Stimulants Use Disorder

Stimulants

In 2014, an estimated 913,000 people ages 12 and older had a stimulant use disorder because of cocaine use, and an estimated 476,000 people had a stimulant use disorder as a result of using other stimulants besides methamphetamines. In 2014, almost 569,000 people in the United States ages 12 and up reported using methamphetamines in the past month.

Learn More
Circles

Illegal Drugs

Like other prescription medications, stimulants can be diverted for illegal use. The most commonly abused stimulants are amphetamines, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Stimulants can be synthetic (such as amphetamines) or can be plant-derived (such as cocaine). They are usually taken orally, snorted, or intravenously.

Stimulants

Symptoms of stimulant use disorders include craving for stimulants.

Failure to control use when attempted, continued use despite interference with major obligations or social functioning, use of larger amounts over time, development of tolerance, spending a great deal of time to obtain and use stimulants, and withdrawal symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing use, including fatigue, vivid and unpleasant dreams, sleep problems, increased appetite, or irregular problems in controlling movement.

How do stimulants affect

the brain and body?

Stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. They include a wide range of drugs that have historically been used to treat conditions, such as obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and, occasionally, depression. They energize the nervous system–making the nerves act more quickly than they normally do.

Stimulants can change a person’s mood, thinking, and behavior by affecting the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. These drugs can induce altered mental states, including intoxication, delirium, psychosis, and withdrawal.

Reach Out for Support

Treatment is available. Call us at 785-825-6224 to get started.

reach out