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Understanding Stimulant Addiction Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments

Written by
On August 12, 2024

Stimulants cover a wide array of substances, from caffeine and tea to Adderall and methamphetamine. Some stimulants have medical benefits when used as prescribed, while others, particularly when used illicitly, can be dangerous and carry significant risks.

Prescription stimulants are a highly effective treatment for real medical conditions and are offered as a solution for challenging issues. However, due to the high likelihood of abuse and addiction, they fall short of a truly long-term answer for daily problems. Illicit stimulant drugs generate a euphoric high, making it difficult for substance use disorder sufferers to discontinue use.

At Ikon Recovery, we understand the complex concerns you or your loved one may face with stimulant use. Our treatment options for stimulant use disorder encompass a range of mental health interventions and innovative behavioral treatments to ensure you get the help you need. Reach out today to get started.

Key Points:

  • As a broad category, stimulants increase central nervous system activity and activate the brain’s reward system.
  • Examples of stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy.
  • Many stimulant drugs are classified as Schedule II controlled substances that carry a high likelihood of abuse and addiction.
  • The most common adverse effects of stimulants include anxiety, jitters, headaches, weight loss, sleep disruption, itchy skin, nose bleeds, psychosis, paranoia, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, high blood pressure, increased risks of stroke, accelerated heart rate, seizures, increased risk of EKG abnormalities, sudden cardiac arrest, and more.
  • 11 common signs of stimulant addiction include compulsive drug-seeking behavior, lack of interest in hobbies, needing stimulants to “feel normal,” changes in friend groups, behavioral changes, lack of performance at work or school, lack of self-control, memory issues, poor judgment, trouble with decision-making, and withdrawal symptoms when stimulant use is stopped.
  • Stimulant addiction treatment incorporates evidence-based therapies, innovative treatment interventions, behavioral health, community support, and more.

What Are Stimulants?

Stimulant drugs include illicit street drugs and prescription medications for diagnosed medical conditions. Examples of stimulants include a wide range, from Adderall to methamphetamine.

Prescription stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, etc.) are prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, or narcolepsy.[1] Psychostimulants include both prescription and illegal stimulant drugs such as ecstasy, methamphetamine, and cocaine. [2]

All of these substances carry a high likelihood of abuse and addiction and have a Schedule II controlled substance classification by the DEA.[3] As a broad category, stimulants increase central nervous system activity.[4] This is the intended function for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy, but illicit use of stimulant drugs can be dangerous and potentially lethal.

Stimulant Addiction and Abuse

Due to the impact on the central nervous system and the activation of the brain’s reward center, stimulants are considered highly addictive.[5] As such, stimulant abuse is one of the more common forms of substance use disorder.

According to the CDC, approximately 4.3 million people misused prescription stimulants in 2022.[6] Additionally, nearly 33,000 people died from an overdose involving psychostimulants (30% of all overdose deaths) in 2021, which was higher than the previous year.

Depending on the type of substance in question, stimulant drugs are abused in the following ways:[7]

  • Orally (primarily prescription formulas)
  • Snorting
  • Smoking
  • Injection

 

This information paints a disheartening picture of the state of drug use in our nation, but Ikon Recovery is here to make a difference where it matters. We’re committed to supporting you and your loved one through life-threatening drug addiction with mental health therapy, behavioral therapy, vitamin therapy, education, and community support.

Addiction Treatment by Substance

Stimulant Drug Quick Reference Chart

Drug Category
Stimulants, psychostimulants
Commercial & Street Names
Addys, Crystal, White Rock, Study Buddies, Blow, Skittles, Speed, Lines, Crank, Uppers, Glass, Ice, Rocket Fuel, Rail, Snow, nose candy, coke
DEA Schedule
Many are Schedule II
Administration
Inhalation, snorting, injection

Adverse Stimulant Side Effects

Prescription and illicit stimulant drugs have an intended outcome (increased alertness, euphoric high, etc.). However, they’re also associated with several adverse side effects that vary from person to person. Some of these adverse effects of stimulants are life-threatening and can even be fatal.

The most common stimulant intoxication symptoms or adverse effects of stimulants include the following:[8]

  • Anxiety
  • Jitters
  • Headaches
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss
  • Sleep disruption
  • Itchy skin
  • Nose bleeds
  • Psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, etc.)
  • Paranoia
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased risks of stroke
  • Accelerated heart rate, arrhythmias, and heart palpitations
  • Seizures
  • Increased risk of EKG abnormalities
  • Sudden cardiac arrest

Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms

Stimulant withdrawal syndrome can occur after one has developed a dependence on a stimulant substance and stops taking it. Withdrawal symptoms can present within 24 hours of the last use of stimulants, and can last for as long as 3-5 days, and may include:[9]

  • Irritability
  • Feeling restless and agitated
  • Depressive symptoms
  • Drowsiness and increased sleeping hours
  • Return of a natural appetite
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Symptoms of psychosis (paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, etc.)
  • Increased risk of self-harm

If you believe you or someone you know is experiencing stimulant withdrawal, call 911 immediately or get to the nearest emergency department for critical medical care. Follow up with substance use disorder treatment and pursue lasting recovery.

11 Common Signs of Stimulant Addiction

There are several lifestyle changes and other signs that can indicate stimulant abuse and addiction, including:[10]

  • Compulsively seeking out stimulant drugs, legally or otherwise
  • Lack of interest in formerly loved hobbies and activities
  • Needing stimulants to regain a sense of normalcy
  • Changes in friends
  • Behavioral changes
  • Lack of performance at work or school
  • Lack of self-control
  • Memory issues
  • Poor judgment
  • Trouble with decision-making
  • Withdrawal symptoms when stimulant use is stopped

Stimulant Addiction Treatment

Stimulant addiction is particularly challenging to face on your own. Sometimes, simply quitting can be dangerous due to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. Professional treatment for stimulant use disorder will help you address the holistic impact the harmful substance has had on your life, from physical to mental and emotional.

At Ikon Recovery, we want to help you become the best version of yourself and pursue greatness. Our treatment services provide evidence-based, compassionate, and community-focused offerings created to meet you where you are and help you get where you’re going. Our levels of care include:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Participate in our full-time day program that feels like inpatient treatment for substance use disorder but without restrictive live-in requirements. Here, you’ll receive a range of mental and behavioral therapies, education, vitamin therapy treatment options, community support, and more.

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

Our part-time program, based on your needs, runs three to five days a week. Here, you will also get access to our wide range of mental and behavioral therapies, education, vitamin therapy, community support, and more.

Outpatient Program

To maintain your recovery, you need ongoing support. We’ll be alongside you as you reintegrate into daily routines. Our standard outpatient treatment program offers practical, long-term support and ongoing access to treatment.

Aftercare Program

When formal treatment programs are over, Ikon Recovery is still here for you. We’re committed to your long-term success and will continue providing support, treatment access, education, events, and more.

Recovery Capital

We’ll help you invest in your social life, personal values, and community to build Recovery Capital that enhances your commitment to lifelong recovery.

Alumni Services

Recovery can be lonely, but not at Ikon Recovery. Our alumni community regularly joins forces for training, events, and fun to help you continue developing connections, staying inspired, and showing up for others.

Sober Living

We’re connected with a vast and thriving network of sober living communities that allow you to reinforce coping skills and maintain recovery progress.

Frequently  Asked Questions About Stimulant Addiction

Are stimulants addictive?

Yes. Many are classified as Schedule II controlled substances that carry a high likelihood of abuse and addiction.

Who is most at risk of stimulant addiction?

The CDC reports that high-risk people groups include those in the low-income bracket, those without insurance, lower education status, those in rural areas, and middle-aged men.[11]

How do stimulants affect the brain and body?

As stated above, stimulants increase central nervous system activity and activate the brain’s reward system. This is partly what influences the highly addictive nature of stimulant drugs.

How can I help a loved one with a substance use disorder?

The best way to help is to point them to professional treatment continually. Always be willing to listen but not to enable harmful patterns. Offer a safe space but arm yourself with educational resources to light the way to treatment and recovery.

Sources

[1][2][6]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Stimulant overdose. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/stimulant-overdose.html

[3]Drug scheduling. DEA. (n.d.-b). https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling

[4]Farzam, K. (2023, July 2). Stimulants. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539896/

[5][8]U.S. National Library of Medicine. (1999, January 1). Chapter 2-how stimulants affect the brain and behavior. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders: Updated 2021 [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576548/

[7]Ciccarone, D. (2011, March). Stimulant abuse: Pharmacology, cocaine, methamphetamine, treatment, attempts at pharmacotherapy. Primary care. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3056348/

[9]U.S. National Library of Medicine. (1970, January 1). Withdrawal management. Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/

[10]U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024a, January 5). Drug misuse and addiction. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction

[11]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-a). Stimulant overdose. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/stimulant-overdose.html