What you Should Know About Speed Addiction

Speed is the street name for the prescription medication methamphetamine. This drug also goes by names like “crank,” “freeze,” “fire” and “ice.” Speed works by altering chemicals in the brain. It is sometimes prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and has also been prescribed by some physicians for weight loss.

Speed is a drug that is habit-forming and addictive. MSNBC reported a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that stated one in four adults lie about ADHD symptoms to get prescription medications. This means many are lying in order to abuse the medication, and some will become addicted to speed unintentionally.

Watching those who use speed and looking for speed addiction symptoms is important. Users must take precautions when they use this medication with other substances. Users should also be concerned about overdosing on speed. Being addicted to speed is dangerous and could be deadly, but speed detox centers can help with addiction issues.

Learn About the Warning Signs

There are many signs of addiction that are easy for friends and family members to notice. Someone addicted to speed may take more medication at a time than prescribed. Addicted users will often take the medication without a prescription. Taking speed frequently throughout the day may also be an addiction indicator. Finding an empty prescription bottle before it is time for a refill or noticing agitation in an addict who does not have access to the medication may also indicate an addiction. Addicts will often have mood swings, demonstrate irritability and become less social. Take note of any physical speed addiction symptoms you see, so you can discuss them with your loved one.

People with an addiction will often dramatically change their lifestyle and routine behaviors. Mixing speed with other abused substances like alcohol is often related to addiction, and addicts are commonly addicted to multiple substances at once. Addicts may have to buy medication off the street or illegally and can struggle financially to support their drug habits.

Speed detox centers are the best option for those who have a substance abuse problem. If you see speed addiction symptoms, you need to make the call.

Dangers of Overdosing on Speed

There are several dangers of overdosing on speed. Someone who is demonstrating signs of an overdose could have:

• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Heart palpitations
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

Overdosing could stop the heart or impede lung function. An incident where an addict has mixed the speed with another substance is also dangerous. The addict may be slurring words, having difficulty moving or complaining about impaired vision. If the addict exhibits any of these symptoms, emergency medical care is necessary. When you notice speed addiction symptoms, you need to get help.

Options for Addiction Treatment

Treating someone addicted to speed can be very challenging. The patient must battle the addiction physically and mentally. The addict may need to be cut off from the drug completely, or in some cases, the addict may be weaned off the speed slowly. This will depend on the amount of time the addict was taking the speed and how much was being taken regularly. At an inpatient treatment center, there are medical professionals and staff members ready to assist with the needs of the addict. The withdrawal process will be the most difficult for the addict. Symptoms of withdrawal include:

• Agitation
• Cravings for the substances
• High fever
• Vomiting and nausea
• Mood swings and irritability
• Severe headaches

It is important that friends and family members of the addict show support during the recovery process. Speed treatment and recovery may take time. Many addicts will choose to take part in outpatient services after their inpatient treatment program has been completed.

How to Approach Confrontation

Confronting an addict about a substance abuse problem can be very difficult. For parents of minors still in school, treatment can be forced; however, adults will have to be persuaded to enter a speed detox center on their own. Showing support and love and discussing your concerns with an addict can convince them that they need rehab. Have information about treatment ready for this discussion.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that deaths from prescription medications in America in the last 20 years have tripled. Parents with young adults living at home can check the bottles of medication for regulation. Others can look for social and psychological speed addiction symptoms. Don’t let any more time go by, and don’t let the addict live at risk. Call and begin your journey to speed addiction recovery now.