Effects, Dangers, and Illegal Stimulants Treatment

What are Illegal Stimulants?

Illegal stimulants are medicines that boost the activity of the central nervous system (CNS). These medications stimulate the nervous system, making a person more alert, energetic, and focused. Even though certain stimulant drugs are prescription drugs used in conjunction with the treatment of such disorders as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, some other types of stimulant drugs are controlled substances and thus illegal due to the likelihood of abuse and addiction.

The most common examples of stimulant drugs abused are cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. The greatest temptation of these drugs is that they are used to induce a euphoric state; however, when they are misused long term, there are dire consequences to the body and the mind. People should realize that overuse of these drugs has adverse impacts and predisposes one to greater risks.

Classification of Illegal Stimulants

Stimulant drugs examples include the following.

Cocaine

Cocaine is one of the most well-known illegal stimulants and stimulant drug types. The mechanism of action involves a direct impact on dopamine levels in the brain, resulting in intense euphoria and increased energy.

Despite cocaine being formerly included in the prescriptions given in treating different medical complications, its addictive quality made it a controlled drug. Heavy cocaine consumption can also lead to heart attack, stroke, and severe mental complications such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.

Methamphetamine

Another very addictive class of drugs is methamphetamine, or popularly called meth. One can smoke it, snort it, or inject it, and when smoked or injected, the experiences are best felt.

Extended stimulation of the nervous system by using methamphetamine may result in an enhanced occurrence of brain damage, cardiac arrest, and an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Similar to the case with cocaine, methamphetamine is a controlled substance, and it is considered illegal unless used medically.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Another common illegal stimulant drug is ecstasy, or MDMA, which is abused socially. MDMA produces emotional warmth, euphoria, and serious health risks as well.

Ecstasy abuse may lead to dehydration, cardiac arrhythmia, and hyperthermia. It may cause brain damage after long-term use, especially the serotonin-producing neurons, and it is primarily associated with mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

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Entry Routes of the Illegal Stimulants

People misuse illegal stimulants in several ways, and these include:

•         Swallowing (pills or powder)
•         Snorting (powder form)
•         Smoking (a frequent technique in the use of methamphetamine)

The intensity of nervous system stimulation is often dependent on the method of use. The effects of smoking or self-injection of illicit stimulants are more frequent and faster.

Intense Results of Misusing Unlawful Stimulants

The short-term outcomes of using illegal stimulants may be disastrous, and they include:

•         Higher blood pressure rates and heart rate
•         Irregular pulse / irregular heartbeat
•         Heat illness (an increased body temperature)
•         Dilated pupils
•         Greater alertness and liveliness
•         Loss of appetite and nausea
•         Irritability, nervousness, and paranoia
•         Sleep disturbances

All these side effects of stimulants are attributable to stimulation of the nervous system, and they can easily overwhelm the body, especially in an overdose, which may require immediate intervention.

Long-term Effects of Illicit Stimulants

Using illegal stimulants can permanently harm the body as well as the mind. The long-term risks comprise some of the following:

•         Heart attack and stroke as a result of the constant work of the nervous system
•         Heavy circulation due to damage to blood vessels
•         Destruction of tissue at the location of consumption (e.g., destruction of nasal tissue when snorting cocaine)
•         Common mental disorders, including psychosis, anxiety, and depression
•         Stimulant use disorder and addiction development
•         Cognitive impairments and loss of memory
•         Poor eating habits that lead to malnutrition are related to having an appetite suppressed
•         Mental and emotional long-term problems due to brain damage

Chronic overuse of illegal stimulants is life-redefining, as it seriously affects the overall quality of life.

Comparison between Prescription Stimulants and Illegal Stimulants

Though most prescription drugs used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, such as Adderall and Ritalin, have been prescribed and used frequently, they are also often abused. Prescription stimulants may also result in addiction and stimulant use disorder when inappropriately used, e.g., used to improve performance or to study informally, or beyond the prescribed limits.

Although there is control of prescription medication by medical practitioners, when they are abused, they may cause terrible effects, such as those of street drugs on the central nervous system stimulants.

Due to the difference in legality and also the purpose of stimulants, it is essential to differentiate between stimulants prescribed by a medical practitioner and illegal stimulants, which are abused to achieve an advantageous euphoria effect.

Treatment of Illicit Stimulant Addiction

Stimulant use disorder needs to be treated by specialists in the sphere as it concerns not only the body but also the mind of the disease. Fortunately, a possible range of treatment options can be offered:

1. Medical Detox

Usually, the primary step in the treatment of illegal stimulant addiction is medical detox. It assists people to get out of drugs safely and helps mitigate negative effects, as prescribed by medical professionals. Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and abnormal heartbeat can also be dealt with in the detoxification process to make it as comfortable and safe as it can be.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT)

CBT is a very successful treatment for cocaine and methamphetamine addiction. It assists patients to know and transform the negative thought patterns that lead to drug abuse and learn less harmful coping strategies.

3. Contingency Management

Contingency management is another behavioral therapy that involves the use of rewards whenever good behaviors, like turning up to therapy sessions or staying off substances, are recorded. It can be activity vouchers or even prizes that encourage people to continue with the recovery process.

4. The Matrix Model

Another popular form of treatment is the Matrix Model, which combines individual therapy, group therapy, and a family support program. It aims to develop self-esteem, motivation, and positive behavior change, helping people gain control over their lives and strengthen their recovery.

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Quitting the Use of Illegal Stimulants

Drug abuse, such as abuse of cocaine and methamphetamine, may lead to severe physical and mental health effects. But with the help and care, anyone can recover.

At We Level Up Washington, we offer a personalized approach to stimulant use disorder treatment and allow people with an addiction to control their lives once again and succeed in experiencing enduring recovery. Learn more about how we can assist you or a loved one on the path towards recovery by contacting us today.

Summary

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