Dr. Soroya Bacchus, MD. Stimulant Use Disorder Treatment Specialist in Los Angeles and Glendale CA

Stimulant use disorder is defined as the continuing use of stimulants despite the user’s harm. Cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy or molly), and prescription medicines such as Adderall and Ritalin are examples of stimulants. Side effects of stimulant abuse include increased heart rate, dilated pupils, raised blood pressure, perspiration or chills, nausea or vomiting, and chest pain. A stimulant user coming down from a high may also experience restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Contact Dr. Soroya Bacchus, MD, at Psychiatry Unplugged for the care you can trust. We have convenient locations in Los Angeles CA and Glendale CA. For more information, feel free to call us or schedule an appointment online.

What is a Stimulant Use Disorder?

Stimulants are a class of psychoactive drugs including cocaine, crack, amphetamines, and methamphetamine. The method by which these stimulants are taken is what determines their dosage and intensity. Smoking and intravenous use create immediate, intense responses, while oral or nasal usage results in gradually raising, slower effects.

Studies show that approximately 200 million people across the United States have used some sort of stimulant within the past year. If the substance is used over time, the user is likely to develop a tolerance and become dependent, resulting in a stimulant use disorder. Over longer periods of use, these substances rewire the brain’s reward system in a way that severely impacts the quality of life.

In the short term, stimulants affect appetite, breathing, alertness, weight, body temperature, heartbeat, and blood pressure. Depending on one’s health, even the first usage can be deadly. This is why even recreational use of these substances is something to treat – no one should find themselves hooked on dangerous drugs, even if they truly believe they have control over their pattern of use.

Symptoms of a stimulant use disorder include intense cravings, increased use over time, the development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, and continued use in spite of social or physical consequences.

Additional Services You May Need

• Psychiatric Evaluation
• Psychiatric Diagnosis
• Medication Assisted Treatment
• Telemedicine Services
• Ketamine Therapy
• Detoxification
• Rehabilitation
• Relapse Prevention
• Addiction Medicine
• Lab Diagnostic
• Care Coordination
• Office Services
• Group Psychotherapy