The Long-Term Effects of Stimulants
Long-term stimulant use can take a heartbreaking toll on both the body and mind, impacting every aspect of a person’s well-being. The damage often goes beyond what’s visible, affecting relationships, self-worth, and the ability to lead a fulfilling life. Physically, stimulants can strain the heart, disrupt sleep, and cause lasting harm to vital organs, while mentally, they can lead to anxiety, depression, and even episodes of psychosis.
Stimulant drugs raise alertness, wakefulness, and energy levels by working on the central nervous system. They also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Strong stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine produce a powerful sense of well-being and euphoria which can be very addicting. Over time, stimulant abuse can cause physical and psychological dependence. Many people turn to stimulant medications as a way to improve their performance. Unfortunately, instead of improving their life, it can create more problems.
The journey out of long-term stimulant use can feel daunting, but with understanding and professional support, there is a path to healing and reclaiming control over one’s life. Serenity Light Recovery offers compassionate, 12-step-based stimulant recovery for those in the Houston area.
Types of Stimulants
Stimulants tend to have similar effects. However, illicit stimulants are more dangerous and have more long-term effects than prescription stimulant medication.
Stimulants include:
Prescription amphetamines: Adderall, Ritalin, Phentramine, often used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Methamphetamine
Cocaine and crack
MDMA: ecstasy, molly
Physical Long-Term Effects of Stimulants
Some of the most concerning long-term effects of stimulants are related to the cardiovascular system. Stimulants affect your blood pressure and heart rate. Long-term use puts you at a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and irregular heartbeat.
Other long-term effects of stimulants are related to appetite suppression and increased metabolism. Prescription stimulant misuse can cause extreme weight loss, muscle deterioration, and gastrointestinal problems. These effects can be caused by the stimulants themselves or lack of a healthy diet when using stimulants. Vitamin deficiencies are also common with long-term stimulant use.
Long-Term Effects of Stimulants on the Brain
There are several long-term effects of stimulants on the brain. Stimulants cause changes in the brain that make it difficult to function without the drug. Specifically, stimulants act on the dopaminergic system in the brain, which is essentially the brain’s reward system. It’s designed to encourage healthy behaviors that aid survival, like eating, physical activity, and relationships. Stimulants hijack this system, releasing large amounts of dopamine. This gives the user a euphoric high which leads to drug addiction.
Long-term effects of stimulants on the brain include:
Dopamine depletion
Damage to neuron receptors
Less gray matter, particularly in women
Changes to the area of the brain responsible for emotion and behavior
Mental and Psychological Effects of Long-Term Stimulant Use
There are a wide range of mental and psychological effects of long-term stimulant use. Many of these arise from the changes that occur in the brain due to stimulant use. Dopamine depletion causes slower motor function and decreased memory recall.
Depression, anxiety, and fatigue are common for those who have used stimulants long-term. They may also experience aggression, irritability, and lowered impulse control. Some individuals experience schizophrenia-like symptoms, including paranoia or hallucinations while using stimulants or upon stopping stimulant use.
Route of Administration
The route of administration also plays a role in the long-term effects of stimulants. In simple terms, quicker onset and stronger effects are linked to greater risk. Generally, taking stimulants orally carries lower risks than other routes of administration.
Methamphetamine and prescription stimulants are less likely to cause toxic effects to the cardiovascular system when taken orally. This method also has a lower risk of drug addiction.
Prescription stimulants, meth, and cocaine are often snorted. Meth and crack cocaine are often smoked. These methods of administration allow the drug to enter the bloodstream faster and in a greater concentration.
The long-term effects of stimulants are often most severe when the drugs are injected. The drug immediately enters the bloodstream in a high concentration. This gives instant effects, and the user needs a smaller amount of the drug.
Serenity Light Recovery Treatment Programs
Treatment programs for stimulant drug addiction require an understanding of the short and long-term effects—and the withdrawal symptoms—of stimulants. At Serenity Light Recovery in Angleton, Texas, we have treatment programs designed for stimulant addiction. Our programs include behavioral therapy, individual therapy, and addiction education. Contact us today at (281) 431-6700. Our addiction treatment team will help you choose the treatment program that’s right for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Long-Term Effects of Stimulants
What are the long-term effects of stimulant use, and how can treatment help?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), comprehensive treatment is essential for addressing both the immediate and long-term effects of stimulant use. Specialized programs provide the necessary therapeutic support, medical care, and relapse prevention strategies to guide individuals toward recovery. With the help of experienced mental health professionals, individuals can begin to reverse some of the cognitive and emotional impacts of stimulants and work toward regaining balance in their lives.
What are stimulants?
Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase alertness, attention, and energy. They stimulate the central nervous system, leading to heightened activity of certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.
Are stimulants addictive?
Yes, many stimulants have a high potential for addiction and dependence, especially when used recreationally or in high doses. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effects, and people experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
What are the risks and long-term effects of stimulants?
Risks and potential long-term effects of stimulants include addiction, cardiovascular issues (such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and risk of heart attack or stroke), insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, and potential long-term damage to the brain.
What is Adderall abuse?
Adderall abuse refers to the non-medical use of Adderall, a prescription medication commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Abuse of Adderall typically involves taking the medication in higher doses or in ways other than prescribed—such as crushing and snorting it or injecting it intravenously—to achieve euphoria, increased energy, improved focus, or weight loss. This misuse can lead to serious health consequences, including addiction, cardiovascular problems, psychiatric disorders, and potential overdose.
Can stimulants be used to treat medical conditions?
Stimulants like amphetamines are commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They help improve focus, attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD, and they can help control excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy.
What is the first step to treating stimulant addiction?
The first step in treating stimulant addiction typically involves a comprehensive assessment and evaluation by a healthcare professional or addiction specialist to determine the severity of the addiction and any underlying factors contributing to it. This assessment helps to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to the person’s needs. It may include drug detox, therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), support groups, medication-assisted treatment, and lifestyle changes to address the addiction and promote recovery.
Are there legal restrictions on stimulant use?
Yes, many stimulants are controlled substances and are illegal to possess or use without a prescription. Regulations vary by country and jurisdiction, so it’s essential to be aware of local laws regarding stimulant use and possession.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”
