Stimulants

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Stimulants
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Stimulants

• The most commonly abused stimulants include
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine
• Khat

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Methamphetamine
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Methamphetamine Facts

• It is a highly addictive central nervous system
  stimulant.
• It is medically used in small controlled amounts
  to treat ADHD and obesity.
• It was developed by the Japanese in 1919 and used
  during WWII by soldiers to help them stay alert
  and to energize factory workers

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Methamphetamine Facts

• It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting
  crystalline powder that can be swallowed, smoked,
  snorted or injected.
• It is often used with other drugs such as
  marijuana and heroin

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Methamphetamine Facts

• Meth is often made in small, illegal
  laboratories, where its production endangers the
  people in the labs, neighbors, and the
  environment.
• Meth labs are toxic waste dumps due to the
  various chemicals used in production.

• Purity of the drug is uncontrolled due to the
  various production methods

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Immediate Effects of Meth Abuse

• Increased wakefulness
• Increased physical activity
• Decreased appetite
• Increased respiration
• Rapid heart rate
• Irregular heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure
• Tremors in hands and fingers
• Dilated pupils

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating

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Long-Term Effects of Meth Abuse

• Extreme weight loss
• Severe dental problems (meth mouth)
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Mood disturbances
• Violent behavior
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

• Delusions (Meth bugs) leading to skin
  ulcerations infection
• Permanent damage to brain cells

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Cocaine
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Cocaine Facts

• Cocaine is a powerfully addictive central nervous
  system stimulant extracted from the leaves of the
  coca plant.
• It was first isolated in the 1800s and used in
  patent medicines (throat lozenges, tonics, etc.)
  and other products (Coke), until outlawed in 1914.

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Cocaine Facts
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Cocaine Facts

• The powdered form of cocaine is usually snorted,
  or dissolved in water and injected.
• Crack is the crystal form of cocaine, which when
  heated, produces vapors that are smoked.

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Physical Effects of Cocaine Abuse

• Insomnia
• Increased body temperature
• Increased heart rate
• Heart attack or stroke
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Nausea

• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Nasal abnormalities (loss of smell, stuffiness)
• Impotency
• Difficulty urinating
• Birth defects (can be caused by use by male or
  female)

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Mental Effects of Cocaine Abuse

• Depression
• Poor concentration
• Increased anxiety
• Tendency to lie
• Confusion
• Withdrawal from normal activities

• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Irritability
• Attention deficits
• Listlessness
• Legal risks

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Khat
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Khat Facts

• Khat is a stimulant drug derived from a shrub
  (Catha edulis) that is native to East Africa and
  southern Arabia.
• Khat users typically chew on the leaves.
• The effects can last for 24 hours.

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Effects of Khat Abuse

• Euphoria
• Increased alertness
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Tooth decay and gum disease
• Constipation
• Stomach ulcers and tumors

• Cardiovascular disorders
• Nightmares
• Worsening of pre-existing mental disorders