Stimulants are a powerful class of drugs with intense effects on the body and mind. Struggling with an addiction to stimulants demands a dedicated, professional approach.
The trained clinicians at Redpoint understand the complex nature of recovery and are prepared to help you overcome the challenges on your path to a sober future. Identifying stimulant addiction and understanding its effects and ramifications is the first step in your journey to a drug-free life.
Stimulants, otherwise known as “uppers,” are a widespread drug that invigorates the nervous system, creating a forced sense of energy or making an individual feel more awake or hyper-focused. They are the basis of a continually growing addiction for many across the United States.
While chemicals like caffeine are stimulants, the potency found in either prescription or illicit stimulant drugs has much more intense effects. Common study aids and medications used to treat ADHD, such as Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, and more, are stimulant drugs often used illicitly. Other common stimulants include amphetamines, meth, and cocaine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately five million Americans misused prescription stimulants in 2020. Another five million reported using cocaine, and 2.5 million reported using methamphetamines.
Stimulants come in various forms, presenting as powder or pills, with meth being illicitly produced in a rock, glass-like form. However, regardless of the form they take, there is no safe way to engage with stimulants, with even prescribed stimulants requiring active, dedicated monitoring and management.
Stimulants present a unique set of risks and symptoms as they affect the central nervous system and are highly dangerous when abused. Some of the symptoms of stimulant use include:
However, these symptoms can further intensify with continued use, developing into:
These symptoms can be further exacerbated when combined with other substances, such as alcohol or other drugs. The use of stimulants also results in a “crash” as the high wears off, creating a sharp distinction between periods of hyperactivity and focus to extreme fatigue, depression, and more.
Those struggling with an addiction to stimulants may also seek more of their use in order to combat this sudden change, feeling as if one’s isn’t “normal” without their use, quickly developing into addiction.
The use of meth also introduces many additional, complex symptoms, with meth-induced psychosis being an intense and challenging situation to navigate. Meth-induced psychosis is an overpowering feeling of paranoia coupled with auditory, visual, or olfactory hallucinations that cause an individual to perceive reality differently. These symptoms are often accompanied by intense fear.
An individual using methamphetamines may believe that there are forces out to “get them” or that they are in immediate, life-threatening danger. Navigating meth-induced psychosis is complicated, and having professionally trained personnel available to address the situation is paramount.
We at Redpoint understand the need for a delicate and informed approach to meth-induced psychosis, and our trained clinicians are available to help you or your loved one navigate even the most trying, intense symptoms of stimulant use. We are here to help you on your journey to sobriety with trained medical and clinical staff empowering you each step of the way.
Addiction to stimulants will continue to develop until addressed, and there is no “safe” level of stimulant use. Addiction is a devastating disease that can affect every aspect of your life, from your personal relationships to scholastic and workplace performance and finances. Even if you are committed to making the change to a healthier, sober future, there will still be a number of hurdles along the way.
We at Redpoint understand the complex nature of addiction recovery. Whether you are looking to begin your journey to a drug-free life or to continue building on your established coping skills in a new and accepting community, our trained staff and communal atmosphere can help you take the next step toward your needs and goals for change.
Redpoint champions the ability to customize your treatment plan based on your needs and goals throughout any stage of recovery. Our clinical approach and medical model, backed by caring and trained clinicians, allow us to personalize your time with us while providing necessary medication and medical support whenever needed to create a unique approach catered to healing the whole self.
From motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, medical care, and much more, your treatment and recovery journey are focused on self-empowerment and change, with like-minded peers and caring professionals ready to support you at every step. We can help you through stimulant addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination therein in co-occurring disorders while creating a recovery plan that is right
THE JOINT COMMISSION
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ADDICTION TREATMENT PROVIDERS
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
TREATMENT PROFESSIONALS IN ALUMNI SERVICES
