Definition

Noun: 1. A habitual user of stimulant drugs, especially amphetamines: The term specifically refers to a person who is addicted to and frequently uses drugs that increase alertness, energy, and excitement. It strongly implies a pattern of compulsive use and a lifestyle centered around obtaining and using these drugs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In the 1970s, the police were increasingly concerned about speed freaks in the city.
  • He went from a casual user to a full-blown speed freak, neglecting his health and responsibilities.
  • The documentary interviewed a former speed freak who described the devastating effects of long-term amphetamine abuse.

Advanced Usage

• The term "speed freak" originated in mid-20th century counterculture slang. While "speed" colloquially refers to amphetamines, the phrase can sometimes be applied to habitual users of other powerful stimulants like methamphetamine.
• It carries a strongly negative and stigmatizing connotation, emphasizing the loss of control and the socially disruptive behavior associated with the addiction. It is considered informal and derogatory.

Variants and Related Words

• Speed (n., slang): Amphetamine or methamphetamine.
  • He was arrested for possession of speed.
• Stimulant (n.): A class of drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system.
  • Caffeine is a mild legal stimulant.

Synonyms

• Amphetamine addict: A more formal, clinical term.
• Methhead (slang, derogatory): Specifically denotes a methamphetamine addict.
• Junkie (slang, derogatory): A general term for a drug addict, though not specific to stimulants.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To be strung out on speed: To be suffering from the physical and mental effects of heavy amphetamine use.
  • After being strung out on speed for months, he finally sought help.
• To have a speed habit: To have an addiction to amphetamines.
  • She lost her job because of her speed habit.

Noun

1. addict who habitually uses stimulant drugs (especially amphetamines)