Stimulant Use Disorder: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Introduction

Stimulants are a class of drugs that enhance brain activity and are known for stimulating the central nervous system. They are also known as psychostimulants and uppers. Some of the most well-known stimulants are Adderall, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Stimulant use disorder is characterized by a misuse of stimulants.

Stimulant use disorder is classified under ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) Codes and DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). It claims many lives every year. In fact, every 1 in 4 overdose deaths is related to stimulant misuse.

At the NuView Treatment Center, we believe in providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to help our clients overcome stimulant use disorder and reclaim their lives. We offer personalized plans for lasting recovery and a life of sobriety.

What is Stimulant Use Disorder?

Stimulant use disorder develops when people have difficulty in controlling stimulant use. Even when the stimulants disrupt relationships, overall health, and daily life, people cannot stop misusing the substance. Stimulant use disorders generally involve amphetamine use, cocaine use, ecstasy/MDMA use, and methamphetamine use. Stimulants can be taken orally, smoked, snorted, or injected.

While certain stimulants have medical benefits, they also have a very high potential for misuse and dependence. In fact, as per the “Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health,” it was found that over 3.5 million people aged 12 years and older suffered from a stimulant use disorder.

Causes and Risk Factors of Stimulant Use Disorder

Stimulants stimulate the central nervous system. They work by targeting certain chemicals in the brain and by changing the ways in which signals are transmitted between the nerve cells. In simple words, they increase the activity in the nervous system. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This leads to a high or a rush of pleasurable feelings. As the rush is temporary, people keep going back to stimulants to experience the same effects again and again.

Now, stimulants like Adderall are used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. When taken as per doctor’s prescription and instructions, they are not addictive. In fact, they have their medical benefits. However, as they improve alertness, focus, productivity, and performance, they do have a high potential for misuse as well.

While anybody can develop stimulant use disorder, there are some risk factors that can make on more prone to it:

• Personal or family history of substance use disorders.

• Personal or family history of other mental health conditions.

• Prenatal exposure to stimulants

• Experiences of violence or crime

• High levels of stress

• Easy access to the stimulants

Signs and Symptoms of Stimulant Use Disorder

Certain signs and symptoms of stimulant use disorder:

• Cravings and urges for stimulants.

• Difficulty in controlling stimulant use and using it in greater amounts and more frequently than intended.

• Repeated and failed attempts to stop stimulant use.

• Prioritizing stimulant use over everything else in life, to the point that self-care, relationships, and other activities also take a hit.

• Continual use of stimulants despite the knowledge of the adverse impacts it has on health, relationships, and other aspects of life.

• Using stimulants in risky and controlled circumstances.

• Developing tolerance, meaning needed more and more quantity of stimulants to achieve the same effects and feel content.

• Experiencing intensely unpleasant symptoms in the absence of stimulants, known as withdrawal symptoms. These can range from intense cravings, anxiety, restlessness, depressed mood, sleep difficulties, reduced focus, paranoia, tiredness, and suicidal thoughts.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Stimulant Abuse

The short-term effects of stimulant misuse or abuse are as follows:

• Elevated mood

• Greater sociability and self-confidence

• Higher energy levels

• Increased alertness

• Enhanced attention span and focus

• Wakefulness

• Reduction in appetite

• Increased body temperature

• Faster heartbeat

Coming to the long-term effects of stimulant misuse or abuse, they include:

• Cognitive difficulties, especially with abstract thinking, attention, focus, problem-solving, and memory

• Behavioral changes

• Aggressive behaviors

• Social withdrawal and isolation

• Psychosis

• Sexual dysfunction

• Weight loss

• Dental problems

• Gastrointestinal problems

• Lung problems

• Heart conditions

• Stroke

• Overdose

Overdose, one of the most dangerous effects of stimulant abuse, can be a life-threatening condition. Some of the signs of stimulant overdose are as follows:

• Agitation

• Confusion or disorientation

• Hot and sweaty skin

• Hyperthermia or increased body temperature

• Headaches

• Chest pain

• Tremors or spasms

• Difficulty in breathing

• Seizures

If anyone is showing these signs or symptoms, it is crucial to take them to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services (like 9-1-1 in the U.S.). It can be a life-saving move, otherwise, stimulant overdose can be lethal and lead to premature death.

Treatment Options for Stimulant Use Disorder

Stimulant use disorder can uproot every aspect of life. It is chronic and can become life-threatening. However, there is hope in the form of many treatment options. It can be treated with psychotherapy in an inpatient or an outpatient setting.

At NuView, we offer outpatient treatment options for stimulant use disorder in the form of intensive outpatient programs, evening track, and even telehealth services. It usually does not require medical supervision and there is no FDA-approved medication for the same. However, if there are other complications like misuse of other substances like alcohol as well, stimulant use disorder treatment might require medical supervision.

The therapies provided for stimulant use disorder are:

Motivational Interviewing – Through motivational interviewing, the idea is to change the ambivalence toward stimulant use disorder and build motivation to bring about positive changes in life. It involves discussing the pros and cons of positive changes (like abstinence), planning the strategies toward change, building motivation and self-confidence to bring about the changes, and implementing the strategies.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – An evidence-based therapy, it has been very effective in the treatment of substance use disorders like stimulant use disorder. It identifies the maladaptive thinking, emotional, and behavioral patterns underlying stimulant use and reshapes them into healthy and productive patterns. It also equips clients with healthy coping skills needed to deal with cravings, urges, and other triggers.

Contingency Management – A behavioral technique, it works by reinforcing or rewarding desirable behaviors. In case of stimulant use disorder, it reinforces positive behaviors like abstinence.

Along with the above therapies, complementary therapies that focus on healing the mind and body are also provided. They help in incorporating healthy practices like meditation, mindfulness, and yoga in daily life. All of these factors play a major role in lasting recovery and sobriety.

Enrolling in informal peer groups that follow the 12-step recovery program will be helpful in providing ongoing support and care. They help build new and sober connections as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do stimulants affect mental health?

Stimulants have a high potential for misuse and dependence, which leads to cravings, mood changes, behavioral changes, psychosis, social withdrawal, and even suicidal thoughts.