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. There are both legal and illegal stimulants.
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, Dexadrine.
Illegal stimulants include, but are not limited to:
- Methamphetamine
- Crack
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy(which known as a common “trip” drug)
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 make a decision to quit, more often than not, you will have some mild withdraw 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 the 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 times 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.
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 times 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.
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, counseling and treatment centers.