Stimulant addiction is perhaps one of the most common addictions in American society. If you have ever had a headache or felt irritable because you didn’t have your usual cup of coffee, you are experiencing stimulant withdrawal. Caffeine, though normalized and common, is still a stimulant that a person can become addicted to.
There are many other kinds of stimulants that a person can access. Some, like caffeine, are common and easy to get. Others come from prescription medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as Adderall and Ritalin. Many others, however, are illegal, such as cocaine and methamphetamine (meth). Regardless of where it comes from, stimulants can be highly dangerous, especially when abused. That’s why it’s important to get help right away once you notice the signs of stimulant addiction in yourself or a loved one.
One place to get help is Painted Desert Recovery, a women-only treatment facility that focuses on treating several kinds of addictions, one of which is stimulant addictions. Clients at Painted Desert Recovery have found success in recovering from their addiction through the use of comprehensive and holistic-focused addiction treatment. It’s important to remember that anyone can recover from a stimulant addiction. They must first be made aware that they have a problem, and then seek help for it.
#1. Psychological Effects Caused by Stimulant Addiction
Stimulants can have a profound effect on how we think. One of the hallmarks of stimulant addiction is a purveying sense of exhilaration, which comes with an increased sense of well-being or confidence. It’s not a bad thing to feel confident. What makes it dangerous with a stimulant addiction is that it is often followed by risky behavior.
People can quickly become psychologically dependent on stimulants, believing that they need them to function correctly or feel “normal.” This does not include people who take stimulants as prescribed by a doctor to treat a condition, because stimulants in these cases do improve focus and performance. Stimulant addiction refers to people, as mentioned before, who believe that they can’t be confident unless they can consume a stimulant.
People struggling with stimulant addiction may also struggle with:
- Mood swings
- Hyper-focus and/or racing thoughts
- Feeling anxious or nervous
- Sudden aggressive behavior or angry outbursts
#2. Behavioral Changes Caused by Stimulant Addiction
When someone is struggling with stimulant addiction, there are marked behavioral signs that someone can notice. One common sign is the increase in risky or impulsive behaviors. Abusing substances itself is a highly risky behavior, but stimulant addiction will often give someone the false confidence to engage in dangerous acts. Some examples include speeding in a car, swimming while intoxicated, and interacting with dangerous animals. If someone begins to suddenly engage in such risky behavior with no previous explanation, it may be a sign of stimulant addiction.
Other behavioral signs of a stimulant addiction include:
- Jitteriness or an inability to stop moving
- Sudden personality changes, such as hiding personal activity, lying, or making excuses for unusual behavior
#3. The Physical Signs of Stimulant Addiction
Stimulants affect the nervous system, which, in turn, affects the heart, sleep cycle, and digestion. Some of these signs might not be easy to see by an outside observer unless they have experience in the medical field. For example, those struggling with a stimulant addiction often experience increased heartbeats and elevated blood pressure. However, other signs can be noticed immediately, especially if they are sudden or unusual.
Some physical signs of stimulant addiction include:
- Increased or frantic physical activity
- Staying awake for long periods
- Reduced appetite
- Damage to the nose or nosebleeds, if snorting stimulants, such as cocaine
- Needle marks or bruises in the skin, if injecting stimulants, such as meth
#4. Societal Consequences of Stimulant Abuse
As mentioned before, many stimulants are classified as controlled substances. Some can only be obtained through a legitimate prescription by a doctor. Others are illegal and possession or public intoxication can come with fines or even jail time. Caffeine, though freely available in drinks and food, still contains several warnings to protect the health of the person consuming it. If someone begins to run into legal troubles or neglects responsibilities to obtain substances, it’s a serious sign of addiction.
Societal signs of stimulant addiction can include:
- Neglecting the care of dependents, such as children or pets, in favor of stimulant use
- Legal troubles, such as DUI, public intoxication, possession, or theft to obtain substances
- Neglecting work, home, or school duties in favor of stimulant use
#5. Dangerous Side Effects of Stimulant Use
Stimulants can be highly dangerous and even result in fatalities if abused. Despite caffeine being widely available and accepted, people can and have died from overdosing. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to go to the hospital right away, as it could save a life:
- Dangerously elevated body temperature (hyperthermia)
- Seizures
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Experiencing heart troubles or pain, such as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness and confusion
- Experiencing a mental health crisis, such as severe panic attacks, paranoia, psychosis, and violent behavior
Stimulants may be common, but it’s possible to learn how to notice when someone needs help with their stimulant addiction. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, reach out for help right away. Acting quickly and being aware can make a real difference in someone’s life.
Many types of substances and drugs can cause a person to develop an addiction. Stimulants are one type of drug that is highly addictive and can cause a wide range of health problems. Some of these can turn deadly if left untreated. That’s why the public needs to be aware of the signs of stimulant addiction, as it can save lives. At Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah, women struggling with addiction can find quality and compassionate treatment. It’s also a safe place to ask questions and learn more about addiction. To learn how to recognize stimulant addiction or to seek help for a current addiction, call (844) 540-0353 today.