You might notice your teen or young adult seeming unusually energetic, talking fast, staying up all night to study, or cleaning their room at 2 a.m. Maybe they’re losing weight, skipping meals, or crashing hard the next day. Something feels off, and you can’t quite put your finger on it.
Sometimes, these changes can be a sign of stimulant misuse. Stimulants are drugs that speed up the brain and body, increasing alertness, focus, and energy. When used as prescribed, they can help people with conditions like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). But when misused through taking higher doses, using them without a prescription, or mixing them with other substances, they can quickly become dangerous and potentially lead to a stimulant use disorder.
What Are Stimulants?
Stimulants are substances that boost dopamine and other brain chemicals that affect attention, motivation, and energy. They can be prescription medications, illicit drugs, or synthetic substances.
Common examples include:
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- Prescription ADHD medications such as Adderall®, Ritalin®, and Vyvanse®
- Illegal drugs like cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine (“meth”)
- Synthetic stimulants such as “bath salts” or “flakka”
Teens or young adults might misuse stimulants to help them study longer, improve athletic performance, or lose weight. What starts as a short-term boost, though, can lead to a serious health problem called stimulant use disorder.
What is a Stimulant Use Disorder?
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, the official book used for mental health diagnoses), stimulant use disorder happens when a person keeps using stimulants even though it causes major problems in their life.
Below are some key signs and symptoms of stimulant use disorder with examples of how it can show up:
1. Taking more or using longer than intended.
A young adult starts taking their ADHD medication to study but ends up using it all weekend to stay awake or party, even though it wasn’t prescribed that way.
2. Wanting to cut down but not being able to.
A college student tells themselves they’ll only use cocaine on weekends but keeps using on weeknights, even after trying to stop.
3. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from stimulants.
A young adult spends hours finding someone to sell them pills, uses them all throughout the night, and then crashes for a full day afterward.
4. Cravings or having a strong desire to use.
A teen feels restless and irritable when they don’t have access to their “study pills” and can’t stop thinking about getting more.
5. Problems at school, work, or home because of use.
Grades drop, chores are ignored, or the young person starts showing up late or missing shifts at work due to stimulant use.
6. Continuing to use even when it causes relationship problems.
Friends or family express concern, but their loved one argues or pulls away rather than stopping.
7. Giving up activities previously enjoyed.
A student who used to love sports or hanging out with friends now spends most of their time using or recuperating from stimulant use.
8. Using in risky situations.
A teen drives after while high or overly tired after using stimulants, mixes them with alcohol or energy drinks, or stays awake for days without rest.
9. Continuing use despite mental and physical health problems.
Even after feeling anxious, depressed, or noticing heart palpitations, the person continues to use stimulants.
10. Needing more to get the same effect (tolerance).
Over time, one pill or one line doesn’t have the same effect, so the person increases their dose.
11. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping.
When they try to quit, the person using feels tired, depressed, or unable to focus, leading them to start using again.
Having two or more of these signs within a 12-month period can indicate a stimulant use disorder, ranging from mild to severe.
Treatment and Support
The good news is that stimulant addiction is treatable. Recovery is possible with the right mix of support, structure, and care.
Evidence-based treatment options include:
- Behavioral therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Contingency Management (CM), which help people change thought patterns and build healthy habits.
- Support groups, such as SMART Recovery or 12-step programs, that provide peer understanding and accountability.
- Family involvement, which can improve communication, reduce conflict, and strengthen motivation for recovery.
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for stimulant use disorder, but research into new options is ongoing.
Reducing Risk
If your teen or young adult isn’t ready to stop using stimulants, there are still ways to reduce harm and protect their health:
- Encourage healthy routines. Regular sleep, meals, and hydration helps the body recover.
- Stay connected. Have calm, open conversations instead of lectures or punishments.
- Watch for signs of overdose or stimulant-induced psychosis, such as extreme anxiety, confusion, or chest pain, and call 911 if these occur.
- Carry fentanyl test strips and overdose reversal drugs like Narcan (naloxone). Synthetic opioids like fentanyl have increasingly been found in stimulants like cocaine and meth.1
- Model and reinforce self-care. Show your child healthy ways to cope with issues. Your stability will help them feel safer and more supported.
Even small steps toward safety and connection can open the door to future treatment. Learn more about ways to lower risks of stimulant use here.
You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone
If you’re worried about your child’s stimulant use, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. The Partnership’s free, confidential Helpline is here for parents and caregivers.
You can talk with a trained specialist who will:
- Listen to your concerns without judgment
- Help you understand your options
- Work with you to make a plan that fits your family’s needs
Call 1-855-378-4373 or visit us here to connect with someone who can help.