Recognizing the long-term effects of stimulants is the first step in knowing when a friend or loved one is jeopardizing their health. Millions of people abuse stimulants, like cocaine, methamphetamines, or prescription stimulants, and may develop a substance use disorder relatively quickly. If this happens, there are several programs designed to help those struggling with an addiction to stimulants.
The Ranch supports clients from all walks of life who are struggling with an addiction to cocaine, meth, or other dangerous stimulants. We have developed a comprehensive meth addiction treatment program that uses behavioral therapy, medication, and mindfulness practices to create a whole-person recovery experience. You will work closely with a professional therapist through group and private therapy sessions to develop healthy coping skills and other life skills to lead a sober lifestyle.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Stimulants?
Abusing stimulants is bad for your physical and mental health and can greatly reduce your quality of life. If you know someone who is abusing prescription stimulants, like Adderall or Ritalin, or illegal stimulants, they are at an increased risk of harming themselves. Drug addiction comes with some serious side effects, and the longer you abuse them, the more dangerous they become.
Stimulants affect the central nervous system by altering the delicate chemical balance within your system. They speed up neurotransmitters in the body and can cause increased alertness and attentiveness. They can also cause a number of negative side effects that can become more dangerous the longer you use them.
The long-term effects of stimulant abuse include:
Physical Effects
Abusing stimulants can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This can increase your chances of developing hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. You will also experience gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, pain, and ulcers. Plus, you will do serious damage to your liver and kidneys.
Psychological Effects
A common side effect of long-term stimulant abuse is depression, anxiety, and panic disorders, such as agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Along with developing dependence and addiction, you will experience psychosis, which is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
Behavioral Effects
Abusing stimulants can cause a disruption to all other aspects of your life. You will have problems with personal relationships as well as being unable to keep up with work. Long-term stimulant abuse will increase the likelihood of taking more risks, including stealing, reckless driving, and having unprotected sex.
Financial troubles can also be caused by long-term stimulant abuse, as it will cause problems at work and getting fired.
Treating Stimulant Abuse
Addiction is not curable, but it is treatable through medication and a combination of behavioral and talk therapy. If you or a loved one is struggling with stimulant abuse, several programs can increase the chances of a full recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
One of the biggest problems with trying to stop abusing drugs or alcohol is the withdrawal and cravings that are associated with it. Medication is used to treat these symptoms and other depressive or anxiety symptoms that may be fueling them. Medical staff will administer medications based on your individual treatment plan. They will monitor you throughout the program and begin tapering you off the medication as your symptoms diminish.
This program gives temporary support so you can continue therapy with minimal risk of relapse.
Behavioral Therapy
One of the best therapies for treating all types of addiction is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It focuses on the behaviors that the addiction creates and finding new ways to cope. Therapists use various techniques to help you recognize triggers and how to better manage your symptoms.
Other types of behavioral therapies that can help include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Relapse prevention therapy
Holistic Therapy
In addition to behavioral therapy, addiction recovery will include several life lessons and other holistic therapies. They include teaching you about the benefits of exercise and healthy eating and how to shop and prepare your meals. They will discuss practicing yoga and meditation and teach you about deep breathing exercises that can help reduce triggers and cravings.
Join The Ranch Today for Our Comprehensive Meth Addiction Treatment Program in Nashville
Recovery Ranch TN is a full-service addiction treatment center that supports clients who are struggling with an addiction to meth, cocaine, or prescription stimulants. When you first arrive, we will perform a complete health assessment to determine the best course of action in treating the disorder. We will create a detailed program that includes behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication to ease withdrawals, cravings, and other symptoms.
To speak with our team about enrolling in our meth addiction treatment program, fill out our online form or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation.