Effects of Drug Addiction to Stimulants

While opiate-based drugs such as Heroin and Vicodin capture most of the headlines, stimulant addiction remains on the biggest problems in drug rehab facilities around the world. Stimulants cause the individual to experience a boost in energy and a higher level of awareness when the drug kicks in. The downside however is that these drugs are also highly addictive and carry with them some severe potential side effects.

What are the Most Common Stimulant Addictions?

People become addicted to a variety of different stimulants. The following is a look at some of the most commonly abused stimulants in the United States.

Cocaine. The most widely used stimulant in the world, cocaine is an incredibly addictive drug that can cause a variety of health, psychological and financial problems. Most individuals snort, smoke or inject cocaine.
Crystal Meth. This highly destructive drug produces an intense "rush" that can turn a casual user into an addict is a very short period of time. Most commonly, crystal meth is taken by smoking it or mixing it with liquid compounds and injecting it into the bloodstream.
Amphetamines. Many individuals take amphetamines in an effort to lose weight or stay awake for long periods of time. The resulting "crash" after the effects of these pills wears off starts the cycle of addiction relatively quickly.

The Short Term Effects of Addiction to Stimulants

Increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Stimulants can constrict the blood vessels in the body which leads to these potentially dangerous conditions.
Irregular breathing. After the initial "rush" from the stimulant, the individual may experience shortness of breath or uneven breathing patterns.
Hyperactivity. When an individual takes a stimulant, they may become restless and hyperactive as the active ingredients in the drug begin to increase the production of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.

The Long Term Effects of Addiction to Stimulants

Tolerance. Over time, as the addicted individual continues to abuse stimulants, the body will develop a tolerance to them. That means it will take more and more of the stimulant to generate the desired effect. With more drugs in the system, the individual is opening themselves up to an even more serious set of potential health hazards.
Heart problems. Stimulant abuse puts a tremendous amount of strain on the human heart. A stimulant addiction can lead to heart failure or the development of an irregular heartbeat.
Mood swings. Often, an individual who has been addicted to stimulants for an extended period of time will become hostile without warning. Individuals with a stimulant addiction may be easy to spot because they always seem to be "on edge."

Michael's House offers residential rehab for those individuals who have become addicted to stimulants and want to change their lives for the better. Through a combination of cutting edge treatment techniques and holistic care, the professionals at this Palm Springs facility offer comprehensive addiction treatment. Contact Michael's House today at for more information.