Speed addiction often sneaks up on many users, as those who abuse the drug recreationally believe that they can control their use of it. Whether someone is taking Adderall without a prescription in order to study for a test or abusing another kind of amphetamine drug to lose weight, addiction to speed drugs (any licit or illicit amphetamine) occurs quickly and puts users in extreme danger.
Abusive Behavior and Addiction
According to CESAR, “When prescription amphetamines are taken orally and in low doses, drug abuse and addiction is not a serious risk. However, drug addiction becomes a risk when prescription amphetamines are consumed at doses higher than those prescribed for medical treatment.”
Those who abuse speed often crush the drug in order to snort it or, in the case of illicit methamphetamine abuse, smoke or inject it. These behaviors all make it much more likely for someone to become addicted to speed because of how quickly and potently the drug affects the brain. If you have been abusing the drug in one of these ways for more than a few months you are most likely addicted. But how can you know for sure?
Am I Addicted to Speed?
If you abuse large amounts of speed, or use it everyday, you might be addicted.
Ask yourself the questions below to determine whether or not you are already addicted to speed. Answer the questions as honestly as possible.
- Do I abuse speed every day?
- Do I abuse different stimulants if the type of speed I usually take is not available?
- Do I abuse the drug in order to combat feelings of unhappiness, loneliness, depression, etc.?
- Have my friends and family members mentioned (more than once) that they are worried about my drug use?
- Do I become hostile or angry when they do so?
- Have I ever experienced any of the withdrawal symptoms that result from speed abuse which, according to the NIDA Teen, include:
- An inability to feel pleasure?
- Thoughts of suicide?
- Anxiety and irritability?
- Feeling very tired, lack of energy, and changes in sleep patterns?
- Intense drug cravings?
- Am I secretive about my use of speed and lie in order to hide the truth about when I am using or how much speed I do?
- Do I feel like I can’t have fun, be normal, or live without it?
- Am I beginning to experience:
- Hallucinations?
- Severe paranoia?
- Aggression?
- Any other psychological symptoms of psychosis or delirium?
- Do I need more and more speed each time I abuse the drug in order to feel its effects?
- Do I only want to spend time with others who take it too?
- Have I experienced more than one major problems in the last year (car accident, loss of job, breakup, family problems, getting arrested, etc.) as a result of my drug use?
- Despite these problems, do I continue to abuse speed?
If you answered yes to these questions, you are addicted to speed. You should ask yourself whether or not you feel that you would be able to stop on your own. It may be hard to be sure, so if you are at all hesitant in this, you should seek treatment. Your addiction will not go away quickly, but with time and help, you can slowly heal.