As a person uses a stimulant more and more, there is a good chance that he or she will become addicted to the drug. If you find yourself in this position or are worried about a loved one, it is important to become familiar with the most common signs of stimulant addiction.

There are many physical signs of stimulant addiction, including the following:

• Craving the drug
• Increased energy
• Increased body temperature
• Decreased appetite
• Increased blood pressure
• Tolerance to the drug
• Dilated pupils

Along with the physical symptoms of addiction, there are many psychological and behavioral symptoms to be aware of:

• Improved mood
• Euphoria
• Increased self confidence and sociability
• Attempts to cut back or eliminate drug use are unsuccessful
• Giving up activities and hobbies that used to be important
• Negative impact on work or school performance

These are the most common signs of stimulant addiction, however, others can come to the forefront along the way. This is particularly true if a person is abusing another type of drug or alcohol at the same time. In this case, it can be a challenge to pinpoint which signs and symptoms are associated with stimulant use and which ones can be attributed to the other substance.

In the event that a person is abusing this type of drug, the withdrawal process can be long, uncomfortable, and often times painful. This is due to a variety of withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Depression
• Unpleasant dreams
• Exhaustion and fatigue
• Anxiety
• Increased appetite
• Insomnia during the night time hours
• Short term memory loss
• Difficulty making decisions
• Difficulty paying attention, concentrating, and remaining alert
• Mood swings accompanied by agitation

If you become addicted to a stimulant and want to overcome your problem, it is safe to assume that you will face some or all of the symptoms detailed above.

Those who are concerned about beating their addiction should consider checking into a professional rehab facility. This is beneficial for many reasons, including the fact that the medical staff will provide assistance every step of the way. In some cases, this includes providing medication that can help make the withdrawal process less challenging.

Knowing the signs of stimulant addiction will help you determine if you or somebody else in your life is dealing with this problem. If it becomes serious enough, a variety of signs and symptoms will rear their ugly head. At that point, it is essential to receive professional assistance to ensure that the problem does not grow.