Physical Signs of Stimulant Abuse
Signs of stimulant abuse may include:
- Feelings of paranoia and hostile behavior
- Headache
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Obvious feelings of exhilaration and manic energy
- Insomnia followed by long periods of sleep
- Restlessness demonstrated by fast speech, jumpy hands, high energy, and impatience
- Vomiting
Stimulants can be addictive. High doses of stimulants can produce heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure. An extreme overdose can cause a heart attack or a fatal seizure.
Sources
(1) Partnership for a Drug-Free America. (2010). Drug guide by name. Retrieved February 24, 2010 from www.drugfree.org
(2) National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2006, July 18). NIDA InfoFacts: Prescription pain and other medications. Retrieved July 10, 2007 from www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/PainMed.html
(3) National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2011, March). Commonly Abused Drug Chart. Retrieved September 10, 2012 from www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs/commonly-abused-drugs-chart
(4) National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2007, February 28). Prescription drug abuse chart. Retrieved July 10, 2007 from www.nida.nih.gov/DrugPages/PrescripDrugsChart.html
This information is provided by the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services within the Department of Public Health.