Prescription stimulants are a class of drugs that have effects on the brain. Stimulants can commonly be prescribed to help treat narcolepsy or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Evidence shows that stimulants can be highly addictive. At Avalon Malibu, we know addiction to prescription stimulants can be dangerous as they alter the way your mind and body function. A life free of addiction is feasible, and seeking addiction treatment sooner rather than later is crucial to your recovery.
Prescription Stimulants
There are two main forms of prescription stimulants: amphetamines and central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. Prescription stimulants can be beneficial when used correctly and under medical supervision. However, they can be harmful in other circumstances. Stimulants affect brain activity and lead to a feeling of wakefulness, increased concentration, and lack of appetite. Some examples of stimulants include Adderall, Desoxyn, and Focalin.
We understand that addiction can occur for many reasons. Our understanding of prescription stimulants leads us to believe that many people become addicted to them when looking for an “edge.” Stimulants can help short-term and give you a boost of energy. That short-term satisfaction can be dangerous, though. There are a variety of effects that prescription stimulants can have on your mind and body. Some of these effects could put your overall health at risk.
Effects of Addiction to Prescription Stimulants
As previously stated, addiction to prescription stimulants can affect your mind and body in different ways. When you are using stimulants, the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain are elevated. Again, these effects can be helpful when treating a condition that is being monitored by a doctor. If you are misusing the stimulants and are facing addiction to these drugs, you may begin to notice effects on your mind and body that are difficult to manage. Some of these effects can include the following:
- Aggression or irritability
- Shortened attention span
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
We understand that a large percentage of the general population is prescribed prescription stimulants. People use stimulants for many reasons, but there are several serious side effects you may need to watch for. An online book, Stimulants, by Khashayar Farzam, Rubina M. Faizy, and Abdolreza Saadabadi, discussed the effects of prescription stimulants. This book listed several adverse effects, which included the following:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Chest pain
This resource also provided toxicity information or overdoses. If you experience any serious adverse effects from prescription stimulants, please seek medical attention immediately. The information provided by this resource is further evidence that addiction to prescription stimulants can be dangerous, and seeking treatment sooner rather than later is crucial to the recovery process.
The Importance of Seeking Treatment for Addiction
At Avalon Malibu, we understand that seeking help for addiction may seem intimidating. Leaving what you know in active addiction to seek treatment might feel scary. We want to remind you that seeking help is a brave and commendable choice to make. It could be vital to know that choosing to recover from addiction to prescription stimulants could be temporarily uncomfortable. We believe your recovery will be worth the temporary discomfort in the time you spend in treatment. At Avalon Malibu, if we are a good fit for you, we hope our luxury treatment setting will help you feel more at home.
Seeking help for addiction to prescription stimulants sooner rather than later can be crucial to your recovery. Recovery is a lifelong journey, but the longer you use stimulants, the more you could be putting your overall health at risk. As listed above, your mind and body could quickly become affected in ways that are difficult to reverse. Overcoming addiction is possible, though, and we want to help you.
Overcoming Addiction
Prescription stimulant addiction is real and dangerous, but overcoming addiction is possible when you are ready. At Avalon Malibu, we treat prescription stimulant addiction at the Cottage House. This is where we can provide 24-hour care to ensure that during the detox process, you remain safe as your body clears itself of the stimulants. After detoxing, your recovery and healing journey can truly begin. We can help you find the root cause of your addiction and, with our holistic approach, can help you change your life.
We understand you may still have fears or doubts about recovery. If that resonates with you, try to remind yourself of this information: SAMHSA, or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, released a press announcement on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, discussing addiction recovery and mental health among adults. The announcement stated the following:
Overall, the findings reveal that recovery is real and that with a range of holistic, individualized supports, people with mental health and/or substance use conditions can and do overcome these challenges and live productive lives in our communities.
Addiction to prescription stimulants is dangerous, but it is vital you know that recovery is possible. Prescription stimulant addiction can affect your mind and body in a variety of ways. It can be crucial to your recovery to seek treatment sooner rather than later. At Avalon Malibu, we understand treatment may seem intimidating, but we are here to support you and help you heal. We can help you find the root cause of your addiction to prescription stimulants after detoxing in the safety of our treatment facility with 24-hour care. We have a holistic approach proven to help people just like you heal from addiction. Please call (844) 857-5992 today for more information.
