Cobb, Allan B. Speed and Your Brain: The Incredibly Disgusting Story. Part of the Incredibly Disgusting Drugs series. 2000. 48p. ISBN 0-8239-3253-2. Available at 362.29 COB on the library shelves.
Though opioids remain an epidemic now afflicting New Hampshire and the rest of the nation, there are other drugs out there that are dangerous and that can have a serious physical and psychological impact on users. Stimulants such as amphetamine and methamphetamine, also known as Speed, are manufactured illegally in makeshift labs and then distributed and sold to users. But what are the effects on the brain?
Speed makes the user high by firing neurons and preventing the inhibitors from intercepting messages. The user experiences euphoria and mental alertness, but soon becomes exhausted and depressed. Tolerance builds and the user must consume more and more just to reach the same feelings. Other physical symptoms include hyperactivity, irritability, excitability, anxiety, paranioa, and possible violence. Heart attacks and high blood pressure are also possible. Long-term effects include schizophrenia, malnutrition, kidney and lung diseases, chronic hallucinations and depression, and even death.
Weaning is possible, but it is expensive and hard on the former user. The best route is to never start Speed in the first place. But if you are using, there is help available. Talk to your physician, or contact one of the many organizations dedicated to helping addicts.
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