Types of Stimulants Abused
Siobhan Morse, Executive Director of The National Institute for Holistic Addiction Studies discusses the types of stimulants abused.
What are prescription stimulants?
Prescription stimulants are a class of drugs that enhance brain activity.
Prescription stimulants were used historically to treat asthma, obesity, neurological disorders, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and a variety of other illnesses before the potential for abuse and addiction became apparent.
Types Stimulants Abused
What are the common names of prescription stimulants?
The most common prescription stimulants are Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin, and Concerta.
Why and how are prescription stimulants abused?
Stimulants have been abused for both performance enhancement and recreational purposes, for example, to get high.
For the performance enhancement effects they suppress appetite to facilitate weight loss, increase wakefulness, and increase focus and attention.
The euphoric effects of stimulants usually occur when they are crushed and snorted or injected.
Some abusers dissolve the tablet in water and inject the mixture. Complications from this method of abuse can arise because insoluble fillers in the tablets can block small blood vessels.
What adverse effects does prescription stimulant abuse have on health?
Stimulants can increase blood pressure, increase heart rate, raise body temperature, and decrease sleep and appetite.
This can lead to malnutrition and its consequences. Repeated use of stimulants can lead to feelings of hostility and paranoia.
At high doses, the abuse of prescription stimulants can lead to serious cardiovascular complications including stroke.
Addiction to stimulants is also a very real consideration for anyone taking them without medical supervision. This most likely occurs because stimulants when taken in doses and routes other than prescribed by a doctor can induce a rapid rise in dopamine in the brain.
Furthermore, if stimulants are used chronically, withdrawal symptoms including fatigue, depression and disturbed sleep patterns can emerge when the drugs are discontinued.
Types of Stimulants Abused
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