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a woman struggles with stimulant abuse

Recognizing Stimulant Abuse

Stimulants refer to a class of substances that act on the body’s central nervous system to make one feel energetic and alert. Like other drugs, stimulant abuse is rapidly becoming a concern, with Adderall and Ritalin being some of the most commonly abused stimulants. If you or a loved one is struggling with stimulant abuse, reach out to Lighthouse Recovery Institute for a personalized stimulant addiction treatment program in Florida.

Many individuals turn to stimulant drugs to boost performance and improve concentration. In some cases, doctors may prescribe stimulants to help treat certain disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, consumption of stimulants can be habit-forming and, if misused, can result in addiction. To know more about stimulant abuse and our customizable addiction recovery programs in Boynton Beach, Florida, call us at 866.308.2090.

Recognizing Stimulant Abuse

Since stimulants are often prescribed to improve one’s quality of life and increase productivity and self-confidence, signs of stimulant abuse are easy to miss. Gradually, a person may forge prescriptions to gain greater access to stimulants or turn to street drugs to feel a sense of euphoria. Under the pretext of improving performance levels at school or sports, they may become chemically dependent on the drugs, requiring more and more of the substance to function normally.

Commonly Abused Stimulants

Stimulant drugs include both prescription medication and illegal street drugs.

While prescription drugs can have beneficial effects in slow, monitored doses, they are frequently misused. Common prescription stimulants include:

  • Adderall
  • Ritalin
  • Strattera
  • Dexedrine
  • Vyvanse

Party drugs often contain stimulants to heighten the sense of euphoria and boost libido. Such substances often have other drugs mixed with them, making the side effects more difficult to predict. Some Illegal substances that contain stimulants include:

  • Cocaine
  • Crack cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • Ecstasy or MDMA

Signs of Stimulant Abuse

By educating oneself on stimulant abuse, it is possible to spot the warning signs of addiction before it is too late. The typical signs of stimulant abuse include the following:

  • Stealing, forging, or making multiple copies of the same prescription
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Taking higher doses than customarily prescribed
  • Stockpiling on pills
  • Having drug paraphernalia
  • Lying or stealing money to pay for the drugs
  • Loss of interest in school, work, or sports
  • Gradual changes in personality, accompanied by aggressive outbursts
  • Being in denial about stimulant abuse
  • Changes in diet and sleep issues
  • Pronounced periods of high energy, followed by restlessness, depression, and lethargy

In many cases, the signs of addiction are also accompanied by co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety that can further exacerbate the issue.

Since stimulant abuse can occasionally prove fatal, seeking professional treatment is important. If you or a loved one is showing any of these signs, don’t wait to reach out to a quality rehab near you.

Get Help for Stimulant Abuse at Lighthouse Recovery Institute

At Lighthouse Recovery, we are committed to helping people recover from addiction and rebuild happier and better lives.

No matter the condition’s seriousness, our expert doctors, nurses, and therapists will work with each patient to develop an effective treatment plan and find practical solutions to their unique issues. Our 90-day treatment programs with a focus on aftercare and trauma therapy are particularly geared towards getting our clients’ lives back on track. Whether you opt for partial hospitalization or outpatient care, you can be guaranteed a safe, smooth, and healing journey, with medical attention and intensive therapeutic support at every step.

Take the first step towards healing. Call us at 866.308.2090 and book an appointment today.

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