withdrawal period and may experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Agitation
- Cravings for the substances
- High fever
- Vomiting and nausea
- Mood swings and irritability
- Severe headaches
With the love and support of family members and friends, as well proper care from a specialized professional, the addict has a good chance of overcoming both addictions. Many will attend outpatient services when finished with the inpatient program to prevent relapse. For answers to your questions or concerns about speed addiction treatment, call us today at to get more information.
Speed Abuse Helplines
There are many benefits to calling a speed abuse hotline. Through a helpline, addicts can call anonymously to find out information about their addiction and the treatment options available. In addition, the addict will have someone that he or she can trust to talk to. Parents, friends and family members of an addict are also encouraged to talk about addiction treatment options and about what can be done to help the addict stick to the treatment. Call to have all your questions answered today. Someone is standing by at our speed abuse helpline waiting to talk to you.
Helping Your Loved One
Confronting and addict can be quite challenging, and the addict may become angry and resist the conversation. Most addicts will not admit that there is a problem, and they do not want to stop taking the drug. Explaining that you are coming from a place of love and concern may make the conversation easier. Getting the addict to admit that there is a substance abuse problem, and that treatment is needed, is the first step to recovery. A parent can force a minor into a rehabilitation program, but adults have to be persuaded to go into treatment on their own accord. It may take multiple people to convince an addict to get treatment, and you may need the addict to call a speed abuse hotline for help. Sometimes a medical emergency may force the addict into a treatment center.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that deaths from prescription medications in the last 20 years have tripled in America. Recognizing that someone is addicted to speed before it is too late may save the addict’s life.
Take advantage of speed abuse hotlines to get more information. Once you have the information you need, you can work with the addict to find the best treatment solution. Find out what options could save an addict’s life by calling us today at .
