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An amphetamine called Benzedrine was discovered in the late 1800’s and used as a nasal decongestant. It was later used to treat a variety of things from depression and schizophrenia, to alcoholism and obesity. In the 1940’s Hitler developed Meth Amphetamine from mixing other chemicals to create a drug that would expand his army’s ability to fight for long periods of time with very little food, water, or sleep. American soldiers told nightmare stories of being overwhelmed by speed crazed, zombie like German troops that can fight for days without stopping. Also in the Pacific, the Japanese Kamikaze pilots shot Meth to numb their fears as they would suicidaly crash their planes into decks of American ships.
By the end of World War II, Hitler’s nazi youth were emaciated and psychotic.
And Hitler himself was also strung out on speed. But speed use was not common
until the 60’s when drug abuse seemed to be culturally acceptable. Late in the
decade there was a dramatic explosion of speed use in our country. Massive
amounts of this drug were injected. Overdosing was common and marked by severe
convulsions. If not treated the user would die from heart failure.
Today’s drug is slightly different. It’s much more pure and powerful. Stroke
and heart failure occur without warning. Speed is becoming popular because
it’s cheap and easy to get. Also it’s high lasts several times longer than
cocaine. And it’s produced right here in the U.S.