Stimulant Addiction And Abuse

Understanding Stimulants

Stimulants work by acting on the central nervous system (CNS) to increase alertness and cognitive function. Stimulants can be prescription medications or illicit substances, such as cocaine. Stimulants may be taken orally, snorted, or injected. If you have a stimulant addiction, seek help today.

This class of drugs is considered CNS Stimulants. They work by increasing the amounts of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. The increase of these chemicals in the brain improves concentration and decreases the fatigue common in individuals who suffer from ADHD. However, stimulants can also cause severe negative effects and addiction.

Prescription Stimulant Brands

The most common prescription stimulants are amphetamines, methylphenidates, and dextroamphetamines.

Although there is a molecular distinction between amphetamines (such as Adderall) and methylphenidates (such as Ritalin), effects of abusing these stimulants are essentially the same. Patients are prescribed either amphetamines or methylphenidates depending on the potency and duration needed. Some of the most well-known prescription stimulants include:

• Adderall

  Approved in 1960, Adderall is currently the most popular ADHD treatment drug and the most commonly prescribed amphetamine in the United States.

• Dexedrine

  Dexedrine, also called dextroamphetamine, it is a potent CNS stimulant and amphetamine. On the market for American consumers since 1976, Dexedrine is most commonly used to treat ADHD.

• Ritalin

  This drug was approved for the treatment of hyperactive children in 1955. Ritalin differs from Dexedrine and Adderall because it is a methylphenidate. It acts in a manner similar to amphetamines; however, it is milder than amphetamine-based drugs.

• Concerta

  Approved in 2000, Concerta is a relatively new drug used to treat ADHD. Concerta is an extended-release version of Ritalin.

• Desoxyn

  Desoxyn is a prescription methamphetamine. Introduced in 1947, it was the first medication prescribed for obesity. It is also used to treat ADHD.

• Ephedrine

  Ephedrine is most commonly used as an appetite suppressant and bronchodilator for those with asthma, but has effects similar to other stimulants. Ephedrine is also used for temporary relief of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing due to bronchial asthma. It is also used to prevent low blood pressure and treat obesity. It is often available over the counter and is commonly used as an ingredient in clandestine meth labs.

• Illicit Stimulants

  A description of the stimulant class wouldn’t be complete without mentioning cocaine, crack cocaine, and crystal meth. These drugs all produce effects similar to those of prescription stimulants. But while prescription stimulants are designed as time-release drugs, illicit stimulants produce a shorter and more intense high.

Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Stimulant Addiction

Stimulant Effects And Abuse

Prescription stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs under the Controlled Substances Act because they have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Approximately 900,000 Americans abuse prescription stimulants every month.

The effects of stimulants include:

Stimulants produce an overabundance of dopamine, the pleasure-inducing chemical in the brain. After continued abuse of stimulants, the brain no longer produces normal amounts of dopamine; it’s been conditioned to receive dopamine from taking the drug. When the individual stops taking the medication, they experience withdrawal symptoms. This creates physical dependency on the drug and requires the individual to continue using the drug in order to feel normal. Over time, this can develop into an addiction.

Addiction To Stimulants

For those addicted to prescription or illicit stimulants, these substances are the main priority in their life. An addicted person often ignores negative consequences, whether personal or health-related. Stimulants flood the brain with the pleasure-inducing chemical dopamine, which is why many people use them repeatedly. Stimulant addiction can cause immediate and long-term effects on a person’s health.

Understanding the symptoms of a stimulant addiction can help determine if you or someone you know has a problem. There are 11 criteria for an addiction as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Learn about the symptoms of addiction.

Stimulant Abuse Statistics

The rate of emergency room visits for stimulants has steadily increased over the years; there were 2,303 such incidents in 2004 and 17,272 in 2011.

Getting Help For Your Stimulant Addiction

If you have an addiction to stimulants and are ready to get help, you have made the most important step toward recovery. Beginning the recovery process can be scary, but there are countless people available to provide you with support. You aren’t alone in your journey — find help today.