What is a typical psychological effect of stimulant abuse?

Stimulant abuse is commonly associated with various psychological effects, among which agitation and anxiety are especially prevalent. When stimulants, such as amphetamines or cocaine, are misused, they can lead to an overstimulated state in the brain, causing a range of negative emotions. This overstimulation can manifest as increased heart rate, rapid thoughts, and intense feelings of restlessness, all contributing to heightened levels of anxiety. Individuals may feel overly tense, nervous, or unable to relax, which can lead to agitation as they struggle to manage the overwhelming sensations.

In contrast, while some individuals might perceive temporary mood boosts from stimulants, this does not equate to sustained increased happiness. The effects often taper off, leaving users with mood swings and further anxiety. Enhanced academic performance might be an assumption some make about stimulant use, particularly when considering legitimate medical use for conditions like ADHD; however, abuse usually leads to more distractions and diminished performance due to side effects like anxiety and agitation. Social withdrawal can also occur, but it is typically a result of the dysfunction caused by the substance abuse rather than a direct psychological effect like agitation and anxiety.