Stimulant use disorder captures a range of problems resulting from using various stimulating drugs, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and amphetamines. However, caffeine and nicotine are excluded from the class of these drugs.
These drugs function in the body by increasing energy, attention, and awareness. Additional effects include increased heart rate and respiration.
Although some people may acquire these drugs illegally, their potential uses include treating depression, obesity, narcolepsy, and attention-deficit disorder.
Symptoms of Stimulant Use Disorder
Significant and challenging psychological and behavioral changes in the body include:
- paranoid thoughts
- irritability and aggressive outbursts
- interpersonal sensitivity
- risky or impulsive behaviors
- auditory hallucinations
- recurring movement
Physical symptoms present may consist of:
- irregular heartbeats
- sweating or shivering
- weight loss
- dilation of the pupils
- High or low blood pressure
- nausea or vomiting
- muscle twitches and weakness
Moreover, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has included stimulant use disorder in its new diagnosis.
According to DSM-5, people with stimulant use disorder can receive diagnosis if they experience problems using cocaine, amphetamine, and other stimulants apart from nicotine or caffeine. The problems that result can manifest within 12 months by at least two of the following symptoms:
- Consuming large doses of stimulants than intended
- Giving up or moderating important recreational, social, or occupational activities because of continuous stimulants use
- Persistent use of stimulants even when they cause or worsen psychological or physical problems
- Desiring to decrease stimulant use, but ineffective when trying to do so
- Strong desires or cravings for stimulants
- Withdrawal symptoms appear if one fails to take stimulants
- Unable to maintain or accomplish responsibilities for one’s home, work or school
- Continuous stimulant use despite experiencing social/interpersonal problems
- Using stimulants repeatedly in a physically risky manner
- Spending lots of time to actions involving stimulant use
- Tolerance to stimulants issues
Stimulant drugs have a high potential for addiction and abuse, so the government considers them as controlled substances. However, some people still obtain them illegally. Those exposed to amphetamine or cocaine-type stimulants can develop stimulant use disorders even within a week, although the symptoms do not appear this quickly.
Significant behavioral changes can develop rapidly with this disorder. Additionally, long-term stimulants use may cause social isolation, aggressive or disordered behavior, and sexual dysfunction. Stimulants withdrawal symptoms can occur when one reduces intake, especially after long-term use.
Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorder
Stimulant addiction treatment may involve behavioral counseling, which gives specific details about the treatment plan and general information regarding the addiction process. Also, rehab centers may offer counseling to family and any involved or affected people.
Other methods used for stimulant use disorder treatment may include attending group therapy, fostering family support, developing abstinence goals, follow-up, and long-term support.