In 2020, the CDC reported that nearly 5 million Americans misused prescription stimulants.
Stimulant Use Disorder is a substance use disorder that involves the overuse or misuse of amphetamine-type substances.
Like many other types of substance abuse and addiction, continuous use of stimulants can result in long-term effects detrimental to women’s health and mental well-being.
Emerge Recovery TX is a woman’s-only recovery center that strives to provide women with the tools they need to conquer their stimulant addiction, trauma, and co-occurring conditions.
Types of Stimulants Women May Encounter
Stimulants encompasses a wide range of prescription and illicit drugs. In essence, these substances are characterized as highly addictive.
When consumed, stimulants cause catecholamines release, altering behavior on a physiological level. Dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine are just a few of the neurotransmitters released by the adrenal glands when stimulants are consumed.
So, what are the types of stimulants commonly misused in Texas?
- Prescription Drugs: Drugs like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin are medications commonly prescribed for ADHD.
- Illicit Drugs: Cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA are illicit drugs that fall under the stimulant category.
What are the Effects of a Stimulant Addiction?
When consumed, stimulants cause physiological changes which manifest as:
- An increase in alertness
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Hypertension (increased blood pressure)
- Lack of appetite, and
- Irritability
Side effects of a stimulant overdose may include paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, and convulsions.
Drug Use in Women: How Stimulants Affect A Woman’s Health
Unfortunately, stimulants are considered the second most commonly abused drug amongst pregnant women in the US. Incidentally, it is important to consider that drug abuse can affect men and women differently.
In women, long-term stimulant abuse has been associated with many mental illnesses, two of which include depression and eating disorders. There appears to be a bidirectional relationship between depression and stimulant use.
Research also demonstrates that chronic stimulant abuse dramatically decreases the concentration of several neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, within the brain. This change in monamine regulation leads to features of the depressive disorder, including changes in mood, sleep patterns, and loss of appetite.
Several other studies demonstrate that depression also occurs at a higher rate in females consuming methamphetamine than their male counterparts.
Stimulant Addiction Treatment Program in Austin, TX
Women who suffer from an addiction to stimulants typically require ongoing therapy. Today, most recovery centers in Austin, Texas utilize behavioral therapy as the primary healing modality.
Some common behavioral therapies include:
- Contingency Management for Substance Abuse Disorder
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Emerge Recovery TX: Women’s Recovery Center in Austin, TX
At Emerge Recovery TX, we understand that the recovery process is different for women. Women seeking stimulant addiction treatment in Austin, TX can often find more comfort and support in a women’s-only recovery center.
Emerge Recovery TX is a women’s-only recovery center that strives to provide trauma-focused supportive care for women across Austin, TX.
We were created by women, for women.
Emerge Recovery TX provides women with the support they need on the journey to long-term recovery. Through our trauma and mental health outpatient programs, we have created a supportive, judgment-free, and comforting environment for women to heal and emerge as the best version of themselves.
Please speak to us today to learn more about seeking treatment for stimulant addiction in Austin, TX