Signs Of Stimulant Abuse & Addiction
If you’re like many other Americans, you start your morning with a cup of coffee. What many don’t realize is that in that cup of coffee is a common drug: a stimulant. Caffeine is a legal stimulant, but it’s far from the worst drug in the stimulant family. In fact, many stimulants can be incredibly dangerous, and it’s not always easy to tell when you’ve become addicted.
Has your friend offered you a study drug? Maybe you were offered a stimulant before a party. These drugs help you stay up all night without feeling any symptoms of fatigue. However, this feeling of invincibility comes with a variety of dangerous side effects. If you use drugs like these often, you might be exhibiting signs of stimulant abuse without even realizing it.
If you’re worried that you might need stimulant addiction treatment in Texas, you’re not alone. Thousands in Texas are seeking treatment for stimulant abuse. There’s no better time than now to take your life back from addiction, and Willow Springs can help.
How Did Your Stimulant Addiction Begin?
Stimulants are extremely common drugs. Those with ADD or ADHD can be prescribed stimulants like Concerta from a very young age. In fact, Adderall abuse is now one of the most common forms of abuse. But it’s not limited to Adderall and other ADHD drugs. Methamphetamine and cocaine are some of the most commonly manufactured and abused drugs today.
If you struggle with ADHD or need to take stimulants for a medical reason, slipping into addiction is easier than you think. Sometimes, a stimulant dependence can form by something as simple as an individual doubling their dosage once or twice. Drugs like Adderall or Concerta can lead to a more serious addiction, and one that’s a lot harder to kick.
Signs and Symptoms of a Stimulant Addiction
Stimulants are incredibly easy to get addicted to, but just as hard to get clean from. Many believe it helps them feel better or stay up late to study. But stimulant addiction is much more serious than that. No one plans to get addicted to a stimulant. If you’re worried you might be fostering a stimulant addiction, it’s important to know what to look for. Some of the most common symptoms of a stimulant addiction are:
- Increased aggression
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Weight changes
- Financial problems
- Change in friend group
- Change in habits
Short and Long-term Effects of Stimulant Abuse
If you’ve abused stimulants in the past, that’s ok. It’s not too late to quit. There is stimulant addiction treatment in Texas to help you fight the effects of stimulants and get you back to the life you deserve. You can fight stimulant withdrawal with the help of experienced professionals at Willow Springs. But how does a stimulant affect you in the short and long-term?
The short-term effects of stimulant abuse include:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep pattern disturbances
- Nausea
- Bizarre and erratic behavior
- Panic
- Psychosis
- Convulsions and seizures
The long-term effects of stimulant abuse can include:
- Liver and kidney damage
- High blood pressure
- Malnutrition and weight loss
- Dependence
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Damage to the brain
A Stimulant Overdose is More Common Than You Think
When someone exhibits the symptoms of stimulant addiction, they are at risk of an overdose. Many who regularly abuse a stimulant eventually become tolerant. This happens when your body gets so used to a drug’s effects that it needs more to reach a similar high as before. All it takes is one time. If you even take too large a dosage once, an overdose can occur immediately.
If you know someone who has overdosed on stimulants, you need to call 911 immediately.
Signs of stimulant overdose:
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Panic
- Hallucination
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Rapid breathing
Stimulant Detox and Withdrawal
When you or your loved one finally decides to quit stimulants, you will first undergo a detox. During this detox from stimulants, you’ll experience a variety of symptoms caused by the withdrawal of stimulants. Experienced medical professionals are available around-the-clock to help you or your loved one manage the withdrawal symptoms, which can include:
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
These may sound difficult to endure, but they’re the first step to a happy, healthy life. They’ll be even easier to manage with the help of our highly experienced medical team.