In the realm of neuroscience and psychiatric medicine, few topics are as paradoxical—and misunderstood—as the effects of stimulants like “speed” on individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While “speed” is a colloquial term generally used to describe illicit or non-medical amphetamines, such substances are chemically similar to legal ADHD medications such as Adderall and Dexedrine. This has led to considerable confusion in both public discourse and clinical contexts: how can a stimulant, which typically heightens activity and alertness, help someone who is already hyperactive and impulsive?
Understanding ADHD and the Brain
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to regulate attention, impulses, and activity levels. It is typically diagnosed in childhood, although symptoms often persist into adulthood. The core symptoms of ADHD are:
Inattention (difficulty sustaining focus, forgetfulness, disorganization)
Hyperactivity (restlessness, fidgeting, excessive talking)
Impulsivity (interrupting others, acting without thinking, impatience)
Neuroimaging and biochemical studies suggest that individuals with ADHD often have deficiencies in dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters essential for focus, executive function, and emotional regulation. The prefrontal cortex—the area of the brain responsible for decision-making, attention, and behavior regulation—tends to be underactive in those with ADHD. This underactivity can result in the classic symptoms of distractibility, poor impulse control, and hyperactivity.
What is “Speed”?
“Speed” is a slang term typically used to refer to amphetamines, which are powerful central nervous system stimulants. Common forms of speed include:
Methamphetamine (often referred to as “crystal meth”)
Illicit amphetamines (sold in pill or powder form on the street)
Prescription amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse)
These drugs work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, thereby enhancing alertness, attention, and energy. However, the context in which these substances are used—medically or recreationally—has a significant impact on their effects.
The Paradox: Why Stimulants Calm People with ADHD
To an uninformed observer, prescribing a stimulant to someone who is hyperactive might seem counterintuitive. However, the underlying neurochemical profile of someone with ADHD explains this seemingly contradictory effect.
People with ADHD have low baseline levels of dopamine, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and executive function. In the absence of sufficient dopamine, individuals with ADHD seek external stimuli—movement, noise, risk-taking—to self-medicate and compensate for this neurochemical shortfall.
Stimulants like amphetamines increase dopamine and norepinephrine availability, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. For individuals with ADHD, this creates a more normalized neurochemical environment, allowing the brain’s executive functions to operate more efficiently. As a result:
Inattention decreases, as the brain is better able to focus and sustain attention.
Impulsivity is reduced, since the individual gains improved control over behavior.
Hyperactivity lessens, as the internal sense of restlessness is soothed.
This is why many individuals with ADHD report feeling “calmer” or more “settled” on stimulant medications, even though these substances are considered “uppers” in the general population.
What Happens When Someone with ADHD Takes Illicit Speed?
The reaction of someone with ADHD to non-prescribed or illicit amphetamines can vary depending on the dose, route of administration, and presence of co-occurring mental health conditions. While low-to-moderate, controlled doses of stimulants can produce therapeutic benefits, high doses of illicit speed often bypass this balance and can lead to adverse outcomes—even in people with ADHD.
Potential Effects Include:
Initial Focus Enhancement: Some people with ADHD may experience a temporary boost in focus and motivation, especially during tasks that typically bore them.
Increased Anxiety and Paranoia: High doses can overstimulate the central nervous system, leading to jitteriness, panic attacks, and even paranoia—especially in unregulated street formulations.
Aggression and Irritability: The excess release of dopamine may push the person past a functional level of arousal, resulting in mood swings or aggressive behavior.
Sleep Deprivation: Stimulants can drastically disrupt sleep cycles, which is particularly detrimental for individuals with ADHD who already struggle with sleep regulation.
Addiction Potential: The risk of developing a substance use disorder is higher among individuals with ADHD, especially when using stimulants without medical supervision.
Medical vs. Recreational Use: A Critical Distinction
The key difference between prescribed stimulants and illicit “speed” lies in dosage, purity, and context of use. Prescription medications for ADHD are formulated to deliver a specific amount of active ingredient in a controlled manner—either immediate or extended-release—under professional supervision. They are adjusted for individual needs, monitored for side effects, and taken as part of a broader treatment plan.
In contrast, recreational or illicit amphetamines are often:
- Impure and contaminated
- Administered in dangerously high doses
- Used without understanding of medical consequences
Thus, while the chemical mechanisms may be similar, the overall effect on the brain and body can be vastly different—especially over the long term.
Risks of Misuse in ADHD Populations
People with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD are at particular risk of misusing stimulants like speed. They may discover, through experimentation, that stimulants “help them think better” or “stay organized.” This can create a dangerous feedback loop that leads to habitual use or dependency. Additionally:
ADHD is a known risk factor for substance use disorders (SUDs).
Unregulated stimulant use can exacerbate co-existing conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety.
Over time, illicit amphetamines may impair brain function, leading to memory loss, reduced impulse control, and emotional instability.
Long-Term Impact on the Brain
Long-term use of speed—particularly at recreational or toxic doses—can have profound effects on brain health, including:
Neurotoxicity: Damage to dopamine-producing neurons, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia.
Cognitive Decline: Impairments in memory, attention, and executive functioning.
Mood Dysregulation: Chronic users often develop anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
Psychosis: In extreme cases, prolonged amphetamine use can lead to hallucinations or delusional thinking.
For individuals with ADHD, who may already have vulnerabilities in these brain regions, the impact of long-term speed abuse can be even more severe.
Treatment and Safer Alternatives
If a person with ADHD is self-medicating with speed or illicit stimulants, the best course of action is professional diagnosis and treatment. ADHD is highly manageable with:
- Prescription stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
- Non-stimulant medications (e.g., Strattera, Guanfacine)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Lifestyle adjustments (exercise, sleep hygiene, diet)
Medical supervision ensures that stimulant use is targeted, safe, and effective—not destructive.
Conclusion
While it might seem paradoxical, speed and other stimulants can have a calming and focusing effect on individuals with ADHD—when used properly. This is not due to some mysterious reversal of drug action, but rather because of how stimulants correct underlying neurotransmitter imbalances in the ADHD brain. However, this effect comes with strict boundaries. Illicit or unregulated stimulant use can be dangerous, even for individuals with ADHD, and can exacerbate symptoms, increase the risk of addiction, and lead to long-term cognitive damage.
Understanding the complex relationship between ADHD and stimulants is essential—not only for those living with the disorder but also for parents, educators, and healthcare providers aiming to support them. With proper diagnosis and treatment, people with ADHD can thrive—without relying on risky or harmful alternatives.
