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The National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, stimulant medications belong to a class of drugs that are primarily designed for individuals struggling with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These medications are also frequently prescribed to improve the user’s attention and focus, increase alertness, and ultimately work to magnify the individual’s mental and physical stamina.
Stimulant addiction can occur in various ways. For example, a person who is prescribed stimulant medication could have their dosage increased, therefore, increasing their dependence on the drug. Another example can be a young adult who is not taking it under medical supervision which can often lead to addiction. At New Leaf Detox & Treatment we are prepared to offer the best treatment to help individuals recover from their addiction today.
Sometimes referred to as uppers, the main effect that stimulants are known for is speeding up the body’s systems. When abused, individuals experience heightened energy levels and enhance focus. Stimulants speed up mental and physical processes, which can make the drug desirable because of the short-term effects of increasing dopamine. This short term effect is what attracts people to the drug and what often causes them to become addicted.
The effects of these prescribed medications are felt because of the parts of the brain that become stimulated. along with the mind, these drugs are also known to stimulate other parts of the body and increase the user’s blood pressure, heart rate, blood pressure, and other respiratory system parts. Because of these drug’s effectiveness, nearly medication that falls under the stimulant category can be found on today’s black market and obtained in prescription form for medical uses.
When stimulant medications are abused, there are massive releases of dopamine that occur in the brain. This floods synapses, causing more excellent and faster communication between neurons. When doses that exceed the recommended or directed amounts are taken, stimulants have proven extremely addictive. This is mainly due to the intense euphoric and pleasurable feelings when those massive amounts of dopamine are released.
Nearly all of the stimulants that are available through a proper prescription from a licensed healthcare professional come in three different ways.
When these medications are not used correctly, they can be taken in their standard forms or altered to be taken differently. For example, it is common for people to break open the stimulant capsule and dissolve the powder in a water glass. People have been seen to snort or smoke the powder as well.
There are also common mental health and emotional symptoms and side-effects that are frequently seen developed by patients from substance abuse.
There are common physical side-effects that are experienced by those struggling from a stimulant use disorder that typically required a treatment program or behavioral therapy to see improvements.
An individual who is struggling with addictive tendencies because of a stimulant may exhibit highly energizing behaviors and full excitement. Those effects wear off, though, followed by significant levels of visible fatigue just a short few hours later. They often appear to begin suffering from unusual amounts of depression or anxiety.
A couple of other common signs that someone will show as they struggle with stimulant drug abuse are:
Consistently worrying about where the next dose is coming from.
Lying when asked about the drug abuse habits.
Choosing the drug over other meaningful life or family responsibilities.
Taking additional steps to hide or cover up any evidence of the addiction.
Begin obtaining the drug any way possible, including stealing.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drugs.
Always spending the money to get more, no matter the dollar amount.
Taking the drugs compulsively, even during times where attempts are made to stop the abuse habits.
The short answer is an unfortunate yes. Even those who get a prescription to treat diagnosis received from a licensed doctor in all the right ways are not exempt from the possibility of one of these harmful habits forming.
Typically, addictions to these types of drugs are developed when the continued use begins to cause a variety of issues. These issues can be big or small and have resulted in different health complications, as well as disregard essential obligations at work or at home.
Any concerns about the uses of these drugs should be discussed immediately with a health care provider
For those who develop and addiction to stimulant medications and then suddenly stop using the drug, they can experience numerous withdrawal symptoms that can potentially cause additional problems and discomfort. These withdrawal symptoms usually include decrease in particular coordination, moderate to severe depression and insomnia.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has recently stated that Adderall, one of the most well-known stimulant medications, is number two on the list of the most abused prescription medications in the United States. Because of the many dangers and increased health risks stimulant addictions cause, it is crucial to be familiar with the various signs that point to abuse and understand the treatment should be sought out as soon as possible from a certified addiction center.
