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A Fact Sheet on Stimulant Abuse

Stimulants are drugs that are often prescribed for legitimate purposes, but they can also be misused and abused by people seeking to get "high." Cocaine and crystal meth, while popular, are not the only stimulants that are abused. Two of the most popular prescription stimulant drugs frequently abused are Ritalin and ephedrine.

At The Canyon, we can help you if you are suffering from stimulant abuse and addiction. Our team of highly-trained therapists and physicians will give you the help you need to break your addictions and get your life back on track and headed in the direction you originally envisioned for yourself.

Stimulant Abuse: Ephedrine

Ephedrine, a stimulant found in many herbal medicines produced in China, is used by people for its stimulating effects. Truck drivers and college students use it to stay awake and alert for long periods of time, and it is often thought of - incorrectly - as a safe alternative to other stimulants, like crystal meth. However, ephedrine has been a major source of strokes, heart attacks and death in adolescents who abuse the drug and overdose.

Stimulant Abuse: Ritalin

Methylphenidate, known by the brand name Ritalin, is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and is largely used to help treat ADHD in children and adults. Due to some of the effects that Ritalin has on adults (i.e., stimulation as opposed to the mellowing effect it has on children), it is also used illegally as a stimulant though it is not normally produced on the street. Instead, fake prescriptions are used to procure the drug, which is then sold to individuals who seek to get high. Ritalin's effects can last for several hours and produce an euphoric effect. When taken as prescribed, Ritalin produces a calming effect on the individual, reducing their impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattentiveness, which is why so effective in treating children who have attention deficit disorder.

Stimulant Abuse: Effects of Ritalin and Ephedrine

The normal effects of ephedrine and Ritalin are to calm the individual who takes them. However, if abused, they can produce a euphoria, similar to that experienced on cocaine. Usually, stimulants such as Ritalin and ephedrine are used to stay awake, but their euphoric effects means that they are sometimes abused for other reasons and used with other "party" drugs.

Stimulant Abuse: Dangerous Effects of Ritalin and Ephedrine

While Ritalin and ephedrine may produce effects that people find to be pleasurable and helpful, the reality is that there are many dangerous side effects that can stem from these drugs. Hallucinations, liver damage, seizures, strokes, heart attacks and even death can result from stimulant drug abuse and addiction. Additionally, chronic use can cause symptoms of depression, paranoia and apathy towards life due to the withdrawal symptoms that users experience. It is clear that abusing stimulants can lead to serious long-term damage, but many people continue to abuse stimulant drugs for their "positive" side effects, neglecting the fact that most of the short-term side effects and certainly all of the long-term effects are negative.

Drug Rehab at The Canyon

If you're suffering from stimulant abuse or addiction, contact The Canyon; we can help. We have the knowledge and resources that you need to take control of your addiction and turn your life around. If you would like more information about our stimulant drug addiction rehab, contact us at The Canyon today.

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