Stimulants

The signs of stimulant addiction can look different for everyone, but there are some common symptoms to watch for. Stimulants typically provide people with an intense rush of energy, feelings of euphoria, and a reduced need for sleep. While these effects might seem appealing to the person at first, the impact of stimulant use can quickly spiral out of control, affecting their thoughts, behavior, physical health, and emotions.  

The cognitive symptoms of stimulant addiction can include: 

 

• Craving stimulants even when they are causing harm to your health, relationships, and career 

• Having racing thoughts or heightened focus  

• Feeling confused or paranoid 

• Struggling with your decision-making and judgment 

 

The behavioral symptoms of stimulant addiction can include:  

 

• Using stimulants for longer or in greater amounts than you had planned 

• Struggling to stop using stimulants 

• Spending a lot of time finding stimulants, using them, and recovering from their effects 

• Engaging in deceptive behaviors like lying to your loved ones, stealing from others, and hiding your use or abuse of stimulants 

• Acting impulsively or taking dangerous risks 

• Risking financial instability by spending large amounts of money on stimulants 

• Speaking unusually fast or exhibiting hyperactive behavior 

 

The physical symptoms of stimulant addiction can include: 

 

• Needing larger amounts of stimulants to feel the same effects  

• Struggling with insomnia or having restless nights 

• Losing weight or experiencing changes in your normal appetite 

• Having a dry mouth, dilated pupils, a racing heart, or problems with sexual function 

• Experiencing excessive sweating  

 

The emotional symptoms of stimulant addiction can include: 

 

• Feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed by mood swings 

• Acting overly jittery, hyperactive, or aggressive 

 

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of stimulant abuse, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. At Turning Point Centers in Utah, we understand how challenging it can be to face stimulant addiction alone, and we’re here to help. We provide our clients with individualized care plans, therapy, and a supportive environment where they can start on the path toward recovery and a better quality of life.  

Stimulant abuse and addiction can develop for many reasons, and understanding the causes can be an important step on a person’s recovery journey. Some people’s symptoms of addiction develop after they use prescription stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall to manage symptoms of a health condition such as ADHD. Over time, the person can develop an addiction to their medication, especially if they take it in higher doses or for reasons other than it was prescribed. Some people abuse their prescription stimulants to boost their energy, improve their focus, or stay awake for long hours. Other people develop symptoms of addiction after they use illegal stimulants like cocaine or meth. Some people use these illicit substances to experience the euphoria or heightened energy they can provide and end up becoming dependent on them. 

Extreme stress and pressure can contribute to a person’s struggles with stimulant addiction. People might use stimulants to stay productive at work or school or to keep up with growing responsibilities at home. Additionally, some individuals use stimulants to deal with emotional pain and symptoms of mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. 

Social influences can also be a contributing factor and can cause a person to struggle with a stimulant addiction. A person who experiences peer pressure or is exposed to drug use in their social circles is more likely to try stimulants. In some cases, a person’s genetic predisposition to addiction or changes in their brain chemistry can also make them more vulnerable to developing a stimulant dependency. 

At Turning Point Centers, we understand that stimulant abuse often results from a combination of factors. We provide our clients with personalized care to help them address both the symptoms of stimulant abuse and the unique underlying causes that may have led to a stimulant dependency to begin with.  

Stimulant addiction can have serious impacts on your physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. The use of stimulants, including prescription medications like Adderall and illegal drugs like cocaine, may provide you with temporary energy or focus, but over time, it may cause you to develop a stimulant dependency. Stimulant dependency can cause a person to suffer from health problems such as an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, extreme weight loss, and difficulty sleeping. These physical effects can increase a person’s risk for long-term health concerns, including heart problems and other serious conditions. 

Stimulant addiction can also take a toll on your emotional and mental health. Many people who struggle with stimulant addiction experience symptoms including heightened anxiety, depression, mood swings, and even paranoia. These emotional struggles can make it difficult for them to focus, maintain their personal relationships, and enjoy everyday activities. 

Additionally, stimulant addiction can affect a person’s ability to make sound decisions and manage their responsibilities. You might find yourself spending a lot of time and energy seeking and using stimulants, which can cause you to have problems at work, school, and home. You might also struggle with financial strain, legal concerns, and damaged relationships if you continue to abuse stimulants despite being aware of their negative effects. 

Stimulant addiction is a common health concern, both in the United States and around the world. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 

• 5.1 million people age 12 and older in the United States misused stimulants in 2020.  

• Reported stimulant misuse was highest among young adults ages 18-25, affecting 1.6 million people in this age group. 

• Reported stimulant misuse was second highest among adults age 26 and older, affecting 3.2 million people in this age group.  

Seeking treatment for stimulant addiction can change your life for the better. By receiving effective treatment, you can learn how to stop relying on stimulants and start feeling more in control of your life and choices. Effective addiction treatment can also help you deal with cravings and withdrawal symptoms within a nonjudgmental, supportive environment. 

Another benefit of receiving stimulant addiction treatment is that it can help you improve your overall mental health. Therapy can help you realize why you started using stimulants in the first place, which may include instances of stress or past trauma. It can also teach you better ways to handle difficult emotions without feeling the need to use stimulants as a coping mechanism. Many people report feeling less anxious and more confident in themselves and their future after completing substance abuse treatment. 

Getting quality treatment for stimulant abuse can also help you rebuild your life. In therapy, you’ll learn skills that can help you manage stress, avoid the things that make you want to use drugs, and stay on a healthier path. Therapy can also provide you with tools for repairing broken relationships with your loved ones, which can help you build a more resilient long-term support system.  

At Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, we offer a variety of treatment options to support you in your recovery from a stimulant addiction, including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, holistic therapies, medication-assisted treatment (as needed), and aftercare options.  

In individual and group therapy sessions, clients work with a counselor to explore the causes that may have led them to struggle with an addiction to stimulants. Clients can also learn strategies to help them manage their triggers and overcome personal challenges. Group therapy sessions provide a safe space where clients can connect with others who understand what they’re going through and share their individual experiences. 

Therapy methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have shown to be effective in treating substance use disorders because they can help clients identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can also provide clients with practical strategies to help them handle stress, manage their triggers, and develop healthier overall routines. 

Because substance abuse impacts a person’s loved ones as well, we also offer family therapy. Family therapy sessions can help clients rebuild trust and repair their interpersonal relationships, which can support them on their path to recovery. 

If it is needed, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can also be a part of a client’s recovery plan. Medication can help reduce cravings for stimulants and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, which can make it easier for clients to stay focused on their treatment. However, the choice to include medication in a treatment plan is always up to the client. 

Because recovery is a process that extends beyond the treatment phase, we also offer aftercare services. Our options for continuing support include sober living, alumni programs, and other resources that can help clients maintain their progress and stay on track long after their treatment ends. 

Finally, we believe that true healing involves more than just addressing the symptoms and causes of addiction. Through our holistic therapy options, which include yoga, meditation, and art therapy, we aim to help our clients restore balance and wellness in all areas of their lives. These therapies can help reduce clients’ stress, enhance their mental well-being, and support their physical health as they continue on the path to healing. 

Nestled in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, Turning Point Centers offers a supportive, peaceful environment where your healing comes first. Our luxurious, boutique-style facility provides a calm and welcoming space for you to focus solely on your well-being without the stressors and distractions of daily life. We understand that overcoming stimulant addiction is challenging, but with effective care, lasting recovery is possible.  

At Turning Point Centers, we want to help you build a life you can look forward to, a life that is free from the grip of stimulant addiction. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about our stimulant addiction treatment options, please reach out to us today.  

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Turning Point Centers.