The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Stimulants The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Stimulants Speed up impulses through the central nervous system There are four major types of stimulants Cocaine Amphetamines Nicotine Caffeine The effects of stimulants include: euphoria a sense of well being perception of enhanced clarity and speed of thought paranoia increased heart rate and blood pressure reduced appetite restlessness insomnia the shakes

Caffeine The most commonly used simulant in the world. Found in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola drinks, energy drinks, stay awake tablets and diet pills Pure caffeine is a white powder with a bitter taste that is noticeable in coffee.

Caffeine Caffeine is absorbed through the walls of the stomach and small intestine. Here it passes into the bloodstream and travels through the body to the brain. Caffeine uses the same mechanisms that amphetamines, cocaine and heroin use to stimulate the brain. Caffeine effects adenosine levels which effects sleep patterns.

Adenosine Influences sleep patterns. Adenosine causes drowsiness by attaching to adenosine receptors, slowing the rate of impulse transmission and dilating the blood vessels. This allows more oxygen to be supplied as sleep causes the breathing rate to drop. Caffeine mimics adenosine and binds to the adenosine receptors, so that adenosine cannot reach the receptors. Since the receptors do not detect adenosine, the rate of impulses transmission does not slow down but speeds up slightly.

Caffeine The increases rate of transmission triggers the adrenal glands to produce epinephrine (adrenaline). Adrenaline cause increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, greater blood flow to the muscles and increased energy levels. This causes you to feel more alert. Caffeine also manipulates dopamine production in the pleasure centres of the brain making it addictive.

Effects of Caffeine The effects of caffeine if you consume between 75 and 150 milligrams of caffeine a day include: Slight increase in metabolism Higher breathing and heart rate Increased energy levels Increased concentration The effects of caffeine if you consume between 250 and 750 milligrams of caffeine a day include: Headache Restlessness Nausea Muscle tension Rapid heart rate Disturbed sleep Nervousness Unsteady hands

Withdrawal As caffeine manipulates dopamine concentration in the nucleus accumbens (pleasure centre of brain) it can be addictive Consumption of more than 350 milligrams per day can cause a physical dependence on it Withdrawal symptoms can include: Severe headaches Irritability Fatigue

Cocaine Extracted from the leaves of the coca plant which is found naturally in South America Most of the world’s cocaine comes from Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. Cocaine was originally used as a medicine for its ability to numb nerves. Cocaine can be inhaled nasally (snorted), smoke (crack cocaine), or injected each of these methods allow the drug to enter the blood stream quickly.

Cocaine Acts by blocking the reuptake (‘mopping up’) of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. This increases the concentration of the neurotransmitters in the synapses. Increased concentrations of: Dopamine causes euphoria Serotonin causes confidence Norepinerphrine causes increased energy Cocaine’s effect is short causing the user to repeatedly administer cocaine to re-experience its effects

Amphetamines Also known as speed Synthetic stimulants Increases the level of norepinephrine resulting in increased levels of energy and alterness. Often found as a powder and used as capsules, sniffed through a narrow tube, prepared for injection, swallowed in a drink or smoked with tobacco.

Amphetamines Originally issued to combat troops in WWII to keep them fighting in the absence of food. Then used as an appetite suppressant to control weight and increase metabolism. Have been used to treat disorders including narcolepsy and ADHD and to combat fatigue Also increase the concentration of dopamine in the synaptic gap by forcing dopamine out of the neuron in the synapse.

Nicotine One of the most addictive drugs Found in the leaves of the tobacco plant In its pure for nicotine is a colourless liquid that turns brown when burned When burned nicotine is delivered to the brain within 10 seconds on inhaling.

Nicotine Once in the body: Once in the CNS: Nicotine simulates the adrenal glands causing epinephrine to enter the blood stream Once in the CNS: Binds to the acetylcholine receptors. Together this raises blood pressure and breathing putting the body in an alert state. Giving the user the impression they can think ‘more clearly’ after smoking. It can also have a sedative effect on users who are stressed.