Our society promotes an on-the-run kind of lifestyle in which people want to have the energy to accomplish several things quickly. For some, the answer leads them to use substances to help increase their motivation and ability to stay awake and keep moving. This can quickly develop into an addiction they cannot stop on their own. When this happens, the person will require attending a proven stimulant addiction treatment program in order to get healthy again. Buckhead Behavioral Health provides this type of focused care to help people stop abusing stimulants for good.
What Are Stimulant Drugs?
Stimulants are a type of drug that temporarily elevate a person’s energy level, alertness, and mood. They are available in two forms. The first is prescription drugs, which are commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) or help a person lose weight. The other type of stimulant includes street drugs that are illegally manufactured and sold. Both types of this drug can result in a person becoming addicted to them.
Stimulant addiction affects a person’s brain in two different ways. First, it affects the brain’s natural production of dopamine, a feel-good chemical. It can increase the production of dopamine, causing a person to rely on stimulants to achieve a sense of joy or pleasure. Once addiction sets in, it becomes difficult to feel a sense of happiness without abusing stimulants.
Stimulants also cause a neurotoxic effect on the brain by affecting a person’s memory, ability to learn new things, and other important cognitive functions. If they stop using stimulants once they are addicted to them, the individual develops withdrawal symptoms. In fact, many stimulant drugs fall under the heading of Schedule II drugs, which are defined as having a high potential for being abused. When someone develops a dependence on this type of drug, they will require professional stimulant addiction treatment.
If you or a loved one are looking for Valium addiction treatment, call us now at (470) 460-6789 or fill out the form below and one of our admissions representatives will reach out to you.
Most Common Abused Stimulant Drugs
A person who uses illegal stimulants often does so for recreational reasons. They may also be looking for ways to increase their energy and stay awake longer. Illegal stimulants include cocaine, crack, methamphetamines, and illegally manufactured amphetamines. The latter is often referred to as “uppers”. Ecstasy and MDMA are classified both as stimulants and hallucinogens.
Prescription stimulants can help people with legitimate medical needs. They are popular choices for prescriptions written to help control ADHD and narcolepsy. Still, they contain the risk of someone becoming addicted to them. As well, many people who become addicted to stimulants do not have a prescription for them. They obtain them through friends, family, or drug dealers. The most common prescription stimulants include:
- Adderall
- Concerta
- Ritalin
- Dexedrine
- Dextroamphetamine
- Amphetamines
Am I Addicted to Stimulants?
Someone in need of stimulant addiction treatment will experience signs that they are in trouble. Common signs of stimulant addiction include:
- Shakiness
- Feeling dizzy
- Staying awake for long periods of time
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug
- Developing a tolerance and needing to increase the dosage taken
Many people also exhibit psychological symptoms of stimulant addiction. These include feeling agitated and anxious, having panic attacks, and acting aggressively. Some people also experience psychosis.
What is Stimulant Withdrawal Like?
When someone who is addicted to stimulants stops taking them, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. They range from mildly uncomfortable to emotionally challenging. Common stimulant withdrawal symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Chills
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Vivid nightmares
- Increased appetite
- Cognitive difficulties
- Dehydration
- Difficulty with memory
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Moodiness
- Suicidal thoughts or feelings
A stimulant addiction treatment program can provide valuable assistance that helps a person experience fewer or less impactful withdrawal symptoms.
What is Stimulant Addiction Treatment Like?
Stimulant addiction treatment begins with going to a quality detox program. Detoxification helps a person let go of the toxins built up during addiction. It should be done under medical supervision in order to make sure the person is safe and has access to relief from some withdrawal symptoms. Some people continue receiving care in a residential facility. If the person does not need this type of focused live-in care or has completed it, they can move to a lower level of care.
Outpatient programs provide the advantage of having several levels of care available. They address a person’s needs that range from daily treatment sessions to just a couple of days a week. Outpatient care includes access to several types of therapy that teach people to overcome addiction. Options for using FDA-approved medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms can be provided. As well, many programs offer treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders. These include conditions like ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Find Stimulant Addiction Treatment in Atlanta Today!
Stimulants can help people when used as prescribed but they can also turn into an addiction. As well, people who use them recreationally can accidentally develop an addiction. Buckhead Behavioral Health created a core stimulant addiction treatment program to help people stop abusing these dangerous drugs. Our outpatient programs offer several levels of care that meet the diverse needs of people who want to overcome substance use disorders.
For more information about overcoming stimulant addiction, visit our admissions page today. We can answer your questions and get you started on healing now.
