Skinny models are every where - you see them in the papers, on T.V, on the net and they make even the thinnest woman feel ashamed of her body. As a result, more and more young girls are looking at short-cut ways of getting the skinny figures they crave for. A new study has revealed that girls as young as 15 yr old are taking a drug called Speed (Class A and Class B) to hasten the weight loss process.
What is Speed? Speed is the slang name for amphetamines, a stimulant drug that is known to reduce appetite and lessen the desire and ability to sleep. It is also known to increase alertness, confidence and raise levels of energy and stamina.
Amphetamine is usually a white, red, yellowish or brownish powder or paste. It can also come in tablet or capsule form, or as a liquid. The drug is snorted, swallowed, smoked, or injected.
There is anecdotal evidence that girls sometimes use Speed as a meal substitute. Once the drug wears off the stomach realizes it is empty. This induces periods of not eating and then bingeing. From there it doesn’t take a lot to go into an eating disorder
says Robin Herne with Suffolk’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team in the Daily Mail.
Possible risks of injecting Speed:
• Speed can cause seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and death from overdose.
• Speed users are at higher HIV and hepatitis risk through unsafe sex and needle sharing.
• The ‘comedown’ off speed can make you feel tired, lethargic and depressed making users depend on the drug for an active life.
• Last, but not the least: Possessing and using Speed is illegal.
It’s appalling to see young girls resorting to unsafe and illegal ways to battle obesity. While it’s easy to blame the media, peer pressure is another factor that may lead the young girls to take the illegal route. Schools, parents and health officials must take care to educate these young minds about healthy eating and safe ways to weight loss.
Take a brake from Speed, girls. It’s simply not worth it!
