Overview
Stimulants are classified as any drug that temporarily increases alertness and the ability to concentrate. The range of things classified ranges from caffeine to cocaine. There are legal stimulants that are prescribed such as Ritalin or Dexedrine. These are generally prescribed to combat sleep disorders or ADHD. There are also illegal stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. These drugs are abused in order to create feelings of euphoria and to sharpen concentration. There has been an epidemic amongst students in the United States of abusing prescription stimulants in order to study and stay awake for longer periods of time.

Stimulant Side Effects

The side effects of stimulant drugs include increased heart rate, risk of stroke, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, increases blood pressure, decreases appetite, and inability to sleep. The side effects of stimulants can often be felt for long after the use has stopped. For instance a recreational cocaine user may not be able to return to their normal sleep schedule for days or even weeks since the last use. Overdose on stimulants can lead to death. Death is often brought on by a hear attack as the hear beats faster than it is designed to when affected by stimulant medication.

Stimulant Addiction

Stimulants are very easy to become addicted to. The feeling that a person can get more done in a day at a faster rate is very appealing. The addictive properties of stimulants have been widely studied. It is documented that stimulant abusers need a larger amount of the stimulant to reach the high they had previously attained. Dependence on the drug has also been shown by the increased irritability if the user cannot obtain their stimulant of choice.

Stimulant Treatment

Treatment for stimulant addiction is often performed on an outpatient basis, but can also be done in an inpatient setting. In the initial phase of treatment the patient will meet with a therapist several times a week. Positive reinforcement is key at this stage. Family support can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful treatment. Medication is not usually prescribed for the treatment of stimulant addicts.

A successful treatment approach will teach the user ways to cope with situations without resorting to stimulant abuse in the future. This is done through a combination of the above mentioned one on one therapy, group therapy, and twelve step programs.

Stimulant Links

If you would like to know more about stimulant abuse, symptoms, or treatment please feel free to visit one of the sites below. We hope this article has been helpful in your search for answers about stimulant abuse.

href=”http://www.cirquelodge.com/StimulantAddiction/StimulantAddictionFacility.php”>http://www.cirquelodge.com/StimulantAddiction/StimulantAddictionFacility.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulant

http://www.addictioninfo.org/articles/671/1/Treatment-for-Stimulant-Use-Disorders/Page1.html