So what are speed drugs anyway?

Speed is a stimulant – and there are many of these drugs. Basically, they are: amphetamines, like Benzedrine, Dexedrine, biphetamine, metamphetamines, Ritalin,etc. All of them make you feel alert, confident and full of energy. It reduces the appetite and lessens your need to sleep. In fact you have difficulty getting to sleep in the first place, so you may as well stay up and study, work, or party. Sounds ideal doesn’t it? That’s why we use drugs in the first place but.....

Speed is also highly addictive.

When you use it regularly, you need to increase the dose to get the same effect, This can lead to becoming dependent. You get powerful cravings to use more, and long-term use results in serious mental and physical problems: anxiety, high blood pressure, paranoia, psychosis with symptoms similar to schizophrenia. Too bad no one thinks of this when they start using.

It's also important to know that women addicts suffer addiction differently than men.

So how do you use it?

The drug can be swallowed, snorted, smoked or injected. Swallowing is the safest. (and no I’m not recommending it). Taking a drug orally, is a more gradual process and stays in the system longer than in other methods. Snorting gives a faster effect but you can damage the nasal cavities, and smoking takes immediate effect and can lead to addiction quickly. When you inject, the drug reaches the brain almost instantly but you increase the possibility of an overdose. Repeated shots, ruin your veins, which can lead to thrombosis and abscesses. Sharing needles can also lead to hepatitis, HIV and the AIDS virus.

Warning!!

When you come off the drug, you can feel tired, lethargic and depressed. This “down” feeling can tempt you to go right back to using and becoming dependent.

Many users are at a high risk for HIV, hepatitis, unsafe sex, and needle sharing. They don’t take care of their diet, and lack sleep and so they’re susceptible to many illnesses.

Extended us of speed can cause psychosis with schizophrenia–like symptoms, paranoia, heart attacks, seizures and strokes and risk death from overdose.

Think speed is the only party drug?
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Source: White House Initiative on Educational Excellence For Hispanic Americas.