Amphetamine (speed)
Penalties for possession
Amphetamines are non-refillable, prescription only drugs.
Under federal law, a first offense of simple possession of amphetamine is generally treated as a misdemeanor and a person convicted of that crime faces a potential sentence of up to one year in prison, a fine of at least $1000, or both. Multiple convictions will result in greater potential prison time or fees.
How is speed used?
- Speed can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected.
- Swallowing is the safest method of using speed. The effects come on gradually and last longer than with other methods.
- Snorting speed takes effect faster than swallowing but it can damage the nose.
- Smoking speed takes effect immediately and can more easily lead to addiction.
- Injecting is the riskiest method of using speed.
DEA Classification
Speed is a Schedule II controlled substance drug.
This means that:
- There is a high potential for abuse but less than Schedule I
- There is a potential for psychological and physical dependence.
- They are considered dangerous.
Category of the drug
Health Risks
Alternative names for speed
base, whiz, billy, blues, dexys, and grudge are all street names for speed. Speed can also be referred to as just Amphetamine.
Speed is in the category of Amphetamines. Amphetamines are extremely potent central nervous system stimulants.
psychosis, strokes, brain damage, movement disorders, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, hepatitis, HIV, fatal drug interactions and heart conditions are all possibilities that could occur because of speed. Eventually, if speed is taken regularly, it could end your life sooner rather then later.
Affects on the user
Dependence
Speed releases very high doses levels of dopamine onto neurotransmitters. It is very easy to get hooked on speed after the first use. The brain develops a need for the drug, and you start doing anything in order to get the drug. After each dose, your mind and body need a higher dose the next time to even reach the same high feeling.Mouth becomes very dry
after the high.
Resources
It is extremely easy to get addicted to speed.Because of the intense high,first time users will often find themselves using it more often.
Speed addicts will often grind their teeth, have random spasms, and eat little to no food for long periods of time.
- http://www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/ds.shtml
"DEA / Drug Scheduling." DEA / Drug Scheduling. Drug Enforcement Administration, n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.
- http://www.ourbodyandmind.com/side-effects-of-speed
"Side Effects of Speed." Side Effects of Speed. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2013.
- "Drugs - Speed." Drugs - Speed. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2013
- "Portfolio Item Details." Amphetamine. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2013