Overview
Stimulants are a class of psychoactive drugs that when used stimulate the body, which results in increased activity and alertness. Most commonly stimulants are prescribed by a licensed physician for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Some of the most common stimulants prescribed include amphetamines such as Adderall and Ritalin, however there are other illegal substances like cocaine and methamphetamines that are also considered to be stimulants. When used properly, stimulant medications can be very helpful, but when abused, can be very problematic and dangerous.
Both legal and illegal stimulants are abused on a regular basis because it is believed that they have the ability to improve mental and physical performance, increase productivity, or reduce appetite, which can aid in weight loss. However, the abuse of any substance, including stimulants, can produce a number of serious side effects that can destroy a person’s life.
Many mental health and addiction specialists believe that instead of one specific cause, stimulant abuse results from the combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors working together. Some of the most common theories behind the onset of stimulant abuse and addiction include:
Genetic: Multiple years of research has shown that once a person begins using a drug, the development of an addiction may be, in part, due to inherited genetic factors. Individuals who have family members who have had substance abuse problems or addiction in the past are at an increased risk for developing an addiction themselves.
Environmental: In addition to genetic influences, environmental factors can play a large role in the development of substance abuse and addiction. For example, family beliefs and attitudes toward drug use or having peers who use drugs can both cause an individual to begin using stimulants.
Risk factors:
If someone is abusing stimulants there are a number of signs and symptoms that are likely to develop. More specifically those who abuse stimulants will often show behavioral, psychological, and physical changes. The following is a list of some of the more common signs and symptoms of stimulant abuse:
Behavioral symptoms:
Physical symptoms:
Cognitive symptoms:
Psychological symptoms:
If stimulant addiction is not properly treated the potential for the development of many adverse effects in all areas of an individual’s life are high. In some instances these adverse effects have the ability to be life threatening. The specific long-term effects of stimulant abuse will vary depending upon the type of stimulant being abused and the individual characteristics of the user, but the most common effects known to occur include:
It is common for individuals who abuse or are addicted to substances like stimulants to have a co-occurring mental health condition. In some instances the co-occurring disorder may be why an individual started abusing stimulants in the first place. Some of these co-occurring disorders may include:
Effects of stimulant withdrawal: Anytime an individual who has been abusing stimulants for a prolonged period of time discontinues their use, withdrawal symptoms have the potential to occur. Some of the most common symptoms of stimulant withdrawal may include:
Effects of stimulant overdose: Should an individual take more stimulants than his or her body is able to metabolize, he or she will experience an overdose. If an overdose should occur it is imperative that medical care be sought immediately in order to prevent loss of life. Some of the common signs that indicate that someone may have overdosed on stimulants include:
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to stimulants, seeking treatment and support is an important step towards recovery.
Treatment for stimulant addiction may include:
Detoxification and Withdrawal Care
Because the body and brain may be highly dependent on the stimulant, medical support and oversight are recommended when receiving addiction treatment. This helps to both manage potential withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse and overdose.
Depression is the primary symptom of withdrawal from stimulants. Other withdrawal symptoms may include:
Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Some people who struggle with addiction to stimulants also struggle with an underlying mental health condition, like depression, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you struggle with a co-occurring disorder, inpatient treatment can help you overcome your addiction and mental health condition.
Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 support as you work to overcome addiction.
Inpatient addiction treatment services can include:
Outpatient Addiction Treatment
If you struggle with addiction to stimulants, but don’t have a co-occurring mental health condition and have a supportive home environment, outpatient treatment may be right for you.
Outpatient addiction treatment provides the treatment you need in a way that accommodates your needs and unique, personal situation, including work schedules.
Some outpatient addiction services may include: