Prescription Stimulant & Amphetamine Addiction: Types, Symptoms & Recovery

Stimulants, often used for ADHD, can lead to addiction. But don’t worry, help is available.

Stimulants, like those used for conditions like ADHD, can be helpful when taken as prescribed. However, misusing them can lead to addiction. If you or someone you know is using stimulants and showing signs of addiction, it’s essential to understand the treatment options.

Understanding Stimulants

Stimulants are substances that speed up the brain and body by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, triggers the fight-or-flight response, while dopamine activates the brain’s reward system. This makes stimulants highly addictive, with many classified as Schedule II controlled substances due to their abuse potential. 

Types of Stimulants

Stimulant medications come in various forms. While some treat ADHD, others address conditions like shift-work disorder or narcolepsy. Stimulants include:

• Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
• Cocaine
• Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
• Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine (Adderall)
• Khat
• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• Methamphetamine
• Modafinil (Provigil)
• Pitolisant (Wakix)

How Stimulants Affect the Brain

Stimulants boost dopamine and norepinephrine production in the brain. Dopamine activates the brain’s reward system, while norepinephrine triggers the fight-or-flight response. Stimulants are often prescribed for conditions like ADHD, where increased dopamine and norepinephrine can help address underlying issues. 

Common Stimulant Misuse

Misuse of stimulants is widespread, with about 10.3 million Americans misusing them in 2020. Adults aged 18 to 25 were particularly at risk. Of this population: 

• Approximately 3.3 million people misused cocaine.
• About 3.3 million people misused prescription stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
• Around 1.5 million people misused methamphetamine.
• Approximately 1.5 million people misused more than one type of stimulant.

Recognizing Stimulant Abuse

Stimulants can lead to various side effects when abused, such as:

• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Headache
• Flushed skin
• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Agitation
• Hostility
• Aggression
• Panic
• Psychosis

Stimulant Withdrawal and Detox

Withdrawing from stimulants involves several stages, but specifics can vary based on factors like the stimulant used, individual differences, and the extent of use. Here’s a typical withdrawal process:

• Crash: After intense use, many short-acting stimulants lead to a crash, marked by extended periods of tiredness and extra sleep. It’s unclear whether long-acting stimulants cause a similar crash as shorter-acting ones. 
• Comedown: Following a crash, people often experience a comedown phase, which brings exhaustion and mood swings.
• Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms typically start within a few days of quitting stimulants. Most symptoms go away within two weeks, but some may persist, especially for long-term users.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Feeling down
• Restlessness
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Vivid or troubling dreams
• Increased appetite
• Slower thinking
• Feeling tired
• Physical issues

For those who’ve used high doses of stimulants for a long time, there’s a greater risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, such as: 

• Confusion
• Extreme mistrust
• Chaotic thinking
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there

These severe withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, so medically supervised detox is the safest way to quit stimulants, especially for long-term, high-dose users.

Treating Stimulant Addiction

Overcoming stimulant addiction can be challenging, but medical support during detox can help manage withdrawal symptoms. Following detox, rehab involves therapy to address the root causes of addiction and develop strategies for a stimulant-free life.

Seek Help Today

If you or a loved one struggles with stimulant abuse and addiction, you’re not alone. The Recovery Village Indianapolis Drug and Alcohol Rehab offers assistance for stimulant addiction, paving the way to a healthier, drug-free future in recovery. Contact our Recovery Advocates today to explore treatment programs tailored to your needs.