Stimulant Addiction Treatment in Maryland

Stimulants are substances that speed up the central nervous system. Because of their effects, stimulants can be very addictive and cause harm mental, emotional, and physical harm. An individual who has a stimulant addiction will experience harsh withdrawal symptoms if they quit using or limit their intake of the stimulant.

If you or a loved one struggles with stimulant addiction, help is available through our detox program and other types of stimulant addiction treatment in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Our substance use disorder treatment facility is here to help you.

Table of Contents

What Are Stimulants?

Stimulants are a class of drug that enhances brain activity. By increasing levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, stimulants increase the activity of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS includes the spinal cord and the brain which controls the function of other systems in the body.

Illegal and prescription stimulants make your heart beat fast, increasing your blood pressure and breathing. Some drugs in this class can suppress your appetite too. Because they enhance brain activity and increase levels of certain chemicals, stimulants can increase energy, alertness, and attention.

These effects can be overstimulating and result in anxiety, nausea, tremors, and even death. Some stimulant drugs are legal like caffeine and prescription drugs, but there are also illegal stimulant drugs.

Types of Stimulant Drugs

Here are common illegal and prescription stimulants:

Nicotine
Caffeine
Cocaine (crack)
Methamphetamine
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
Modafinil
Ephedrine
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Diet pills
Adderall
Synthetic cathinone (bath salts)

stimulant addiction treatment in maryland

Signs and Symptoms of a Stimulant Addiction

When it comes to identifying stimulant abuse, it is important to know what the symptoms and signs of stimulant addiction might include. A person who is struggling with stimulant abuse may exhibit some cognitive, physical, and behavioral signs. Some of the signs that a person has a stimulant abuse problem may include the following:

Hair loss
Weight loss
Skin problems
Excessive sweating
Jitteriness or twitching
Enhanced sensory awareness
Hallucinations and delusions
Abnormally excessive energy levels
Changes in appetite (typically a decrease)
Deceptive behavior (i.e. lying, stealing, etc.)
Unnaturally increased confidence
Racing thoughts
Poor judgment
Dilated pupils
Paranoia

Also, a person may begin “doctor shopping” to receive more prescription stimulants. They might also illegally acquire stimulant drugs. Other physical effects of stimulant abuse might include high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. These signs indicate that a person may need treatment for stimulant abuse.

How Do Stimulants Impact the Brain and Body?

Psychological

The psychological effects that stimulants have are on your mood and attention capabilities. They increase your focus and may help concentrate on tasks and give them your full attention. This is why people need their coffee in the morning. Stimulant drugs also can increase dopamine levels and produce a sense of euphoria. Often people feel more confident and energetic after using a stimulant.

However, prolonged use of this type of substance can create a chemical imbalance in the brain. Stimulants cause the production of too much dopamine and norepinephrine which has adverse effects on your mood and energy. Overactivated norepinephrine can lead to anxiety which can escalate to become an anxiety disorder.

A chemical imbalance in your brain can reduce grey matter in the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for decision-making. Damaging this cortex inhibits high-level cognitive functioning and can lead to poor decision-making and memory problems. When you have a stimulant addiction you’re more likely to be impulsive as well because of these effects on the brain.

Physical

Addiction to stimulants can also adversely affect your body by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure, disrupting sleep patterns, and reducing your appetite. A rapid heart rate can prematurely age your heart. People who use stimulants such as amphetamines may find that their entire cardiovascular system shows signs of aging.

For example, arteries, which carry blood and oxygen through the body, become stiff. This may cause more serious health problems such as an aneurysm or stroke. Stimulants can impact other organs such as your kidneys, which process anything you put into your body and filters out any toxin. Some stimulants cause your body to retain urine which is one way that kidneys can rid the body of toxins. This floods your kidneys with toxins and may cause them to shut down leading to kidney failure.

Social

The primary social effect stimulants may have is straining close relationships. Because of the way stimulants affect your mood, friends, and family may find it difficult to be around you. Some become irritable and aggressive which can also cause relationship problems. As with any addiction, an individual may isolate themselves and become preoccupied with the drug, neglecting relationships and responsibilities.

People may be attracted to stimulants because they can enhance your sociability and make you feel more confident. This may facilitate relationships and help connect with others but it can also lead to impulsivity. In social situations, this behavior can be dangerous for yourself and others.

Stimulant Addiction Treatment

Each person suffering from an addiction will receive treatment tailored to their specific needs and circumstance. Stimulant abuse rehab is no different. If you have an addiction to illegal stimulants or even prescription stimulants, there are many addiction treatment programs available to help. This allows you to choose the best course of action for you or your loved one.

Medical Detox

Medical detox provides a safe way for people to quit abusing drugs and alcohol as they go through the withdrawal period. Stimulant withdrawal symptoms can be intense. Some of the symptoms may include extreme fatigue, depression, mood swings, irritability, body aches, insomnia, and more. But medically-assisted detox from stimulants usually includes medications to help treat symptoms of withdrawal that occur when you stop or limit your stimulant use.

Residential/Inpatient Treatment

This treatment requires you to stay in a facility and offers full medical supervision. Inpatient treatment for drug abuse usually begins with detox to assist with withdrawal symptoms and then focuses on giving you the tools to live a sober life. This includes therapy, both individually and with groups, classes, and other recovery activities.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment works for people with addiction or mental health disorders and involves routine visits to a facility, clinic, or hospital. In outpatient programs, you receive the help you need whether it’s medical, therapeutic, or experiential. Many choose outpatient treatment for less severe cases of addiction or continuing treatment after residential treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An intensive outpatient program requires a bit more time than regular outpatient treatment; usually 15-20 hours. Patients live in their homes but have access to addiction professionals and receive therapy. This treatment focuses on developing positive thought patterns and teaches healthy coping techniques.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A partial hospitalization program is designed for people who need a higher level of care but don’t require a full inpatient program. This treatment offers medical and psychological care but with less intensity. At The Freedom Center, our PHP program is five to six days a week, lasting six hours a day.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT is a common therapy for addiction treatment and mental health services. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This type of psychotherapy helps people recognize triggers and how to cope with or avoid them. CBT helps develop positive thought and behavior patterns that reduce the risk of relapse.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: This is a type of CBT that focuses on the psychosocial aspect of treating a condition. Dialectical behavior therapy uses mindfulness strategies such as meditation to help change negative behaviors that contribute to an addiction problem.

Family Therapy: Family counseling is an important part of stimulant misuse rehab that involves parents, siblings, and children in your therapy session. Family therapy provides education on addiction and teaches coping techniques to everyone. This is a valuable tool in rebuilding relationships that may deteriorate due to addiction.

What Are Stimulants?

We offer psychiatric help, group activities, and holistic treatment so that you will have options on how to best treat your condition. Overcoming your addiction and returning to sobriety will improve your life in many ways and you’ll start to see positive change after coming to us for treatment.

Contact us today to learn more about how our treatment program for stimulant use disorders can help you recover. We can discuss all your questions and concerns about stimulant addiction and recovery, giving you the confidence that this is your best option for treatment.

Break Free From Addiction

At our addiction treatment center in Maryland, we do our best to meet each individual where they’re at. Each person comes with a different mold – a different struggle. The best way we can help them is to offer them care that is unique to their situation; there is no one-size-fits-all method for substance abuse treatment. When it comes to treating stimulant addiction and other types of substance abuse, every individual has specific needs.

This is why individualized care is so important to us. Now is the time to break free from your addiction to prescription stimulants. You can contact us today to learn more about our substance abuse and mental health treatment options.

Break Free From Addiction

At our substance abuse treatment center in Maryland, we do our best to meet each individual where they’re at. Each person comes with a different mold - a different struggle. The best way we can help them is to offer them care that is unique to their own situation; there is no one-size-fits-all method to substance abuse treatment. This is why individualized care is so important to us. If you or a loved one are interested in finding out more, you can contact us here.

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