Stimulant Use And Substance Use Disorder
Many people who use drugs recreationally choose stimulants as their drug of choice. Drugs like speed, crystal meth, cocaine, and Adderall make a person feel more alert and active. They also tend to have a sense of euphoria as the drug peaks.
Legal And Illegal Stimulant Drugs
People become addicted to stimulants by misusing prescription drugs or buying their drugs on the black market. For people in high school or college, stimulants like Adderall, prescribed to people for ADHD, become a “study aid.” Teens and young adults who like to stay out late and party may feel pressured to “keep up” with others. This leads to misusing prescribed drugs or procuring drugs online or on the street.
Stimulants can do damage to a person’s body, especially when mixed with other drugs. They can cause heart problems , nervous system issues, and other frightening medical problems. They also can be highly addictive and deadly, especially if the drug has been contaminated with fentanyl.
Stimulant drugs include:
- Adderall, Concerta, Focalin, Metadate, Methylin, Desoxyn, and Ritalin are taken differently than prescribed or in a large amount. These are usually ADHD medications.
- Dexedrine, taken differently than prescribed, is used for ADHD and narcolepsy.
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Speed
- Nicotine
- Caffeine
- Anabolic Steroids
- Molly or MDMA both have stimulant properties but may have psychedelic properties,
Long-term use of stimulants can cause heart damage, organ damage, and other permanent health problems. Many people who use stimulants develop a tolerance for them and need to take more of the drug to get the same effects. This can lead to overdose and addiction.
Substance Use Disorder Is A Disease
Substance use disorder is a disease that starts in the brain and changes how a person thinks, acts, and even feels. For many, a prescription stimulant is a gateway to harder drugs.
Some people who use drugs choose to use more than one kind to counteract the effects of addiction. A person who uses meth may, for example, also abuse a drug like alcohol or a sedative like Klonopin to get to sleep later.
SUD is a treatable disease, but treatment is often tailored to the individual’s needs. Helping a person begin to recover their sense of self and purpose is usually a part of the recovery process. Addiction can steal things from you and make you feel like there’s a hole in your life. Getting sober and beginning to work on recovery can help you feel more at peace and create stability and a path to happiness in life.
Getting Help for Addiction
Substance use disorder can upend lives when it goes untreated. We’re here to help you reclaim your life, find more peace, and create a recovery plan. Learn more about the treatment options we offer and how we can help! Give us a call at +1 (949) 279-1376 or +52 (612) 153-5726 to learn more.