Common Signs & Symptoms of Stimulant Addiction

Get in front of an stimulant addiction by learning the signs and symptoms. Read what causes stimulant addiction, what signs to look out for, and potential long-term effects. Understanding your symptoms is the first step to successful healing.

Understanding Stimulants

Learn about stimulants and substance abuse

Education is an essential tool in the fight to overcome stimulant addiction. The more you understand about the signs, symptoms, and effects of stimulant abuse, the better prepared you will be to get help for yourself or a loved one. 

Typically used to treat narcolepsy or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), prescription stimulants include drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. Common illegal stimulants include substances like cocaine and methamphetamine. Whether obtained from your doctor or through illicit means, all stimulants produce increased energy and focus, and a euphoric high when abused.  

If you find yourself struggling with stimulant addiction, know that help is available. With support from Conway Behavioral Health Hospital’s qualified staff, you can access the treatment services you need to overcome your chemical dependence and leave your stimulant use in the past. Our program is designed to offer you the individualized supports you need to set the course for sustained recovery. 

Statistics

Stimulant addiction statistics 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shares the following statistics on stimulant abuse in the United States: 

  • Compared with older adults, people ages 18-25 are more than twice as likely to use cocaine.  
  • In 2014, 569,000 Americans reported using methamphetamine in the past month. 
  • Men (0.8%) were twice as likely to use cocaine as women (0.4%). 

Causes & Risks

Causes and risk factors for stimulant addiction  

Your risk for addiction can be influenced by a variety of internal and external factors, including the following: 

  • Living in poverty 
  • Personal history of substance abuse and/or mental illness 
  • Easy access to stimulant-based medications 
  • Familiarity with prescription stimulants 
  • Having poor stress management capabilities 
  • Being male 
  • Family history of substance abuse and/or mental illness 

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of stimulant addiction 

A person who is struggling with stimulant addiction may experience a wide range of signs and symptoms, including the following: 

Behavioral symptoms: 

  • Withdrawing from family or friends 
  • Visiting websites to purchase stimulants without a prescription 
  • Acting secretively or deceptively about one’s whereabouts and activities 
  • Exhibiting increased energy and motivation 
  • Attempting to acquire multiple prescriptions for the same stimulant 
  • Borrowing or stealing prescription stimulants from friends or family members 

Physical symptoms: 

  • Weight loss 
  • Rapid breathing 
  • Increased blood pressure 
  • Rapid heartbeat 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Pupil dilation 
  • Extreme perspiration 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Disrupted sleep patterns 

Mental symptoms: 

  • Improved memory 
  • Hallucinations  
  • Paranoia  
  • Enhanced focus and concentration 

Effects

Effects of stimulant addiction and substance abuse

Failing to get effective stimulant addiction treatment can put you at risk for a wide range of negative outcomes, including the following: 

  • Erratic behavior 
  • Depression 
  • Dehydration 
  • Liver damage 
  • Kidney damage 
  • Anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure) 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Paranoia 
  • Heart problems 
  • Panic attacks  

Co-Occurring Disorders

Stimulant addiction and co-occurring disorders

People who struggle with stimulant addiction may also have an increased risk of developing the following mental health disorders: 

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder  
  • Bipolar disorder 
  • Persistent depressive disorder 
  • Major depressive disorder 
  • Oppositional defiant disorder  
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder  

Withdrawal & Overdose

Effects of stimulant withdrawal and overdose

Effects of withdrawal: Depending upon the type of stimulant you have been using, trying to stop once you’ve become addicted can trigger several distressing symptoms. Known as withdrawal, this experience may include the following symptoms: 

  • Anxiety 
  • Paranoia 
  • Insomnia  
  • Powerful drug cravings 
  • Fatigue  
  • Joint and muscle pain 
  • Exhaustion 
  • Irritability 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Delusions 

Effects of overdose: Anyone who demonstrates the following signs after using a stimulant may have overdosed and should seek immediate medical attention: 

 

  • Convulsions 
  • Kidney failure 
  • Extremely high body temperature 
  • Extremely high blood pressure 
  • Respiratory distress 
  • Stroke 
  • Coma 
  • Loss of consciousness 
  • Heart failure