Dangers of Stimulant Abuse

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Stimulants increase activity in the central nervous system, leading to an elevated awareness, alertness, motivation, endurance and arousal.  For some, their primary reason for stimulant abuse lies in their ability to produce euphoria.

Types of Stimulants

Widely abused stimulants include cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamine.

• Cocaine – Cocaine comes from the coca plant native to South America and has a long history of abuse. It is a powerfully addictive stimulant that is abused by snorting, intravenously injecting, and smoking, also known as “free basing” or in another form called “crack.”
• Amphetamines – There is a long list of amphetamines that are prescribed for the treatment of disorders such as narcolepsy and ADHD, including Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine and Concerta. These drugs are often diverted to others and abused for their ability to produce effects similar to cocaine or by adolescents and college students to enhance academic performance.
• Methamphetamine – Methamphetamines come from illegal manufacturing in makeshift home labs or super-labs outside of the United States. This drug is processed with a variety of toxic ingredients that make every dose unpredictable in its effects and dangers.

Stimulant abuse can have devastating consequences on a person’s physical and psychological health as well as far-reaching consequences in their family, social, economic and legal affairs. These may include addiction, mental health risks, physical health risks, risk of infection and disease and overdose.

Addiction

Individuals who abuse stimulants can develop addiction and suffer withdrawal symptoms when they try to limit or stop their use. Some symptoms of stimulant withdrawal include:

• Anxiety, irritability or depression
• Jittery reactions
• Dulled senses
• Slowed speech and movement
• Hallucinations and paranoia
• Loss of interest
• Body aches and chills
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Weight loss or gaunt appearance
• Impaired memory
• Drug cravings

Mental Health Risks

Stimulant abuse can cause long-term psychological issues.

Stimulant abuse can have a major impact on neurotransmission within the brain and central nervous system, impacting their ability to regulate thought, emotions, moods and behaviors. Individuals may begin suffering acute anxiety, depression, insomnia, or suicidal ideation, which can become difficult to control.

Physical Health Risks

Stimulant abuse increases the risks of physical impairments due to increased respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, or body temperature. If these symptoms persist or worsen, the possibility of causing serious damage to organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys, can be permanent or even fatal.

Risk of Infections and Diseases

Much of the paraphernalia used by stimulant abusers is shared. Straws, needles and pipes can transmit diseases and increase the risk of infections, including HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, scarring, infections, and damage to the veins and arteries.  Because many people who abuse stimulants also engage in high-risk behaviors, sexually transmitted diseases are also a risk.

Overdose

Stimulant overdose occurs when the drug overwhelms the body, leading to dangerous effects like extremely high heart rate, overheating, seizures and even cardiac arrest. The risk of overdose is increased with higher or repeated use, when stimulants are mixed with other substances, especially alcohol and opioids, or when taking a drug with unknown drug potency or contamination.  As well, individuals who have a low tolerance to the drug or who use it alone put themselves at a high risk for overdose. Furthermore, underlying health concerns such as heart problems, hypertension or mental health conditions can make stimulant use more dangerous.

If you or someone you know is using stimulants and struggling to stay safe, reaching out for help can make a critical difference. A healthcare provider or addiction specialist can offer support, treatment options and strategies to reduce risk and move toward long-term recovery.

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