Stimulant Addiction

When a person who abuses drugs suddenly stops taking them, his or her body goes into withdrawal. Withdrawal is when a person's body has adapted to functioning with drugs inside it. Without the drugs, the body goes into a sort of shock.

As with addiction, there are both physical and psychological effects involved in withdrawal. These include depression, paranoia, violence, anger, aggression, psychotic behavior, irritability, lack of energy, increased appetite, fear, and shaking. Withdrawal is so painful that some people will do almost anything to get more drugs; they may rob people, write bad checks, or shoplift. Fifty percent of violent crimes are committed when the offender is under the influence of drugs.

When someone chooses to stop using stimulants, it's important that he or she does it safely. With enough support and information, a person can handle the symptoms of withdrawal. Talking to parents, friends, a teacher, or a guidance counselor can help. There are also many organizations listed in the back of this book that are available to help.