"Phases of Speeding," by Marko Marković

Based on my personal experience with this specific addiction, the experiences of people I know, and some of my "quasi-professional" investigations, I present the different phases characterizing the journey through amphetamine(s) addiction. These phases relate to various forms of amphetamines, including street amphetamine, methamphetamine, prescription stimulants, and "designer drugs" (research chemicals). Each phase not only reflects physiological changes but also addresses psychological and existential shifts, with insights from my favorite "hobbies" alongside psychonautics: occultism, philosophy, religion, and my passion - pharmacology!

Phase A: "Peak"

Initially, in this phase - the use of amphetamines induces a state of peak hedonistic effects, marked by intense euphoria (especially with methamphetamine), heightened motivation, and deep philosophical reflection. Users may feel a surge of enhanced empathy and sociability, accompanied by significant increases in overall motivation.

Duration: Approximately 1-3 days with continuous use; 5-10 days with daily use; around 5-15 uses in total with sporadic use and a few days in between doses.

Pharmacology/Chemistry: Amphetamines achieve their effects primarily by increasing the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and (for some) to a lesser extent serotonin (except for MDMA/ecstasy-type amphetamines that primarily release serotonin, e.g., methylenedioxymethamphetamine known as MDMA). This results in increased excitement, improved concentration, and enhanced mood. The initial euphoria is a result of dopamine flooding the brain's reward pathways, enhancing drug-seeking behavior.

In philosophy, there is Plato's concept of the "Philosopher King," where enhanced cognitive abilities and moral insight lead to an ideal state of existence. It also reflects occult beliefs in achieving higher levels of consciousness through ecstatic experiences, similar to mystical revelations.

Phase B: "Continued Motivation"

As the use progresses, the sense of empathy diminishes while euphoria and sustained motivation persist. This phase often resembles therapeutic applications in conditions such as ADHD, emphasizing prolonged concentration and productivity.

Duration: Approximately 1-7 days with continuous use (defined by current re-dosing); 2 weeks to 6 months with daily use (while maintaining a healthy lifestyle); unlimited with sporadic use (3-5 days between doses).

Pharmacology/Chemistry: Continued use leads to tolerance, where the brain adapts to increased levels of neurotransmitters by reducing receptor sensitivity and production. This tolerance contributes to reducing euphoric effects while maintaining stimulative actions on focus and attention.

Regardless of the concept itself, the person in this phase resonates with Buddhist teachings on mindfulness and right effort, where prolonged concentration and mental clarity are the path to enlightenment. It also reflects the occult principle of using inner energies for creative and productive endeavors.

Phase C: "Necessary Instrument"

This is the point where you begin to feel the problems of abuse. Empathic effects diminish, and amphetamine becomes primarily an "instrument" for motivation directed towards tasks. Users may experience a combination of positive and negative effects, developing an increasing dependence just to maintain basic levels of motivation.

Duration: Transition time varies widely. Some users may revert to earlier phases with breaks or lower doses, while users with continuous use may quickly "progress" or develop stimulant psychosis.

Pharmacology/Chemistry: At this stage, amphetamines can worsen neurotoxicity, leading to cognitive deficits and mood disorders.

From a philosophical standpoint, this phase explores Nietzsche's concept of the "will to power," where amphetamine serves as a means to take control of one's own destiny. In occult terms, it symbolizes the use of magical intention to achieve practical goals, albeit with potential spiritual costs.

Phase D: "Decline"

Effectiveness as a motivational tool significantly declines, accompanied by intense crashes, physical discomfort (heavy body load), and the onset of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and potentially psychosis and paranoia.

Duration: Varies significantly depending on individual tolerance and usage patterns, typically marked by noticeable "decline" after continuous heavy use.

Pharmacology/Chemistry: Long-term amphetamine use can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain, including neuronal damage and changes in neurotransmitter systems. This contributes to the onset of withdrawal symptoms and worsens motivational pathways, exacerbating the cycle of addiction.

This phase reflects the existential concept of "anxiety," where the individual confronts the meaninglessness of their endeavors amid declining physical and mental abilities. It also parallels the occult concept of the "dark night of the soul," a period of spiritual crisis preceding transformation and renewal.

Phase E: "Hesitation"

Positive effects diminish, and users face increasing negative consequences of amphetamine use. Despite awareness of the harm, compulsive use may continue, illustrating the psychological phenomenon of cognitive dissonance.

Duration: Users may struggle with repeated dosing despite knowledge of its negative impact, which can persist until external intervention or significant personal insight prompts change.

Pharmacology/Chemistry: Diminishing positive effects are accompanied by an increase in negative physiological responses, including cardiovascular stress, metabolic disorders, and psychiatric symptoms. This phase emphasizes the urgency of intervention to mitigate growing health risks.

This phase echoes Jungian psychology in exploring the shadow, where inner conflicts and unconscious desires drive destructive behavior. In occult terms, it symbolizes the struggle against malevolent forces that tempt and torment the individual's soul.

Phase F: "Anger from Frustration"

This phase varies from person to person. Typically marked by extreme irritability, pessimism, and withdrawal from society, this phase reflects deep psychological stress and existential fear.

Duration: Can last from weeks to months depending on individual resilience and external support systems.

Pharmacology/Chemistry: Psychological symptoms intensify as chronic use alters brain chemistry, leading to stress response disorders and mood disturbances.

From a philosophical standpoint, this phase explores Kierkegaard's concept of "despair," where the individual confronts the abyss of meaninglessness and seeks a leap of faith toward existential authenticity. In occult terms, it is a journey through the underworld, confronting inner demons before emerging transformed.

Phase G: "Who am I and what am I, a cynic becoming a solipsist and ending in nihilistic dissociation?!"

In this phase: Psychosis may occur in 90% of cases, accompanied by confusion, paranoia, and delusional thinking. This phase marks a serious detachment from reality and self, reflecting existential themes of alienation and absurdity.

Duration: Can vary widely; acute episodes can last from days to weeks, with potential for chronic symptoms without intervention.

Pharmacology/Chemistry: Severe neuroadaptations cause psychotic symptoms, impairing cognitive integrity and exacerbating behavioral disorders.

This phase is a personal exploration of existential philosophy of absurdity, where the individual confronts the irrationality of existence and faces emptiness. In occult terms, it symbolizes descent into madness and dissolution of ego boundaries, paving the way for mystical experiences and spiritual rebirth.

Phase H: "And what begins sweetly - ends bitterly..."

In this final phase, amphetamine ceases to provide desired effects, leading to prolonged mental and physical decline. Users may enter a state of stupor and lethargy, marked by diminished cognitive abilities and irreversible psychological and often physical damage.

Duration: Indefinite, with potential for long-term cognitive and emotional consequences depending on the extent of use and individual efforts for recovery.

Pharmacology/Chemistry: Persistent neurotoxicity and metabolic disorders contribute to permanent cognitive deficits and emotional dysregulation.

This phase parallels the concept of purgatory in religious traditions, where the soul undergoes purification and transformation before potential redemption. It also reflects the concept of karmic debt, where past actions manifest in physical and spiritual consequences that must be faced.

On Recovery

While recovery is possible for many individuals, others may experience permanent changes in personality and cognitive function. Some may develop severe "stuttering", where they will constantly feel that something is wrong and "that something is missing." Unfortunately, in severe cases, a person will never be the same.