Signs of Stimulant Abuse

Why Are Stimulants Addictive?  

Stimulants are addictive because of the way they affect the brain. Whether they are prescribed or illegal, stimulants increase the levels of chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which are associated with mood, energy, motivation, and other functions.   

Dopamine is a particularly important chemical in this equation, mainly because it is linked to the brain’s reward system. When dopamine levels are high, a person feels euphoric and invincible.  

Stimulants like cocaine and meth are not only known for producing these sensations of pleasure and well-being but also for causing a false sense of invincibility and confidence. Several types of addictive stimulants include:   

• Adderall (prescription) 
• Dexedrine (prescription) 

• Ritalin (prescription) 
• Concerta (prescription) 
• Desoxyn (prescription) 
• Ephedrine (prescription) 
• Methamphetamine (illegal) 

• Cocaine (illegal) 

In addition to abusing stimulants to get high, many people misuse these drugs to improve their performance at school or work. Prescription stimulants used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) symptoms – such as Ritalin and Adderall – are among the most misused stimulants for performance purposes.   

However, these drugs do not do much for people without ADHD. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with concentration problems and impulsive behavior, and medications like Adderall and Ritalin are designed and dosed to treat these problems, not to be used as “smart drugs.” 

Using stimulants without a prescription or taking them for the wrong reasons only increases the risk of physical dependence and addiction. Unfortunately, this has become a more prevalent problem in the U.S., with over 900,000 people abusing prescription stimulants every year.1   

Stimulant Abuse Signs 

Stimulants ranging from ADHD medications to cocaine are often abused for their energizing and mood-boosting side effects. Those who frequently abuse stimulants are at risk of developing a drug use disorder.  

Knowing what to look for in a person abusing stimulants can help you identify if they have a problem with drugs and get them illicit or prescription drug addiction treatment.  

Common signs of stimulant abuse include:  

• Aggressive behavior or angry outbursts 
• Anxiety or nervousness 
• Dilated pupils 
• Doctor shopping or going to different doctors for more prescriptions 

• Lying about symptoms to get prescriptions 
• Stealing or lying to loved ones to get more drugs  
• Stealing prescriptions from someone 
• Using prescriptions more than directed by the prescribing doctor 
• Using prescription stimulant drugs without a prescription 

• Spending time with people who use drugs 
• Elevated blood pressure 
• Exhibiting excessive energy or motivation 
• Hyper-focus 
• Hyperactivity 

• Jitteriness 
• Loss of appetite 
• Irritability  
• Mood-swings 
• Racing thoughts 

• Rapid heartbeat 
• Restlessness 
• Engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors 
• Sweating 
• Using illicit stimulant drugs 

• Sudden weight loss 
• Increased sense of well-being or confidence 

Stimulant abuse symptoms are more likely to occur in people who grew up in families with parents or siblings who abused stimulants or have a family history of addiction. Other risk factors of stimulant abuse include poverty, unemployment, mental illness, easy access to stimulant medications, and high stress.   

In addition to the signs of addiction to stimulants listed above, a person abusing stimulants may also experience problems in other areas, such as:   

• Social isolation 
• Broken relationships 
• Estrangement, divorce, or loss of child custody 

• Liver, kidney, lung, or cardiovascular problems 
• Erratic behavior 
• Gastrointestinal problems 
• Unemployment  
• Financial problems 

• Seizure 
• Death 

A person can lose everything to stimulant abuse if they do not get help. Our Chicago PHP offers a consistent form of care that helps clients recover from addiction while helping them transition to a sober lifestyle.