Stimulant Addiction Treatment In New Jersey
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Stimulants are drugs that are typically used to treat cases of ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) and other disorders. Stimulants affect the body by increasing attention, alertness, and energy. As with all other drugs, misusing stimulants can actually cause a person to become addicted.
If you or a loved one has developed a stimulant addiction, it may be time to get help. Lifetime Recovery offers quality stimulant addiction treatment and other treatment opportunities. Don’t wait for things to get worse; reach out to us today.
What is a Stimulant Drug?
Stimulants act on the central nervous system (CNS) and affect the body in several ways. They increase a person’s cognitive function and overall alertness. Stimulants work in the brain and increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in a person’s brain. When abused, stimulants can cause a wide range of negative effects on the mind, body, and behavior.
Stimulant abuse can be a serious problem and may even be fatal in some cases. As stimulant drug use continues, it can begin to take a toll on the mind and body. Stimulants can interfere with the brain’s functionality.
Types of Stimulants
There are several different types of stimulants but the most prescribed kinds are amphetamines, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamines. Along with these stimulant types come the brand names that are prescribed every day in the U.S. and abroad. Prescription stimulants include:
- Ritalin: This medication acts similar to amphetamines but is much milder .
- Concentra: It is used to treat cases of ADHD.
- Adderall: This is the most popular and commonly prescribed stimulant on the market today, used to treat ADHD.
- Dexedrine: This drug is used to treat ADHD.
- Ephedrine: This drug is an appetite suppressant. It may also relieve shortness of breath and wheezing in those with asthma.
- Desoxyn: Desoxyn is a prescription methamphetamine.
Illicit stimulant drugs include:
- Cocaine
- Crystal meth
- Crack
It is important to use stimulants and all other drugs as instructed by medical professionals. Many people don’t realize how addictive and easy it can be to misuse prescription medication (intentionally or not). Sometimes a person can grow dependent on stimulants without even realizing it.
Stimulants’ Effects on the Body
Prescription stimulants have a high risk of addiction and abuse. Millions of people end up misusing or becoming addicted to stimulants every year. Some of the more common effects of stimulants include:
- Euphoria
- More energy
- Nervousness
- Problems sleeping
- A rise in blood pressure and pulse
- Lack/decrease of appetite
- Improved concentration
If a person continues misusing stimulants for an extended period of time (especially in higher doses) they may experience more severe symptoms like:
- Tension
- Nausea
- Seizures
- High body temperature
- Anxiousness/anxiety
- Coma or death
As a person continues to misuse stimulants they can end up building a tolerance to them. Tolerance occurs when a person must take more of a certain drug to get the desired effect. This can end up evolving into addiction and other negative effects, as listed above.
Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms
When quitting stimulant use after becoming addicted, certain withdrawal symptoms may surface. Withdrawal will look different from person to person and can vary in intensity. Overall stimulant withdrawal symptoms are described as an unhappy or dysphoric mood. Symptoms may include:
- Irritable
- Hallucinations
- Cravings to use
- Bad dreams
- Delayed speech
- Slowed heart rate
- Depression
- Jitteriness
- Paranoia
- Increase in appetite
- Memory problems
These are some of the more common stimulant withdrawal symptoms, among other more specific symptoms. In cases of co-occurring disorders, these symptoms can become severe. Co-occurring disorders are cases where a person is dealing with both a mental illness and a drug addiction. In these cases, and addiction in general, it is best to get professional stimulant addiction treatment.
Treatment for Stimulant Addiction
As with all cases of addiction, it is crucial to get help from a professional team. One of the first parts of stimulant addiction treatment is detoxification. The detox process involves purging the body of toxic substances (in this case stimulants). While this process may be uncomfortable and painful at times, it is essential to addiction recovery.
Detox should be done under professional supervision. Trying to detox at home (cold turkey) can be unpredictable and dangerous. Medical detox is crucial to the stimulant addiction treatment process. Our Lifetime Recovery team is trained in making sure the process goes as smoothly and effectively as possible.
Treatment After Detox
Stimulant addiction treatment typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and other aftercare programs. Addiction is more than just a physical situation but a mental one as well. It’s important to understand the root of why a person began abusing stimulants/drugs, to begin with.
There are several different options when it comes to stimulant addiction treatment. Each person’s addiction treatment will look different – this depends on multiple factors like severity, length of drug abuse, and other factors. Lifetime Recovery offers the following treatment options among others:
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Medical-Assisted treatment program (MAT)
- Outpatient program
- Partial-hospitalization program (PHP)
- Therapy and counseling
Stimulant addiction treatment uses a mix of these elements to create a personalized and effective process. Addiction should not be faced alone, especially since some stimulant withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and severe. When it comes down to it, addiction treatment is a life-long journey and it’s important to be equipped with the proper tools. Therapy and support can help you build a safe and healthy way to cope with cravings and other emotions down the line.
Start the Journey Towards a Better Life Today
Stimulant addiction can end up impacting almost every part of a person’s life. In some cases, the consequences can be fatal. This is why it’s important to be honest with yourself and your loved ones. We’re here to help you push towards a better life. Our Lifetime Recovery team is here to help you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate; give us a call today to learn more about our treatment options and how to get started right now.
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Use this form to send us a message. One of our recovery specialists will get back to you.
