Am I Addicted To Stimulants?

Do you often take the stimulant in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended?

Do you experience a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control stimulant use?

Do you spend a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain the stimulant, use the stimulant, or recover from its effects?

Do you crave or experience a strong desire or urge to use the stimulant?

Do you recurrently use the stimulant resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home?

Do you continue stimulant use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the stimulant (e.g., arguments with a spouse about consequences of intoxication; physical fights)?

Are you giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of stimulant use?

Do you recurrently use the stimulant in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use)?

Do you continue stimulant use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the stimulant?

Do you experience a need for markedly increased amounts of the stimulant to achieve intoxication or desired effect or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the stimulant?

After cessation/reduction of amphetamine-type substance, cocaine, or other stimulant use that has been prolonged, did you experience two or more symptoms (such as fatigue, unpleasant and vivid dreams, insomnia/hypersomnia, increased appetite, or psychomotor retardation/agitation) within several hours after cessation/reduction, or do you take a stimulant (or a closely related substance) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you are addicted to stimulants (stimulant use disorder). Stimulants include meth, cocaine, and amphetamines. It does not include caffeine or nicotine. If you are on prescribed stimulant drugs (e.g., Ritalin), then developing tolerance is not considered part of stimulant use disorder. However, if you are taking more than prescribed, you may be at risk for developing stimulant use disorder. It is very important to discuss this with your doctor, also if you feel like you want to take more than the prescribed amount.

While it is unlikely that you have stimulant use disorder, you are displaying a sign related to it. Stimulants are drugs that increase energy and alertness and have multiple effects on the body. They may be prescribed to treat a variety of disorders. Long-term use of stimulants can cause aggressive behavior, sexual dysfunction, and social isolation. In order to receive a diagnosis of stimulant use disorder, you need to show a pattern of stimulant use that leads to impairment in functioning or distress. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your stimulant use or if you would like to receive the right advises.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have stimulant use disorder. It may be very important to seek medical attention. The disorder can cause several psychological and physical changes, including euphoria, anger, paranoid thoughts, nausea, and abnormal heartbeat. In case someone is using the drugs already for a long time, he may become aggressive, chaotic or socially isolated. Treatment for this disorder usually involves behavioral counselling. Also, abstinence goals will be set up and group therapy will be encouraged. The person may need long-term support.