Stimulant Addiction Treatment: How Are They Best Treated?
Substance addiction remains a serious problem throughout the United States. However, much of the discourse around substance addiction has been directed at the opioid epidemic and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. While there is good reason for this, it is somewhat overshadowing other addictions that remain prevalent throughout the country. This is particularly true with stimulant addictions.
Understanding Stimulant Addictions
Stimulant addiction is not a monolith. There are many types of stimulants causing serious damage in the United States. This includes illicit stimulants like cocaine and meth, as well as prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “Misuse of prescription stimulants and use of illegal stimulants can give rise to stimulant use disorder. Stimulant use disorder is a pattern of stimulant drug use that causes clinically significant impairment or distress. It can lead to dire health consequences, such as psychiatric problems, seizures, coma, and death.” The most severe form of stimulant use disorder, stimulant addiction, is also much more prevalent than many people may realize.
The Prevalence of Stimulant Addictions
According to the online publication Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders, published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Stimulant use disorders are a major public health concern in the United States, with more than 5 million people age 12 and older reporting past-year cocaine use, nearly 2 million reporting methamphetamine use, and almost 5 million reporting prescription stimulant misuse in 2019.” Also, “Overdose deaths from stimulants have been increasing over the past 20 years, especially deaths attributable to stimulants taken with either synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl) or semisynthetic opioids (e.g., heroin).” This last noted aspect regarding opioid overdose is certainly a concern and also highlights why stimulant addictions must be brought to light.
Stimulant addictions also don’t discriminate based on population. They affect teens, adults, veterans, the LGBTQ+ population, and men, trans, and women alike. Stimulants can also be particularly dangerous because of how fast they can become addictive.
As stated in the online publication Amphetamine, by authors Martin and Le, “Due to their ability to produce powerful euphoric effects, amphetamines are common drugs of abuse. All major drugs of abuse increase dopamine concentrations in the mesolimbic pathway, but amphetamines, because of their direct effects on DAT [the dopamine transporter] and VMAT2 [the vesicular monoamine transporter type-2], can increase dopamine concentrations far beyond the concentrations seen for natural rewarding stimuli.” This makes knowing the warning signs of stimulant addiction that much more crucial.
The Signs and Symptoms of Stimulant Addictions
Due to the variety of stimulants out there, the signs and symptoms can vary. The following are just a few of the warning signs of stimulant abuse and stimulant addiction:
- Exhibiting changes in sleep patterns, including cycles of insomnia and sleeping too much
- Showing a change in eating patterns, particularly not eating enough
- Becoming deceptive, such as stealing and lying
- Trying to get multiple stimulant prescriptions (like Adderall) from multiple doctors
- Exhibiting risky and impulsive behaviors
- Twitching, shaking, or acting jittery without reasonable explanation
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Having a poor complexion, experiencing hair loss, and constantly sweating
- Having unusually elevated amounts of energy
- Acting overly “stressed out,” anxious, or depressed
- Expressing feelings of self-harm or having suicidal ideations
If any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, it is highly recommended that professional help be sought as soon as possible. Doing so can mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
How Are Stimulant Addictions Best Treated?
Most stimulant addictions first require some form of detox, as withdrawal from stimulants can be rather intense. From there, depending on the severity of the addiction, it may be recommended that an individual either go into residential treatment, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), or an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Regardless of which program is used, two tools can be highly beneficial for recovery. The first tool is therapy, which can be psychotherapy, experiential therapy, or group therapy. The second tool is a recovery community (such as a 12-Step community) that can help to navigate the world of long-term recovery. Taking these two steps is a great start toward a life beyond stimulant addiction and the pain that it causes.
Long-Term Healing With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, our focus is on long-term recovery from issues of addiction and/or mental illness. Yes, recovery is a “one day at a time” process, but it is also crucial to put the road map in place that is going to ensure success far into the future.
Recovery is a journey, never a destination. While that journey can be difficult at times, it will also be the most rewarding one a person may ever take. Meanwhile, it can all start right here with us at The Phoenix Recovery Center.
Stimulant addictions – such as Adderall, cocaine, and methamphetamine addiction – are currently much more common in the U.S. than many people may think. These types of addiction also have very serious consequences, both in the short and long term, if not treated quickly and properly. If you feel like you or a loved one may be struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. For more information about treatments for stimulant addictions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), group therapy, 12-Step groups, and personal development tools like yoga and meditation, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
