What are Drug Stimulants?
Stimulants are substances that increase or stimulate the normal activity of the central nervous system. In other words, they increase the normal level of awareness, alertness and energy in one’s mind and body. They usually have side effects and if you take them for an extended period of time, you may become dependent upon them. A list of drug stimulants for both legal and illegal stimulants are mentioned below.
Legal Stimulants
Legal stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, weight loss pills and energy drinks are very popular. However, they are very addictive. Once you start using them, you may find that when you aren’t drinking your coffee or smoking your cigarette, that your mind becomes consumed with the idea. When you decide to quit, more often than not, you will have some mild withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or preoccupation with the drink or cigarette. In which case, you may consider getting help.
Stimulants like amphetamines, which are used to treat several medical conditions, will increase respiration and heart rates, dilate the pupils, decrease one’s appetite and increase blood pressure.
Amphetamines have been known to cause euphoria and elevated mood, and if you suffer from ADD, ADHD, anxiety or depression, the drug may rebound that condition. Often you may experience insomnia, dizziness and blurred vision. However, amphetamines are considered a “controlled substance” due to the extremely high chances of one being addicted or dependent upon the drug.
When these types of drugs are prescribed by doctors, typically, they require additional authorization when refilling your prescription in an attempt to monitor the patients use.
Legal Stimulants include:
- Caffeine
- Nicotine(found in tobacco products)
- Weight loss pills
- Energy drinks
- Prescription Amphetamines used to treat ADD or ADHD, such as Adderall, Desoxyn, Dexedrine.
Illegal Stimulants
Illegal stimulants such as methamphetamine, crack, cocaine or ecstasy are extremely addictive. They cause extreme levels of energy, mind racing, heart racing, elevated mood and a sense of euphoria. Side effects include loss of appetite, insomnia, and weight loss.
While under the influence of these controlled substances you may become overly sexually active and often have unprotected sex. You may also find yourself involved in criminal activity in an attempt to support your habit. Generally, a drug intervention is required to begin the recovery process from these addictions.
Illegal Stimulants include, but are not limited to:
- Methamphetamine
- Crack
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy(which known as a common “trip” drug)
Prescribed Drugs for Stimulants
These drugs are not approved by FDA to treat stimulant addiction but require further research. Drugs are:
Baclofen
As per studies it relaxes the muscles and reduces cocaine use.
Topiramate
preliminary studies show that it helped to avoid cocaine and reduced cravings for this.
Disulfiram
This medication is to treat alcohol dependence and also help in reducing cocaine use. It is safe to use but shouldn’t be used by people with cardiac or liver issues as well as mental health disorders.
Get Treatment for Stimulant Abuse
Unfortunately, stimulants are a very popular form of drug, however, treatment for addiction to these drugs is also increasingly popular and easily available through 12-step meetings, counselling and treatment centres.