Table of contents:
In this text, you will be able to learn more about psychostimulant addiction, what effects different types of stimulants leave on the body and what are the best treatment options for someone struggling with addiction.
Psychostimulant Side Effects on the Brain and Body
Even one intake of drugs can leave serious consequences on the body, but in the case of prolonged misuse of psychostimulants, the risk of experiencing side effects exponentially grows. The side effects of stimulants can include:
- Risk of developing addiction
- Changes in brain structure and function
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Dental problems
- Risk of seizures
- Elevated blood pressure
Symptoms and Signs of Psychostimulant Addiction
Psychostimulant addiction can happen gradually over time, or in the case of severe substance abuse, after just a couple of drug intakes. The psychostimulants side effects can be noticeable through behavioral changes, but also a plethora of physical and mental symptoms. We will discuss more details in regard to each specific substance in the subsections below.
Symptoms of Psychostimulant Overdose
Overdosing leads to the worst possible stimulant addiction symptoms and it can be potentially life-threatening. Here are the symptoms you need to be wary of:
- Hyperthermia
- Tachycardia
- Severe chest pain
- Seizures
- Respiratory issues
For individuals who are at an increased risk of overdose, immediate stimulants addiction treatment is mandatory, as it is the only solution that can prevent progressive worsening of the symptoms.
Types of Psychostimulants
All types of psychostimulants enhance brain activity, causing a rise in alertness and boosting energy levels. The most used drugs that can lead to psychostimulant addiction include amphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine and crack. Now we will take a closer look at each of these substances.
Amphetamine
Initially developed for medical purposes, amphetamines have been used to treat conditions like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and narcolepsy. They can increase alertness, focus, and concentration in individuals with these conditions. However, amphetamines also have a high potential for abuse and addiction due to their stimulant effects. They are classified as Schedule II controlled substances in the United States due to their potential for misuse and dependence.
Methamphetamineclinic
On the black market, this drug is usually referred to as meth, and it is a potent but highly addictive stimulant. Methamphetamine can be found in various forms, including powder, crystals (commonly referred to as crystal meth), and pills. The psychostimulant addiction treatment for methamphetamines can be very complex and most patients who suffer from this dependence require medical assistance in order to get rid of their addiction.
Cocaine
Cocaine is among the most used narcotics in the world. This substance comes in the form of white powder and it causes euphoric effects quickly after intake. It is most commonly snorted, but it can also be smoked or injected. Its addictive nature can be found in the fact that it affects the brain’s reward system, leading to mental addiction, which is among many side effects of stimulants. This drug is also very expensive, but regardless of that fact, it is used by millions of people around the world on a daily basis.
Ecstasy
Also known as MDMA, this synthetic drug can be abused due to its stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. It can usually be found in the form of tablets, and it is most commonly used among the younger population, who use it as a “party drug”. Frequent use can lead to addiction and side effects and stimulant addiction symptoms such as dehydration, overheating, hypothermia and neurotoxicity.
Crack
Crack is among the substances that cause the worst psychostimulant withdrawal symptoms and lead to complete deterioration of one’s health. Even though crack is similar in structure to cocaine, due to substances that can be added to it, consumption of this narcotic can easily cause psychostimulant overdose symptoms. That is why the only safe method for this psychostimulant addiction treatment includes 24/7 care inside a rehabilitation center.
Treatment Methods for Psychostimulant Addiction
Medical rehabilitation remains the only safe method for psychostimulant addiction treatment. Under the guidance of medical staff, the person can receive all the care it needs in order to achieve the fastest recovery. Outpatient treatments also exist, but can be unreliable, due to the need for self-medicating, but we will speak more on that later in the text.
Medication-assisted Treatment for Psychostimulant Addiction
To avoid psychostimulants side effects that come as a consequence of withdrawal syndrome, doctors can prescribe the medication and use safe dosage in order to manage the symptoms, while lowering the risk of increased dependence.
Pharmacological Treatments for Psychostimulant Addiction
A complete medical stimulants addiction treatment includes the use of pharmacotherapy. This way, the stimulants addiction symptoms are kept under control. With people who are self-medicating, the dangers of this approach are obvious. Not only that it becomes impossible to effectively control the unwanted symptoms, but this approach can also be downright dangerous, as it might lead to overdose, where a person takes huge amounts of drugs. This condition is potentially life-threatening and it requires urgent medical intervention.
Inpatient Treatment vs. Outpatient Treatment for Psychostimulant Addiction
In certain rehab centers, it is possible to receive medication for stimulant addiction and perform only an outpatient treatment. When it comes to Dr Vorobjev clinic, we take an approach to stimulants addiction treatment that combines inpatient and outpatient procedures. Here are some commonalities and differences between these approaches.
Inpatient Treatment
To eliminate psychostimulants from the body, a detox procedure needs to take place. When this is performed without the help of medical experts, withdrawal symptoms of psychostimulants can be quite severe. Luckily, through the use of medication, most psychostimulants side effects can be controlled.
Besides detoxification, inpatient treatment also includes multiple psychotherapy procedures that focus on removing the desire for drugs, creating aversion to them, and developing defense mechanisms against relapse after the treatment is completed.
Outpatient Treatment
Even after the inpatient part of psychostimulant addiction treatment is complete and the person is now free of drugs, we are aware that returning to everyday tasks can be challenging. That is why all patients stay in contact with our psychologists for up to 12 months after the treatment part is over.
Stages of Psychostimulant Addiction Treatment at Dr Vorobjev clinic
At Dr Vorobjev clinic, stimulants addiction treatment is divided into several stages. These include:
Any side effect of psychostimulants is eliminated during the early stages of treatment, while the later stages focus on elimination of the urge to consume psychostimulants. This can be done through a therapy that combines medications for stimulant addiction, various medical devices and psychotherapy. The most important thing is that a patient stops feeling the side effects of stimulants, eliminate the need to consume them, and regain control over his thoughts and actions.
Effectiveness of Treatment for Psychostimulant Addiction
In order for psychostimulant addiction treatment to be as effective as possible, it is important that a person fully dedicates himself to stimulants addiction treatment. In our clinic, patients who undergo psychostimulant addiction treatment manage to leave their addiction in the past and successfully overcome any obstacles in 89% of the cases.
Cost of Psychostimulant Addiction Treatment
Because psychostimulant abuse symptoms can vary so greatly and affect everyone differently, every stimulants addiction treatment is created in accordance with the current situation. Contact us today to get an estimation of the costs and duration of treatment for you or your loved one.
Doctors
At our clinic, doctors who monitor the procedures and have the ability to propose medications for stimulant addiction have a lot of experience in dealing with addictive disorders. They will help you to stop feeling the side effects of stimulants and get back to healthy habits as soon as possible.
Patents and Certificates
We hold patents over procedures that can remove psychostimulant abuse symptoms and help you overcome the addiction that is destroying your life. For our work in the field of psychostimulant addiction treatment, we have been rewarded multiple times, but our greatest award is the lives of people we were able to change for the better.
