Stimulants are a class of drugs that impact the central nervous system by speeding up the messages between the brain and the body. Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine is the body’s natural “feel good” drug. Norepinephrine is involved in regulating the body’s cardiovascular system and breathing. There are legal and illegal stimulants, and both are greatly abused throughout the United States. People abusing stimulants quickly develop a tolerance for them, leading to high rates of addiction.
The safest and most effective way to overcome addiction to stimulants is through a stimulant addiction treatment program like Harmony Hills. Addiction to it is hazardous because of their effects on the body’s major organs, and the risk for overdose is high. You can begin treatment today by calling us at [855.494.0357].
Understanding Addiction to Stimulants
Addiction to stimulants is common and can occur with legal drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin or illegal ones like cocaine and methamphetamine. When taken as prescribed, stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD. When abused, they can become very dangerous. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, smoked, snorted, or injected. Their effects are fast-acting, producing what is often described as a “rush.” Some of the common reasons for taking stimulants are to:
- Improve mental and/or physical performance
- Produce a sense of exhilaration
- Increase level of activity
- Reduce appetite/lose weight
- Stay awake for prolonged periods of time
- Get high
Stimulants are commonly abused among students and athletes to enhance their performances, which is often the beginning of addiction. Binge use, sporadically ingesting large doses over short periods of time, is commonly found with stimulants’ abuse. Tolerance to stimulants develops quickly, as do psychological and physical dependencies. With chronic, high-dose use of stimulants, the brain becomes reliant on the drug’s presence to function normally, leading to significant withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not present.
Individuals who abuse stimulants are at high risk of stroke, cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, and overdose. Using it in conjunction with alcohol or other substances greatly increases the risk of having an adverse reaction. If you are struggling with stimulant abuse or addiction, you need substance abuse treatment. Call Harmony Hills at [855.494.0357] today to learn about our stimulant addiction treatment program.
Do You Have an Addiction to Stimulants?
Recognizing substance abuse or addiction in yourself can be challenging, especially if others surround you with a substance use disorder. Particularly with prescription medications, it is not uncommon for people to become addicted without being fully aware that it is happening. Generally speaking, if you question whether or not you have a substance use problem, chances are high you do. It is worth spending time thinking about what happens when you have the substance and without it. Following are some questions to consider about your use of stimulants:
- Are you using illegal stimulants? How often?
- If you have a prescription stimulant, are you using it according to direction?
- Do you run out of your prescription before you’re supposed to?
- Do you have cravings for stimulants?
- Has your use of stimulants increased over time?
A good indicator of whether or not you have become addicted to stimulants is how you feel when you are without them. Depression is a major withdrawal symptom of stimulant addiction because the brain has become dependent upon them to produce dopamine. Other withdrawal symptoms can include chills, dehydration, drug cravings, anxiety, exhaustion, body aches, sleep issues, and irritability. If you have questions about stimulant addiction and treatment, call Harmony Hills today at [855.494.0357].
Get Help Today by Calling Harmony Hills
Stimulant addiction has short- and long-term health risks and can damage relationships, financial stability, employment, school, and all aspects of life. Overcoming stimulant addiction should begin with a medically supervised detox followed by a stimulant addiction treatment program that includes evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT). Harmony Hills can help you begin successful addiction treatment today. Call [855.494.0357] to find out how.
