‘Speed’ and is the street names for chemical substances that stimulate the central nervous system. Another name for this drug is Amphetamine. Depending on which type you use, there will be a difference in strength and duration.

Speed is younger than many other types of drugs. It was only invented in late 19th century, in a laboratory. Only in 1930,were there studies done on its effects. Until the 60s it was a legitimate agent and was used as a slimming agent. After 60 years, it passed into the hands of the youth and between 1969 and 1972, use of this drug spread dramatically. Around 1970, most countries made laws against using ‘speed’.

The effect of ‘speed’ on a user

Speed is energizing. This applies to both body and mind. The effect depends on how you use it and the amount that is used. In general, high blood pressure, headache, tense muscles, little or no appetite, enlarged pupils, fast movement of the jaws, grinding of teeth, rapid pulse and fatigue are associated with using speed. The mental effects are: confidence, cheerfulness, feeling alert and feeling active temporarily. On the other side of the coin, a user can also feel irritable, anxious or restless. This usually happens when the speed starts wearing off.

Speed is available as a powder and in pill form. This is sometimes snorted or injected, but usually it gets swallowed. When injested orally, it starts working after 15/20 minutes. When snorted, the effect sets in after just a few minutes. By injection it works almost immediately.

With speed you do not suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms, but you’ll feel tired. You have to increasingly more of the drug to get the same effect. Mental dependence plays a main role in the use of speed. If you regularly use, you can feel that you can not enjoy your life without speed. The disadvantage is that you will still feel rotten.

Speed addiction needs to be taken seriously. It can rule your life if you don’t seek help.