Stimulants

CNS Stimulants Central Nervous Stimulants are medicines that speed up physical and mental processes.

Drugs classified as stimulants AmphetaminesCaffeineCocaineNicotine Prescription drugs

Amphetamines

Caffeine The most widely used psychoactive drug in the world Used to relieve fatigue and increase alertness

Cocaine Two main forms- powered cocaine (AKA ‘coke’ or ‘blow’ can be snorted or injected), and crack cocaine (AKA ‘crack’ or ‘rock’ can be smoked) Illegal psychoactive drug made from the leaves of the coca tree Advocated by Freud until he learned of the addictiveness Powerful negative effects on heart, brain and emotions

Nicotine Ingredient in Cigarettes, chewing tobacco Widely usedLegal Few, if any, medical uses

Prescription drugs Used to treat: Conditions characterized by lack of adrenic stimulation such as narcolepsy and neonatal apnea ADHD Obesity Tablets/capsules DrugOtherwise known As benzphetimineDidrex DiethylpropionTenuate PhendimetrazineBontril, Plegine Sibutraminemeridia DexidrineRitalin DextroamphetamineAdderall

Therapeutic uses of stimulants Relieve fatigueIncrease alertnessCalmingFocusingImprove attention

Neurological effects of stimulant use The use of stimulants increases the release of dopamine in the brain

Physiological effects of stimulant use Sense of energy and alertness Elevated mood IrritabilityParanoiaRestlessnessAnxiety Increased heart rate Increased blood pressure Confusion

Withdrawal symptoms IrritabilityDepressionFearfulnessLoss of energyExtreme cravingShakingNauseaSweatingParanoiaIncreased appetiteDifficulty concentratingAches/painTremorsChills

Long term health risks AddictionFeelings of hostilityParanoiaIrregular heart beatPsychotic behaviorMood disturbancesDelusionsHomicidal or suicidal thoughtsBrain damageChanges in appearance

Signs and symptoms of stimulant abuse/dependence Fast talkingFast movements Performs tasks with a focus and speed that is out of character Outrageous beliefs Paranoia Lack of regular sleeping patterns

Activity Answer the following questions to help you decide if you might have an addiction to stimulants. Did you think convincing your doctor that you have ADHD was a good idea because it seemed like an easy way to obtain a drug legally? Have you been taking a prescription stimulant for a long period of time? Have you tried quitting, but can’t? Do you have thoughts or beliefs that your loved ones consider bizarre? Are you able to preform tasks at a high rate of speed? Do you have a hard time sleeping? Is your mood elevated while on the drug, only to crash into a deep depression when you don’t have any? Have you thought or talked about hurting yourself or others? If these things describe you, then please get some help for yourself before it’s too late.

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