Do you frequently wake up in the morning and feel like you barely slept? Are your energy levels consistently low throughout the day? Do you experience inexplicable body aches, weakness, and memory or concentration lapses? You could have chronic fatigue syndrome, a severe health condition that produces extreme tiredness and pain.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The intense exhaustion and mental fogginess that characterize chronic fatigue syndrome can be debilitating. If you have CFS, you will still feel groggy and drained even after getting a full night’s sleep. In severe cases, CFS can leave people bedbound and unable to do simple daily activities like showering, going to work, cooking, grocery shopping, or doing laundry.
Other hallmarks of CFS include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness when you stand up
- Muscle weakness
- Night sweats
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Digestive issues
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Exercise intolerance
Chronic fatigue syndrome affects organs and systems throughout the body and has no known cause. Many misconceptions surround this poorly understood condition. Possible causes include genetics, a hormonal imbalance, or an overactive immune system. CFS diagnoses have been on the rise over the past three years because it frequently affects people with long-haul COVID.
CFS vs. Depression
Severe fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns are shared symptoms of CFS and clinical depression. A persistent low mood and feelings of worthlessness can deplete your energy levels, leaving you unable to complete your work or daily responsibilities.
Like chronic fatigue syndrome, major depressive disorder can cause pain, digestive problems, headaches, memory gaps, and trouble concentrating. However, CFS has symptoms that don’t typically occur with depression, like sore throats and swollen lymph nodes. It’s also critical to note that CFS is a physical illness, while depression is psychological.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Stimulant Addiction
If you struggle with chronic fatigue, stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin may seem like an effective solution. These drugs can boost your energy levels while increasing your ability to stay mentally sharp, alert, and focused.
However, stimulants can be addictive, even when you use them under a doctor’s supervision. Like morphine and fentanyl, stimulants are Schedule II drugs, which makes them legally controlled substances. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, all Schedule II drugs “have a high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.”
Many effective chronic fatigue treatments don’t involve stimulants. In some cases, CFS responds well to a combination of nutritional changes, counseling, and help managing your sleep hygiene.
Take the First Step on Your Healing Journey
Uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like mood swings and body aches can make it challenging to quit using stimulants. At Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we provide inpatient mental health and addiction recovery services tailored to your specific needs. Our medically supervised programming incorporates counseling, nutritional and physical therapy, reading assignments, 12-step meetings, and relaxation techniques. We offer a full range of recreational facilities and rooms with well-appointed interiors. To learn more about how you can begin your healing journey in a supportive and safe environment, connect with us today.
