Hundreds of thousands of Canadians abuse – and many are dependent on — illegal stimulants like cocaine, crystal meth and ecstasy.

These are among the most commonly abused drugs and, sadly, they are also some of the toughest substances for addicts to quit.

Some stimulants, like Ritalin, are prescribed for attention-deficit disorder or sleep disorders but, when they are crushed, snorted or injected, they create a euphoric sensation.

When abused, stimulants can cause brain damage, but they ruin lives at an alarming pace.

Clinicians favour psychotherapy as the best way to treat addiction to stimulants and, at times, an addict requires medication to treat depression and anxiety that are common symptoms of amphetamine-addicted patients.

Dr. Craig Miller of the Harvard Medical School writes: “Addictive behaviour is sometimes called ‘over-learned’ because it is almost completely automatic. An important goal of psychotherapy is to help addicts ‘unlearn’ their addiction, to adopt routines that may combat cravings and to use techniques that will help them slowly build a drug-free life.”

Two psychotherapy approaches being used now include cognitive behavioural therapy, an approach to help addicts understand and avoid situations that stir their cravings while at the same time they learn new ways of coping with life without turning to drugs.

The matrix model of treatment combines behavioural therapy, family education, individual counselling, a 12-step self-help program and drug testing.

The idea is to support an addict in the many areas of life where the urges to use stimulants arise and provide an alternative choice and way of life.

Some research has shown that antabuse, a medicine used for treating alcoholism, may also reduce cocaine use.

When an addict abuses cocaine while on antabuse, they feel anxious and the expected euphoric feeling does not arise.

There is concern about side effects and it is not recommended to use antabuse when there are other mental-health issues or cardio-vascular concerns.

A few other drugs are being used to treat stimulant addiction with varied success.

Some of these drugs are found to reduce cocaine use, but not significantly better than a placebo (sugar pill).

Cocaine, meth, ecstasy and speed can be powerfully addictive in a short period of time.

They wreak havoc on the brain and central nervous system in general.

Many bright, successful and industrious people have had their careers, families and lives shattered by their addiction to these substances — and it can be a long road back to recovery.

If you know someone who is abusing stimulant drugs, urge them to get help – the sooner the better.

Thank you for reading Mental Health Matters. If you have a comment for us or our readers about stimulants such as cocaine, meth or ecstasy, contact us at kamloops@cmha.bc.ca and tell us your view.