Stimulant Addiction Treatment in Chicago

Prescription amphetamines increase the release and inhibit the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. They are often used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy and have a slower onset and longer duration than illicit stimulants like cocaine. Amphetamines may:

• Increase body temperature
• Increase blood pressure and pulse rates
• Lead to insomnia
• Cause loss of appetite or physical exhaustion

Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvanse are examples of common prescription stimulants. Methamphetamine — commonly known as meth — is an illicit form of amphetamine that has a high potential for misuse that can lead to serious health consequences. 

Another type of stimulant medication, methylphenidate, is often used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. The stimulant is available on the market under the following trade names:

• Ritalin
• Concerta
• Methlyin
• Metadate
• Focalin

While both stimulants affect the central nervous system, methylphenidate differs from amphetamine. The effects of methylphenidate tend to be milder than those of amphetamine prescriptions, which come with several body effects like increased heart rate. Instead, patients report a more pronounced impact on cognitive function and thought processes when taking methylphenidate than amphetamines.

Cocaine is a very powerful stimulant. It is derived from the coca plant, which grows almost exclusively in northern and western South Africa. Cocaine most commonly comes in the form of a fine, white powder, though it can also be made into a solid rock crystal. Cocaine rapidly increases dopamine levels, leading to increased energy and intense euphoria. However, cocaine is illegal due to its high potential for addiction and abuse. Taking cocaine can lead to severe health effects, including the following:

• Cardiovascular issues
• Mood problems
• Seizures and convulsions

MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, is a synthetic psychoactive drug with stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. MDMA increases the release of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, which results in euphoria, increased energy and heightened sensory perception. This drug is often associated with recreational use in party settings, but it is illegal in most countries and can pose severe health risks. 

MDMA is frequently taken with other illegal drugs, and pills sold as MDMA can often contain additives — all of which can contribute to serious and sometimes fatal health effects. MDMA can be addictive, and long-term use is associated with cognitive problems. 

Initial stimulant addiction symptoms may include the following:

• Increased energy and alertness: Stimulants induce energy and enhance alertness, which helps individuals remain focused and awake for long periods. 
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Because stimulants stimulate the central nervous system, they may increase heart rate and blood pressure. These physical effects can put a strain on the cardiovascular system, potentially contributing to heart problems down the line.
• Decreased appetite: Appetite suppression is a side effect of taking stimulants. People taking stimulants may eat less and potentially lose weight.
• Improved performance: In the short term, stimulant use can improve cognitive function, focus and attention. Individuals may feel more productive and capable in the short term when they take stimulants. 

Stimulant use can have a lasting impact on the body when used in the long term. The following physical effects can occur as a result of long-term stimulant use:

• Cardiovascular problems: Chronic stimulant addiction can lead to cardiovascular complications, such as heart disease, hypertension, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke. 
• Respiratory issues: Chronic coughing, lung damage or respiratory infections can result from smoking or injecting stimulants. 
• Gastrointestinal problems: Issues like gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers and appetite disturbances can result from stimulant addiction.
• Malnutrition and weight loss: Decreased appetite can cause malnutrition in those dealing with stimulant addiction. 
• Dental and skin problems: Methamphetamine use, in particular, can cause tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease and other dental issues. Intravenous (IV) drug use can lead to skin infections and scarring.
• Sexual and reproductive issues: Hormonal imbalances, sexual dysfunction, fertility problems or menstrual irregularities can result from stimulant use. 
• Overdose: Some factors that can lead to overdose include taking stimulants in higher doses than prescribed, mixing stimulants or taking increased amounts of illicit stimulants can lead to overdose, coma or death. Overdose symptoms may include seizures, psychosis, loss of consciousness and arrhythmias. 

Prolonged addiction can have a profound psychological impact on people and can cause mental health problems and changes in behavior or cognition. Consider the long-term mental effects of stimulant addiction: 

• Mood disorders: Multiple mood disorders like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder can result from long-term stimulant use. 
• Psychosis: Psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions and paranoia may occur alongside long-term stimulant addiction, especially when stimulants are taken in high doses or combined with substances like alcohol.
• Cognitive impairment: Extended stimulant use or misuse can lead to cognitive deficits, such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating and carrying out everyday tasks.
• Impulsivity and risk-taking: Stimulant addiction is sometimes associated with impulsive behavior, poor decision-making and engaging in risky activities that can be dangerous or have long-term consequences. Examples include driving while under the influence, engaging in unprotected sex or getting in risky situations to obtain substances. 

Addiction to stimulants can strain relationships and have an immense social impact. Any substance use disorder can lead to isolation and difficulties maintaining employment or academic performance. Individuals might withdraw from friends and family members out of feelings of shame or to continue their addiction without suspicion. They may have trouble getting to work or school, leading to job loss or poor school performance.

Stimulant use can also cause personality changes and lead to irritability, aggression and emotional instability. These behavioral changes can make connecting with others and maintaining meaningful relationships challenging. Ultimately, the social impact of addiction cannot be overstated, as it can often contribute to other issues like depression and continued substance use. 

Generally, treatment lasts from several weeks to several months. However, the specific duration of stimulant addiction treatment varies on a person’s needs, the severity of the addiction and their response to treatment. 

The first step in treatment is detox, during which your body gets cleansed of substances. Detox might last a few days to a week. Inpatient care can last around a month or longer, while outpatient treatment can span several months and include regular therapy sessions and check-ins. 

Always try to remember: Recovery from addiction is a lifelong journey. Ongoing support is crucial — after completing formal treatment, it’s often imperative to participate in aftercare programs, continued individual and group therapy, and healthy lifestyle changes to maintain sobriety and promote overall well-being. Health care professionals should determine your treatment program length. They will assess your progress and needs on an individual basis. 

Tolerance can sometimes affect the withdrawal process. When someone develops stimulant tolerance, their body gets used to the presence of a substance. Because of this, the body requires higher doses to achieve the same effects as before. People who become tolerant of stimulants may take increasingly larger amounts to keep experiencing the desired effects. 

People who stop taking stimulants or reduce their stimulant intake enter the withdrawal stage. The withdrawal phase is often accompanied by uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous side effects. Individuals experiencing tolerance may have more severe withdrawal symptoms because their body has become accustomed to higher doses. They may have intense psychological and physical symptoms when they suddenly stop taking the drug.

Withdrawal symptoms and their severity and duration depend on the person. Seeking withdrawal management from health professionals who can provide the proper guidance and support. They may also prescribe medications to help manage symptoms and aid in the detox process. 

Stimulants come in various forms: 

• Tablets and capsules: Adderall, Dexedrine and other prescription amphetamines typically come in small tablets or capsules. They may be white and green or blue and orange, and they may have markings to indicate dosage. 
• Crystals: Methamphetamine can appear as a crystalline powder, clear crystals or bluish crystals. Meth may also take the form of a pill or powder that can be snorted, injected or smoked.
• White powder: Cocaine usually appears as a fine white powder. However, it may also come in crystal or rock-like forms in the case of crack cocaine. The powder form is usually packaged in small plastic bags. Synthetic cathinones — which are like a cousin of amphetamines — can also come in white or off-white powders and are usually packaged in small bags or containers. 

The following strategies can help minimize the risks of stimulant use:

• Education: Learning more about the effects, risks and potential harms of stimulant use is crucial. 
• Safer use practices: Encouraging people to avoid sharing needles is important for reducing the risk of infection.
• Overdose prevention: It’s also necessary to learn the signs of stimulant overdose and understand how to administer naloxone, which can reverse opioid and some stimulant overdoses.
• Support services: Services like counseling, therapy and support groups can help someone struggling with addiction and mental health conditions. 

These harm reduction strategies prioritize the health and well-being of those taking stimulants while acknowledging that abstinence might not be immediately possible or realistic. Professionals can help you keep loved ones safe with tailored harm-reduction strategies. 

Vivitrol or Suboxone are sometimes recommended to aid patients through withdrawal and detox. These medications are not a substitute for long-term care, but they can help individuals focus on their recovery and help the body heal from the effects of stimulants. Medical professionals may also recommend medications that help with co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.