The Short-Term Effects of Stimulants

While drugs may have a noticeable impact on a person’s physical appearance, there are also underlying symptoms that aren’t always visible to the naked eye.

The effects of drug addiction can progressively take its toll on the mind and body. As the use of stimulants, otherwise known as “speed”, grows in popularity amongst young adults, the risk of drug addiction increases.

What are Stimulants?

Stimulants are a type of drug that speeds up communication between the body and the brain. They can make a person feel more alert, awake, energized, and confident. These drugs are usually prescribed by doctors to individuals who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. Common stimulants include Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta. Because of the energizing side effects of stimulants, individuals with disorders like ADHD will feel more focused on their daily tasks.

Even so, it’s important to keep in mind that if prescription drugs are misused, taken outside of the recommended dose, or even taken differently than how directed by your doctor, the result can be severe and even life-threatening. At Banyan Boca, we know that the short-term effects of stimulants can be dangerous. We advise those who struggle with substance abuse to begin a medically monitored detox treatment as a first step in their recovery process.

The Short-Term Effects: What to Look Out For

Stimulants are also referred to as speed because of the “rush” they induce. Because the body’s processes are sped up, the user can feel like they’re on top of the world. However, this feeling is only temporary, and the effects of stimulants on the body can be hazardous.

Some of these stimulant drug effects include:

• Rise in blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Decreased blood flow
• Rise in blood sugar
• Loss of appetite
• Dilated pupils
• Lack of sleep
• Nausea
• Violent or erratic behavior

At higher doses, stimulants can also cause the body’s temperature to increase, heart failure, and seizures. Although stimulants are often prescription drugs that are assigned and monitored by a doctor, they can easily lead to an addiction if they are misused or if they aren’t taken as directed. Even if the individual has been misusing stimulants for a short period of time, the short-term effects of stimulants can produce paranoia and anxiety. At our rehab facility in Boca, we can help individuals who are suffering from substance abuse receive the appropriate treatment for recovery.

Addiction is a disease that can be difficult to heal from without help. Our residential treatment program assists individuals suffering from substance abuse in their journey to recovery. We encourage our patients to learn more about the roots of their addiction while teaching them how to overcome it.

If you or a loved one is ready to take that first step to lasting sobriety, reach out to us today at 888-280-4763.