Prescription Stimulant Addiction Treatment in Tennessee and Virginia

Prescription stimulants increase the levels of two neurotransmitters in the brain—dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a crucial role in regulating mood, attention, and energy, which is why these medications are effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy. By stimulating the central nervous system, these drugs enhance the brain’s ability to focus, control impulses, and remain awake.

Commonly Prescribed Stimulants

Doctors frequently prescribe several stimulant medications for specific conditions. These include common stimulants:

• Adderall (Dextroamphetamine/Amphetamine)
• Focalin, Focalin XR (Dexmethylphenidate)
• Ritalin, Concerta, Methylin (Methylphenidate)
• Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)
• Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)
• Desoxyn (Methamphetamine)

While these medications serve important clinical purposes, they can also be misused, leading to dependency, addiction, and various health problems. Additionally, many of these medications are known by street names such as “Speed” or “Uppers,” highlighting their potential for abuse in non-medical contexts.

Misuse occurs when these stimulants are taken without a prescription, in higher doses, or for purposes beyond their medical intent. People may misuse these drugs for various reasons, including to enhance performance, increase energy, or experience euphoria.

Common Ways Prescription Stimulants Are Misused

1. Non-Prescribed Use: Taking the drug without a prescription or against medical advice.
2. Recreational Use: Using stimulants for their euphoric effects or to “get high.”
3. Unauthorized Access: Borrowing or stealing prescription medications from others.

Methods of Misuse

Prescription stimulants are typically administered in pill form but can be misused in several ways, including:

• Swallowing: Taking more pills than prescribed.
• Crushing and Snorting: Altering the medication’s form to increase its effect.
• Smoking: Heating the drug and inhaling it.
• Dissolving and Injecting: Injecting the drug into the bloodstream after it has been dissolved poses significant health risks, including the potential spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Prescription stimulants primarily affect two neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals are responsible for regulating mood, attention, and energy levels.

• Dopamine: This neurotransmitter controls feelings of pleasure and motivation. Stimulants increase dopamine levels in the brain, enhancing focus and creating feelings of euphoria.
• Norepinephrine: This chemical helps regulate attention, memory, and wakefulness. It also plays a role in controlling heart rate and blood pressure.

While these effects can be beneficial for individuals with medical conditions, misuse of stimulants can lead to dangerous physical and psychological consequences.

In the short term, those who misuse prescription stimulants may experience a range of side effects. These can include:

• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Increased respiratory rate
• Heightened alertness and energy
• A sense of euphoria or “rush”

However, when misused in large quantities, these stimulants can cause life-threatening conditions such as:

• Dangerously high body temperatures
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Heart failure
• Seizures

It’s important to use prescription stimulants only under the supervision of a healthcare professional to avoid these serious health risks.

Chronic misuse of prescription stimulants can result in severe long-term effects, both physically and mentally. Prolonged use may lead to:

• Psychosis: Characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and loss of touch with reality.
• Paranoia: Unjustified feelings of mistrust or suspicion of others.
• Aggression and Irritability: Heightened anger and volatile mood swings.
• Cardiovascular Problems: Long-term stimulant use can put immense strain on the heart, leading to heart disease or stroke.

For individuals who inject stimulants, there is also an increased risk of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis due to the sharing of needles or risky behaviors stemming from impaired judgment.

One of the most dangerous consequences of stimulant misuse is the risk of overdose. Overdosing on prescription stimulants can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Common overdose symptoms include:

• Rapid breathing, restlessness, and confusion
• High body temperatures
• Hallucinations and panic
• Seizures and irregular heart rhythms
• Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea

If you suspect someone is experiencing a stimulant overdose, it is critical to seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Timely intervention can save lives.

Prescription Stimulant Addiction and Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

The misuse of prescription stimulants can lead to the development of substance use disorder (SUD), a condition in which a person becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the drug. As individuals develop tolerance to the drug, they may require increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effects, putting them at higher risk for addiction.

Signs of Substance Use Disorder include:

• Continuing to use stimulants despite adverse health effects.
• Inability to manage responsibilities at work, school, or home.
• Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop or reduce stimulant use.

Withdrawal Symptoms can include:

• Extreme fatigue and lack of energy.
• Mood changes, including depression and irritability.
• Difficulty sleeping or disrupted sleep patterns.