Stimulants and depressants Kara and Allison 

Stimulants Stimulants are drugs that speed up the central nervous system They cause increased heart and respiratory rates, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite Extremely high doses can cause irregular heartbeat, shaking, trembling, loss of coordination, and even physical collapses

Stimulants (Continued) Psychological effects are: Moodiness Restlessness Anxiety Hallucinations Delusions Paranoia Paranoia is irrational suspiciousness or distrust of others. These symptoms disappear when drug use ceases.

Amphetamines Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that have an affect similar to that of the sympathetic nervous system. Some people use Amphetamines illegally to stay awake and alert to improve athletic performance, to lose weight, and to off set the effect of depressant drugs. Some use it for a temporary high and for euphoria. Euphoria is a feeling of intense well-being or elation that may be followed by a complete crash or letdown.

Amphetamines (Continued) Comes at great cost to a person’s physical and mental well-being, because once the cravings begin, it may not go away. Tolerance to Amphetamines are easily developed. Psychological and physical dependence may occur.

Methamphetamine Methamphetamines are also stimulant drugs that have been used medically for treating certain diseases. When used illegally, it is also called Crank, Speed, Ice, and Meth. Crank can be smoked, snorted, injected, or swallowed. Food and water become unimportant after taking a form of Meth.

Cocaine/Crack Cocaine is a rapid acting and powerful stimulant drug. Cocaine is the white power made from the Coca bush, which grows in parts of South America. Cocaine use is now illegal under both state and federal laws. Cocaine can cause malnutrition.

Cocaine/Crack (Continued) Crack is a form of Cocaine that can be smoked. It is extremely addictive. The effects are felt within seconds. Crack users may form a sore throat, hoarseness, and lung damage. Crack users can die from cardiac and/or respiratory failure.

Dude with cocaine

Depressants Depressants, also known as sedatives, tend to slow down the central nervous system. It is the most used psychoactive drug Depressants relax muscles, relieve feelings of tension and worry, and bring on sleep. They reduce blood pressure. Physical and psychological dependence is easily caused by depressants.

Depressants (Continued) Examples of depressants are: Barbiturates Methaqualone Tranquilizers

Barbiturates Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic drugs, which means they induce sleepiness. Barbiturates are used illegally to make you feel intoxicated and to reverse the effects of some stimulants.

Barbiturates (Continued) Combined with alcohol, they can be fatal. They can result in mood changes and make you sleep more, or even induce a coma.

Methaqualone Methaqualone is a form of depressant. It was originally prescribed to reduce anxiety and help with insomnia. Methaqualone is also known for producing temporary euphoria. Withdrawal from this drug is extremely unpleasant.

Methaqualone (Continued) Some serious effects of Methaqualone are: Rapid dependence Headaches Diarrhea Dizziness Convulsions Coma

Tranquilizers Tranquilizers are depressants that reduce muscular activity, coordination, and attention span. Diazepam is a anti-anxiety tranquilizer, and it is used medically to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, sleeplessness, and nervousness. When tranquilizers are used in excess physiological and psychological dependence occurs.

THE END