stimulants. cns stimulants central nervous stimulants are medicines that speed up physical and...
TRANSCRIPT
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