Speed addiction

Depressieve man met capuchon op en handen in de zakken, leunend tegen een muur van rode tegeltjes.

Use of speed over a longer period of time can lead to speed addiction. This means that you have become dependent on this hard drug, which is also known as amphetamines. Dependency can also cause serious mental and physical health issues. Connection SGGZ offers professional support for speed addiction. We help you quit in a medically responsible and personalised manner. 

How addictive is speed? 

Speed is a chemical and highly addictive substance produced in a laboratory. It stimulates your brain and muscles, giving an energy boost. Speed abuse rapidly leads to tolerance development, which means you require increasing amounts to achieve the same effect. This greatly raises the risk of addiction, especially when combined with other substances like cannabis. If you are addicted to speed, you find it difficult to functioning properly. Symptoms may include an irregular heartbeat and palpitations, extreme fatigue, other physical problems and feelings of depression. If you find yourself in this situation, our team is here for you!

Causes and consequences of the addictive nature of speed

A speed addiction can bring about severe psychological, physical and social consequences.  From experience, we know that there is a fair chance that the root cause of addiction is related to underlying issues. For example, you might turn to speed to escape and ease the challenges you are dealing with in life, which can create a cycle that can be too formidable to break on your own. Connection SGGZ can guide you toward a life that is free of addiction.

Why choose Connection SGGZ addiction care?

  • Our treatments are reimbursed by your health insurer
  • Short waiting list
  • Personalised and specialised treatment
  • Working with recovery mentors
  • Evidence based treatment
  • Custom aftercare programme
  • Excellent family programme
  • Rehab centres in the Netherlands and South Africa

Do you need help?

Speed effects:

  • increased energy, alertness and a sense of being wide awake
  • very talkative
  • loss of appetite
  • inability or unwillingness to sleep
  • clenched jaws and dry mouth
  • dilated pupils
  • increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
  • faster breathing
  • increased sex drive
  • restlessness, which can escalate into anxiety or aggression
  • fatigue and a low mood the day after use

Symptoms of speed addiction:

  • only speed gives you energy and a sense of well-being
  • requiring increasing amounts of speed for the same effect
  • inability to sleep at night, sometimes for nights on end
  • neglecting relationships with friends and family, work, and school
  • failing to keep commitments
  • being convinced that you cannot function without speed
  • use has become an obsession
  • using speed during most of your activities
  • using speed more frequently than you would like to
  • struggling to quit, despite the negative impact on your life
  • experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using

Risks of speed addiction:

  • increased body temperature, leading to overheating and dehydration
  • huge strain on the heart and cardiovascular system, which might result in arrhythmias, heart attacks or strokes
  • severe weight loss
  • increased risk of depression and psychosis
  • difficulty concentrating
  • serious and permanent damage to your nose
  • distorted vision, dizziness
  • fatigue and complete exhaustion
  • muscle twitches

Our personal treatment for you

Our team of professionals and recovery mentors provides you with the professional support you need if you want to overcome your speed addiction. We offer a treatment tailored entirely to your situation in our rehabilitation centres in South Africa and Meerlo (the Netherlands). With our personalised approach, you can regain a fulfilling and healthy life after the treatment. 

Take the first step towards a life that is free of addiction

We understand how lonely dealing with addiction can feel. You may experience shame and reaching out for help might seem impossible. That first step – asking for help – is something only you can do. From that moment on however, we are in it together. So, don't hesitate: share your story. Schedule an addiction assessment and opt for a sustainable recovery from speed addiction.

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