You may have heard about stimulants but not realize what they entail. So what is a stimulant?
What is a stimulant?
Stimulants are a category of drugs that improve your mood, create feelings of well being, and produce increased energy. They stimulate activity within the sympathetic peripheral nervous system central nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system links the internal organs to the brain by way of the spinal cord nerves. Many of these drugs are on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Schedule II list of drugs, meaning that they have a very high potential for abuse.
Some of these drugs are legally prescribed medications, yet others are illicit. Generally, stimulants are taken in the form of a tablet, injected, snorted, or smoked in the form of crystals. There are differences in the drug’s effects depending upon the route of absorption. The drugs that are injected or smoked provide a rush or quick high. Snorting or swallowing produces a slightly less intense high but one that lasts longer. In some instances, the rapid onset of the high is replaced within minutes by a rapid decline or crash.
Some of the most widely abused stimulants include:
- Methamphetamine
- Crack
- Cocaine
- Concerta
- Hoodia
- Ephedra
- Adderall
- Xenical
- Dexedrine
- Ritalin
- OTC cold medicines
You may anticipate the “high” that stimulants are able to produce, but after a while, you begin to become dependent on them in order to function on a daily basis.
Physical Signs of Stimulant Abuse:
- Aggression
- Weight loss
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Abdominal cramping
- Loss of coordination
- Compulsive behavior
- Panic attacks
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of verbal memory
Psychological Signs of Stimulant Abuse:
- Delusion
- Arrogance
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Suspiciousness
- Impaired judgement
So what is a stimulant? Stimulant addiction treatment will only work if followed by a completed detox from alcohol and drugs. After this step, addiction treatment should begin immediately. Treatment will provide you with an in depth understanding of addiction, as well as the tools to handle triggers and stress. In quality treatment programs, you will be treated for any existent dual diagnosis. Treatment in a medically based program can help a stimulant addict conquer the devastation of addiction.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
