This is in light of my resent post relating to me gaining a formal diagnoses of ADHD/ADD, but being referred to receive medication (ADHD here in England is still STUPIDLY viewed as an adolescent/developmental disorder!) in which individuals are seen to simply "grow out of". This is, of course, ridiculously.

Id just like to see ANYONE reading this posts views/opinions regarding street amphetamine in small dosages whilst awaiting a prescription for ritalin (may take 6-8 weeks). I am struggling MASSIVELY in my academia and job as a result of my ADHD. In light of this, would it infact be justifiable to take street amphetamine, which is, essentially dexto-amphetamine/mixed amphetamine salts.

Thoughts and opinions please, ...........

i don't think it's a good idea but it's not unheard of.

for instance, snorting can give you 'highs' that medication never will, and in turn make the street drug the preferred method - or snorting the medication could become the way to make it just as 'good' - which is a huge sign of abuse.

street drugs are designed only to get you high and to get the maker as much money as possible, to the extent that they have all sorts of unknown chemical fillers. that stuff is NEVER pure. and if you had it pure, anyway, you'd never go back to medication.

they don't come with warning labels, lists of ingredients, or overview manuals that inform you of what to expect and potential side effects. you'll get addicted easier because you're developing your own dosing habits, and you can't talk to any professional should things not work out.

it's just a bad idea, in my opinion.

Well, if they somehow find out that you were obtaining street amphetamine, they will be less likely to prescribe it to you due to the fact that it will give them some sort of reasonable suspicion that you are looking to just get a "high", even though that may not be the case whatsoever.

Well, if they somehow find out that you were obtaining street amphetamine, they will be less likely to prescribe it to you due to the fact that it will give them some sort of reasonable suspicion that you are looking to just get a "high", even though that may not be the case whatsoever.

exactly, that too! plus you have no excuse for pee tests, as you have no prescription.

Ugh, unless you are talking about getting "real" pills, like Adderall or Dex, then maybe ya - but I don't condone that. If you are talking about street meth, as in the stuff that is cooked up in nasty conditions and is also made with lots of HORRIBLE things like

Battery Acid
Drain Cleaners
Lantern Fuel
Oat Freeze

Then NO, don't do that!

http://www.miamitwp.org/police/graphics/meth_lab_2.jpg

Well, if they somehow find out that you were obtaining street amphetamine, they will be less likely to prescribe it to you due to the fact that it will give them some sort of reasonable suspicion that you are looking to just get a "high", even though that may not be the case whatsoever.Lots of ADDers and BP people abuse drugs, so not entirely true.

It is a bad idea. Also why is it you think you have ADHD? If you had a previous diagnose then I'm not going to say yes you should use amphetamines.
Your Dr or psych should asses your symptoms. I was reading earlier today that alot of people have self limiting conditions and sometimes it's best to wait and see what happens.
Even after your appointment your doctors are unlikely to prescribe so suddenly.
Also street amphetamines are an entirely different feeling.
In part due the context, you will likely be spending time around people who just want to get high and you can in no way judge the strength or purity if it is a powder.
And it will likely do much more damage than good.
Also apparently many people with AD/HD use substance abuse as an excuse.
And with AD/HD alot of the symptoms should fade over time, AD/HD is a developmental disorder, but AD/HD children can grow into AD/HD adults, and still have a level of dysfunction that is life impairing, but maybe in most cases medication isn't necessary, or treatment of cooccuring problems would be more appropriate, such as depression, anxiety and so on.

there are things you can do to help improve your add/hd symptoms. me for example have had a hard time getting a doctor. so i make sure to exercise as much as i can, eat fairly well ( protein, complex carbs, no junk food lots of veggies etc..) and i have done lot's of research on supplements. like l-tyrosine, 5-htp, sam-e, omega 3-6-9. i find these supplements work really well for me. they don't work well for everyone but i think it's worth at least a try. i also take cold medication when i know i have to concentrate at work for several hours.

all these things add up and help out quite a bit. for me, i am willing to do all these things instead of taking street drugs until i can see someone. it's not worth it to me. like others said they are full of crap you shouldn't be ingesting and the possibility of becoming addicted is way too frightening and risky to me. it's not worth losing my life over it...

Street drugs are absolutely not the answer, for reasons people have already covered. Please don't put your health in danger for the sake of a couple of months.

The guidelines for treating ADD in the UK changed recently, and it is now considered an adult disorder as well, so if you are being treated by a medical professional who believes otherwise, you may need to educate them.

I understand your desperation, as if I had understood about ADD a year ago when I was in my final year at university, I would have been desperate for diagnosis and treatment too. I graduated with a decent grade, but it was nowhere near the kind of grade I would be capable of if it hadn't been such a constant struggle for me. However, it's important to remember that medication is only part of the treatment for ADD - as others have suggested, it's just as important to build up organisational structure and support and the kind of diet and exercise which will help you too. You'll get a lot more out of the medication treatment if you can do this, so perhaps you can spend the next couple of months trying to improve these habits. Doing that, and drinking lots of coffee, was the only reason I managed to graduate university at all. (I need coffee to function. It's my own substitute for meds right now).

Man do I know where you are at. I posted a post awhile back born out of shear desperation. I was thinking of doing the exact same thing. But hey, lets get real...what is the chance that you could find a decent source, get a decent price, keep friends out of the stash, and seriously, only take enough to function...if a bit is good...isnt a bit more better? Besides, you either buy quantity to get the price break and expose your self to real legal jepordy, or you buy a dab every day or two and .... expose your self to legal jepordy.

What friends told me that made the most sense was

1. you've made it this long...a bit longer, if put in perspective is doable
2. There are things legal that will help. Walking for a minimum of 20-40 minutes once a day will go along way towards feeling better. Ginsing and Omega's will help as well.

You can do this!

Song.

This is in light of my resent post relating to me gaining a formal diagnoses of ADHD/ADD, but being referred to receive medication (ADHD here in England is still STUPIDLY viewed as an adolescent/developmental disorder!) in which individuals are seen to simply "grow out of". This is, of course, ridiculously.

Id just like to see ANYONE reading this posts views/opinions regarding street amphetamine in small dosages whilst awaiting a prescription for ritalin (may take 6-8 weeks). I am struggling MASSIVELY in my academia and job as a result of my ADHD. In light of this, would it infact be justifiable to take street amphetamine, which is, essentially dexto-amphetamine/mixed amphetamine salts.

Thoughts and opinions please, ...........

Well, my basic feeling on this is that the "justification" part is easy. If you're suffering and there is a substance out there that will help you function better, my belief is that it is your right to use it. Just because the government doesn't recognize that right doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

That being said, though...in practical terms, there are a lot of downsides. One, you're always taking a chance with street drugs - you never know if what you are getting is what it is supposed to be. Two, in trying to procure these drugs, you could get busted, which very well could lead to you losing your job, which would sort of defeat the purpose. Three, the street drugs, even in very small doses, will be much more potent. You could easily build up a tolerance over several weeks and then when you get the prescription drugs, they may not seem to work at all.

All in all, I think you're better off trying to wait it out.

there are things you can do to help improve your add/hd symptoms. me for example have had a hard time getting a doctor. so i make sure to exercise as much as i can, eat fairly well ( protein, complex carbs, no junk food lots of veggies etc..) and i have done lot's of research on supplements. like l-tyrosine, 5-htp, sam-e, omega 3-6-9. i find these supplements work really well for me. they don't work well for everyone but i think it's worth at least a try. i also take cold medication when i know i have to concentrate at work for several hours.

all these things add up and help out quite a bit. for me, i am willing to do all these things instead of taking street drugs until i can see someone. it's not worth it to me. like others said they are full of crap you shouldn't be ingesting and the possibility of becoming addicted is way too frightening and risky to me. it's not worth losing my life over it...

Sorry I know this is off-topic, but have you had any luck finding a doctor in Victoria? I know it's incredibly tricky to go through the process as an adult around here.

Is this a joke? I mean seriously... you've got to be kidding. To go out and use meth simply because you have to wait a few weeks for meds has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever read on this board. Jesus... I mean, no... the answer is no. No it's not okay, or smart, or rational. It's retarded.

Methamphetamine is a completely different substance than that i was suggesting. Street amphetamine is a combination of dexro-amphetamine/mixed amphetamine salts, similar to Adderell. There is a sense of truism that street amphetamine is infact unpure, although is often mixed with a combination of caffeine/glucose powder, as these substances are cheap, and increase the quantity. As the amphetamine is cheap to manufacture, it isnt mixed with more expensive drug variations, ie 3,4-methlenedioxy-n-methylamphetamine (mdma) or methamphetamine or "meth" or similar.

So no, this isnt a dumb question, this is infact a perfectly viable one.

Friendly Moderator Reminder Time! :)
Is this a joke? I mean seriously... you've got to be kidding. To go out and use meth simply because you have to wait a few weeks for meds has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever read on this board. Jesus... I mean, no... the answer is no. No it's not okay, or smart, or rational. It's retarded.

Please remember the Forum policies you agreed to when registering for ADDF. In particular:


Etiquette:
*Please remember that ADD Forums is a place for support. All members should feel comfortable at ADD Forums!

*Please be respectful to one another. People come from all different backgrounds and many have different ideas and views on different issues.

*Treat your fellow members with courtesy (especially if you disagree with them).

[...]

*We at the forums understand that language restriction is a complicated, confusing issue. Language is powerful and our goal is simply to make everyone here as comfortable as possible. The staff of the forum will use their discretion in making decisions, and anyone affected is welcome to approach us if they have questions or concerns.

[...]

* Avoid direct insults to any member of the forums. Everyone should be treated with the same degree of respect. The goal should be to give constructive criticism with source documentation given where possible to back up your opinions while using common sense, respect, and courtesy. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

I've shortened the quoted rules and Bolded areas I wanted to address here. However, I would highly recommend any member who has not done so review the ADD Forums Guidelines. (http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15843)

I believe the OP has received some excellent advice regarding the potential use of illegal substances to treat his ADHD. The consensus appears to be a resounding "PLEASE DON"T DO IT."

I appreciate everyone's efforts to respectfully give the OP sound advice about this subject.

{End of friendly reminders :)}

With the formalities out of the way, I'd like to add that I am in total agreement with the other members here about this subject, for all the reasons given and more. It's just not worth it.

I just celebrated being 4 years clean & sober after self-medicating for 20 years. It wasn't until I cleaned up, and was finally in a natural physical & chemical state that a correct diagnosis was possible.

There are plenty of studies out there that show that we ADDr's are at a higher risk of addiction. ADHD can be difficult enough to deal with, please don't knowingly make the decision to add an active addiction to it.

Methamphetamine is a completely different substance than that i was suggesting. Street amphetamine is a combination of dexro-amphetamine/mixed amphetamine salts, similar to Adderell. There is a sense of truism that street amphetamine is infact unpure, although is often mixed with a combination of caffeine/glucose powder, as these substances are cheap, and increase the quantity. As the amphetamine is cheap to manufacture, it isnt mixed with more expensive drug variations, ie 3,4-methlenedioxy-n-methylamphetamine (mdma) or methamphetamine or "meth" or similar.

So no, this isnt a dumb question, this is infact a perfectly viable one.

Dude, wtf are you talking about? When you say, "street amphetamines", people think you are talking about meth. I also asked you if you were talking about Adderall, because what you are describing is Adderall. So instead of saying, "street amphetamines", maybe be a bit more specific by saying you want to get some Adderall from a dealer. And to be honest, I don't know of any dealer that sells that stuff - mostly high school and college kids do.

Also, why are you even asking this here. Seems like a silly question to be honest. I don't know why this thread hasn't been closed either. What you are talking about is illegal.

:eek: = your post

Id just like to take the opportunity to thank all those that made a worthy contribution to this post, and feel dissapointed by the immature views and response of the above post. Street amphetamines or "speed" are essentially a class B controlled substance, and contain the same chemicals found in ADHD prescription drugs. Yes speed is an illict substance, but in this light, as is ritalin/addell etc.

Methamphetamine is a completely different substance than that i was suggesting. Street amphetamine is a combination of dexro-amphetamine/mixed amphetamine salts, similar to Adderell. There is a sense of truism that street amphetamine is infact unpure, although is often mixed with a combination of caffeine/glucose powder, as these substances are cheap, and increase the quantity.

One of the biggest issues you have here is quality. You have absolutely no idea of exactly what you're getting. It could be anything. Drug companies, (the official ones), have strict quality control to ensure that you get what you get. I wouldn't mess with unknowns.



Id just like to see ANYONE reading this posts views/opinions regarding street amphetamine in small dosages whilst awaiting a prescription for ritalin (may take 6-8 weeks). I am struggling MASSIVELY in my academia and job as a result of my ADHD.

I would have to say that you will struggle more with the side effects of the unknown street drugs than with your ADHD. At the very least - better the devil you know, (your ADHD), than the devil you don't know, (drugs).

I would, however, take the rather ferocious responses as a, (as Grafter put it), "A resounding - NO!" It is a valid question, but the answer is just as valid.

Sound advice. Thanks.

Id just like to take the opportunity to thank all those that made a worthy contribution to this post, and feel dissapointed by the immature views and response of the above post.
Most of these responses come from experience. I'd listen to the advice and ignore the way it was said.

It would be very foolish to try what you are planning. You can't control dose, and
the quick onset of snorting causes brain cell death and extreme tolerance, not to mention how quickly it's going to wear off when absorbed so quickly. You can double your tolerance in a single day of snorting like that and by the time you get the legal meds the small starting dosage will be virtually worthless and you will have downregulated your brain so much you can't function without it for weeks or months. Impurities aside, to keep yourself going for any length of time you are going to be spending a ridiculous amount of money, too.

If you slap on a nicotine patch I can guarantee a boost in your focus that's just as strong as taking some adderall or ritalin. It lasts 24 hours, and it's not only legal but much cheaper. Of course, too much too fast and you will be vomiting on the floor if you're not a smoker and it's much more mood lifting than adderall or ritalin so you could induce mania pretty easily (I did the first time I tried), so you probably want to start with a quarter of a 21mg patch and work your way up.

Fish oil is also a big help, as well, and if you search my posts you can quickly find lots of other useful supplements that actually work, though some much more than others.

Failing that, you can probably get adderall or ritalin IR for about 4 bucks a pill anyway, so if this is genuinely just about helping your symptoms this just doesn't make any sense. If you do go for some pills look them up to be sure of what you get. Try to get 20mg adderall and then break them into quarters. Don't take a big dose your first try or you might seriously regret it, and more can definitely be less - side effects go through the roof and focus effects actually go down when you take too much.

Wow some you guys really gave him a hard time.

The issue with speed, aside from the obvious legal problems, is the purity and the presense of adulterants that can obscure dosing.

In Europe, speed is most likely racemic amphetamine (50:50 d,l), probably in a sulfate form. So it is similar, but somewhat different from adderall. Of course street speed is likely to contain caffeine and possibly other adulterants, like BZP and methcathinone, which are most likely cheaper or easier to manufacture than d,l-amphetamine.

The only way this could be truly used as medication (at least with any accuracy), is if the drug is purified to a near pure state, and then measured with a very accurate scale and dissolved in a solution to ensure accurate dosing. Even then, it will be hard for you to really know how much drug you are getting.

Obviously, snorting amphetamine will not help your ADHD problems, and could lead to habituation. This would be counterproductive, obviously...

The far better solution is to seek treatment, as adults in the UK are prescribed ADHD medications...

Amphetamines are quickly assimilated into the bloodstream. The roller-coaster ride begins with a tremendous rush accompanied by feelings of elation and confidence. Unlimited power seems to be at the speeder's fingertips. The pupils dilate; the heart pumps frantically, breathing is rapid, and the mucous membranes get dry. Speech becomes rata-tat-tat gibberish. The user may focus in on one thing to the exclusion of everything else. But the speeder doesn't care because he feels he is at the height of his intellectual powers. This initial flash of brilliance is succeeded by a euphoria, an elevated mood; as the body continues to release stored energy from its reserves; Physically as well as mentally charged up, he feels capable of superman feats. Life is a cartoon and the speeder is the Roadrunner.

The high level of vitality begins to decline as the body's energy. stores are depleted. Restlessness, nervousness, and agitation replace nirvana. The speeder's irritability progresses to paranoia, fatigue, and depression as the ride comes to an end. The roller coaster has -hit bottom. Headache, palpitations, dizziness, agitation, apprehension, and confusion have replaced ecstasy.

Over? So soon? Well, that's easy to correct, reasons the speeder. All I have to do is pop another upper, So the roller coaster chugs into action once again, setting into motion the vicious cycle known as the amphetamine jag. Since tolerance develops rapidly with use of amphetamines, the user needs to increase the dosage each time just to keep up. Feeling down? Pop an up. And so it goes, until the speeder is into a "run," staying up for four or five days at a time, unable to eat or sleep until he "crashes," falling into a deep sleep that can last for eighteen hours.

The sleep of the speeder is hardly refreshing, however, since the dream cycle is interrupted by the drug. True dreams are not experienced. When he awakens, he's ready for another run, and it's deja vu time, up and down on the carnival ride. if the amphetamine is injected, the effects become more intense and the jag is shortened to days instead of weeks. Methedrine is a favorite for this form of self-abuse, called "speeding."

Other patterns of abuse involve barbiturates, either alternating with amphetamines or combined. If the user can't sleep after he pops an upper, he may take a barbiturate to knock him out. To bring back his high, he takes another upper, thereby establishing an upper-downer -cycle. "Goofballs," combined amphetamine-barbiturates such as Dexamyl, are for those who get off on the stimulant-depressant combination. The heavy goofball user can unknowingly become addicted- to barbiturates.

Escalation of dosage, whether through repeated low doses over a period of time, high doses in sequence, or a single large dose, may create a toxic reaction known as amphetamine psychosis, lasting from a few days to a few weeks. The short term reactions to the drug are magnified, leading to an exaggeration of effects.

Loss of appetite may become anorexia, a state in which it becomes difficult for the user to eat at all. Extreme weight loss occurs, and even the act of swallowing becomes difficult. Speed freaks aware of this phenomenon may force themselves to eat and take vitamins, but malnutrition, can still occur.

Insomnia, lasting a day or two for moderate users, extends into days or even weeks during a "run," before the heavy user crashes. Hallucinations, misperceptions, and inability , to function accompany insomnia, and may persist even with abstinence. Consciously aware that he is slipping into a world of delusion, the speeder can do little more than watch as anxiety and suspicion fill the vacuum that was once occupied by reality.

Sooner or later, the high dose user will experience paranoia, with its feelings of persecution. He skulks about, certain the little old lady with the wrinkled stockings is following him. He is positive the kids on the corner are talking about him, his best friends are plotting behind his back, and his girlfriend is poisoning his toothpaste. "Crank bugs," the feeling of insects under the skin (fornication), harass him, and he has begun compulsively picking at his now-delicate skin forming ulcerations. Hypomania, a form of repetitive action, overcomes the speed freak, producing behavior often considered bizarre, such as foot-tapping, coin-flipping, or construction of elaborate, useless mechanical devices. Jaw grinding, tremors, abscesses, and tooth loss are common symptoms of heavy amphetamine use. Several years of aging can occur in just a few months. Sexual performance is impaired and the user can't find words to describe how he feels. He vocabulary drops to a few hundred words, including such pithy quotes as "far out"and "gotanyspeed?"

"Speed kills" is the warning, scary but inaccurate. In fact, amphetamines themselves rarely kill, even in enormous doses. Some of the long-term side effects may kill, but death, when it occurs, usually comes from violence, common to the speed. freak. Paranoia, mood shifts, hyperactivity, and the resulting intensification of emotions, combined with the inevitable change of lifestyle - the hustling, the dealing, the, cheating: necessary for survival in he chaotic community of speed freaks-leads to, a high level of violence, including rape, homicide, and assaultive behavior. When the speeder combines the mainlining. of barbiturates along with amphetamines, results can be disastrous. Irrational and dangerous, this variety of speed freak has not only the downer-induced compulsion for violence, but the upper induced energy to do it.

The long-term effects of amphetamine abuse may kill. Malnutrition can lead to an increased susceptibility to disease and bacterial infection. Although pill-poppers are susceptible to most of the same detrimental reactions as needle freaks, injection may lead to even further complications. Needle related diseases such as viral hepatitis, leading to Ever damage, occur; and the shooting of impure amphetamines containing materials not dissolvable in water may lead to blockage or weakening of small blood vessels, causing kidney and hag damage. ?A correlation exists between heavy users and-strokes, aneurisms, hematomas, destruction: of the brain by picnosis of the brain cells, and other cardiovascular disruptions.

Illegally obtained amphetamines are genuine about 70 percent of the time. Common antihistamines, inducing some of the effects of speed, are often passed off as the 1 thing, The insecticide Rotenone, sometimes offered, may. cause nausea; vomiting, muscle tremors, increased respiration, and numbness.

Street speed, the home-cooked stuff,. may include ingredients such as lactose, Epsom salts, quinine, baking powder, ether, insecticides, MSG, photo developer, and: strychnine. Heavy freaks may even prefer theses additives because they have developed a tolerance to the weaker solutions and the impurities may produce a more intense flash. Poisonous-adulterants can cause death, since the intravenous use of these will bypass natural bodily rejection, such as vomiting.

Amphetamine psychosis is considered by some to be a manifestation of pre-existing paranoid tendencies, a latent amphetamine personality which blossoms with the taking of the drug. Emotionally troubled before he enters the speed scene, dependent on other drugs or alcohol, the user's sense of insecurity and ineffectiveness vanishes with the euphoria of speed. Others feel that anyone givers a large enough amount of-amphetamines will eventually become psychotic.

Overdosing, or "over-amping," is rare. The lethal dosage is unknown. Habitual users may ingest from 200 to 1,000 mg a day without the overdose symptoms of chest pains, muscle or joint pain, unconsciousness, aphasia, paralysis, convulsions, coma or cerebral hemorrhage. More commonly, the victim will remain conscious, but his mind races full -speed beyond his control, while he remains immobile, unable to move. Speed-doesn't create energy; it mobilizes adrenalin. While the speeder may be thinking, "Feet, don't fail me now," they might.

Overdose may be treated with niacin (vitamin B3), which acts as a mapping-up agent, ridding the bloodstream of impurities and restoring energy levels. Doses of 2,000 or 3,000 ma with equal amounts of vitamin C after meals throughout the day will help the speeder avoid a-hard crash, although he may experience a harmless heat flash lasting fifteen to thirty minutes. Tranquilizers such as Thorazine, Mellaril, Librium, and Valium are effective. Barbiturates are not advised because of their toxicity and the possibility of developing a speed/downer habit.

Abstinence is the most effective method of withdrawal, but is often the most difficult because of the extreme fatigue, lethargy, anxiety, and depression which inevitably ensue. The combined problems of the hooked amphetamine user and the paranoid personality lead to a low cure rate. Although the body needs a full ay to recover from each day of speed abuse, withdrawal does not have to be gradual. In addition to tranquilizers, treatment includes a nutritious diet stressing mills and yogurt to replace the, calcium lost, plus liquids, vitamins, and psychotherapy. Complete recovery is slow, but possible. Confusion, memory loss, and delusions may remain up to a year after use is discontinued.

Abstinence, the key to cure, is often almost impossible because of the strong psychological dependence acquired. Contrary to the official medical establishment's original opinion, amphetamines are addicting-but psychologically, not physically. Amphetamine addicts outnumber heroin addicts. by ten to one. The damage they inflict on both them selves and others is far out of proportion to that resulting from other drugs

The Consumers Union Report on Licit and Illicit Drugs

by Edward M. Brecher and the Editors of Consumer Reports Magazine, 1972

Enter the "speed freak"


The speed freak is, in many ways, an outcast in a society of outcasts. He is regarded as a fool by heroin addicts, as insane and violent by those using the psychedelics or marijuana, and as a "bust" by non-drug-using hustlers. 24

Coming from a middle-class background, the speed freak attempts initially to support himself by "legitimate" means, "such as panhandling, selling underground newspapers, or working." But speed tends to incapacitate him for both legitimate employment and "hustling":

The compulsive speed user is usually incapable of hustles which demand composure, since he is highly agitated, suspicious and fearful that at any moment he may be detected, or the drug effect may leave him so paranoid that he would not take advantage of opportunities because they appear "too easy" or a "setup." Because of his compulsive verbalization, hyperactivity, emaciated physical state and bizarre demeanor, few businessmen will accept checks or credit cards from him. In our experience, many "speed freaks" who have attempted to pass bad checks have become panicked at a request for identification, convinced that his intended victim suspects him and will report him to police. In several instances, users have presented a check and immediately fled.

Because of the style of life which most compulsive users are involved in, their demeanor is overtly suspicious. While most heroin addicts can operate without fear of detection because of the drug effect, the speed user fits the popular stereotype of a "dope fiend." 25

Cut off in these ways from both licit and illicit employment, Dr. Smith continues, the speed freak survives by sponging on others and by dealing in drugs. Lacking skills and standards, he cheats. And the victims of his cheating are generally speed freaks like himself, paranoid like himself, on the verge of violence like himself. The violence that ultimately emerges-- a high level of violence, including rape, mayhem, homicide arises when the direct drug effect, the paranoia, occurs in a chaotic community where almost everybody is simultaneously engaged in sponging on everybody else, cheating everybody else-- and suspecting everybody else. This is the scene that leads even confirmed drug users to conclude that "speed is the worst."

Contrary to a popular belief, however, speed-- even in enormous doses-- very rarely kills. Dr. Smith, for example, cites one case in which a speed freak injected 15,000 milligrams of the drug-- 15 full grams-- in a twenty four-hour period without acute illness. For neophytes, it has been stated, "death has followed rapid injection of 120 mg"; but "doses of 400 to 500 milligrams have been survived." 26 "Very few deaths have been recorded in which overdose of amphetamines has been causal" 27 Dr. Kramer declares.

That even massive doses of speed rarely kill is surely a tribute to the inherent toughness of the human body. That the human mind can ultimately recover even from prolonged amphetamine paranoia is an equal tribute to its toughness-- yet that appears to be the case.

"What has been most striking in our experience," Dr. Kramer declares-- and Dr. Smith agrees-- "has been the slow but rather complete recovery of users who, according to their own descriptions and that of others, had become rather thoroughly disorganized and paranoid prior to their detention." 28 The more florid symptoms fade within a few days or weeks. "Some confusion, some memory loss, and some delusional ideas may remain for perhaps six to twelve months. After that time, though there may be some residual symptoms, they are slight, and not disabling, and are noticed primarily by the (now abstinent) user himself. Most commonly, ex-users report slightly greater difficulty in remembering." 29

Following full or almost full recovery, curiously enough, ex-users also report a personality change that they deem favorable. Many of them, it will be recalled, were depressed, withdrawn, silent, and lacking in self esteem before turning to speed. "As a group they describe being more open and talkative than they had been prior to their use of amphetamines. They like the result and declare with certainty that it is due to their experience with amphetamines." 30

"Anyone concerned with the welfare of amphetamine users," Dr. Kramer goes on to stress, "and the users themselves, should recognize that most, if not all, can recover from even the most profound intellectual disorganization and psychosis given six months or a year of abstinence." 31 This message, in addition to being true, is of considerably more publichealth significance than the false p6pular slogan, "Speed kills."

The problem is how to achieve prolonged abstinence. Many speed users, like most of the heroin users, Dr. Smith notes, have tried repeatedly to stop by a conscious act of will. Few succeed. Their withdrawal misery is too great. "Many users who attempt abstinence find it difficult because of the fatigue which results, extreme at first, gradually diminishing but persistent, perhaps for months, " 32 Dr. Kramer adds.

Abstinence is often forced on a speed freak by a prison sentence, or by incarceration under a so-called civil commitment program, or by commitment to a mental hospital.

"No data has yet been collected to indicate the long-term value of such enforced abstinence," Dr. Kramer concedes; but on the basis of his own experience on the staff of the California Rehabilitation Center he is highly skeptical. "Certainly, many who have been incarcerated have returned to their drug use upon release." 33 Thus the revolving-door pattern so familiar to heroin addicts may be the future of speed freaks as well. A person genuinely concerned for the welfare of speed freaks, Dr. Kramer sadly notes, is "in a bind. Users do not readily volunteer for care, but commitment programs offer little besides enforced abstinence. Should the user be permitted to live in the limbo of his drug or forced into the limbo of an institution? Can voluntary programs be devised which are sufficiently useful and attractive that users will seek them out and persist in their program? Can commitment programs be devised which do not resemble slightly benign prisons? Or, do we just let the user seek heaven or hell on his own terms while the community offers help only on its own terms ?" 34 Dr. Kramer poses these questions; neither he nor Dr. Roger C. Smith nor we have any glib answers to offer. Drug-scene participants themselves, however, may currently be finding answers

Failing that, you can probably get adderall or ritalin IR for about 4 bucks a pill anyway, so if this is genuinely just about helping your symptoms this just doesn't make any sense. If you do go for some pills look them up to be sure of what you get. Try to get 20mg adderall and then break them into quarters. Don't take a big dose your first try or you might seriously regret it, and more can definitely be less - side effects go through the roof and focus effects actually go down when you take too much.

AFAIK your standard dealer doesn't keep the pharmaceutical amphetamines "in stock"--it's all about the powder, whatever that is.

Are you perhaps talking about purchasing some pills from fellow college students with the ADHD diagnosis?

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Id just like to take the opportunity to thank all those that made a worthy contribution to this post, and feel dissapointed by the immature views and response of the above post. Street amphetamines or "speed" are essentially a class B controlled substance, and contain the same chemicals found in ADHD prescription drugs. Yes speed is an illict substance, but in this light, as is ritalin/addell etc.
Look I think you're way off the mark, I KNOW the classing of the drugs I take medicinally and having experienced street amphetamines trying to help myselfI've found it such a horrible waste of my time and it generates some of the worst feelings I have ever felt.
I think practically anyone on here is aware that Ritalin is a controlled substance, also you can't get adderall in england. Anyway do what you want, break the law if you want, take the risk of messing around with your brain if you want.
Also people will notice thechange you will likely have dilated pupils and your heart rate through thye roof. How do you even know you have adhd? At the end of the day if you don't have a diagnose from a doctor?
Psychs will still know what to spot on adult adhd in england your doctor will probably read up on it before meeting with you, and he will decided if it's necessary for you to be put on medication, and that's why these drugs are controlled.
To help prevent anyone from getting hold of potentionally harmful drugs, you become addicted to drugs you don;t just harm yourself you're at a higher risk of harming others emotionally or physically and so on.
If you take unprescribed speed your doctor will think 'this guy is a know it all and is just looking for the drugs' he wants to see you get better not become dependent on drugs because that'll cost more. and whatever.

Id just like to take the opportunity to thank all those that made a worthy contribution to this post, and feel dissapointed by the immature views and response of the above post. Street amphetamines or "speed" are essentially a class B controlled substance, and contain the same chemicals found in ADHD prescription drugs. Yes speed is an illict substance, but in this light, as is ritalin/addell etc.

Either way, you are still violating forum rules and your question to begin with was a no-brainer IMO. What were you expecting people to say? "Yea, go ahead and buy some "street drugs."? Sorry if I came off as harsh in the second post, but I figured from my initial post and everyone else's posts, you might have figured it out.

:cool:

When I first posted the above, I seeked the views and opinions of those I believed could empathize with myself, and offer non judgmental advice.

I am subsequently dissapointed by the reactions of some of the negative responses Ive recieved, as im sure everyone reading this post has at some stage has suffered the shear frustration caused by ADHD.

I have been formely diagnosed with ADHD, and am currently awaiting treatment.

I have at no point taken street amphetamine, and simly sought the advice of people I thought could empathize with myself.............

When I first posted the above, I seeked the views and opinions of those I believed could empathize with myself, and offer non judgmental advice.

I wasn't judging you. I was simply giving you my opinion just as you wanted. And although you didn't like my opinion, that's no reason to get your panties in a wad. Everyone gave you their opinion and we pretty much all said the same thing - DON'T DO IT!


I am subsequently dissapointed by the reactions of some of the negative responses Ive recieved,

Again, if you don't want to hear people's opinions, then don't ask. The only person that might have stepped over the boundaries was a member on the first page, but like I said before, this was kind of a no-brainer man. You're asking about taking DRUGS ILLEGALLY! Were you just looking for someone to comfort you by telling you, "yes, go take street drugs?" Sounds like it to me.


as im sure everyone reading this post has at some stage has suffered the shear frustration caused by ADHD.

Sure, I suffer every day and so does everyone around me. I'm sure everyone here suffers. I drive myself batty! Continuing on with this thread is making me nuts. I don't have my meds right now and I'm not feeling to well. If I can do it, YOU CAN DO IT! Sounds like you have some sort of impulse control or you wouldn't have even posted this, right? You would be out looking for a way to self medicate.

HOLD STRONG AND STOP BEING NEGATIVE...NOBODY WAS JUDGING YOU...

you are thinking aloud and asking a question you already know the answer to. we are our own worst enemies.

you are thinking aloud and asking a question you already know the answer to. we are our own worst enemies.

TOUCHE!

BTW...

Army of Darkness ROX!

The only person that might have stepped over the boundaries was a member on the first page,

Hey... I resemble that remark.