Prescription Stimulants and The Associated Risks You Should Know About

In the general debate on prescription drug abuse, the concerns raised are mainly centered around opioids. It is undeniable that misuse of opioids is a huge problem and continues to fuel a variety of health and addiction-related issues. However, there are a handful of prescription stimulants that are less discussed and widely overlooked. Their misuse continues to grow, and the latest findings show that stimulant prescription drug abuse is resulting in concern at a national level.

There are certain medical conditions that expose patients to these prescription stimulants. The statistics for the population diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) shows that in the past twenty years, a huge number of adolescents, children, and adults have become patients to this disorder. This results in the long-time use of amphetamines and methylphenidate, ingredients found in the prescribed medications used to treat these types of disorders.

There has been a steady rise in the use of illicit medications among people of all age groups. Consequently, it has become a national health concern. The response to prescribed stimulants can easily shift from clinical use to addiction, if not administered and monitored carefully.

If you are prescribed a stimulant, your ultimate objective should be to abide strictly to your dosage and use the stimulant only for the prescribed time period. The risk of abuse and dependence is heightened when you choose to ignore the recommended instructions.

Abusing these types of medications generally stems from a lack of knowledge concerning the drug’s actual potential. It is likely that you develop a dependence on a prescription stimulant, simply because you had no idea of the risks involved in improper use. This information is provided to give an overview of what different risks are when stimulants are misused.

Prescription Stimulants: What Are They?

Prescription stimulants are controlled medications used to treat conditions such as sleep disorders and attention deficiency disorders. These stimulants are designed to assist with energy, alertness, and attention. They have the ability to increase your brain’s activity by manipulating certain brain chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine has a substantial impact on your blood pressure, heartbeat, breathing, and sugar levels. Dopamine, on the other hand, is involved in creating reward-motivated behaviors and pleasurable sensations in your body. Prescription stimulants can trigger the production of both of these chemicals, causing users to experience a high that would not be felt if the medication was taken as recommended.

According to research, 5 million adults in the United States use prescription stimulants without any medical reason with an aim is to achieve cognitive enhancement and heightened focus. Though the benefits of these stimulants may seem appealing, users must be aware of the risks associated with these types of drugs.

Fueling Mental Disorders

Patients may become dependent on prescription stimulants for their effects, which include mood enhancement, alertness and increased concentration. However, when you develop a dependency on these substances, it is likely that you are going to experience some symptoms. It may include unexplained anxiety, irritability, fogged up thoughts, building need of violence and increased excitability. These all indicate the deteriorating condition of your mental health.

These signs are alerting you about the mental disorders you are prone to develop if your compulsion towards the prescription stimulants is not addressed in a timely manner. There are multiple studies that report that people with ADHD are more at risk of developing mental illnesses like depression and anxiety when they are using prescription stimulants.

Losing Control over Behavior

If you continue to use prescription stimulants without the need it is primarily designed for, there is a high possibility that you will generate dependency on the medication. This dependency can lead you towards misusing the illicit substance.

These stimulants can make you lose control over your behavior and your drug consumption can turn rapidly into a compulsive practice or addiction. Taking into consideration the ability that stimulants like methamphetamine have, the user starts to undermine the health risks associated with the illicit use and start to feel more dependent on the substance.

What to Do?

Addiction, of any sort, is a risk to your well-being. To ensure healthy living, it is important that you indulge only in positive habits and activities. Becoming dependent on prescription stimulants can lead you to several problems related to your physical and mental health.

If you are diagnosed with problems like ADHD and narcolepsy, and you are using drugs like methamphetamine by prescription, make sure that you are careful in the use. Your dosage must not exceed the prescribed amount and the usage tenure must not step out of the prescribed time limit.

If you find it difficult to stop using the prescription stimulants, it is important that you get adequate help right away. Getting into the right drug rehab program can help you combat your compulsion from these drugs that can impact your health and quality of life negatively.

At Arizona Addiction Recovery Center, we offer you multiple treatment options that can provide you support and assistance in gaining back the control of your mind and body, and overcome the dependency on illicit substances. Contact us today to learn about our enrollment procedure and details of the services offered.