About 6 million people in the United States take prescription stimulant drugs to manage health conditions. People commonly take prescription stimulants to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulant drugs can reduce symptoms of this and other conditions and help people function and feel better.
Many prescription stimulant drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction. People who misuse stimulants often require the support of a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program to stop safely.
This article will explore what to expect during stimulant addiction treatment. You will learn:
- How stimulant abuse and addiction occur
- The short and long-term effects of stimulant abuse
- What happens in a stimulant rehab center
- Where to find substance abuse treatment programs near you
If you or someone you love struggles with stimulant abuse, you are not alone. Find compassionate, evidence-based therapies at Archstone Behavioral Health. Learn about our drug and alcohol addiction programs or schedule an intake by contacting our specialists today.
Understanding Stimulant Abuse and Addiction
Millions of people in the United States take prescription stimulant drugs to manage ADHD and other conditions. Common prescription stimulants include:
- Adderall
- Concerta
- Desoxyn
- Dexedrine
- Ritalin
Prescription stimulant drugs work by increasing activity in the central nervous system (CNS). People with ADHD and other conditions experience a reduction in their symptoms when using these drugs as prescribed.
However, people may abuse prescription stimulant drugs. Stimulant drug abuse includes:
- Taking a higher dose than prescribed
- Taking a medication more often than prescribed
- Taking a drug longer than prescribed
- Using a prescription stimulant recreationally (without a prescription)
Prescription stimulant abuse is most common among teens and young adults. These groups may take stimulants to maintain focus while studying or to sustain energy.
People may also abuse illicit stimulant drugs, including:
- Methamphetamine (crystal meth)
- Cocaine
- Crack cocaine
People may like the way they feel while taking stimulants and begin to use more of them. Over time, people may develop a physical dependence or addiction to stimulants.
It can be very hard to quit taking stimulants once you develop an addiction. Most people require comprehensive treatment and ongoing support to stop.
The Risks of Stimulant Addiction
Stimulant abuse can have short and long-term effects and risks. Some of the short-term dangers of stimulant abuse include:
- Increased energy
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Euphoria
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
Insomnia
People who abuse stimulants for extended periods may develop long-term physical and mental health complications, including:
- Cardiovascular problems
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Addiction
It is crucial to recognize stimulant abuse and treat it as early as possible. Treating addiction early can help people avoid worsening complications and long-term harm.
Stimulant Addiction Treatment in Florida: What to Expect
People who abuse stimulants or become addicted to them may require comprehensive alcohol and drug addiction rehab programs. Comprehensive treatment programs offer care for a person’s mind and body as they navigate detox and recovery.
Here is an overview of what to expect from stimulant addiction treatment.
Levels of care
Every person has unique needs during addiction treatment. Treatment centers may offer several levels of care to meet a wide range of needs. Common levels of addiction treatment include:
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Residential or inpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Outpatient rehab programs
- Aftercare programs
Before treatment, a medical professional or addiction specialist will assess each person’s needs to determine the appropriate care level.
Detox
Detox programs in Florida offer a safe, supportive environment, supervision, and treatment to keep people safe during stimulant withdrawal. A detox treatment plan may include:
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support
- Individual and group therapy
- Round-the-clock supervision
- Holistic therapies to soothe the mind and body
Completing a stimulant detox program is a crucial first step toward lifelong addiction recovery.
Treatment
After detox, it is essential to continue treatment. A comprehensive stimulant addiction treatment program in Florida includes:
- Assessments and screenings
- Medication management
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and other behavioral therapies
- Individual and family counseling
- Support groups
- Relapse prevention education
- Holistic therapies like exercise, mindfulness, creative expression, yoga, and more
- Aftercare planning
Stimulant addiction treatment programs consist of therapies that help people address the complex roots of addiction. People receive medical and mental health support. They also learn practical skills to avoid relapse.
Aftercare
After completing treatment, people must create and follow an aftercare plan. An aftercare plan includes activities and resources that can help people stay active in recovery, like:
- 12-step meetings
- Individual therapy and mental health care
- Medical treatment
- Additional rehab programs
- Support groups
- Sober living communities
People who abuse prescription or stimulant drugs must take steps to address substance use disorder (SUD). Comprehensive treatment can give people the support and skills to put addiction behind them and move forward.
Find Stimulant Addiction Treatment Near You
If you or a loved one struggles with stimulant abuse, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our supportive treatment and recovery programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Prevalence and correlates of prescription stimulant use, misuse, use disorders, and motivations for misuse among adults in the U.S.
- JAMA Network: Prescription Stimulant Medical and Nonmedical Use Among US Secondary School Students, 2005 to 2020
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders
