Understanding Stimulant Addiction & Abuse

Learn more about stimulant addiction & abuse

Stimulants are a group of substances that include cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), and amphetamines. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), stimulants are a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning they have high potential to be abused.

Stimulants, such as prescription amphetamines, are beneficial in increasing the quality of life for those who grapple with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These medications, which include Ritalin and Adderall, help improve an individual’s ability to pay attention and place focus on his or her goals. When those who do not have ADHD consume this medication, they experience side effects such as increased alertness, greater attention, and a boost in energy. Cocaine and methamphetamine can produce similar effects, as well as bring about an increased sense of self-confidence and extreme euphoria. Stimulants are also known to decrease one’s appetite, making these substances attractive to those who desire to lose weight.

When individuals abuse any type of stimulant to the point where it begins to impact their ability to function on a daily basis, it is likely that a stimulant use disorder has developed. As soon as this type of addiction has developed, it can be tremendously challenging to defeat it without the help of professionals. Luckily, there is help available.

Statistics

Statistics on stimulant abuse & addiction

Sadly, stimulant abuse is something that impacts numerous people throughout the United States. Methamphetamine is said to be abused by roughly 1.2 million people, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy reports that cocaine abuse impacts approximately 3.6 million people. About 13 million people abuse amphetamines for nonmedical reasons.

Causes & Risks

Causes and risk factors for stimulant abuse & addiction

Possible causes and risk factors for the development of stimulant use disorder are described in the following:

Environmental: The environment that one lives in can play a major role in increasing one’s vulnerability to begin using stimulants and developing stimulant use disorder. For stimulants like cocaine, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that prenatal exposure to cocaine or having parents who abuse cocaine during one’s childhood can make an individual more likely to abuse this substance in the future. In addition, witnessing community violence or the abuse of any kind of substance can also play a role in one’s likelihood of abusing these types of substances.

Risk Factors:

Suffering from other mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or antisocial personality disorder
Being exposed to violence during childhood
Abusing other types of substances
Being impulsive or possessing other similar personality traits
Having a diagnosis of childhood conduct disorder
Growing up in an unstable home environment

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of stimulant abuse & addiction

When individuals abuse stimulants, the signs and symptoms that they might display will vary based on a variety of different factors. Some of these factors can include the type of stimulant that is being abused, the length of time it is has been abused for, and the frequency in which it is being abused. Some of these symptoms can include:

Behavioral symptoms:

No longer fulfilling obligations at work or home
Hypervigilance
No longer participating in activities that were enjoyed
Changes in social interactions
Repetitive movements
Engaging in dangerous activities in order to obtain one’s stimulant of choice

Physical symptoms:

Dilated pupils
Seizures
Perspiration or chills
Noticeable weight loss
Muscle weakness
Chest pain
Vomiting
Lowered or elevated blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
Nausea

Cognitive symptoms:

Experiencing intense cravings for stimulants
Impaired judgment
Confusion

Psychosocial symptoms:

Anxiety
Brief periods of euphoria
Psychological distress
Lack of emotional reactivity
Anger

Effects

Effects of stimulant abuse & addiction

When stimulant abuse is occurring in an individual’s life, he or she is likely to suffer from an array of consequences. The effects that can develop will vary based on the type of stimulant that is being abused, the way it is being consumed, and the period of time that it has been abused for.

Abusing stimulants intravenously can produce the following physical effects:

Puncture marks
Contracting hepatitis or HIV/AIDS
Lung infections
Becoming infected with tuberculosis

Abusing stimulants through intranasal means can lead to the effects below:

Nasal irritation
Sinusitis
Punctured nasal septum
Nasal bleeding

Abusing stimulants through inhalation can cause the following effects to occur:

Respiratory distress
Pneumonitis
Bronchitis
Coughing

Abusing stimulants in any way can bring on the following effects:

Cognitive impairment
Malnutrition
Job loss
Chest pains
Irregular heartbeat
Significant weight loss
Deteriorated relationships

Co-Occuring Disorders

Co-Occurring disorders

When individuals are struggling with stimulant use disorder, they often battle other mental health illnesses at the same time. In addition, these individuals are more likely to abuse other substances, too. The APA states that the most common substances abused by those who are addicted to stimulants are ones that contain sedative properties. This is because many individuals look to even out some of the uncomfortable symptoms that stimulants can produce.

Below are some of the disorders that most commonly co-occur with stimulant use disorder:

Alcohol use disorder
Other substance use disorders
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Antisocial personality disorder
Gambling disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder

Effects of Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of stimulant withdrawal: When individuals look to stop their stimulant abuse or dramatically curb how much they are consuming, they will likely go through withdrawal. The following are some examples of the many signs and effects of stimulant withdrawal:

Dysphoric mood
Psychomotor agitation
Vivid, unpleasant dreams
Other types of functional impairment
Fatigue
Increase in appetite
Psychomotor retardation
Impaired ability to perform occupationally
Disturbed social interactions

Effects of stimulant overdose: Sadly, the risk for overdosing is high when individuals are continually abusing stimulants. An overdose will occur when an individual has consumed more of a substance that his or her body is able to metabolize. As they keep increasing their dosage, the risk for overdose becomes more likely. If an overdose on stimulants occurs, medical attention should be sought immediately. Below are some of the symptoms of stimulant overdose: