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What is stimulant abuse?

Stimulant abuse is a substance use disorder that can include recreational substance use of drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as prescribed medications such as Adderall® and Ritalin®, or other drugs frequently used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine addiction is a form of stimulant abuse that is characterized by an intense need or desire to use increasing amounts of cocaine, leading to extreme and life-threatening adverse reactions in the user’s physical health, as well as severe and often devastating consequences in their personal lives. Cocaine addiction can cause emotional trauma for families, financial distress, and a range of complications for the user and their loved ones.

The risk of an individual becoming addicted to cocaine is relatively high. Classified as a Schedule 2 drug by the DEA, cocaine addiction is a risk for just about anyone who abuses the drug. In fact, according to a landmark study that was published in 2005, the risk of an individual becoming addicted to cocaine after just one use is 5%. This risk increases with each subsequent use of the drug and can elevate to an alarming 90% or more.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction to this powerful stimulant develops easily, in part because the effects of the drug only last for a very short time. To sustain the high, users typically repeatedly take cocaine over short periods and at increasingly higher doses.

This leads the user to develop a habit of using the drug repeatedly in an effort to continue or to produce the same “high,” quickly leading to addictive behaviors.

Symptoms of stimulant abuse

Cardiovascular problems
Heart rhythm disturbances
Heart attack
Chest pain
Neurological effects such a strokes or seizures
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Nosebleeds
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarse throat or voice
Runny nose
Sinus infections

Effects of stimulant withdrawal

Anytime an individual who has been abusing stimulants for a prolonged time suddenly discontinues their use, withdrawal symptoms have the potential to occur. Some of the most common symptoms of stimulant withdrawal may include:

Intense cravings for stimulants
Sleep difficulties
Loss of cognitive function
Extreme mood swings
Chills
Body aches
Tremors and shakiness
Fatigue
Exhaustion
Difficulty concentrating
Depression
Anxiety

Programs

Getting treatment

Direct2Recovery uses clinically proven drug rehabilitation treatment methods that are carefully prescribed according to the patient’s individual needs. We will make a medical assessment based on your current health conditions and determine a course of treatment that will best address your dependency.

Thankfully, there is hope. We have over 10 years of experience that proves you can recover. Compassionate, comprehensive drug addiction therapy for stimulant substance use disorder is available through Direct2Recovery. Call and make an appointment for your personal assessment today.