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Speed Abuse UK, Crystal Meth Abuse

Speed is an illegal form of amphetamine usually sold as a whitish or pinkish powder. It is legal on prescription in tablet form for the treatment of conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Speed is similar to cocaine in that it is a stimulant. It is normally snorted or rubbed into the gums, the effects of which can be felt within half an hour. If injected, these effects are experienced quicker and for longer, often up to 6 hours. Users feel wide awake, energized, more talkative, and suffer loss of appetite.

A more dangerous form of speed is crystal meth (methamphetamine). It is a powerful stimulant that has a dramatic affect on the central nervous system and comes in a crystalline or ‘ice’ form. Crystal meth is smoked (usually in a glass pipe) to achieve a more intense high in comparison to snorting powdered amphetamine. The initial euphoria typically lasts no more than a few minutes which results in the user taking more or higher doses of the drug in order to maintain the high. A user will often find it difficult to relax or sleep after taking the drug.

While amphetamines are not physically addictive, they are extremely psychologically addictive; crystal meth particularly so. Regular use of the drug results in psychological dependence. When use is stopped, the user will experience a strong craving for the drug and can suffer symptoms like anxiety, depression, fatigue, aggression and paranoia.

Long term persistent use can lead to violent behaviour and even mental illnesses such as psychosis. This can manifest itself as auditory hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia which can sometimes progress to homicidal or suicidal thoughts.

Taking speed can put immense strain on the heart, causing rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. Injecting the drug carries its own dangers, including the increased risk of death from overdose due to impurities within the drug. It can also result in vein damage, gangrene and skin abscesses, not to mention the possibility of becoming infected with hepatitis or HIV through the sharing of needles.