Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that has been abused by people for over a century. First synthesized in 1893, it was initially used as a treatment for conditions such as: weight loss and narcolepsy. It was also used in World War II to wake up soldiers.1 After the drug was outlawed in the United States in the 1970s, it began to be abused illegally. But why exactly do people take stimulants? Banyan Treatment Center Heartland answers this question and what signs to look out for that may indicate addiction.
Why Do People Use Stimulants?
The exact reason a person uses stimulants ultimately depends on the person’s personal attitudes, mental health, background, and many other factors. Still, there are some explanations that can answer the question, “Why do people like stimulants?”
These reasons may include:
- How it feels: The feel-good effects of methamphetamine include an increase in dopamine levels in the brain, resulting in intense feelings of joy, elation, and energy. People may want to experience this wonderful pleasure again. That can be a strong motivation for long-term use. The surge of dopamine from stimulants can also adversely affect the brain’s reward system over time, causing addiction and making it difficult to enjoy other activities.
- Self-medication: Stimulants are used by some to treat underlying mental or physical health conditions. For example, people experiencing depression or anxiety may take stimulants to temporarily relieve their symptoms. It also has a strong analgesic effect, which makes it attractive for those who suffer from chronic pain. However, stimulant use for self-medication can lead to dependence and exacerbate underlying medical conditions.
- Social and environmental factors: The circumstances in which stimulant use becomes more prevalent may be driven by poverty and resource scarcity. Additionally, exposure to stimulant use in the neighborhood can normalize the behavior and make it seem like a wise choice. Because people may take drugs to deal with emotional distress, stimulant use can also be affected by trauma, abuse, and neglect.
- Peer Pressure: People may take stimulants because of peer pressure or a desire for social acceptance. For example, people may try stimulants to belong to a particular social group or to connect with other stimulant users. Additionally, some may feel pressured to try stimulants in order to be successful or to demonstrate their willingness to take an opportunity.
- Curiosity and experimentation: Some people take stimulants out of curiosity or as a way to sample different substances. People exposed to methamphetamine use through popular culture and social media may find this especially true. However, because stimulants are highly dangerous and addictive drugs, experiments can easily lead to addiction and other negative consequences.
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Why do people use stimulants,” we need to understand what symptoms a person may exhibit after using stimulants.
Signs of stimulant use
Abuse of methamphetamine can have serious effects on a person’s mental and physical health. Some symptoms are notorious for being associated with this particular form of substance abuse, while others may resemble another substance.
Signs that someone is using stimulants include:
- agitation or aggression
- anxiety or panic attacks
- confusion or disorientation
- depression or mood swings
- pupil dilation
- dry mouth and nose
- Impaired judgment and decision-making ability
- increased blood pressure
- insomnia
- anorexia and weight loss
- memory loss or cognitive impairment
- paranoia or hallucinations
- profuse sweating
- psychosis or delusions
- fast heartbeat
- skin pain and pimples
- suicidal ideation or behavior
- tooth decay and periodontal disease
- shaking or shaking
If you’re ready to take a step towards recovery from methamphetamine abuse, our Heartland Drug Rehab has resources to help.
Get rid of stimulants at the Heartland Treatment Center
For people in need of comprehensive care for substance use disorders, the Bunyan Rehabilitation Facility in Gilman, Illinois offers programs such as: Treatment of stimulant dependence You can start that process. Additionally, patients in the midst of an ongoing addiction may: stimulant withdrawal program at the Heartland Detox Center.
Call any Banyan’s Heartland store. 888-280-4763 To learn more about therapy program We provide the right resources and how they can help you and your loved ones achieve sobriety.
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- History Channel – History of stimulants
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