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Understanding the Impact of Speed (Amphetamine) on Teens

Speed, the street name for amphetamine, is a drug that has significant impact on the central nervous system. Classified as a stimulant, it is known for increasing alertness, attention, and energy. Most often associated with the drug culture of the 1960s and 70s, amphetamines have experienced a resurgence, particularly among young people, for various reasons including academic pressure and social influence. Initially, the effects of speed can be appealing, especially to teenagers. The promise of prolonged wakefulness and enhanced focus can seem like a quick fix for those needing to stay up late to revise for exams or finish assignments. However, the long-term consequences of speed use are substantial and can profoundly affect various aspects of a young person's life.

The Physical and Psychological Impact

Long-term speed use has severe repercussions on both physical and mental health. Physically, chronic use can lead to malnutrition, as the appetite is suppressed consistently. This lack of proper nutrition impacts growth and development, critical aspects for teenagers. Cardiovascular problems are also a major concern; speed increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to more serious issues such as heart attacks or strokes, even in young users. From a psychological perspective, speed can cause a range of mental health problems. Initially, it might increase feelings of well-being, reduce social inhibitions, and decrease feelings of fatigue, but these effects quickly wear off, often leaving the user feeling worse than before. Long-term use can lead to anxiety disorders, depression, and severe mood swings. One of the most severe consequences is the onset of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions, which can result from prolonged use and high doses.

Academics and Social Life

The allure of enhanced academic performance can draw teenagers to start using speed. However, while short-term effects might suggest improved focus and stamina, the long-term reality is often quite different. Chronic use can lead to difficulty in concentrating and decreased brain functionality due to the constant stimulation and subsequent exhaustion of neural resources. This makes learning and retaining new information harder, not easier. In terms of social impacts, while speed might initially make a user more outgoing or seemingly charismatic due to reduced social inhibitions, it commonly leads to social isolation over time. Relationships can suffer due to the personality changes and unpredictable behaviour associated with long-term use. Furthermore, the illegal nature of the drug can lead to legal troubles, further affecting a young person's future opportunities including education and employment.

Addressing and Managing the Risks

Given the significant risks associated with the long-term use of speed, it's crucial for teenagers to understand how to deal with this issue practically and effectively.

1. Educate Yourself and Peers: Understanding the real effects and risks associated with speed is the first step in prevention. Teenagers who are well-informed are better equipped to make wise decisions when confronted with the opportunity to use such substances.
2. Seek Support: If there's an existing issue with speed use, it's important to seek help early. Speaking to a trusted adult, counsellor, or healthcare professional can provide the necessary support and resources to start the recovery process.
3. Engage in Healthy Alternatives: Involvement in sports, arts, or other community activities can provide natural boosts to mood and energy levels, serving as alternatives to stimulant use.
4. Build a Strong Support Network: Surround yourself with positive influences and friends who value healthy lifestyle choices. A supportive social environment can reduce the temptation to use stimulants.
5. Focus on Personal Growth: Setting personal goals and working towards them can improve self-esteem and personal satisfaction, decreasing the need to rely on substances for happiness or success.

Tackling the temptation or dependency on speed is not just about saying no; it's about creating a lifestyle where the need for such substances diminishes. This approach not only prevents substance dependence but also fosters a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Conclusion

recognising the long-term effects of speed on young people is crucial. This awareness alone can deter usage, but when coupled with practical strategies for managing life's challenges, teens can avoid the pitfalls of this and other drugs. A healthy, informed, and supportive approach can change the trajectory of a young person's life significantly and positively.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

• Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
• The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
• SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
• Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.