Millions of people in the United States abuse stimulant drugs, and many develop addiction. Stimulant use can change how your body and brain work. These changes make it very hard to stop using drugs when you want to.
Stimulants are substances that increase central nervous system (CNS) activity. There are illicit and prescription stimulants. They are addictive, meaning that people may develop physical dependence after misusing them.
Stimulant abuse and addiction are growing problems in the United States. Research from 2020 showed that almost 360,000 people received treatment for stimulant abuse, and over 5 million people misused stimulants.
There are effective addiction treatment programs available to treat stimulant abuse in Pompano Beach. If you or someone you love struggle with stimulant abuse, reach out to the First Step Behavioral Health team to explore our substance abuse treatment center.
Stimulant Abuse: An Overview
Stimulants are drugs that increase CNS activity. People may experience side effects while using stimulant drugs, including:
- Increased heart rate
- More energy
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Elevated blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Euphoria
Common prescription stimulants include:
- Dexedrine
- Ritalin
- Concerta
- Adderall
- Desoxyn
Common illicit stimulants include:
People may like the side effects of stimulants. Frequent stimulant use can lead to tolerance. Tolerance occurs when your body gets used to a certain amount of a substance. Over time, you may discover that you need to use more of a drug to get the effects you want.
Heavy or frequent use of a substance can lead to physical dependence. Once you have developed physical dependence on a drug, it is nearly impossible to quit using it without professional help.
Recognizing Stimulant Abuse
Recognizing stimulant abuse is the first step toward getting help. Stimulant abuse can change how a person feels, thinks, and acts. Knowing these symptoms may help you get help sooner.
Some common signs of stimulant abuse include:
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive talkativeness
- Increased energy
- Appearing agitated frequently
- Quick or unexplained weight loss
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Noticeable behavior changes
- Sleeping less than usual
- Missing school or work
- Legal or financial problems associated with substance use
- Isolating or only spending time with others who use drugs
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using stimulants
People who develop physical dependence on stimulants will keep using them, even when facing severe consequences. Most people require treatment in a rehab center to safely stop using stimulants and learn how to avoid relapse.
What Happens in Stimulant Rehab Programs in Pompano Beach?
There are several levels of addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment programs require people to live in treatment facilities while receiving care. Outpatient programs provide high-quality treatment while allowing people to live at home.
The goal of all stimulant addiction treatment programs in Pompano Beach is the same: to help people detox from stimulants and give them relapse-prevention skills.
Most people begin treatment in a medically-supported detox program. During detox, people receive medications to reduce or manage their withdrawal symptoms. Stimulant withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Aggression
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Intense cravings
The support of a detox program can help people have a safe, complete detoxification. Then, they must continue treatment.
Comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment programs focus on treating the whole person. Treatment programs offer evidence-based care for the body and mind. Treatment for stimulant addiction may include:
- Assessment and screening for co-occurring disorders
- Individual counseling
- Behavioral therapies
- Treatment for mental health disorders
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Medications
- Nutrition support, mindfulness, exercise, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning
People who complete a comprehensive stimulant addiction treatment program learn valuable skills that can help them avoid relapse. Holistic addiction rehab programs help people understand and treat the roots of their substance abuse. This can lead to better long-term outcomes.
Choosing a Stimulant Rehab in Pompano Beach, Florida
There are many drug abuse treatment centers. Finding one that offers high-quality, evidence-based care is essential.
Here are some of the signs of a high-quality stimulant rehab program:
- The center is accredited
- The center is licensed to provide addiction treatment services
- Patients spend most of their treatment time engaging in evidence-based therapies, like medication management, mental health care, psychotherapy, and education
- The center is well-maintained and provides a soothing environment
- The staff has the education and licensure to provide addiction treatment services
At First Step Behavioral Health, we believe people can recover from addiction if they have the treatment and support they need. We offer a range of effective, supportive rehab programs to help people put addiction in the past and work toward a healthier future.
Find Stimulant Addiction Treatment in Pompano Beach, FL
Stimulant abuse can lead to long-term harm. You do not have to live with an untreated substance use disorder. Effective treatment is available at First Step Behavioral Health.
Contact our specialists today to explore our drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs. Our admissions team will help you determine which program will meet your needs. We can also verify your insurance and schedule an intake appointment.