Symptoms of Stimulant Abuse

Stimulants are a type of drugs that stimulant the body resulting in increased activity and alertness. The most common stimulants are often prescribed for the treatment of ADD or ADHD and include Adderall and Ritalin however many other drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine are also considered stimulants too. The symptoms of stimulant abuse may easily be overlooked if you’re unaware of what to watch out for.

According to NIDA for Teens, “stimulant abuse can be extremely dangerous.” taking doses that are higher than prescribed or taking stimulants when they are not prescribed to you can lead to an array of potential health hazards and complications.

Symptoms of Abuse

People who abuse stimulants often show behavioral, psychological and physical changes. Some of the most common symptoms of stimulant abuse include:

• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• paranoia
• increased energy
• erratic behavior
• increased alertness
• heightened paranoia
• high blood pressure
• irregular heart beat
• heart attack
• heart failure
• seizures

Recognizing Signs of Abuse

You may not realize that someone you know is abusing stimulants but there are some ways that you can recognize the early symptoms and get your loved one the help that he or she needs. If you have a teen who is prescribed ADD or ADHD medication, be sure that the medication is locked away and be sure that the teen is taking the medication as prescribed. Locking prescriptions away prevents the risk of them being stolen by other family members or friends who may potentially have a problem with stimulant abuse and it also allows you to monitor the amount of medication that your teen has access to.

If you notice behavioral changes in someone you love, such as erratic changes in sleep patterns or dramatic changes in eating habits, stimulant abuse may be to blame. Don’t allow the changes to go undetected for months while the stimulant abuse takes over the user’s life – get them the help that they need right away.