If you are looking for stimulant addiction treatment in Asheville, you have come to the right place. We at Asheville Detox understand the complexity of addiction. We will help you come to terms with your condition and help to free you of it.
Have you become dependent on stimulants, or would you say that you are addicted? Perhaps you didn’t realize that there is a difference. Let’s take a moment to talk about being dependent, versus being addicted.
Types of Stimulant Drugs
Stimulant drugs may be prescription drugs or non-prescription drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines. For example, the prescription stimulant Adderall is one example of a stimulant drug that some may abuse. Other prescription stimulant drugs include amphetamines such as Concerta, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate, Methylin, and Ritalin.
What Does It Mean to Be Dependent on Stimulants?
When you are dependent on stimulants, this means that your body has become reliant on them. Whether the stimulants you are taking were prescribed to you or not, your body has started to become used to having them in your system. As time passes, your body needs the drug in order to just feel normal. This is what drug dependence is all about.
When you are dependent on stimulants or any other drug for that matter, you may have to start taking more and more in order for you to get the same feeling that you used to. Should you decide to stop using the drug, you will experience severe withdrawals.
When your body is physically dependent on a drug, it requires the chemicals the drug contains in order to maintain an equilibrium. This is why when you stop taking the drug, you have negative side effects. However, when you are psychologically dependent on stimulants for example, you won’t have any physical symptoms.
When you are psychologically dependent on stimulants, your mental state is affected when you try to quit. You will likely be irritable and sad and will have strong cravings for the drug.
To know if you are dependent on stimulants, abstain from taking them, and see if you experience any undesirable symptoms within the first 24 hours.
How Is It Different to Be Addicted to Stimulants?
When you are addicted to a drug, such as stimulants, that means that you have lost control over your ability to quit taking the substance. As a result, you are experiencing negative consequences due to the poor choices you are making, due to your addiction. The difference in dependence and addiction is that when you are addicted, your behavior is affected, which is more than just a presence of physical symptoms.
For example, an individual can take a prescribed drug and develop a dependence on it. Then they develop a tolerance to it and need a higher dosage. Should they decide to take more than they were prescribed in order to get high, this could be where addiction begins. When someone becomes addicted, it can bring upon negative consequences in their job, in their personal relationships, in school, or with the police, for instance.
How Do I Know If I Am Addicted to Stimulants?
Each person who uses stimulants will show different signs and symptoms according to what they are using and how long they have been using it. However, the following behavior patterns are some red flags that you or a loved one need help.
- Lying, stealing or other deceptive behavior
- Acting risky or impulsively
- Excessive anger or aggressiveness
- Ordering stimulants online without a prescription
- Meeting with several doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions
The Dangers of Taking Stimulants
According to the American Psychological Association, using stimulants damages the brain’s decision-making abilities. In addition to this, research shows that it increases both impulsive and compulsive behaviors. Cognitive side effects that you may expect to experience while taking stimulants may include:
- Hallucinations and paranoia
- Delusions
- Poor judgement
- Racing thoughts and confusion
- Enhanced sensory awareness
- Flight of ideas
- Hyperfocus
Physically, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Decrease in appetite
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increase in blood pressure
- Weight loss
- Sweating
- Hair loss
- Skin concerns
- Jitteriness
Along with increased confidence, it is also not uncommon for stimulant use to cause anxiety, depression, mood swings and anger as well.
How Is a Stimulant Addiction Treated?
The first step in treating a stimulant addiction must be professional detoxification, in combination with counseling services. Though withdrawing from stimulants won’t threaten your life, it can be challenging as it brings with it a variety of undesirable symptoms such as insomnia, depression, and nightmares.
Though symptoms of stimulant withdrawal are primarily psychological, the effects can last for several weeks. Some people who go through stimulant detox experience suicidal thoughts. For reasons such as this, it is recommended to undergo care inside of a professional detox center to keep you safe and comfortable.
During your stay with us, you may be given certain medications to help manage your withdrawal symptoms. You may expect to feel some of the following symptoms during your detox period:
- Intense drug cravings
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Slowed movements
- Tiredness
- Dulled senses
- An increase in appetite
After your detox period has been completed, we will continue your recovery with various forms of helpful modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management. These will help you to adapt a more positive mindset and make smarter decisions when it comes to your future.
Stimulant Addiction Treatment in Asheville at Asheville Detox
At Asheville Detox, we know how hard it can be to take the first step in breaking a dependence or an addiction. However, we cannot stress to you enough how important it is that you do. Addiction not only damages your life; it hurts the lives of those that you care about the most. Please call us today and we will gladly answer any questions that you might have. Don’t wait until you hit rock bottom to turn your life around.
