Stimulant Addiction: Understanding and Treatment

Stimulant addiction now officially called Stimulant use disorder is the misuse of stimulants to an extent that negatively impacts an individual’s life. According to a 2020 national survey, around 3.5 million Americans aged 12 and above were reported to have stimulant use disorder.

Stimulants encompass both illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine (meth) and legal prescription amphetamines like Adderall. These substances can be administered orally, snorted, smoked, or injected.

Individuals grappling with stimulant use disorder face challenges in controlling their stimulant consumption. Despite experiencing adverse effects on their health, relationships, and overall functioning, they persist in using these substances. The repercussions may extend to legal and financial troubles, coupled with a diminished ability to find pleasure in alternative activities.

Types of Stimulants

Stimulants encompass a wide range of substances, and they can be divided into two primary categories: prescribed stimulants and illicit stimulants. Prescribed stimulants, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Concerta, are legal medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to address specific medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. Despite their legal status, there is a potential for abuse, as individuals may misuse or divert these medications for nonmedical purposes.

Prescription Stimulants

Prescribed stimulants have clear medical uses, helping improve focus and attention, and manage various health conditions. Below are some of the most common ones.

Illicit Stimulants

Illicit stimulants are illegal substances not approved for medical use. Illicit stimulants are often used for recreational purposes, seeking euphoria or altered states of consciousness. The usage of these substances poses significant health risks, including addiction, cardiovascular issues, and mental health consequences. 

How Stimulants Work and Their Addiction Potential

Stimulant drugs impact the central nervous system (CNS) by influencing neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Primarily affecting norepinephrine and dopamine, stimulants can alter physiological functions like heart rate and breathing, as well as reinforce rewarding behaviors.

The potential for misuse arises due to the desirable effects stimulants produce. Outside of prescribed uses, individuals may misuse these drugs to combat fatigue, suppress appetite, enhance alertness, or achieve a pleasurable “high.” Alternative administration routes, such as injecting or snorting, are sometimes attempted to intensify these effects. Regardless of the method, the pattern of consuming stimulants in large quantities, known as binging, is common in the pursuit of an amplified experience. 

The captivating effects, coupled with the potential for intensification through various routes and binge patterns, heighten the risk of addiction. Misuse of stimulants, even beyond medical prescriptions, can lead to dependency, where individuals rely on these substances to attain the desired effects. 

Signs and Symptoms of Stimulant Addiction

While only a healthcare professional can formally diagnose a stimulant use disorder, recognizing the criteria used for diagnosis is valuable. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a person may have a stimulant use disorder if they exhibit at least two of the following criteria within 12 months, leading to significant impairment:

• Using the stimulant in larger doses or for a longer period than intended.

• Persistent desire to use or repeated unsuccessful attempts to decrease or cease use.

• Spending significant time trying to obtain, use, or recover from the drug.

• Strong cravings, urges, or a persistent desire to use the stimulant.

• Recurrent use leading to failure in fulfilling obligations at school, home, or work.

• Continued use despite negative effects on social life and interpersonal relationships.

• Significant reduction or abandonment of recreational, work, or social activities.

• Repeated use in environments or situations where it could cause physical harm.

• Ongoing use despite knowledge that physical and/or psychological problems are likely to be caused or worsened.

• Tolerance (Not applicable if using a prescription stimulant as prescribed.)

• Withdrawal (Not applicable if using a prescription stimulant as prescribed.)

Treatment Approaches of Stimulant Addiction / Simulant Use Disorders

The first step is typically detox especially if withdrawal symptoms are anticipated. Individuals with a stimulant use disorder may encounter symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, paranoia, and drug cravings during withdrawal. Moreover, temporary yet severe depression can occur, necessitating careful monitoring during detox to address potential issues like suicidal ideation. 

While no FDA-approved medications specifically target stimulant withdrawal, detox serves as a safe and humane process facilitating substance withdrawal and fostering long-term treatment and recovery.

Detox, while crucial, does not comprehensively address substance abuse disorders. It often serves as the initial step toward recovery and further treatment. Following detox, treatment is personalized to meet individual needs, with common environments including outpatient and inpatient settings:

• Outpatient treatment: Regularly scheduled group and/or individual counseling may be used independently or as a complement to inpatient treatment.

• Inpatient treatment: Providing 24/7 care within a hospital or residential setting, offering a mix of therapeutic approaches to support patients in leading a drug-free lifestyle post-treatment.

As outlined in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s guide on the Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders, various therapeutic approaches have proven effective. 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy: A goal-oriented treatment focusing on understanding and changing behavior and thinking.

• Contingency management: A behavioral therapy reinforcing desired behaviors through incentives like privileges, cash, or prizes.

• Community reinforcement: Involves relationship counseling, job skills training, and vocational guidance, aiming to identify and alter behaviors that reinforce stimulant use.

• Motivational interviewing: A client-centered counseling approach assisting individuals in overcoming ambivalence and insecurities, fostering engagement with treatment efforts and motivation to reduce or stop stimulant use.

An effective treatment program often integrates multiple therapies, addressing different facets of addiction. Given the chronic nature of addiction, sustained recovery may require long-term or repeated treatment interventions.

What are the health risks of stimulant addiction?

Short-term health risks may include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, and reduced appetite. Long-term use can lead to severe cardiovascular issues, mental health disorders, weight loss, dental problems (especially with substances like methamphetamine), and an increased risk of stroke.

Is physical dependence on my prescribed stimulants the same as stimulant use disorder?

No, physical dependence on prescribed stimulants is not necessarily the same as stimulant use disorder. Physical dependence refers to the body’s adaptation to the presence of a substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms if the substance is discontinued abruptly.

What role does nutrition play in recovering from stimulant addiction?

Nutrition plays a significant role in the recovery from stimulant addiction as it can help repair the body, improve mood, and reduce cravings. Stimulant use often leads to poor nutritional habits and health issues, such as weight loss and vitamin deficiencies. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can support the body’s healing process, restoring physical health and contributing to overall well-being.

Incorporating a nutrition plan into recovery efforts can be as crucial as therapy and medical treatment. Recovery centers, including those specializing in painkiller addiction, often offer nutritional counseling as part of their comprehensive care programs. This holistic approach supports the body’s recovery while also addressing the psychological aspects of addiction, which is a service that can be further explored and supported in an aftercare facility.