Stimulants

CNS Stimulants

Central Nervous Stimulants are medicines that speed up

physical and mental processes.

Drugs classified as stimulants

Amphetamines

Caffeine

Cocaine

Nicotine

Prescription drugs

Amphetamines

Sometimes referred to

as ‘uppers’,

‘meth’ and ‘speed’.

Affect the central

nervous system

and autonomic

nervous system.

Commonly used.

Extremely addictive.

Destroy tissue in the brain and can lead to brain

damage.

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 used Legal 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

Drug Otherwise known As

benzphetimine Didrex

Diethylpropion Tenuate

Phendimetrazine Bontril, Plegine

Sibutramine meridia

Dexidrine Ritalin

Dextroamphetamine Adderall

Therapeutic uses of stimulants

Relieve fatigue

Increase alertness

Calming

Focusing

Improve 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 Irritability Paranoia Restlessness Anxiety Increased

heart rate

Increased blood

pressureConfusion

Withdrawal symptomsIrritability

Depression

Fearfulness

Loss of energy

Extreme craving

Shaking

Nausea

Sweating

Paranoia

Increased appetite

Difficulty concentrating

Aches/pain

Tremors

Chills

Long term health risks

Addiction

Feelings of hostility

Paranoia

Irregular heart beat

Psychotic behavior

Mood disturbances

Delusions

Homicidal or suicidal thoughts

Brain damage

Changes in appearance

Signs and symptoms of stimulant abuse/dependence

Fast talking

Fast movements

Performs tasks with a focus and speed that is out

of character

Outrageous beliefs

Paranoia

Lack of regular sleeping patterns

ActivityAnswer 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.

For more information:

www.drugfree.org/drug-guide

www.redicecreations.com/specialreports/stimulants

http://medical.dictionary.thefreedictionary.com

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/meth

www.webmd.com/mental-health/cocaine