Speed: Drug Dangers and Signs of Abuse

What Is Speed?

Speed is the street name for amphetamines, a type of highly addictive stimulant.

As the nickname may imply, stimulants (also known as “uppers”) are drugs that “speed” up activity in the central nervous system. Amphetamines do this by increasing levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are chemicals that increase feelings of motivation, alertness, and well-being, respectively.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, amphetamines come from ephedra (ephedra sinica), a plant native to China and Mongolia. For centuries, this plant was used as a stimulant for treating headaches, congestion, and other maladies. The plant contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, medicines that can be used by criminals to manufacture both amphetamines and methamphetamine.

Taking speed, you may feel effects such as:

• Euphoria
• Alertness
• More physical energy; a desire to move around
• A sense of calm (more common in those who are taking amphetamines to treat ADHD)
• Focus

You may also experience side effects, such as:

• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Aggression

Amphetamines have legitimate medical uses when it comes to treating ADHD and narcolepsy. Some evidence also shows amphetamines can be used to treat obesity. However, speed is a drug purely abused for recreation. Its highly addictive nature is the reason it is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

In this article, you’ll learn the difference between meth and speed and about addiction treatment for stimulant abuse.

What’s the Difference Between Meth and Speed?

Meth and speed are both colloquial terms for stimulant drugs. They are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to different substances. The key difference between the two is their chemical composition and potency.

Meth is short for crystal methamphetamine, a powerful, highly addictive synthetic stimulant. It’s a type of amphetamine but is structurally different, containing an additional methyl group. This allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier more rapidly than amphetamines, leading to quicker onset of effects and a more intense high. This, in turn, leads to a higher chance of misuse and addiction.

Methamphetamine can be found in various forms, including a white, odorless, crystalline powder or as “crystal meth,” which looks like shards of glass or bluish-white rocks. It can be ingested by swallowing, snorting, smoking, or injecting.

Physical and mental issues that come from using meth include dental problems, skin sores, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and even death.

Speed typically refers to amphetamine, another synthetic stimulant but generally less potent than methamphetamine. Amphetamines were initially developed for medical use, such as treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, they are also used recreationally and can be found in various forms, like pills, capsules, or powder.

Speed can be ingested by swallowing, snorting, or injecting. Recreational use of amphetamines can lead to addiction, cardiovascular issues, mental health problems, and other serious health risks.

The difference between meth and speed lies in their chemical structure and potency. Between the two, methamphetamine is more potent, but that doesn’t mean the drug speed isn’t dangerous. Both substances have the potential for abuse, addiction, and serious health consequences.

If you or a loved one are addicted to stimulants, please seek addiction treatment. Alcohol and drug addiction to stimulant drugs is dangerous. Call today and end crystal meth addiction.