Stimulants, often called “uppers,” raise levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body. A stimulant is a drug class that excites any bodily function, but more specifically those that stimulate the brain and the central nervous system. The short-term effects from consuming stimulants often induce awareness, alertness, elevated mood, wakefulness, increased speech and increased motor activity.
The Effects of Stimulants
Though stimulants have very limited therapeutic use, the mood-elevating effects make some stimulants extremely potent drugs to abuse. The most commonly used street drugs, cocaine, and amphetamines, fall under the category of stimulants.
Below are five ways the effects of stimulants, more specifically methamphetamine and cocaine, can alter the mind and harm the body.
Short-term Effects of Stimulants
After consuming stimulants, the brain increases certain types of cell signaling and amplifies various physiological processes throughout the brain and body. Many stimulants heighten the brain’s dopamine release, which results in a sense of well-being, increased energy, increased attention and alertness. These increases in brain activity allow the user, temporarily, to accomplish tasks at hand, meanwhile feeling a sense of euphoria.
The heightened brain activity of the user, results in stimulants having a high abuse potential, due to the positive effects produced by stimulants. These desired effects are short-lived, thus causing the person to increase the intake of stimulants. Over time, this pattern of abuse often results in the person experiencing a wide range of negative effects of stimulants.
Long-term Effects of Stimulants
After prolonged use of stimulants, people often experience irritability, restlessness, hyperactivity, anxiety, excessive speech, rapid mood swings, agitation, tremors, confusion, and, in most serious cases, a state resembling paranoid schizophrenia. People typically experience these effects of stimulants because the brain has a difficult time regulating and balancing dopamine after prolonged abuse.
Stimulants also interact with certain areas of the brain that manage emotions, fear, aggression, and flight-or-fight responses. When the brain is overstimulated, the negative effects of stimulant use become hard to ignore.
Effects of a Stimulant Crash
The “come down” or “crash” effects of stimulants often cause a significant amount of distress. Once the effects of a stimulant wear off, dopamine levels drop below normal. This “crash” involves a period of exhaustion because the body is drained of energy. Symptoms of a stimulant comedown often include:
- Aches and pains
- Low energy
- Confusion
- Intense drug cravings
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
According to the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies at New York University, it is said that it takes 7-10 days for the body to reach normal energy levels after extended stimulant abuse.
Effects of Stimulant Abuse
As someone abuses stimulants, their brain structures and functions are altered, more specifically the cells containing serotonin. The after-effects of stimulant abuse often include:
- Weight loss
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Psychosis
- Repetitive motor activity
- Damage to nerve cells
- Cardiovascular collapse
People may experience these negative side effects due to the overstimulation of the brain. Often, those on stimulants have a suppressed appetite and cannot rest properly, causing many of the symptoms listed above. Those who abuse stimulants will try to maintain the feelings present during the initial use of a stimulant, by increasing the amount used and the frequency of use, inevitably causing much of these side effects.
Effects of Stimulant Addiction
The effects of stimulant addiction are rather severe, due to the potency of many stimulants. It is likely that those who abuse stimulants may develop an addiction, which in turn, causes intense drug cravings that lead users to continuously use, despite consequences. Other side effects and risks associated with stimulants addiction include:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Skin discoloration
Effects of Stimulant Withdrawal
After a person struggling with stimulant addiction stops taking the drug, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Common effects of stimulant withdrawal include:
- Depression
- Anhedonia
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Dental pain
- Fatigue
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Cravings
The effects of stimulant withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and may lead to relapse if not properly managed. It is important for individuals seeking help for stimulant addiction to undergo medically supervised detox in order to safely and comfortably manage withdrawal symptoms. When participating in a professional stimulant detox program, the major symptoms of stimulant withdrawal typically resolve within 4–7 days.
Effects of Stimulants on Mental Health
Stimulant addiction can also have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health. Frequent use of stimulants can lead to changes in brain chemistry, resulting in mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. Long-term use of stimulants has also been linked with an increased risk of developing cognitive impairments and memory loss.
Effects of Stimulants on Relationships
In addition to these potential mental health effects, individuals struggling with stimulant addiction may also experience social consequences. These can include strained relationships, financial difficulties, and legal troubles due to engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of stimulants.
Seeking Treatment for Stimulant Abuse
It is crucial for individuals struggling with stimulant addiction to seek professional treatment in order to overcome their dependence on these drugs. One of the first steps in recovering from stimulant addiction is detoxification. During this process, trained medical professionals will monitor and assist the individual through the physical withdrawal symptoms that may occur.
After detox, it is important for individuals to continue with a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. This may include therapy, support groups, and medication management. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in treating stimulant addiction, as it helps individuals identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their drug use.
At Footprints to Recovery, our stimulant addiction treatment can teach you skills to avoid triggers, establish a strong support system, and find healthy coping mechanisms for stress and other challenges. With ongoing treatment and support, you can successfully overcome your dependence on stimulants and lead a fulfilling life in recovery. To learn more about our addiction treatment programs, contact us today. Remember, recovery is possible and you do not have to face it alone.
