Stimulants Addiction

Stimulant Addiction in the United States

Stimulants are a class of drugs whose primary effect is to increase the body’s natural functions by affecting the nervous system. When used legally, they are prescribed by doctors to help with medical conditions like ADHD and severe depression. They come in many different forms and are popular street drugs for the noticeable impacts that they have on a person’s body, which will impact both energy levels and moods. Stimulant drugs tend to be highly addictive and depending on the variant and how it is used, may cause an addiction after only a single use. Repeated use greatly increases the chances of an addiction forming.

If left untreated, an addiction to stimulants can cause great damage to one’s life, relationships and overall well-being. If you or someone you know is suffering from a substance use disorder, it is imperative to seek help from experienced professionals today. Call Brookdale to begin the process of treatment, so you may begin your journey to a life…recovered.

Call our Admissions Specialists now at 855-575-1292.

What are Stimulants?

Coming in many different forms with variations on their effects and symptoms, stimulants force the body to release increased amounts of natural chemicals, such as dopamine, that are desirable and pleasant. They may also sharpen a person’s attention and give them increased amounts of energy for an extended period. With this comes a rise in the user’s blood pressure and heart rate, a common reason why stimulants are referred to as “uppers.”

Stimulants usually come in a pill form, although in some cases they are available in a liquid or patch. As a pill, users may take stimulants orally, as well as crush and snort them or dissolve them into water for IV use. As a liquid, stimulants are also used intravenously, speeding up the drug’s effects and carrying a higher risk for accidental overdose.

Even when medically prescribed, stimulants are known as “habit-forming drugs,” which means they are highly addictive if not taken properly. In the cases where they are used correctly, stimulants are safe and can be quite effective at treating the conditions they are prescribed for. These conditions include sleep disorders, hyperactivity disorders and extreme depression.

Unfortunately, they are regularly acquired through illicit means (be it buying from a dealer or stealing from a family member with an actual prescription) and used for illegal recreational use. In this regard, the individual is placed at a much higher risk for addiction.

After repeated and prolonged use, an individual can form a dependence to stimulants as the chemistry within their brain begins to change and they adapt to the increased amounts of the drug. When that person abruptly stops using their drug of choice, they can begin to experience powerful withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea and anxiety. Some symptoms have proven to be especially troublesome and potentially dangerous, thus it is imperative to seek professional help for a stimulant addiction immediately.

Common Stimulant Nicknames 

New slang is constantly evolving for stimulants, and each stimulant will have its own collection of nicknames to help users and dealers interact without drawing too much attention. Some of the common street names for stimulants include:

Types of Popular Stimulants

There is a wide array of stimulants intended to serve a similarly diverse number of medical conditions. Of course, while many stimulants are made for these purposes, a large number of them are taken illegally for recreational use instead. What follows is a list of the main stimulant classifications and a small list of popular drugs that fall within their category.

It is important to recognize that this list is not all inclusive and new names are constantly being developed. Nicknames are often related to the appearance or effects of a drug, so if someone has taken opioids before, either recreationally or for medical purposes, it is useful to watch for any unusual names that match those details.  

Symptoms of Stimulants Abuse

There are many symptoms of using a stimulant that can be expected almost immediately. These are often the intended effects of the drug, such as increased energy, euphoria and an inability to sleep. When these wear off, other effects like depressive episodes can be expected as the individual rebounds from their drug high.

With regular use, new symptoms begin to appear that are much worse than the onset and commonly include: