The term “stimulant” comes from the Latin word meaning “to incite” and refers to any drug that increases physical activity, alertness, and energy levels. The two main categories of stimulants are amphetamines and methylphenidate. Amphetamines include methamphetamine, MDMA and others. They were originally developed for medical purposes but became popular recreational illegal stimulants.
Methylphenidate was initially developed as an antidepressant medication but later found to be effective as one of the stimulant ADHD medications. This drug is also sometimes referred to by its brand name, Ritalin.
Stimulants comprise some of the most abused substances worldwide. Stimulant addiction is a devastating condition affecting millions of people every day.
Different types of stimulant drugs have distinct legal statuses. The most commonly used stimulants are amphetamines and cocaine.
Amphetamines are class B, schedule 2 drugs. It is illegal to possess them without a prescription or to supply or produce them without a licence. If prepared for injection they become class A substances.
While Cocaine is a class A, schedule 2 drug. Possession without a prescription is illegal. It is illegal to supply or produce cocaine.
Possession carries a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment and a fine. Supply or production carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine.
There are several different routes of administration for stimulants, including:
Stimulants work by increasing dopamine release in certain areas of the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects how we feel, think, and act. In people with ADHD, dopamine levels may not be balanced properly. When they take a stimulant, it helps increase dopamine levels in the brain.
When you take a stimulant, your body also produces more adrenaline which causes you to feel jittery, restless, and anxious. Some side effects can occur when taking a stimulant, such as headaches, stomach pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. If these symptoms persist, talk to your doctor about stopping the medication.
Stimulants Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
The term “stimulant” is used to describe a wide range of different drugs, ranging across various drug classes with significant variations in effect, structure, legal status and risk potential.
Diet pills are a group of medications that contain ingredients designed to help reduce weight. They are usually taken daily and do not require a prescription. Some diet pills come in liquid form while others are tablets. Most diet pills are made up of natural herbs, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine.
Not all diet pills are stimulants, but appetite suppression is one of the key techniques for weight loss, and a variety of chemicals from the amphetamine and substituted amphetamine groups are included in various diet drugs for their appetite-suppressant qualities.
Stimulant diet pills became increasingly popular in the west during the second half of the 20th century, but their evident drawbacks and dangers led to increased government control and their eventual removal from the market. Diet pills of many kinds are still popular today, though they are rarely recommended due to the potential for abuse.
Steroids are synthetic versions of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. There are two main categories of steroids: anabolic and androgenic. Anabolic steroids are often referred to as performance-enhancing drugs because they increase physical ability. Androgens are sometimes called sex hormones because they affect sexual development in both men and women. Most steroids are available as prescription stimulants.
Anabolic steroids are also used as performance-enhancing drugs, particularly by sportsmen and bodybuilders who want to increase muscle density and strength.
Steroids are commonly administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly. Anabolic steroid use is linked to a wide range of health concerns (some of which are quite serious and potentially fatal), including cardiovascular disease, cancer, growth defects, feminisation or masculinisation, kidney and/or liver damage, and a variety of psychiatric problems.
The impact of anabolic steroids on body shape and image can be a major element in the development of psychological addiction, and individuals who take anabolic steroids may develop tolerance and dependency, with a variety of symptoms appearing when they stop using them.
Ritalin and Concerta are two brand names for the stimulant medicine methylphenidate, which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and in some cases of bipolar major depressive disorders. Concerta is a slow-release form of methylphenidate that lasts longer. One Concerta tablet is usually used once a day. Ritalin, on the other hand, is a rapid-release version of methylphenidate that lasts for 2-4 hours and requires numerous doses to provide daily therapeutic coverage.
Methylphenidate causes euphoria in users by decreasing the absorption of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and central nervous system (CNS), as well as having stimulant effects. As a result, methylphenidate is occasionally taken and abused as a ‘study drug’ at schools and universities.
Although Ritalin and Concerta are very well-known and popular drugs, methylphenidate has significant addiction and dependence risks (similar to amphetamine), which grow at increasing doses (such as those typically consumed during recreational use). Loss of appetite, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, abdominal discomfort, agitation, irritability, palpitations, dizziness, changes in blood pressure, changes in heart rate, blurred vision, chest pains, and psychosis are all side effects of methylphenidate use.
Overdosing on methylphenidate can cause nausea, tremors, agitation, muscular twitching, disorientation, hallucinations, hyperthermia, sweating, headache, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, hyperpyrexia, convulsions, paranoia, rapid muscle breakdown, circulatory collapse, and coma, which can lead to death.
Dexedrine is one of several brand names for dextroamphetamine, a powerful CNS stimulant used in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy, as a performance enhancer and recreationally for its euphoriant and aphrodisiac properties. Dexedrine has also been used by various military bodies for its ability to stave off sleep and enhance cognitive functioning.
Dextroamphetamine is a drug that belongs to the amphetamine family. Dextroamphetamine increases the amount of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin released in the central nervous system by blocking the activity of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters.
Dextroamphetamine is highly addictive on a psychological level, and withdrawal symptoms have been linked to its dependence. Cardiovascular effects (including hypotension and hypertension), abdominal pain, sexual dysfunction, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, blurred vision, nosebleeds, grinding of teeth, mood swings, depression, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, and psychosis are all possible side effects of dextroamphetamine use and abuse.
Certain antidepressant drugs are known to have stimulant effects, particularly those in the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) class, which share some qualities with stimulants like cocaine.
Venlafaxine and other serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are known to have stimulant effects, however, neither NRIs nor SNRIs are classified as stimulants.
Adderall is a prescription pharmaceutical used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, but it is also widely used and misused as a recreational or study drug.’ Adderall is made up of four amphetamine salts, with dextroamphetamine salts accounting for three-quarters of the active components (the more potent of the two amphetamine enantiomers). Adderall and its derivates are amongst the most common prescription stimulants nowadays.
Adderall stimulates the release of other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and histamine by increasing the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Adderall’s stimulant effects are a result of this, but it can also cause euphoria and cognitive-enhancing benefits, making it appealing to recreational drug users and as a “study aid” in academic or professional settings.
Adderall has potentially serious side effects, such as cardiovascular and respiratory difficulties, and an overdose can result in potentially lethal symptoms such as convulsions and coma. Long-term Adderall usage, particularly at dosages intended for recreational use, can lead to tolerance, addiction, and dependence.
Cocaine is extracted from the leaves of the cocoa plant, which was initially planted in South America but is currently farmed in many regions of the world. Cocaine is extensively abused recreationally because of its euphoric and stimulating characteristics. It is normally found in the form of a white powder, but it is also accessible in a smokable “rock” form known as crack cocaine. Cocaine is the UK’s second most misused substance, with severe penalties for supply and distribution.
Cocaine is highly psychologically addictive, with psychological withdrawal symptoms accounting for the majority of withdrawal symptoms. Cocaine withdrawal has also been linked to some physical problems.
Cocaine’s reputation as a “high status” narcotic has contributed to its relatively high price, making cocaine addiction an extremely costly condition that frequently leads to financial ruin.
Cocaine abuse has a multitude of negative effects on both physical and mental health. Accelerated heart rate, fever, arrhythmia, delusions, hallucinations, tremors, anxiety, paranoia, and even convulsions and death are all possible side effects of abusing Cocaine.
Long-term use can result in cardiovascular and respiratory system damage, stroke, tissue damage (particularly in the nose from snorting), and a variety of immunological diseases. Cocaine addiction has also been linked to brain damage, which could lead to long-term cognitive impairment.
Methamphetamine (sometimes known as “crystal meth” or just “meth”) is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that belongs to the phenethylamine and amphetamine drug families. Methamphetamine acts by activating the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) in the brain and CNS, which blocks or reverses the direction of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters, resulting in more of those chemicals being present in the system. This substance is amongst the most commonly abused stimulants nowadays.
Methamphetamine is used recreationally, usually in the crystalline form known as crystal meth, and is sometimes used medically to treat ADHD or obesity in tablet form. Crystal meth can induce a powerful and surprisingly long-lasting euphoric and sexual “high,” as well as mood elevation, increased invigoration, alertness, and hunger suppression. Methamphetamine use and misuse, on the other hand, is linked to a variety of undesirable and sometimes dangerous side effects, including psychosis and other mental health disorders, seizures, cardiovascular and respiratory problems, stroke, heart attack, brain damage, and even death.
Methamphetamine is not considered to be physiologically addictive, but it is highly psychologically addictive, with users frequently being compelled to take more once the effects of the substance have worn off. This is done to alleviate the bad feelings and sensations that come with a meth “crash.”
Some methamphetamine users participate in multi-day binges of the substance, particularly in settings such as raves and sex parties, when methamphetamine is consumed for its aphrodisiac, energising, and orgasm-delaying effects.
Stimulants Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
An addiction to any kind of stimulant is very similar to an addiction to another drug. Addiction is described as compulsive, uncontrollable use. In order for someone to become addicted to a drug, must develop a physical dependence on it.
The majority of people start taking prescribed stimulants on a doctor’s recommendation. When a person takes a certain amount of a drug over time, the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug. The body needs more and more of the drug to feel the same effects.
Another addiction sign is the presence of withdrawal symptoms. If the user stops taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms will occur.
When someone has a substance use disorder, such as stimulants addiction, there are many signs and symptoms that can help identify it. Many of these signs and symptoms are similar to those experienced by alcoholics and drug addicts. Others, however, are unique to stimulants.
Physical signs associated with stimulants addiction include:
Withdrawal symptoms can occur after you stop using stimulants. They may be short-term or long-lasting. Withdrawal symptoms usually go away within one week. However, they may last longer than this if you continue the drug abuse. If you have been abusing stimulants, your body will need time to get rid of all the stimulants it has taken in over the years.
The following are common withdrawal symptoms:
Psychological signs and symptoms of stimulant addiction include:
Behavioural signs and symptoms of stimulants addiction include:
Stimulants Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
The main cause of stimulant addiction is the fact that people tend to abuse them because they feel good. People get addicted to stimulants because stimulants give them a sense of pleasure.
However, this feeling does not last very long. In fact, many users become dependent on these drugs. That’s why they can’t stop using them even though their lives are suffering from the effects of stimulant addiction. Risk Factors For Stimulants Addiction include:
Genetic factors play an important role in determining whether someone will become addicted to a particular drug. Some people may develop addictions to certain drugs, while others may never experience such problems. There are many different reasons why this might happen.
The genes involved in the development of addiction to stimulants can be grouped into two categories:
Genes associated with the reward system:
Genes associated with the brain’s response to drugs:
The following environmental factors may increase the risk of developing an addiction to stimulants:
People who are genetically predisposed to addictive behaviours tend to abuse stimulants more frequently than those without such predispositions. People who have a family history of substance abuse are also more likely to develop addictions to stimulants.
Anyone who wants to know if they are prone to addiction to stimulants should undergo a thorough evaluation by a professional. This evaluation includes psychological testing and physical examination.
Stimulants Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Stimulants are powerful drugs that alter moods, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. In recent years, stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy have become increasingly popular among teens and young adults.
In addition to being physically dangerous, stimulants are also psychologically harmful. In fact, stimulants can cause brain damage and even death. The following are some of the dangers and effects of abusing stimulants:
While the short-term side effects may seem easy to live with at first, the long-term repercussions of abusing stimulants on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems must not be underestimated.
The long term health risks of abusing stimulants include:
Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. People who abuse stimulants are more likely to develop heart disease than those who don’t abuse these drugs.
Stroke
People who abuse stimulants are also more likely to experience a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain stops.
Memory Loss
People who abuse stimulants may lose short term memory. Long term memory may also be affected.
Depression
Depression is another common side effect of stimulants abuse.
Anxiety
Anxiety is another common side effect associated with stimulants abuse.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are another common symptom of stimulants addiction.
Suicidal Thoughts
Suicide is another common consequence of stimulants addiction. People who abuse stimulant drugs are more likely to attempt suicide.
Impairment of Judgment
Judgment is impaired by stimulants abuse.
When someone overdoses on stimulants, they will feel very high. This feeling comes from the release of dopamine into the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that controls our feelings of pleasure. When someone takes too much of a stimulant, the brain releases too much dopamine. This leads to over-stimulation. Over-stimulation is a health risk.
Symptoms of stimulants overdose include:
There are many different reasons why someone might want to commit suicide. One reason could be the physical effects of stimulants. For example, stimulants can cause rapid heart rate, which can increase blood pressure and lead to chest pain. Other side effects of stimulants include insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. All of these things make it difficult for someone to sleep at night. In addition, stimulants can cause extreme agitation, which can lead to anger and aggression.
Another reason someone might want to kill themselves might be because of the psychological effects of stimulants. Many people who take stimulants experience hallucinations. Hallucinations are false perceptions experienced during dreaming. Some people who take stimulants report seeing colourful lights, hearing strange sounds, and even experiencing out-of-body experiences. In addition, stimulant abusers often hear voices telling them to hurt themselves or others.
If you’re thinking of harming yourself, please call 999 for help. Your life is worth it and there are several treatments for Stimulants Addiction. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
People who suffer from mental illness and substance addiction often struggle with depression, anxiety, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, delusions, and psychotic symptoms. The combination of these disorders can create serious problems. People who are addicted to drugs also tend to be more likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as unprotected sex, unsafe driving, and criminal activity. They are also more likely to drop out of school and miss work.
Depression is a common problem among individuals suffering from stimulant abuse and addiction. Depression is characterised by low energy, lack of interest in activities, changes in appetite, weight loss, and difficulty sleeping. Individuals who abuse stimulants may feel guilty after using the drugs. Guilt usually leads to further drug use. If you think you may be abusing stimulants, talk to your doctor or call your local poison control centre immediately.
Because many people who battle with addiction also have other mental health issues, dual diagnoses are common.
It’s critical to tackle both issues at the same time since they might make recovering more difficult. If you have bipolar illness, for example, medication may be required to control mood swings and help you manage stress. Counselling may also help you cope with your underlying psychological concerns. It’s much easier to recover from addiction if the mind is healthy and focused on recovery.
When people use stimulants as coping mechanisms, they may feel relaxed and less anxious. In addition, simulators can help people stay awake and focused. This makes it easier for them to study, work, or complete tasks. However, stimulants can also be addictive. If you abuse stimulants, your body will not get the same amount of dopamine it needs. As a result, you may begin to crave more stimulants. You may also become dependent on the drugs, meaning that you need higher doses of stimulants to achieve the same effect.
Stimulants Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Stimulants are powerful drugs that alter moods, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. In recent years, stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy have become increasingly popular among teens and young adults.
Most teenagers start experimenting with drugs at a young age. Teenagers often experiment with marijuana first. Afterwards, they might move on to harder drugs, including ecstasy, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Most adolescents try these drugs for fun, but some teens begin taking drugs for their own personal gain. For example, they may use drugs to stay awake while studying or doing homework.
Stimulants Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
You may want to help your loved one quit using stimulants if you see them struggling with the condition.
If you suspect that your loved one has an addiction to stimulants, there are several things you can do to get them into drug addiction treatment. The first thing you should do is call your loved one’s doctor and ask whether they prescribe medication for ADHD. If so, you may need to discuss the option of them prescribing something different.
You can provide support through encouragement and understanding. You can also encourage the person to seek professional drug addiction treatment. In addition, you can offer practical assistance, such as helping your loved one find a job and/or housing. You should also take steps to protect the person and everyone around them from harm.
Stimulants Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
There are several types of treatments for stimulants addiction. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Detoxification is the first step in treating stimulants addiction. During detoxification, the body eliminates all of the toxins that were created during the process of using stimulants. This process is closely monitored by doctors and nurses and you would benefit from staying at a residential or medical facility.
Rehabilitation programs provide a safe environment where people can get the support necessary to stop using stimulants.
Inpatient treatment programs provide 24-hour supervision and help patients develop coping skills to manage their addiction. They often include counselling sessions, group therapy, family support groups, and recreational activities such as sports, arts and crafts.
Outpatient treatment programs offer fewer hours of supervision but still provide comprehensive services. Patients attend daily group meetings and receive one-on-one counselling. Outpatient programs usually take place in centres located near where patients live.
Doctors can prescribe medications to treat stimulants addiction. The goal of these treatments is to prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. Medication options vary depending on the specific needs of each patient.
Antidepressants are prescribed to relieve depression and anxiety. They work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Amphetamines are prescription medicines that increase dopamine levels in the brain.
Benzodiazepines are tranquillisers that relax muscles and slow down thoughts. They are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic attacks.
Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid pain reliever that has been shown to be effective in treating heroin dependence.
Clomipramine is an antidepressant that works by blocking certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.
Therapy sessions will continue throughout your drug recovery. The purpose of these sessions is to guarantee that you learn how to live a healthy, stimulant-free life.
All therapies are useful to achieve sustained addiction recovery, but the most effective treatment for stimulant use disorder is behavioural therapy.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy is a form of psychotherapy that teaches patients new ways to cope with life stresses. CBT focuses on identifying thoughts and behaviours that lead to drug use. By changing negative thoughts and behaviour patterns, patients learn to control their impulses.
DBT is a combination of cognitive-behavioural therapy and mindfulness training. Mindfulness refers to the ability to focus attention on present experiences without judgment.
Individual counselling allows your loved ones to talk about their feelings and views without being criticised. It also allows people to openly express their feelings.
Group therapy is important because it allows your loved ones to share their experiences with others who have had similar challenges.
Counselling can assist you in gaining a better understanding of why you began using stimulants and how to address any underlying issues that contributed to your addiction. Counsellors can also help with coping skills and methods to avoid relapsing into substance misuse.
Family counselling is an excellent technique to assist your loved one in dealing with the reactions of their family to their addictions.
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
Call 0800 999 1083 today!
You may believe that after leaving treatment, you have solved all of your problems. This sensation, however, is just fleeting. You must learn to sustain sober after leaving rehab. Unfortunately, many people who are addicted to stimulants find it difficult to overcome their addiction.
This is why it’s critical to engage the aid of family and friends in assisting the addict in remaining sober. You will be able to provide them with the support and inspiration they need to achieve sobriety.
Many rehabs include 12-step programmes where people may gather on a regular basis to talk about their difficulties and make apologies for previous errors.
Support groups give the person a secure place to talk about their problems. They’ll get help from other addicts who have been through similar situations.
Stimulants Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Addiction can be managed by following certain guidelines. People who suffer from stimulants addiction should seek professional help. In addition, they must remain committed to their recovery program. If they fail to do so, they risk relapsing into their old habits.
When dealing with addiction, it’s critical to be honest with yourself. This entails being honest with yourself about why you began consuming stimulants in the first place.
You must regain control of your life if you find yourself utilising stimulants on a daily basis. Don’t allow stimulants to take over your life. Instead, make arrangements to avoid drugs as much as possible. Make sure you have a safe location to stay sober and clean. Also, spend time with folks who will not put you under any pressure to take stimulants.
If you believe you have a drug addiction, there are a variety of treatment alternatives accessible to you.
When you decide to quit using stimulants, it’s important to make sure that you don’t fall back into your old habits. To prevent this, you’ll want to practice several strategies.
Stimulants Addiction is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
In the United Kingdom, powder cocaine is the most often used stimulant. In England and Wales, the prevalence of usage recorded in 2018–2019 (2.9 %) was the highest since 2008–2009. In England, lifetime usage grew from 2% in 2013 to 4.2 % in 2018, while it increased to 5.4 % in Scotland in the same year.
The most commonly used drug is cannabis, which is followed by powder cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and amphetamine.
In recent years, the use of MDMA by children and young people has skyrocketed. In England and Wales, the prevalence of 16 to 19-year-olds was 4.5 % in 2018–2019, the highest since 2001–2002. In 2018, 3.9 % of 15-year-olds in England and 6% of 15-year-olds in Scotland had taken MDMA at some point in their life.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
In our journey towards health and well-being, we often encounter a crossroads between medical treatment and lifestyle choices. The intersection of antibiotics and alcohol is one such area that demands our attention and understanding. Antibiotics, powerful agents against bacterial infections, operate within our bodies to eradicate harmful pathogens. However, when alcohol enters the … Continued
The term addictive personality is often used to describe someone who seems prone to repeated patterns of addictive behaviour. Although it’s not an official psychiatric diagnosis, understanding this concept is crucial in comprehending addiction. It refers to a set of characteristics that may increase the risk of developing addictive behaviours for an individual. In … Continued
Embarking on the path to recovery from addiction often involves seeking support from rehabilitation centres, commonly known as “rehab.” This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of rehabilitation, elucidating the types of rehab centres available in the UK, and delineating the specific programmes tailored for drug addiction and alcoholism, supported by pertinent facts, statistics, … Continued
Rehabilitation serves as a beacon of hope for individuals navigating the complexities of recovery. In its essence, rehabilitation represents a transformative journey, encompassing physical, psychological, and social aspects to restore individuals’ well-being. Its significance reverberates across diverse fields, from healthcare to social reintegration, reshaping lives and fostering resilience. Exploring the Meaning of Rehabilitation … Continued
