Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that consist of both legal and illegal substances. Stimulants excite the central nervous system, rapidly increasing the feel-good chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and disrupting normal communication between cells in the brain.
Types of Stimulants:
- Legal Stimulants, such as nicotine and caffeine
- Prescription Stimulants, such as Ritalin, Adderall, Dextroamphetamine
- Most safe when used correctly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Can still produce physical or psychological dependence.
- Illegal Stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine
Cocaine
A small, powerful drug made from the leaves of the South American coca plant. It appears as a small, chunky, white solid.
How is it used?
- Can be snorted while in powdered form
- Injected into the veins after dissolving in water
- Smoked
Methamphetamine
Similar chemical structure as amphetamines, but is in crystal form. It appears as glass fragments or shiny blue-white “rocks” of different sizes.
How is it used?
- Orally
- Smoked
- Injected
- Snorted
Health Effects
Short-Term:
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Elevated body temperature
- Increased respiratory rate
- Violent behavior
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Insomnia
Long-Term:
- Dental problems
- Increased risk for contracting diseases
- Loss of sexual function
- Long-term heart problems
- Brain damage
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Panic attacks
- Psychosis
- Delusions
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Coma
- Death
Treatment Options
- Detox
- Behavioral Therapies