Many people use a stimulant every day. Anyone who drinks caffeinated coffee is benefitting from one of these substances. They come in both legal and illegal forms and have several effects and purposes. Illegal stimulants include methamphetamine and cocaine. Legal stimulants include caffeine and certain ADHD medications. However, stimulant use may lead to abuse. A person might become addicted to one of these substances, overdose, and possibly die. We're talking about stimulants and how addictive they are. What should a person know about stimulant use today?
What Is a Stimulant?
A stimulant increases activity in the central nervous system. It does so by interacting with neurotransmitter systems in the body. With stimulant use, a person will often find they are more alert and attentive. The energy level increases and they see other positive effects. However, misusing some stimulants can bring about paranoia, anger, and even psychosis. The risk of overdose toxicity increases and a user might have a heart attack, stroke, or seizure.
How Are Stimulants Used?
Caffeine is typically consumed in a beverage, but other stimulants come in many forms. Pills and capsules supply stimulants in an easily digestible form, and some people purchase stimulants in powdered form. Injectable liquids are also available. When using illegal stimulants, a person might smoke, snort, or inject them. They might use the substances to boost their self-esteem, curb their appetite, or help them stay awake longer. Often, these substances are used to get a person high.
People often distinguish between meth and Adderall or illegal and legal stimulants. However, even legal stimulants can be misused. What is defined as misuse, and why is it concerning?
Stimulant Misuse
A person misuses a stimulant when they take the substance to get high rather than using it for its intended purpose. They might take it in ways that were not prescribed. For example, they may take it more often or take a higher dose. Some people crush and snort pills to intensify the effects. Regardless of how a person does, when they act in this manner, they are misusing the stimulant. The same holds when a person takes a stimulant prescribed for someone else.
Are Stimulants Addictive?
Stimulants, whether legal or illegal, can lead to addiction. Mental health professionals refer to this as stimulant use disorder. Sadly, a person can become addicted to stimulants in only one week, although it typically takes longer for this addiction to develop.
Stimulant Addiction Signs
Healthcare professionals turn to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose a stimulant use disorder. They look for things like a desire to use the drug; use of the drug in large doses; continued use for longer than intended; abandonment of work, recreational, and social activities; or ongoing use by someone aware of the danger of continued use. Other symptoms might also be present, and healthcare professionals look for a minimum of two of these symptoms over 12 months before diagnosing an individual with a stimulant use disorder.
Treatment for a Stimulant Addiction
Many treatment options are offered today for individuals struggling with a stimulant addiction. Detox is often the first step. Once the drug is no longer in the body, the focus turns to treating the addiction for a full recovery. Inpatient and outpatient options are available.
Mental health professionals might use cognitive behavioral therapy to help a patient overcome their addiction. Contingency and community management are options, as is motivational interviewing. Often, the treatment plan will incorporate multiple therapies to address all aspects of the addiction.
Begin the recovery journey today. Stimulant abuse is a problem, but help is available. Research different options to find the right fit for the addict, so they can get on the road to a full recovery and a better life all around.
