Speed Addiction Treatment

This is the DEFINITIVE GUIDE on speed addiction, treatment options, and interventions that work. More on the science behind addiction to speed here.

11
minute read

Are you sick and tired?

Speed addiction can be exceptionally hard to quit. But, with the right treatment and professional care,  YOU CAN BREAK FREE from addiction to speed.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you do not have to suffer alone. Treatment works. And help is available.

Here, we review the main science-based treatments for addiction. We’ll let you know what you can expect during a stay in rehab. And, we’ve included a special section at the end for how to help a loved one with addiction. Finally, we invite your questions in the comments section at the end. We’ll try to respond personally and promptly to all real life questions.

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Ready to start a new life?
Help is available at 1-877-393-4424. Call now!

It’s not too late to turn your life around…

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The signs of addiction

How can you know if your loved one might have a problem with speed abuse? There are a few key characteristics that are commonly exhibited by most people who use speed regularly. These signs can include:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Elevated body temperature
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased respiration
  • Rapid speech

Still, signs of use do not necessarily indicate a full blow addiction. There are some main signs of addiction to look for. They are called “The 3 C’s” and are used as a quick way to assess a problem with drugs.

  1. Loss of CONTROL of drug use: Taking more speed than planned, using more often than planned, or not being able to quit.
  2. CRAVINGS for speed: Feeling physical and psychological compulsion to use speed.
  3. CONTINUED use despite negative CONSEQUENCES: You cannot stop, regardless of how bad your health, home, or work life becomes.

If you or a loved one experience any of these signs, it can be time for professional help. Speed triggers intense cravings, which take time to resolve. Why struggle on your own when you can benefit from tried and true methods? If you’re willing to seek help, you’ve already overcome the biggest hurdle!

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Ready to seek help for speed addiction NOW?
Speak with someone knowledgeable about addiction and treatment.
Call our 24-hour hotline at 1-877-393-4424 TODAY!

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Is Speed Addictive?

Yes, speed has a high abuse and addiction potential.

In fact, speed is classified by The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II substance. Speed addiction typically occurs when users take it recreationally, or in doses and ways other than prescribed. Those who abuse speed often take it:

To get high.
To lose weight.
To stay awake and alert.
To improve physical and/or mental performance.

While the initial effects of speed use are enjoyable, the ‘high’ ends with a noticeable crash, leaving addicts irritable and exhausted. It doesn’t take long for the body to build up a tolerance to speed and start needing increased doses to maintain the initial desired effects. Along with tolerance comes psychological and physical dependence, and speed addiction.

Many people who become addicted to speed also develop a secondary addiction to another substance, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol. This is because the depressants help counter the stimulant effect and help people “even out”.  But there may be some other conditions to look out for, as well. Using speed with other psychoactive substances frequently co-occurs with other mental disorders such as eating disorders and mood disorders.

But, not all who use speed become addicted. So, how can you know when your “harmless” recreational use has turned into a dangerous and progressing addiction habit? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, you might be at risk of speed addiction when you are:

  1. Attempting to stop use but failing at attempts to do so.
  2. Craving speed when not using.
  3. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using.
  4. Spending a lot of time seeking for ways to buy, get, or steal the drug.
  5. Taking more speed than originally intended.
  6. Using speed even when it causes physical or mental distress or leads to social and close relationship problems.
  7. Using speed for longer than intended or when prescriptions run out.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have a problem with abuse or addiction to speed, call 1-877-393-4424 to get more information about your treatment options.

Safely Breaking Free

There are several treatment modalities available to those addicted to speed. The best, safest way to treat speed addiction is under medical care. This is because the detox and withdrawal period is often accompanied with deep depression or ideas of suicide. When you seek medical supervision, staff can help you address these intense psychological and emotional issues with real support. These issues can be managed successfully with a combination of psychotherapy and medications.

REMEMBER THIS: The best speed addiction treatment program for YOU needs to be individualized and tailor-made to your personal needs and preferences.

If you are wondering how to choose what’s best for you (in the face of numerous options), we’ve collected a list of four (4) main choices that most people need to make in treatment. Look for treatment programs with the right mix of therapies to help you achieve sobriety. Here are the basic choices offered at most reputable speed addiction treatment clinics:

1. INPATIENT vs. OUTPATIENT

Making the choice whether to check into an inpatient or an outpatient speed treatment program will be influenced by several factors in your current life, such as:

Can you take time off work and for how long?
Can you leave home responsibilities to attend treatment?
Do you have a mental and medical health history?
What’s the severity of your speed addiction?
Do you have a strong recovery support system at home and in your community?

Inpatient (residential) treatment can be the right choice for you if you can take time off work and home duties, need to get away from a stressful environment, have low or no recovery support, or if you have a history of chronic substance abuse and unsuccessful treatment attempts in the past. Inpatient treatment offers 24-7 supervision, a balanced routine, and lots of talk therapy.

Outpatient treatment centers can be of benefit to you if you need addiction treatment but are unable to put work or school duties on hold. This type of rehab, however, is not recommended if you require medical and psychological recovery services. Furthermore, outpatient rehab requires high motivation. If you have little support at home or difficulty with transportation, you may need to consider inpatient treatment.

2. PROGRAM DURATION

Addiction treatment programs for speed can last 30, 60, 90 days or more if needed.

Although 30 day programs are the required minimum time you need to spend in rehab, 60 and 90 day programs offer significantly higher success rates. This is due to the fact that they allow more time for detox, physical and psychological stabilization, therapy, and education. Some treatment programs benefit chronic users when you stay for 6-9 months, for example.

3. REHAB THERAPIES

Addiction programs usually offer a combination of:

  • Psychotherapy + Behavioral Therapy
  • Medication Assisted Treatment
  • Support Group Attendance
  • Educational Sessions

The combination of the therapies that are right for you can maximize your chances of successful recovery and long-lasting sobriety.

4. DUAL DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT

The vast majority of people addicted to speed have underlying psychiatric problems that need to be addressed as issues separate from the substance use problem. While these issues are separate, they are often related and can be complexly intertwined. This means that speed addiction may be caused or worsened by a pre-existing mental health condition. But, at the same time, the addiction issue can lead to or exacerbate a psychiatric problem.

When you are ready to break free from speed addiction Call 1-877-393-4424 for assistance. Our compassionate staff understand drug addiction. We’re available day or night and are waiting to hear from you.

What happens when you call our hotline?

When you CALL 1-877-393-4424, we will listen to you. We understand how difficult it is to pick up the phone, but the longer you wait, the harder life becomes. When pick up the phone you can expect the call to be:

FREE
Confidential
Anonymous

Hotline staff are trained to see addiction as a medical condition. We will never judge you. We are here to get you the help you need. Calling a helpline offers a safe place to talk openly about:

  1. Your drug of choice.
  2. How long you’ve been using.
  3. How much and how often you use.
  4. Whether or not you’re drinking or using other drugs.
  5. Other mental health issues you’re battling.

So, why wait? Recovery is literally one phone call away. 1-877-393-4424

What Are the Stages of Treatment?

STAGE #1: GET OUT OF DENIAL – The first step is to admit that you have a problem. Then, when you are finally ready to seek help, it’s easy – you will receive it.

STAGE #2: EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT – Once you seek help, you’ll choose a treatment program that fits your needs. Then, you need to arrive at the treatment facility. In the first few hours, you’ll go through a stage of psychological and physical assessment. This is the part of the addiction treatment process where clinic staff get to know you on a personal level. This way, they can create a personalized rehab plan that is centered around your unique needs.

STAGE #3: DETOX – The next step in treating speed addiction is the detox process. During detoxification the drug is safely removed from your body. Professional medical detox centers can help you get through this painful and unpleasant period by:

Lessening the intensity and duration of withdrawal symptoms.
Managing speed drug cravings.
Providing medication therapy to treat pain and discomfort.
Offering nutritional and hydration replacement.
Arranging ongoing medical monitoring.

STAGE #4: THERAPY – After the symptoms of physical dependence have been addressed, you will engage in therapies in accordance with your needs. These therapies aim to resolve any personal issues that may have lead to the addiction in the first place and are now a bump on your road to full recovery. Some of these therapies include:

Education.
Family therapy.
Individual and group therapy sessions.
Nutritional counseling and wellness activities.
Pharmacological therapies.
Psychotherapy and behavioral therapies.
Thorough planning for aftercare programs.

…and other supportive services.

STEP #5: AFTERCARE – Treatment facilities often continue their help even after you leave formal care. Aftercare and relapse prevention are a crucial step of the recovery process and can increase your chances of rehab success. (We talk more about Aftercare further in this article).

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to speed, know that you don’t have to be alone in this struggle. Confidential rehab help is available at 1-877-393-4424. Call NOW.

Fear of Speed Withdrawal: What’s the Withdrawal Process Like?

Speed produces quite enjoyable initial effects. However, the high is followed by a noticeable ‘crash’, which leaves you feeling irritable and exhausted. Usually, it is this fear of crashing and the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal that will keep you going back for more and more speed…despite the negative consequences.

Speed withdrawal symptoms are similar to those related to the other stimulants. The acute symptoms of speed withdrawal can should subside within 1-2 days since your last dose. These initial phase is followed by a period of days to weeks of mood changes, sleep disturbances, low energy levels, and cravings. However, medical detox provides treatment options for symptoms as they occur. Typical symptoms include:

  • anxiety
  • attention problems
  • depressed mood
  • difficulty making decisions
  • fatigue
  • inability to concentrate
  • increased appetite
  • insomnia or hypersomnia
  • slowing of psychomotor reactions
  • short term memory loss
  • unpleasant dreams

…but can be treated!

Q: Are medications available to lessen withdrawal symptoms?
A: Yes!

While no medication has been fully effective in the treatment of speed withdrawal, there are a number of medications that can be used to manage individual symptoms. For example, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to address significant cases of depression. Also, benzodiazepine/antipsychotic medications may be used to help with irritability and agitation.

The best and safest way to withdraw from speed is under the watch and care of medical detox professionals who can monitor your state 24/7. Our helpline is available at 1-877-393-4424 to help. Why struggle alone? Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of safe withdrawal protocols.

Speed and Your Mental Health

Unfortunately, it is common for someone with a speed addiction to have some sort of co-occurring psychological disorder that further complicates addiction. When your speed addiction is aggravating, causing, or is associated with mental health problems, then it is a part of a “Dual Diagnosis” case.

The most frequently diagnosed disorders that co-occur when people use speed include:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Gambling Disorder
Neurological Disorders
Another Substance Use Disorder

The good news is that with the right course of treatment you can manage both conditions successfully. So, get started on the healthier, happier life that you deserve. Call 1-877-393-4424 TODAY to find an appropriate Dual Diagnosis treatment program.

How to Help a Loved one with Speed Addiction

If your loved one is struggling with an addiction to speed, seek professional help from a psychotherapist or a treatment center. When you need more information on speed, addiction treatment centers and interventions – call our toll-free number today. Questions we typically ask include:

  1. Which substance does the person abuse?
  2. Are they using other drugs or alcohol do you think they’re using?
  3. How do they abuse speed (orally, snorting, smoking, injecting)?
  4. How long do you suspect they have been using?
  5. How long they’ve been showing signs of addiction?
  6. How much can they afford to pay for treatment?
  7. Is insurance an option?
  8. Could you (and/or other close family members) help them out financially?
  9. Does the addicted individual suffer from any mental, behavioral, or co-occurring disorders?

We understand that you’d want to see your loved one get better immediately. But, you cannot push or argue them into rehab. Persuasion won’t help…it almost never does. As an alternative, try to discuss the willingness of the person to talk to a professional counselor, a therapist, or a peer.

We also recommend that you look into the CRAFT Model of family training. CRAFT teaches family members how to stay safe around a drug user. The training also prepares you to recognize opportunities to invite your loved one to get help. In the meantime, you can emphasize personal choice and control. Some examples of what you can say include:

“It really is up to you to decide to get better.”
“No one can start on the path of recovery for you.”
“No one can make you go to rehab. You have to want it for yourself”

You can also encourage peer support for your speed addicted loved one. Look into 12 Step groups like Al-Anon, A.A. or N.A.

The safest and most successful way to eliminate speed addiction from the life of someone that you love is to find professional addiction treatment. Please call our 24 hour toll-free helpline at 1-877-393-4424 to speak with a trained and experienced professional about your concerns.

Ongoing Treatment

Once you complete initial treatment, you will need to continue with counseling or self-help groups for the period of at least a year, or more. These continued care options are often a part of your individualized, comprehensive aftercare and relapse prevention plan.

Although the aftercare approach varies from person to person, the following tools are available to many and can help navigate through life after recovery:

  • 12-step meetings
  • Sponsorship and alumni programs
  • Life coaching
  • Counseling and touchup sessions
  • Spiritual or faith-based support
  • Nutritional guidance

Early recovery can be especially challenging and tends to be full of surprises. This is why relapse prevention education during treatment can make the journey a lot easier. You will need to learn to spot relapse triggers and have readily available relapse prevention tools to be used at the right moment.

If you are ready to find your way to recovery and start building a speed-free life today, don’t wait! Call 1-877-393-4424 to find the best treatment and aftercare programs.

Reference Sources: NCBI: Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders
NCBI: Availability and Effectiveness of Programs to Treat Methamphetamine Abuse
SAMHSA: Treatments for Substance Use Disorders
NCBI: The Search for Medications to Treat Stimulant Dependence
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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