There are two drugs today that you might hear someone speak about. You may know someone, whether a family member, friend, acquaintance or yourself who has a problem with meth or speed. These two drug names seem separate, and they are to an extent. However, they can also group to mean the same. For example, if you heard someone talking about being addicted to speed, they very well could be talking about meth because the word speed is a term used by some people on the street to describe meth. But what is the difference between Meth and Speed? Is there a difference?
Although these two drugs have a similar chemical make-up, there are, indeed, slight differences. The main one is that speed may be described as amphetamine and can be legally prescribed, while the other is methamphetamine and is not a legal prescription. Since both have an association with the word amphetamine, the differences can be confusing.
Meth and how it is Associated with Speed
First, to better understand what meth or methamphetamine is and how it differs from the term speed, you will need to ask questions and research for the answers. The questions to ask yourself would be:
- What does meth look like?
- Does it come in different substance forms?
- How addictive is it?
The answer to the first question will also answer the second. This drug, commonly known as meth or speed, has different forms. The two most popular forms of distribution are powder and pill forms. These two forms have a bitter taste. You may also hear the term crystal meth. This is because meth also comes in shapes that look like crystals or glass fragments. There is also a base form that has a sticky consistency. This drug is usually clear or white, but drug dealers may add food coloring to give it a more pleasing look that would attract a new user. Since there are several different varieties of the drug, a person may also ingest it in several diverse ways. The abusers of meth can use by:
- Snorting – powder form
- Swallowing – pill form
- Smoking – base form
To answer the question of how addictive meth is? It is highly addictive. The addict can get so hooked that they will eventually drop all the other ways to take the drug. Instead, they will cook the powdered substance and then inject it into their body through a syringe and needle. Injecting the meth in this way is the most dangerous, but the user acquires a much faster high. However, taking a methamphetamine drug in any of the methods described will give the user a quick burst of energy along with a feeling of euphoria. Therefore, this is the reason it is also called speed.
Note: meth is an illegal substance and could have dangerous side effects such as:
- Elevated body temperature
- Irregular heartbeat
- Convulsions
- Death
The Complicated Description of Speed
When it comes to speed, this drug can be attached to many medications. Again, illegal drug abusers may say they are taking speed instead of using the word meth. The term speed also connects to amphetamines that are medically termed and prescribed for medical conditions such as:
- Obesity
- Narcolepsy
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
Some of the pharmaceutical names for speed drugs are:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Concerta
- Phentermine
The amphetamines listed here are given to patients to calm them down. However, like methamphetamine, they are stimulants that trigger the central nervous system. They are doctor-prescribed drugs but also release high energy, euphoric feelings. They do, however, take a bit longer than meth to gain these types of effects.
We can now restate and answer the initial question we started with; what is the difference between meth and speed? After explaining the different types, the simple answer is that speed is a street name used to describe illegal and non-illegal drugs. It is associated with methamphetamines and amphetamines. Both are similar stimulants, with similar feelings like high energy and euphoria. However, they are formed and used in different ways. Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug made in different varieties and manufactured on the streets by regular people. It has no legal label and can also be called speed. Speed is also associated with amphetamines which have pharmaceutical brands that are legal and prescribed. Even so, they can be illegally obtained and sold on the streets. Both types can be lethal if abused for recreational purposes.
If you have found yourself addicted to methamphetamine or amphetamines, do not give up hope. There are facilities and programs that help people overcome their addictions. It will not be easy, but it could save your life. Call us at 833-610-1174.