STIMULANTS

What Are They? Defintion: Stimulants are a class of drugs that elevate mood, increase feelings of well-being, and increase energy and alertness. Examples: cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, nicotine and ecstasy

How They Affect The Body Stimulants have chemical structures that are similar to a family of key brain neurotransmitters called monoamines, which include norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants increase the amount of these chemicals in the brain. This, in turn, increases blood pressure and heart rate, constricts blood vessels, increases blood glucose, and opens up the pathways of the respiratory system. In addition, the increase in dopamine is associated with a sense of euphoria that can accompany the use of these drugs.

Health Effects The consequences of stimulant abuse can be dangerous. Although their use may not lead to physical dependence and risk of withdrawal, stimulants can be addictive in that individuals begin to use them compulsively. Taking high doses of some stimulants repeatedly over a short time can lead to feelings of hostility or paranoia. Additionally, taking high doses of a stimulant may result in dangerously high body temperatures and an irregular heartbeat. There is also the potential for cardiovascular failure or lethal seizures.

Teen Study In 2010, a NIDA-funded study reported that the following percentages of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders had abused these drugs at least once in the past year: Powder cocaine: 1.3 percent of 8th graders, 1.9 percent of 10th graders, and 2.6 percent of 12th graders Crack cocaine: 1.0 percent of 8th graders, 1.0 percent of 10th graders, and 1.4 percent of 12th graders Methamphetamine: 1.2 percent of 8th graders, 1.6 percent of 10th graders, and 1.0 percent of 12th graders Amphetamines: 3.9 percent of 8th graders, 7.6 percent of 10th graders, and 7.4 percent of 12th graders Nonmedical use of Ritalin: 1.5 percent of 8th graders, 2.7 percent of 10th graders, and 2.7 percent of 12th graders Nonmedical use of Adderall: 2.3 percent of 8th graders, 5.3 percent of 10th graders, and 6.5 percent of 12th graders

Cocaine Forms: Comes in a powder form usually snorted through the nasal cavity or injected in to the blood stream. Also known as coke, blow, snow and many other street names. Cocaine also comes in a hard form that is achieved through a cooking process. This form is usually smoked. It is also know as crack.

Amphetamines Usually come in pill form and are prescribed by doctors usually for ADHD. The most common of these drugs are Adderall. These drugs are abused by being crushed and snorted or used by someone without a prescription.

Methamphetamines What is it? Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol and is taken orally, intranasally (snorting the powder), by needle injection, or by smoking. Long Term Effects Chronic methamphetamine abuse significantly changes how the brain functions. Noninvasive human brain imaging studies have shown alterations in the activity of the dopamine system that are associated with reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning.1 Recent studies in chronic methamphetamine abusers have also revealed severe structural and functional changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory,2,3 which may account for many of the emotional and cognitive problems observed in chronic methamphetamine abusers

Methamphetamines Continued Methamphetamines are called a number of street names such as meth, ice and crystal. The cooking of meth includes many house hold products including Paint thinner, freon, drain cleaner, iodine and cold tablets. Often times the cooking of meth leads to fires and explosions

Sources NIDA for Teens: DrugAddiction.com: