Stimulant Addiction & Abuse

Stimulants are drugs that can make people more alert and increase energy levels. These substances temporarily lead to increased activity in the brain, which can produce a feeling of euphoria. Some of the short-term effects of stimulants include increases in breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. When taken in high doses, these drugs can cause dangerous effects, including heart failure.

Prescription stimulants are drugs that are used for treating symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Some of these drugs are known for being habit-forming, especially when taken for a long period of time. Illicit stimulants refer to drugs that are illegal, such as cocaine and crystal meth.

Both prescription and illicit stimulants can lead to a stimulant addiction and an increased risk of potentially deadly overdoses. Learning more about stimulant abuse is an important part of understanding the need for recovery treatment. Riverside Recovery of Tampa’s stimulant treatment options can provide an effective way to recover from this type of addiction.

A few different kinds of stimulants are prescribed for ADHD, narcolepsy, or other conditions, such as bronchial asthma. Common prescription stimulants include the following:

These stimulants produce similar effects and have similar mechanisms, although there are some differences between them.

Amphetamines and methylphenidates affect the central nervous system, resulting in higher energy levels and increased alertness. They both increase certain chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, in order to boost brain activity. Methylphenidates typically begin affecting the brain sooner, although their results tend to wear off faster. They work by increasing dopamine amounts in the brain.

Amphetamines, which include dextroamphetamines, generally take longer to start working, but their effects last for a longer time. These stimulants work by increasing the amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Amphetamines and methylphenidates are made in short-acting and long-acting forms. Short-acting forms produce quicker results, while long-acting forms have a slower release in the bloodstream.

Common Amphetamines Include:

Stimulant abuse can affect people in different ways, such as physically and behaviorally. Some common physical symptoms of stimulant abuse include:

Behavioral symptoms that may occur include the following:

Stimulant abuse can also affect people’s mental well-being and cognitive abilities. Cognitive signs of stimulant addiction can include racing thoughts, delusions, paranoia, poor judgment and confusion. Symptoms of stimulant abuse that affect mental well-being include depression, mood swings, and anxiety. Keep in mind that signs and symptoms of stimulant abuse can vary widely depending on certain factors, such as how long the stimulant abuse has been going on.

Stimulant treatment focuses on building effective ways to overcome addiction mainly through therapy. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help people struggling with a stimulant addiction learn to recognize and change harmful thoughts and behaviors and develop skills for healthy living. Individual therapy, group therapy, or both are commonly used for treating this type of addiction.

If you or someone you love is dealing with an addiction to prescription or illicit stimulants, help is available at Riverside Recovery. Contact our admissions team for more information regarding our treatment program and available options to overcome stimulant addiction.