Stimulants are drugs that impact the central nervous system (CNS) by speeding up messages between the brain and the body. Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine is the body’s natural “feel good” drug. Norepinephrine is involved in regulating the body’s cardiovascular system and breathing. There are legal and illegal stimulants, which are greatly abused throughout the United States. People who abuse stimulants quickly develop a tolerance, leading to high addiction rates. Stimulant addiction requires treatment from a substance abuse treatment program.

Addiction to stimulants is dangerous because of their effects on the body’s major organs, and the risk for overdose is high. At Mile High Recovery Center, we provide comprehensive stimulant addiction treatment. Recovery is not only about achieving sobriety. It is about attaining a new state of being and healing. We believe that addicts must heal mentally, spiritually, and finally, physically to achieve recovery and that anyone who seeks treatment can recover and heal. You can begin the path to recovery today by calling us at 303-268-2144.

Understanding Stimulant Addiction

Addiction to stimulants is common and can occur with legal drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin or illegal ones like cocaine and methamphetamine. When taken as prescribed, stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD. When abused, they can become very dangerous. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, smoked, snorted, or injected. Their effects are fast-acting, producing what is described as a “rush.” Typical reasons for taking stimulants are to:

  • Improve mental and physical performance
  • Produce a sense of exhilaration
  • Increase level of activity
  • Reduce appetite or lose weight
  • Stay awake for prolonged periods
  • Get high


Stimulants are commonly abused among students and athletes to enhance their performances, and this is often the beginning of stimulant addiction. Binge use, sporadically ingesting large doses over short periods, is commonly found with the abuse of stimulants. Tolerance to stimulants develops quickly, as do psychological and physical dependencies. With chronic, high-dose use of stimulants, the brain becomes reliant on the presence of the drug to function normally, which leads to significant withdrawal when the drug is not present.

What Are the Health Impacts of Stimulants Addiction?

Stimulants elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Long-term or heavy stimulant use can cause irregular heartbeat, heart failure, seizures, overdose, and death. Individuals with stimulant addiction commonly have co-occurring disorders, including anxiety, depression, and other substance use disorders. Heavy alcohol use is typical with stimulant addiction. Alcohol is a depressant, and many rely on alcohol to come down after binging on stimulants.
Other health impacts of chronic stimulant use can include:

  • Paranoia
  • Confusion
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Significant weight loss
  • Central nervous system damage
  • Increased risk for overdose
  • Damage to the sinus passages, when snorted


Some of the most well-known stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and prescription medications, including Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, and Dexedrine.

What to Expect From Stimulants Detox

Each person quitting stimulants will experience different withdrawal symptoms depending on their tolerance, metabolism, and history of abuse. Withdrawal symptoms can be physical and psychological and are usually moderate to severe. The psychological withdrawal from stimulants can be especially powerful, leading some former users to relapse. Still, others may become suicidal or violent, which is why a medically supervised stimulant detox is recommended.

Stimulant withdrawal-related depression can be severe, particularly in individuals with a history of clinical depression. Other typical withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Insomnia, hypersomnia, or unpleasant dreams
  • Drug cravings
  • Hallucinations or paranoia
  • Body aches and fatigue
  • Irritability and anxiety
  • Dulled senses and slowed speech and movements
  • Impaired memory


Withdrawal symptoms can appear within a few hours to several days after the last use. The most intense symptoms typically peak within a week. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is common with stimulant addiction. PAWS can last 12-18 months depending on the individual; however, symptoms tend to decrease in severity over time.

Do You Need Stimulants Rehab?

Generally speaking, if you question whether or not you have a stimulants addiction, chances are that you likely do. Following are some questions to consider about your use of stimulants:

  • Are you using illegal stimulants? How often?
  • If you have a prescription stimulant, are you using it according to direction?
  • Do you run out of your prescription before you’re supposed to?
  • Do you have cravings for stimulants?
  • Has your use of stimulants increased over time?


A good indicator of whether or not you have become addicted to stimulants is how you feel without them.

Get Stimulants Help in Denver at Mile High Recovery Center

Mile High Recovery Center in Denver offers numerous evidence-based therapies and provides opportunities for proven modalities such as family therapy, 12-step programs, and equine therapy. Benefits of stimulants detox and stimulants rehab at Mile High Recovery Center include:

  • The absence of environmental triggers
  • Time and space to focus on recovery without distractions
  • Wrap-around, 24/7 care, and support
  • Healthy nutrition and recreational therapies
  • The presence and support of peers who are on the same path
  • Recovery coaching and spiritual guidance
  • Holistic treatments, including Reiki

Don’t let stimulants addiction continue to wreak havoc in your life. Contact our team today. Call 303-268-2144 or use our online form.

Make Mile High Recovery Center in Denver, Colorado Your Destination

Are you or a loved one struggling with stimulants addiction? If so, a professional stimulants rehab center is your best option for regaining control of your life. At Mile High Recovery Center, we understand that addiction is personal, which is why we ensure every client has a personalized treatment plan. Reach out now by calling 303-268-2144 and let us help you today.