Stimulant Addiction - Common Substances That Are Abused
Stimulants work by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which creates a euphoric effect that users may chase after, leading to stimulant use disorder. Some of the most common types of stimulants used and abused that result in stimulant addiction include the following:
Amphetamines
Amphetamines – like Adderall – are powerful prescription stimulant medications prescribed to treat conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which helps improve focus, attention, and alertness. However, amphetamines can be misused. High school and college students often do this, as they frequently use these medications as a study aid.
Amphetamine dependence can lead to serious health issues in addition to substance abuse. This often includes cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and irregular heartbeats. Neurological issues such as seizures and severe headaches can occur as well. Psychological effects are also common, including anxiety, mood swings, and depression.
Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
Cocaine and crack cocaine are powerful stimulant drugs. Cocaine works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain, which leads to intense feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened alertness. However, misuse of cocaine can result in severe health issues. These can include heart attacks, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. Damage to the central nervous system can occur as well. Psychological effects include anxiety, mood swings, paranoia, and severe depression.
Crack cocaine is highly addictive – even more addictive than cocaine. It produces a quicker and more intense high but leads to a higher risk of addiction. Crack-cocaine addiction can cause more immediate and severe health consequences.
Both forms of drug misuse can lead to stimulant use disorders and cause significant disruptions in a person’s life.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It produces intense feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened focus. However, chronic use can lead to severe health issues, like cardiovascular problems and significant psychological effects. Examples of psychological side effects include anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and depression. Methamphetamine addiction can disrupt a person’s life negatively, making professional treatment and support groups essential for recovery.
No matter what type of stimulant use disorder you’re facing, it’s important to consider professional treatment to help you get your life back on track. Treating stimulant use disorder isn’t easy, but it’s possible with the right help.
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Stimulant Addiction Treatment Options at Elevate Recovery Center
If you’re dealing with stimulant abuse – like cocaine addiction or methamphetamine abuse – it’s important to consider professional treatment options. Below are the types of treatment programs we offer at Elevate Recovery Center:
Partial Hospitalization Program
Anyone dealing with stimulant use disorder can consider a partial hospitalization program (PHP). This intensive outpatient treatment program provides treatment sessions 5 days per week for up to 8 hours each day. Patients take part in individual, group, and family therapy to address the underlying causes of stimulant use disorder and work on ways to overcome their dependence. Educational sessions about stimulant use disorder and recovery will also be provided. Most people use PHP as a step down once they finish a residential treatment program. However, it’s possible to start with this level of care if appropriate.
Intensive Outpatient Program
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is another intensive type of outpatient treatment program, but it is a step below PHP. In these stimulant addiction treatment programs, patients attend sessions three or four times per week for around 3 hours each time. They participate in individual and group counseling. Sometimes family therapy is offered as well. This can be used as a standalone treatment option, but many patients complete inpatient treatment or PHP and then begin an IOP program.
Standard Outpatient Treatment
Standard outpatient treatment is the lowest level of outpatient treatment offered. Patients generally attend one or two sessions per week and participate in individual and group therapy. There’s a significant focus on relapse prevention and helping patients stay sober long-term. This type of program is almost always used after a higher level of care is completed.
No matter what type of addiction treatment you need for your stimulant use disorder, we can help you. Reach out to Elevate Recovery Center to learn more about your treatment options for stimulant addiction. We will help you decide where to start.
We understand that getting help for addiction can be challenging. Start with a free addiction assessment today.
Treating Stimulant Addiction - Treatment Approaches We Utilize
Individuals who use stimulants – like prescription drugs, methamphetamine, and cocaine – tend to need professional help at some point. When treating addiction to stimulants, we use various types of treatment approaches to ensure patients get the help they need. We create personalized treatment plans for each patient, which usually include the following:
Individual and Group Therapy
When patients attend any of our treatment programs, we use individual and group therapy. Individual therapy is one-on-one with a counselor, where patients explore the underlying causes of their stimulant use disorder. They also look into how it has affected their lives and those around them.
Group therapy is done for similar reasons – a group of people experiencing similar issues get together with a therapist and discuss their problems. This allows them to connect with each other and learn from others who understand what they’re going through.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is another important aspect of addiction treatment, as addiction to stimulants can have a significant impact on family dynamics. Involving loved ones in the recovery process is crucial for creating a strong support system. In family therapy, patients and their families can work through any conflicts or issues that may have arisen as a result of the stimulant use disorder and learn healthy communication and coping strategies.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment is an important aspect of addiction treatment for many patients because a large percentage of those struggling with drug use also have a mental health disorder. This often includes anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recovery can be challenging or even impossible for patients who don’t receive treatment for both conditions. Our treatment programs offer integrated care that addresses both the addiction to stimulants and any underlying mental health disorders. This generally leads to better recovery outcomes.
Medication Management
There are currently no FDA-approved medications used for stimulant addiction. However, it’s important for patients to work with a psychiatrist so they can make sure they are on the best medication for any co-occurring mental health disorders they’re dealing with.
If you have questions about any of our treatment programs for stimulant drug use, don’t hesitate to reach out as soon as possible.
Other Addiction Treatment Options
We do not provide the following stimulant use disorder treatment services, but it is important to be aware of the various options available to address addiction to stimulants.
Medical Detox For Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms
Detox programs assist individuals in safely managing withdrawal symptoms from substances like cocaine and methamphetamine. This is done under medical supervision, providing a stable foundation for recovery. Medical professionals, like doctors and psychiatrists, can help patients deal with psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms from heavy stimulant use, which makes the process as comfortable as possible.
Medical detox can also help with cravings as well. Detoxing in a professional setting provides a safe, substance-free space for individuals to detox. It helps prevent relapse and also gives individuals a better chance of entering further treatment programs.
Inpatient Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder
Inpatient rehab is an option for those who need more intensive treatment and constant supervision for stimulant use disorder and mental health conditions. This type of treatment involves a structured schedule of therapy sessions, including individual and group support. We also provide educational sessions on stimulant use disorder and recovery. Other treatment activities can also be used to help patients recover from their addiction. Inpatient rehab can last from 30 days to 90 days, with the length depending on the individual’s needs and how they progress in treatment.
If you believe you need these higher levels of care, reach out to our team today. We will refer you to an appropriate facility and then get you started with our outpatient programs when appropriate.
Contact Elevate Recovery to Learn More About Stimulant Addiction and Treatment Options
If you’re dealing with stimulant use disorder or you know someone who is, you need to understand the treatment options and learn what steps you can take to truly get the help you need. Asking for help is the most important thing you can do, and it can change the rest of your life. Contact Elevate Recovery Center and we will help you find the right treatment program and make sure you get started as soon as possible. Call (877) 592-2102 or complete our online contact form to learn more about stimulant addiction and possible treatment options.
