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INTRODUCTION

Stimulants are a class of drugs that elevate mood, increase energy, and enhance alertness. While prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are used to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), illicit stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine can be highly addictive and destructive.
Introduction

WHAT IS IT?

Stimulant drugs are a class of psychoactive drug that speed up messages traveling between the brain and body. They can make a person feel more awake, alert, confident or energetic. Stimulants provides temporary improvements in physical or mental functioning, thus elevating mood and increasing feelings of wellbeing, energy and alertness.

Often called, "uppers." Stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines and cocaine. Large doses can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, seizures, headaches, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of strong stimulants can have adverse effects.

Stimulants are widely used as both recreational and prescription drugs. Note that amphetamines, a common stimulant drug, are prescribed and produced, and sold illegally. A healthcare provider may prescribe a stimulant drug to treat narcolepsy, promote weight loss, or treat ADHD and clinical depression. Over time, stimulant drug abuse disrupts the functioning of the brain’s dopamine system and eventually dampens the user's ability to feel any pleasure at all.
What Is It?
Signs

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Short-term effects

  • Euphoria and Increased Energy: Users may experience a surge of energy and heightened mood.
  • Decreased Appetite: Stimulants often suppress appetite.
  • Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Physiological responses to stimulant use.

Long-term effects

  • Physical Health Issues: Chronic use can lead to cardiovascular problems and neurological issues.
  • Psychological Impact: Increased risk of anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations.
  • Dependency and Tolerance: Users may develop a tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effects.

General effects

Physical Signs:
  • Dilated pupils and heightened alertness.
  • Rapid weight loss and changes in appetite.
  • Insomnia or irregular sleep patterns.
     
Behavioral Signs:
  • Increased impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors.
  • Social withdrawal or isolation.
  • Financial difficulties despite a lack of significant expenses.
Stats

THE STATS & DATA

  • According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 2 million people aged 12 or older reported current cocaine use in 2020.
  • Methamphetamine-related overdose deaths have seen a fourfold increase in recent years, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Emotions

THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

The emotional journey of stimulant users is marked by intense euphoria, increased confidence, and heightened alertness. However, as the effects wear off, users often experience irritability, anxiety, and a profound crash, leading to a cycle of use and withdrawal.
Conclusion

CONCLUSION

Our dedicated team utilizes evidence-based therapies, counseling, and support services to address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of addiction. We believe in empowering our clients to break free from the cycle of stimulant dependence, guiding them towards a life of sustained recovery and well-being.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with stimulant addiction, take the first step towards recovery by reaching out to Total Life Change. Together, we can overcome the challenges of addiction and build a foundation for a brighter, drug-free future.
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