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Stimulant Addiction

There are many types of addictive drugs, and stimulants are one them. However, not everyone can recognize which drugs are stimulants. Knowing what they are and the effects of stimulant addiction might help them avoid these drugs or get help.

What Are Stimulants?

woman and therapist discussing stimulant addictionStimulants or uppers are psychoactive drugs that can improve physical and mental functions for a short period. Better concentration, more energy, and increased alertness are a few examples. These substances come in many forms and are attainable in different ways, but all of them can lead to addiction.

For some people, the most surprising stimulants are over-the-counter drugs. They don’t require a prescription, so they’re available for purchase in most drug stores or pharmacies. The reason why is because the potential for abuse and addiction is lower than for other stimulants. Diet pills, for instance, can be over-the-counter uppers and are generally safe, but some people abuse them.

Prescription stimulants are only available with a doctor’s permission because they have a greater risk of abuse and addiction. Adderall and Ritalin, for instance, treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some antidepressants are stimulants that treat depression. Anabolic steroids are similar to testosterone and can treat anemia or low testosterone.

It’s illegal to buy or sell these drugs without a prescription. However, students might buy them from friends to improve focus while studying for tests. Athletes and bodybuilders may use them to build muscle.

Despite that, the highest risk of abuse and stimulant addiction lies with illegal substances such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Whether in crystal or powder form, these drugs are highly dangerous and addictive. In fact, some people have adverse effects after just one use.

The Signs of Stimulant Addiction

People who abuse stimulants show signs that they have a problem. Some of the most obvious are dilated pupils, heightened alertness and increased activity. They often don’t sleep or eat as much as usual and may develop cognitive impairments. Paranoia and psychosis are possible symptoms as well.

Some stimulant abuse signs that others might not notice are elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature. Neurological impairments and suicidal thoughts or tendencies could develop too.

These symptoms can also be present when stimulant addiction develops. New signs that can manifest include a hesitation or inability to quit using stimulants, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Anxiety, cravings, agitation, insomnia, and mental and physical exhaustion are some withdrawal effects.

The Effects of Addiction on the Brain and Body

All stimulants cause changes in the brain and body because they boost the effects of norepinephrine and dopamine. These are key neurotransmitters that send signals between brain cells and the rest of the body. The short-term effects include improved concentration and wakefulness that can last for hours.

While these effects can be helpful in treating health conditions, the effects of stimulant addiction are dangerous. In the short-term, addiction can cause brain damage, cerebral hemorrhaging, convulsions, seizures, heart and respiratory failure, coma and death. Over the long term, it can cause dermatitis, dental and general hygiene problems, and organ toxicity.

Treating Addiction to Stimulants at Spring Gardens Recovery

The only way to overcome stimulant abuse or addiction is to get comprehensive treatment. Spring Gardens Recovery can offer a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. From detox to rehab, our services include:

At Spring Gardens Recovery, we focus on more than treating the physical and mental effects of addiction. Our approach treats your soul too. In addition, we offer gender-specific programs to meet the unique needs of men and women.

Don’t let stimulant addiction put your life at risk any longer. Get the treatment that you need at Spring Gardens Recovery. Call us today at (866) 244-9556.

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SPRING GARDENS RECOVERY (352) 484-1999
8213 Cessna Drive Spring Hill FL 34606
2902 West Columbus Drive Tampa FL 33607