While all stimulants are addictive, some are worse than others. The problems are that they mess with the pleasure center in your brain and cause dependence. There are five types of stimulants and how they affect the body dictates their addiction potential.
Understanding Stimulants
Many of the drugs that cause people to enter a treatment facility are stimulants. Shockingly, heroin doesn’t fall into this category, as it’s known as a central nervous system depressant. Stimulants can be highly addictive, and many are in the form of prescription medications.
Amphetamines
These drugs are used to treat things like narcolepsy, and they help keep people awake for more extended periods. It’s commonly called speed on the black market, and it allows people to be alert and feel unstoppable. The downside to this medication is that it can cause many health issues like seizures, OCD behaviors, and abuse.
Adderall
ADHD and ADD are widespread neurological disorders. This medication is often prescribed to teenagers or adults alike when their focus is lacking. While it helps to concentrate on school and work, it is possible to become dependent on it. Additionally, long-term use of this drug can cause things like hypertension, heart disease, seizures, and even arrhythmias.
Cocaine
Cocaine goes by many names on the street, but it’s hazardous and highly addictive. This drug produces a strong high, but the effects are only short-lived. Since the body becomes immune to the pleasure receptors, a person will continuously need more to achieve the same feeling. This drug is often dubbed the “party drug,” as it’s often used due to peer pressure in social scenes. It should be noted that crack cocaine and regular cocaine are two different things. Crack is much more dangerous and addictive. It’s often used when people can’t keep enough cocaine to stop the withdrawal symptoms, as it’s very expensive.
MDMA
Ecstasy is another stimulant drug that’s made its way around the dating scene. You may have heard it called molly. Due to its ability to produce sexual arousal, it’s used to engage in dangerous activities. It’s highly addictive and can cause cognitive issues. When the drug exits the body, the user will crash with depression and chills. The muscle cramping this drug causes is also excruciating.
Methamphetamines
Crystal meth is a product that is one of the most dangerous of all. It’s a stimulant that’s made by using pseudoephedrine alongside other chemicals. The FDA put restrictions on cold and sinus medications that use this additive, as people were buying these products to make meth. The street drug is so dangerous that all it takes is one use to become addicted in most instances. The problem is that it’s hard to tell what’s in it as different dealers add whatever ingredients they can find. This means it can be laced with something potentially harmful that could kill you.
Recent strains like “White China” was a laced product that was deadly. Why is meth so popular? Well, it’s not the first drug most people turn to, but it’s seen as a progressive drug. When the effects of cocaine and heroin are no longer working, it’s the natural progression. The powerful high that this drug provides is a rush. Users often feel euphoria along with happiness and tons of energy. Many meth users don’t sleep for hours or even days, but they crash hard when the drug leaves their system. Users often have a feeling of being invincible or unstoppable, which only compounds the issues. Meth is cheaper than most drugs, as it’s manufactured in kitchens with whatever chemicals the supplier can find. The health issues are vast with use. Traditionally, the user will become super skinny as they need the drugs more than food, and the lack of nutrients rots their teeth, causing lesions and leathery-looking skin, heart problems, and many other health issues.
Recovering from Stimulant Abuse
Stimulants are commonly used in the medical community to treat ailments, but the risk of addiction is undeniable. Thankfully, there are many programs to help you safely detox from these drugs and learn to live without the constant high they provide. Our addiction specialists can help you take your first steps towards a life without these drugs, and you can quit using and reclaim your life. Call us today at 833-846-5669.