Stimulant Addiction And Abuse

What Are Stimulants?

Stimulants are a broad class of drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system (CNS) to increase alertness, cognitive function, and euphoria. They include prescription medications to treat:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Narcolepsy
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Obesity

They can also be illicit substances that are abused for recreational purposes. Some common stimulants include caffeine, amphetamines, ephedrine, and cocaine.

When used correctly, prescription stimulants can be effective in treating many disorders. When misused, these drugs can come with dangerous side effects. Illicit stimulants such as cocaine and meth (as well as prescription stimulants when misused) can be highly addictive and can warrant professional addiction treatment at a rehab.

Types Of Stimulants

There are two main categories of stimulants: prescription stimulants and illicit stimulants.

Prescription Stimulants

Prescription stimulants are medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, and dextroamphetamine that are used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, obesity, and nasal and sinus disorders.

Misusing prescription stimulants is dangerous and illegal. For example, Adderall is generally safe when used as prescribed but taking it to study longer or stay awake is considered abuse.

Although there is a molecular distinction between amphetamines (such as Adderall) and methylphenidates (such as Ritalin), the 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:

Amphetamines

• Adderall: Adderall is one of the most popular ADHD treatment drugs and one of the most commonly prescribed amphetamines in the United States. It is also used to treat narcolepsy.
• Vyvanse: Vyvanse is a common prescription medication used to treat ADHD and binge eating disorder.
• Pseudoephedrine: Pseudoephedrine is a drug used as a nasal decongestant and stimulant. It is an ingredient in several over-the-counter formulations, including combinations with guaifenesin, antihistamines, acetaminophen, and dextromethorphan.
• Dexedrine: Dexedrine, also called dextroamphetamine, is a potent CNS stimulant and amphetamine and is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

Methylphenidates

• Ritalin: Ritalin is a methylphenidate. It acts in a manner similar to amphetamines; however, it is milder than amphetamine-based drugs. It treats both ADHD and narcolepsy.
• Concerta: Concerta is an extended-release version of Ritalin and is also considered a methylphenidate. It can also be used to treat narcolepsy.

Others

• Desoxyn: Desoxyn’s active ingredient is methamphetamine hydrochloride, and it is used for ADHD and short-term weight loss.
• Modafinil: Modafinil is a CNS stimulant used to treat sleepiness related to obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and shift-worker disorder.
• Phentermine: Phentermine is a CNS stimulant used for short-term weight loss and sold under the brand names Adipex-P and Lomaira. It is often combined with topiramate and is sold under the brand name Qsymia for long-term treatment of obesity.

Illicit Stimulants

Illicit stimulants are stimulants that are abused solely for recreational purposes and include cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), crystal meth, ecstasy (MDMA), and synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”).

They produce euphoria, increased wakefulness, concentration, and alertness. Some illicit stimulants also have hallucinogenic properties. These stimulants carry unwanted side effects and have addictive potential.

Common illicit stimulants include:

• Methamphetamine: A powerful and highly addictive synthetic stimulant. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance and is most often in a white powder form or in a solid “crystal” state known as crystal meth, which is considered a stronger and purer form. Common street names for methamphetamine include meth, glass, ice, and crank. Speed is the street name for low purity methamphetamine.
• Cocaine: A Schedule II drug that is an addictive stimulant made from the coca plant. It comes in a fine white powder and is often snorted or dissolved into a liquid and injected. It is often referred to as snow, blow, or coke. Crack cocaine, commonly referred to as crack, is a chemically processed form of cocaine that is an off-white, yellowish crystal and can be smoked for a more intense high.
• MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly): A manufactured Schedule I drug with both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. It is found in tablet or powder form and is often used in nightclubs or festivals. It is a synthetic drug with both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects, commonly called X, Molly, and rolls.
• Synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”): Man-made stimulants that are related to the cathinone found in the khat plant. They are solid, whitish crystal compounds that resemble “bath salts” and are often deceptively marketed as such. They produce euphoria and alertness, as well as psychosis. Street names include vanilla sky, white lightning, and cloud nine.
• Illicit amphetamines: Illicitly manufactured amphetamines are different from prescription amphetamines because they are made in illegal laboratories or basements. Illicitly manufactured amphetamines are usually made with over-the-counter ephedrine and pseudoephedrine and then are cut or mixed with dangerous chemicals. Street names include speed, uppers, and bennies.

Are Stimulants Addictive?

Yes, stimulants have a high addiction potential, especially when misused for any other purpose than how they are prescribed.

Stimulants flood the brain’s reward circuit with dopamine, the pleasure-seeking hormone, producing an intense high. The more stimulants are used, the more the brain becomes rewired and “learns” to crave more dopamine. With repeated stimulant use, the brain requires more dopamine to feel the same desired effects, and a tolerance is created. The person needs a higher dose of stimulants to feel normal (tolerance) and to prevent withdrawal symptoms (dependence).

Tolerance and dependence are two symptoms of addiction. Addiction occurs when the person is unable to stop or cut down on stimulant use, regardless of the harmful consequences it causes. The cravings and urges are so strong that the person is compelled to use no matter what because the brain has become rewired.

For those with a stimulant addiction, these substances are the main priority in their life. An addicted person often ignores negative consequences, whether personal or health-related.

What Are The Effects Of Stimulants?

Stimulant addiction can cause immediate and long-term effects on a person’s health. Since stimulants increase CNS activity, their effects speed up the body and brain.

The effects of stimulants include:

What Are The Dangers Of Stimulant Abuse?

When stimulants are misused or abused, they can cause short-term and long-term effects. The following are some of the dangers of stimulant abuse:

Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Stimulant Addiction

Can You Overdose On Stimulants?

When misused, stimulants can cause fatal and non-fatal overdoses. In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly 60,000 overdose deaths involved cocaine or other psychostimulants with abuse potential (mostly methamphetamine). This translates to about 57% of the 105,007 total overdose deaths in the US that occurred that year.

A stimulant overdose can occur with any use, whether it’s a person’s first time misusing or they are a regular stimulant user. A stimulant overdose can be unpredictable, especially when stimulants are unknowingly laced or cut with other dangerous drugs and chemicals, such as fentanyl.

Stimulant Addiction Treatment

The most important step in recovering from stimulant addiction is making the decision to seek help. Once you’ve made that decision, there are several options for inpatient or outpatient rehab and counseling that can help you overcome your stimulant addiction.

The first step of treating an addiction to stimulants is detox. During stimulant detox, doctors manage the physical part of the addiction by getting the stimulants out of the person’s system. Detox typically lasts up to a week. The decision to enter inpatient or outpatient rehab for stimulant addiction is a personal decision that is made between you and your treatment providers.

Whether you need 24/7 supervision in inpatient treatment or can get the appropriate care a few days a week in outpatient treatment, all medications and therapy approaches are offered at both levels of care.

Find A Treatment Center Today

If you have a stimulant addiction 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 many options available to provide you with support. You aren’t alone in your journey — contact a treatment provider or visit our rehab directory to explore your rehab options.