An addiction to stimulants can develop for many different reasons. Students may seek them out to aid concentration and alertness, especially before an exam. Others may turn to stimulants for the exhilarating high they promise. Regardless of the reason, an addiction to stimulants promises long-term damage to the brain, organs, and body. To free themselves from the dangers of stimulants, addicts will need to seek stimulant addiction treatment from a trusted and supportive network of addiction care professional. We are that network and we're here to help.
What are Stimulants?
Stimulants are types of drugs that act on the brain and central nervous system to induce feelings of alertness and energy. The caffeine found in coffee is one example of a stimulant. Frequently abused stimulants include amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, and prescription stimulants. Ritalin and Adderall are prescription stimulants used in the treatment of attention disorders, but can also be addictive if used improperly. Students, in particular, abuse this category of stimulants as a way to increase their ability to study and perform on exams. In addition to producing a sense of greater concentration and confidence, stimulants can also raise blood pressure, decrease the sense of appetite, and alter the brain's natural chemistry.
Why are Stimulants Addictive?
Abusers develop an addiction to stimulants because of the way in which the drugs affect the brain. Stimulants increase dopamine levels, leading to feelings of happiness and greater concentration. As the stimulant is used more frequently, the brain develops a tolerance to the drug's effects, which forces the user to increase dosage amounts in order to achieve the same feelings. The brain may also become dependent on the drug to the point where an absence of it causes withdrawal symptoms, which can include negative feelings like anxiety, depression, and irritation. Users return to the drug to ease these symptoms, which simply perpetuates the cycle of addiction. An addict is likely to suffer socially, mentally, and physically from their addiction.
Stimulant Addiction Treatment
Regardless of the type of stimulant being abused, addiction recovery is possible. Don't wait; contact us now to get on your path to recovery. BetterAddictionCare works with each client to help find a professional and safe addiction recovery program from among our nationwide recovery network of alternative rehab programs.
An individualized pre-treatment screening will determine which centers may be the best match for you, and our team of Client Care Specialists will work with you to coordinate insurance requirements and transportation options. Our inpatient recovery network is always accepting new patients, so treatment can begin the minute you are ready. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to stimulants, call today to speak with a counselor near you. For more information on addiction counseling and recovery assisted by our network, fill out our contact form and start healing right away.