1051-Addiction Counselor's Guide to the Neuroscience of Stimulants

Introduction to Stimulants

• Stimulants affect the neurological system by altering neurotransmitter levels.
• Key neurotransmitters impacted include dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, glutamate, and acetylcholine.

Dopamine’s Role in Addiction

• Dopamine regulates movement, motivation, and mood. It plays a major role in the brain's reward pathways, which can reinforce addictive behaviors.
• Stimulants increase dopamine release, creating feelings of pleasure and reinforcing drug use.

Stimulant Effects on the Nervous System

• Stimulants trigger the stress response, causing a release of norepinephrine, dopamine, and cortisol.
• This results in heightened focus, energy, and mood regulation, but also leads to issues such as agitation and potential cardiovascular effects.

Tolerance and Dependency

• Over time, the body can become tolerant to stimulants, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
• Psychological and physiological dependency can develop, leading to withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and cravings.

Commonly Abused Stimulants

• Caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamines, and prescription ADHD medications like methylphenidate are among the most commonly abused stimulants.
• These substances vary in potency and half-life, but all can cause significant neurological and physical effects when misused.

Withdrawal and Detox

• Withdrawal symptoms from stimulants can include depression, irritability, fatigue, and drug cravings.
• Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) may last for weeks or months, requiring ongoing support and monitoring during recovery.

Impact of Stimulants on Mental Health

• Chronic stimulant use can lead to paranoia, anxiety, and even psychotic symptoms in some cases.
• Long-term use also impacts the body's ability to regulate stress, contributing to systemic inflammation and reduced immunity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices