Stimulant addiction among students and stay-at-home moms has increasingly become a growing concern in America. Study drugs have become popular on college campuses without any concern from students as to the potential for addiction. The fact is that these drugs are habit forming and, depending on the severity of use, pose a great risk for dependency. Further, stopping stimulant abuse can lead to serious health repercussions. If you see the sign of such an addiction, you must not delay in contacting expert addiction rehab services.
What are Stimulants?
Stimulants are classified as psychoactive medications. They work by accelerating short-term responses in mental and/or physical functions. Individuals who take this type of drug will likely see an increase in energy, levels of concentration, and alertness, as well as some other effects, including a type of “rush” or euphoric sensation.
Adderall and Ritalin are used to control the symptoms of ADHD, but they have been abused for non-prescriptive reasons such as enhancing academic performance and as a diet aid. According to reports, over ten percent of high school students use prescription stimulants for recreational purposes. Other stimulants include ephedrine, caffeine, cocaine, and meth—all of which have been linked to addiction. Additionally, it is not uncommon for prescription stimulant abuse to be a stepping stone to other illicit drug use.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Persons addicted to stimulants may experience the following:
- Reliance on the drug to get through the day and function normally
- Reduction in appetite and weight loss
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Increasing the amount taken to achieve the same effects
- Anxiety, aggressive behavior, paranoia, and nightmares
Mental Health and Addiction
It is not unheard of for an individual to develop an addiction to stimulants as a direct consequence of suffering from a mental health condition such as depression or bipolar disorder. People who suffer from these kinds of disorders are more likely to experience periods of “low mood” and are more likely to turn to stimulants in order to boost their mood and energy levels.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of use, the first step in treating stimulant addiction may begin with detox. There are a number of ways to stop stimulant abuse; however, the most recommended method is via a professional medical detox facility.
During medical detox, a specific, tried-and-true medication protocol will be used to flush the drugs out of the body while also treating withdrawal symptoms and making the patient as comfortable as possible. The vast majority of medical professionals concur that IV therapy is one of, if not the most effective option for medical detoxification.
Aftercare Plan
Most medical professionals understand that the vast majority of addictions occur as a result of some other issue. Seeking assistance through an aftercare program once detox is complete, such as through rehab counseling or behavioral therapy, is strongly encouraged to help get to the source of the substance abuse.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse and ready to get your life back, you must get help from a professional rehab center for detox and recovery.
