Stimulants are incredibly addictive no matter the type, as they affect the part of the brain that regulates pleasure. Stimulant abuse is common amongst those who take prescription stimulants like Adderall on a regular basis. Adderall is often prescribed for ADHD and may cause addiction or dependence. Adderall is also used as a party drug and use of it can lead people to harder drugs, like meth and cocaine.
While all stimulant drugs can be dangerous, they do vary. Let’s take a look at these five different types of stimulants, how they affect the body, and how addictive they are.
What Are Methamphetamines?
Methamphetamine or crystal meth is one of the most dangerous and most addictive stimulant drugs out there. Meth is made from pseudoephedrine with a variety of added chemicals, including acetone, lithium, ether, and red phosphorous. Meth is strictly a street drug, so you never know what you’re going to get when you smoke it. It could be cut or laced with something more dangerous.
Meth creates a powerful high that lasts a long time, causing dopamine to rush to the brain. This causes a high feeling that makes users happy and energized. Meth is dangerous because it makes users feel invincible or unstoppable.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine and crack cocaine, two other types of stimulants, are also extremely dangerous and addictive. Crack cocaine is the more dangerous of the two, as it’s less expensive and produces a stronger high. Unlike meth, the high from crack is short-lived, so users often take multiple doses of the substance over and over again to maintain their high.
Cocaine is a party drug, often used in combination with alcohol or other drugs. Many start out using this drug because of peer pressure and then have a hard time stopping after multiple uses. Some who use cocaine may move on to crack cocaine to keep from experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Cocaine is also much more expensive, which can be hard for some to keep up.
What Is Amphetamine?
Amphetamine, also known as speed, is another dangerous stimulant that’s often abused. Amphetamine is used to treat narcolepsy, helping patients stay awake for long periods of time. Unfortunately, people also buy and use this drug on the street. Speed lives up to its name, making people feel alert, awake, and like they can do anything.
However, along with that unstoppable feeling, amphetamine can also lead to obsessive behavior, seizures, cardiovascular issues, psychosis, and cognitive issues. In the long run, stimulant abuse is known to cause tons of health issues, both mentally and physically.
What Is MDMA?
MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, is an incredibly popular stimulant drug that’s used at nightclubs, festivals, raves, and concerts. MDMA is used to establish a feeling of connection and is often linked to the feeling of sexual arousal. However, those who used MDMA are at a higher risk of having unsafe sex or getting involved in other dangerous activities.
MDMA has a variety of side effects, including its extremely addictive nature. MDMA can cause muscle cramping, poor decision-making, cognitive problems, chills, and a dark, depressing period after the drug comes out of your system, known as a crash.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is one of the most commonly known stimulants, as it’s prescribed frequently for ADHD and ADD to keep those who suffer from these disorders on task. However, many people who don’t have these mental disorders end up taking the drug and becoming addicted to it.
Even those with a prescription can become addicted or dependent on Adderall, and longtime usage can be linked with heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
Get Help for Stimulant Abuse
If you or someone you love has a stimulant abuse problem, contact Asheville Recovery Center today to learn more about how we can help you get sober. We offer many different types of programs, and we’re ready to help you quit using. Call us today to speak with an addiction specialist and take the first step towards a life of sobriety.
