Stimulants are powerful, highly addictive drugs. Whether they’re illegal or legal stimulants, misuse can seriously damage a person’s physical and mental health. No matter which type of stimulant someone is addicted to, it’s absolutely critical to get professional help. At Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Agoura Hills, CA, we provide thorough, individualized stimulant addiction treatment for lifelong success.
Understanding Stimulant Addiction
Stimulant addiction occurs when a person becomes physically and psychologically dependent on substances that increase central nervous system activity. These drugs elevate heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness, leading to a surge of energy and euphoria. However, prolonged substance use rewires the brain, making it difficult for individuals to function without them.
Commonly Abused Stimulants and Their Effects
- Cocaine & Crack Cocaine: Causes intense but short-lived euphoria, followed by severe crashes, depression, and cravings. Chronic use can lead to heart problems and paranoia.
- Methamphetamine: A powerful illicit drug that can cause extreme weight loss, dental issues (“meth mouth”), aggression, and long-term cognitive impairment.
- Prescription Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse): Typically prescribed for ADHD but frequently misused for energy and focus. Long-term abuse can lead to heart complications, anxiety, and addiction.
Impact on Mental and Physical Health
Stimulant addiction can severely affect both the mind and body:
- Cognitive Decline: Memory loss, poor concentration, and decision-making difficulties.
- Mood Swings & Psychological Issues: Anxiety, paranoia, aggression, and severe depression during withdrawal.
- Cardiovascular Risks: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and, in some cases, sudden death.
What Are Stimulants and How Do They Work?
Stimulants, sometimes called “uppers,” are in a class of drugs that increase central nervous system activity. Some of these are street drugs, while others are medications. Both types can be highly addictive and dangerous when abused, which is why even prescription stimulants are heavily controlled.
Stimulant medications can help combat issues like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. When misused or taken by someone who doesn’t need them, these prescription medications can overstimulate the central nervous system and create an intense, energetic high. Students who abuse Adderall, for example, can very quickly go from productive to devastated by drug addiction.
Common Stimulants
Examples of commonly abused stimulant drugs include:
- ADHD medications (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Focalin, Concerta)
- Narcolepsy medications (Provigil, Nuvigil)
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Crack
- Bath salts (designer synthetic drugs)
Signs and Symptoms of Stimulant Addiction
Stimulant addiction affects both the body and mind. While different drugs have varying effects, stimulant abuse has several common effects on both bodily function and cognitive function.
Physical Signs
- Increased energy and hyperactivity
- Dilated pupils
- Rapid speech and rambling
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Higher body temperature
- Tremors and excessive sweating
- Reduced appetite and noticeable weight loss
Psychological and Behavioral Signs
- Agitation or irritability
- Mood swings
- Hyperactivity
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Unusual or risky behaviors
- Difficulty sleeping or extreme restlessness
- Seeing multiple doctors (“doctor shopping”) for prescriptions
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone stops using them, stimulant withdrawal symptoms can be intense and overwhelming. These may include:
- Extreme fatigue and depression
- Powerful drug cravings
- Anxiety and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased appetite and sleep disturbances
Because withdrawal can be severe, professional treatment is essential to ensure a safe detox and prevent relapse. At Del Arroyo Recovery Center, we offer medically supervised care to help clients manage withdrawal symptoms and begin recovery with the right support.
The Damaging Effects of Stimulant Use
An addiction to stimulants poses a variety of short- and long-term risks, including:
- Cardiovascular damage
- Heart attacks
- High blood pressure
- Panic attacks
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Brain damage
- Stroke
- Difficulty breathing
- Thyroid problems
- Jaw clenching
- Sleep disorders
If a person has been using stimulants for a long time, sudden withdrawal can be life threatening. Going through a medical detoxification program at a professional addiction treatment center is crucial.
Del Arroyo’s Approach to Stimulant Addiction Treatment
At our Los Angeles area treatment center, we offer personalized, expert care. Stimulant addiction comes in many forms, and our compassionate clinical team creates a customized treatment plan for each client based on their needs. We also offer different types of treatment, depending on whether a person needs residential treatment or is suited to an outpatient program.
Stimulant Detox, Inpatient, & Outpatient Treatment
Our Agoura Hills substance abuse rehab uses a variety of evidence-based stimulant addiction treatment methods for drug and alcohol abuse, such as:
- Medically Supervised Detox: Our clinical team ensures a safe and monitored withdrawal process with medical support to ease symptoms and prevent complications. We also offer sub-acute detox for outpatient clients who require less supervision.
- Inpatient Residential Treatment: A structured, 24/7 supervised program providing intensive therapy, medical care, and relapse prevention strategies.
- Outpatient Treatment Programs: For those who need flexibility, our intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP) allow clients to receive high-quality care while maintaining daily responsibilities.
- Therapeutic Support: Individual and group counseling sessions address addiction triggers, mental health concerns, and coping strategies for long-term sobriety.
Therapies and Treatment Options for Stimulant Addiction
We use a comprehensive, multi-faceted therapy approach to help clients recover from stimulant addiction.
Evidence-Based Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify and change harmful thought patterns that contribute to stimulant use.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotional regulation and distress tolerance to prevent relapse.
- Group Therapy: Provides peer support and shared recovery experiences to reinforce sobriety.
Holistic Treatment for Stimulants
Each treatment plan is tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring clients receive the best support through the recovery process.
Holistic Treatments
- Yoga & Meditation: Reduce stress, promote mindfulness, and support emotional healing.
- Nutritional Therapy: Restores physical health by addressing deficiencies caused by stimulant abuse.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
While there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for stimulant addiction, certain medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our team assesses each client’s needs to determine the best course of action.
Co-Occurring Disorders and Stimulant Addiction
Many individuals struggling with stimulant addiction also face mental health conditions such as:
At Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Agoura Hills, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, ensuring that both addiction and underlying mental health conditions are treated simultaneously. Our integrated care approach combines therapy, medication management, and holistic strategies in a structured environment to address the roots of addiction and promote sustained recovery.
Support for Families Affected by Stimulant Addiction
Stimulant addiction also hurts loved ones. At our stimulant use disorder treatment center in Southern California, we offer support for clients and their families. We provide family therapy to help them work through issues and rebuild relationships. We also teach valuable coping and life skills that will help families thrive and promote sobriety after treatment.
Relapse Prevention and Aftercare
The recovery process doesn’t stop after initial treatment. At Del Arroyo Recovery Center, we emphasize long-term relapse prevention with the following:
- Ongoing Therapy & Support Groups: Regular counseling sessions and support meetings help clients stay accountable and navigate challenges.
- Sober Living Options: A structured environment for those who need additional support before transitioning back into everyday life.
- Alumni & Aftercare Programs: Continuous access to resources, support group meetings, and relapse prevention strategies to ensure lasting sobriety.
We Make It Easy to Get Treatment for Stimulant Addiction in Los Angeles
Enrollment at our Agoura Hills stimulant addiction rehab is simple. Speak to our admissions staff about your needs, and we’ll help you explore our treatment programs. We can also check whether your insurance covers addiction treatment, but insurance is not required. Once you’re enrolled with our addiction treatment center, we’ll set you up for an initial assessment. If you’re receiving residential care, we’ll also get you started with our detox program.
Everything is completely private and confidential, and no one will know you’re being treated for a substance abuse disorder unless you choose to share it. Our experienced staff treats all patients with the utmost respect and care from start to finish.
Get Help for Stimulant Addiction Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with stimulant addiction, Del Arroyo Recovery Center is here to help. Our expert team provides compassionate, evidence-based care to guide you through detox, recovery, and beyond. Contact us today to take the first step toward a healthier, addiction-free life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapists in Agoura Hills, CA
Contact us today to learn more about our Los Angeles-area individualized addiction treatment programs and explore your options.