Many people use stimulants to stay alert and focused. Stimulant use disorder can develop from many different substances, not just prescription medications. Commonly used stimulants include cocaine, amphetamines, and prescriptions like Adderall and Ritalin. Ecstasy can also cause stimulant-like effects. Over time, what starts as occasional or even prescribed use may gradually turn into dependence. If your body gets used to stimulants, you may feel like it’s hard to function without them. Knowing about this gradual development is important if you want to recognize when your stimulant use may be too much.
In 2021, an estimated 1.5 million people had a prescription stimulant use disorder in the past 12 months. Fifty-nine percent of overdose deaths from January 2021 to June 2024 involved stimulants. Taking steps to reduce or discontinue stimulant use can make a difference in your quality of life. At Groups, we can understand how even occasional use can develop into a habit. Our team can help you recognize the signs and provide support.
Let’s explore 10 warning signs and symptoms of stimulant use disorder so you can identify if occasional use has become something more serious.
Stimulant use disorder: 10 warning signs and symptoms
This type of substance use disorder can affect the body and mind, and the warning signs may appear slowly at first. Stimulants can be associated with physical, emotional, and behavioral changes. Knowing the signs of substance use disorder can help you take steps to improve your health and well-being more quickly. If you’re afraid you’ve been using stimulants too much, help is available. There are treatments that can help you reduce or discontinue your stimulant use. We encourage you to reach out to Groups for support. If stimulant use disorder isn’t yet available at your location, we can help connect you with local sources.
Here are 10 warning signs and symptoms of stimulant use disorder:
1. Increased heart rate
Stimulants activate the body’s fight-or-flight response, which causes the heart to beat faster. As a result, you may feel alert or restless. Over time, this increased heart rate makes your heart work harder. This strain may increase the risk of heart failure. Research also shows that people with stimulant use disorder have a 37% higher risk of major cardiac events, including heart attack and stroke.
2. Elevated blood pressure
When stimulants trigger your body’s fight-or-flight response, it can also raise your blood pressure. Having a higher blood pressure can make you feel more alert and ready for action. Continuous use of stimulants makes your heart work harder and could lead to heart damage. Over time, high blood pressure can damage vital organs and increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
3. Higher body temperature
Stimulants can also raise your body temperature. In severe cases, especially with high doses and hot environments, amphetamine use has been linked to dangerously high body temperatures. One report found peak temperatures between 103°F and 110.6°F in workers with amphetamine-associated hyperthermia. A fever can be dangerous because it can cause damage and failure to organs, including the brain, heart, kidneys, and liver. If you experience a high body temperature, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
4. Weight loss
Stimulants can produce weight loss mainly by decreasing appetite, leading you to eat less. They may also increase activity and energy use, which can contribute to burning more calories. However, stimulant use can lead to malnutrition and heart strain, increasing your risk of a heart attack. No matter where you may be in your recovery, it’s important to eat balanced, nutritious meals.
5. Sleep disturbances
Since stimulants elevate blood pressure and heart rate, they can make you more alert. As a result, you may experience insomnia. Having difficulties falling and staying asleep can affect your body in many ways. Decreasing restorative sleep can lead to poor concentration, increased stress, and a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to colds. Long-term sleep disruption has been associated with higher risks of hypertension, heart disease, weight issues, and even colorectal cancer. Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night.
6. Erratic behavior
Stimulant use may lead to bursts of impulsivity and unpredictable behavior. People using stimulants may talk excessively or act without thinking of the consequences. They may also experience paranoia and hallucinations. This erratic behavior may strain relationships, affect performance at work or school, or increase the risk of accidents. Some people with stimulant use disorder may quickly shift between hyperactivity and withdrawal, or engage in repetitive movements like pacing or fidgeting.
7. Struggling to keep up with responsibilities
Stimulant use disorder may make it more difficult to do your daily routine. People with this condition may skip work, school, or other responsibilities because they feel tired, irritable, or want to prioritize their use. These changes can impact your grades, career, and overall quality of life.
8. Higher-risk behavior
Stimulants can impair judgment and heighten impulsivity. Sometimes, this can lead to behaviors that come with higher risk of dangerous or unwanted outcomes. Examples include driving over the speed limit, having unprotected sex, and/or snorting or injecting drugs. Impaired judgment may also lead people to spend more money on their stimulant use, potentially causing financial strain.
9. Mood swings
Since stimulants alter the balance of dopamine and norepinephrine, they can lead to mood swings. A stimulant can increase levels of these neurotransmitters, producing a high. Once it wears off, it can lead to a crash, causing mood to change quickly. This shift can lead to irritability or fatigue. Rapid mood swings can make it more difficult to maintain healthier relationships. They can be associated with conflict or emotional detachment. People with stimulant use disorder may withdraw socially and feel less motivated to interact with friends and family.
10. Difficulty concentrating
Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may take stimulants to improve focus. However, overusing stimulants can produce the opposite effect and may worsen concentration. If a dosage is too high or if a stimulant has been used over a long period of time, it can be associated with brain fog. This symptom can make it difficult to concentrate or switch between tasks.
Stimulant use disorders and other substance use disorders
Sometimes people with stimulant use disorder also experience another substance use disorder. One study found that 46.4% of people who were using nonmedical prescription stimulants also said they used alcohol in the past 12 months. This statistic shows how more than one area of your health and well-being may need to be treated, and that’s OK. Help is available, no matter what you may be experiencing.
Find expert support with stimulant use disorder at Groups
Stimulant use disorder can develop gradually and intensify over time. Recognizing the warning signs can help you know if stimulant use is affecting your mind, body, and well-being. Even if you think you need stimulants to function at your best, support is available to help you cut back or discontinue stimulant use. Spotting the warning signs early can help you take action sooner and reduce the risk of long-term effects.
As always, Groups is here to support you. We currently offer treatment for stimulant use disorder in Iowa, and we’re working on expanding this service in the future. Whether you live in Iowa or another state, we can help you find resources and support for stimulant use disorder.
Give our Recovery Support Coordinators a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
