Stimulants

Physical Effects

Stimulants exert their effects by reversing fatigue, promoting a sense of wakefulness, and enhancing physical performance. They can lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. When taken in large doses or over an extended period, they may cause physical side effects such as dizziness, tremors, headaches, flushed skin, chest pain with palpitations, excessive sweating, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

Psychological Effects

On the psychological front, stimulants can produce a sense of exhilaration, improve self-esteem, and enhance mental performance. They are known for increasing activity, reducing appetite, and extending wakefulness. Chronic, high-dose use is frequently associated with agitation, hostility, panic, aggression, and suicidal or homicidal tendencies. In some cases, paranoia accompanied by auditory and visual hallucinations may also occur.

Short-term and Long-term Effects

• Short-term: The immediate effects include increased alertness, attention, and energy. Individuals may experience a sudden sensation known as a “rush” or a “flash,” particularly when the drug is smoked, snorted, or injected.
• Long-term: Chronic use may lead to severe physical and psychological issues, including the potential for addiction, cardiovascular problems, and the aforementioned psychological disorders.

Treatment of ADHD

Stimulants are often prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as they can help increase attention and control impulsivity. Common medications include amphetamines and methylphenidate.

Treatment of Narcolepsy

These drugs are also used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, and sudden muscle weakness.

Other Medical Conditions

Some stimulants are used off-label for conditions like depression and obesity, although these uses are less common and may come with additional risks.

Prescription Stimulants

Includes drugs such as amphetamines (Adderall and Dexedrine), methylphenidate (Concerta and Ritalin), and diet aids (Didrex, Bontril, Preludin, Fastin, Adipex P, Ionomin, and Meridia).

Illicit Stimulants

Common examples include methamphetamine, cocaine, methcathinone, and synthetic cathinones, often sold as “bath salts”.

Over-the-counter Stimulants

These are readily available stimulants like caffeine, often found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks.

Illicit Stimulant Drugs

• Cocaine
  • Street Names: Coke, Snow, Snow White, Rock, Powder, Blow, Flake, Charlie, Yeyo (Spanish), Nose Candy, Johnny, Sugar, Toot, Happy Trails.
  • Methods of Use: Snorted, intravenous injection, ingested orally, rubbed on the gums, sprinkled on cigarettes or marijuana joints.
  • Short-term Effects: Euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, restlessness, insomnia, increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
  • Long-term Effects: Addiction, headaches, stroke, hallucinations, damage to the nasal septum, heart disease, heart attack, psychosis, and death.
• Crack-cocaine
  • Street Names: Crack, Rock, Base, Sugar Block, Kryptonite, Topo (Spanish), Apple Jacks, Hard Rock.
  • Methods of Use: Smoked through a glass pipe, snorted, intravenous injection.
  • Short-term Effects: Intense euphoria, cravings, depression, decreased appetite, aggression, paranoia, and addiction.
  • Long-term Effects: Addiction, delirium, psychosis, brain seizures, stroke, respiratory failure, hallucinations, and death.
• Methamphetamine
  • Street Names: Meth, Crystal, Crystal Meth, Ice, Glass, Redneck Cocaine, Crank, Speed, Tina, Tick-Tock, Scootie, Yellow Barn/Powder, Hot Ice, Chalk.
  • Methods of Use: Taken orally, smoked, snorted, intravenous injection.
  • Short-term Effects: Euphoria, depression, dry mouth, loss of appetite, seizures, headache, increased physical activity, insomnia, paranoia, irritability, and risky behaviour.
  • Long-term Effects: Addiction, damage to the brain, high blood pressure, anxiety, paranoia, homicidal or suicidal tendencies, sores, cracked teeth, weak immune system, and death.
• Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
  • Street Names: Ecstasy, Molly, E, X, XTC, ADAM, Rolls, Pills, Love Drug, Go.
  • Methods of Use: Taken orally in tablet form.
  • Short-term Effects: Euphoria, muscle tension, nausea, heat exhaustion, fainting, chills, sweating, anxiety, paranoia, intense empathy.
  • Long-term Effects: Depression, paranoia, cravings, depletion of serotonin, death.

Prescription Stimulants

• Amphetamines
  • Types of Amphetamines: Amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, dextroamphetamine, levoamphetamine.
  • Brand Names: Biphetamine, Dexedrine, Adderall, Vyvanse.
  • Street Names: Black Beauties, Truck Drivers, Uppers, Speed, LA Turnaround, Hearts, Copilots, Eye-openers, Lid Poppers, Crosses, Bennies.
  • Methods of Use: Taken orally, crushed and smoked, snorted, injected.
  • Short-term Effects: Increase in energy, increase in heart rate, increase in blood pressure, insomnia, seizures, alertness.
  • Long-term Effects: Addiction, stroke, an inability to feel pleasure, depression, cravings, ulcers, repetitive motor activity, cardiac arrhythmias, mental illness, malnutrition, and death.
• Methylphenidate
  • Brand Names: Concerta, Methylin, Ritalin.
  • Street Names: Vitamin R, The Smart Drug, Skippy, JIF.
  • Methods of Use: Snorted, injected, or taken orally.
  • Short-term Effects: Similar to those caused by amphetamines.
  • Long-term Effects: Similar to those caused by amphetamines.

The listed stimulants cover a broad range of substances, both legal and illegal, showcasing the diverse spectrum of stimulant drugs. The detailed information within each subsection provides a clear understanding of these substances, their methods of use, and their potential effects on individuals.

The methods through which stimulants can be administered are varied, each with its unique implications for the user.

Oral Consumption

Oral intake is a primary method of administration for stimulants, particularly when used as prescribed. The substance is either swallowed as a pill or capsule and is then absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. This method is deemed to be one of the oldest means of drug ingestion, where the liver often becomes involved in metabolising the drug during the process​.

Snorting (Intranasal Administration)

Snorting, or intranasal administration, involves inhaling powdered stimulants through the nose. This method allows for a rapid onset of effects as the drug is absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes in the nasal passages, although it can cause damage to these passages over time.

Smoking

Smoking is another common method of administering stimulants, especially in recreational settings. The drug, in a smokeable form, is inhaled into the lungs where it’s quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. However, this method poses significant risks to the respiratory system​.

Injection

Injection can occur in several ways: intramuscularly, intravascularly, or directly into the bloodstream (intravenously). This method has the fastest onset of effects but carries a high risk of infection, overdose, and other severe health issues. It’s a more dangerous route of administration due to the immediate and potent effects and the risk of transmitting diseases if sharing needles​.

Other Methods

There are other less common methods of administering stimulants which include plugging (rectal administration), topical application, and sublingual (under the tongue) administration. Each of these methods has its own set of risks, benefits, and implications for the user, and their use can often depend on the specific type of stimulant and the desired effect.

These methods of administration highlight the diverse ways in which stimulants can be consumed, each with distinct implications regarding onset of effects, intensity of effects, and potential health risks. Understanding these methods is crucial for both medical professionals and individuals to ensure safe and effective use of stimulant drugs.

Stimulant abuse is a serious concern due to the highly addictive nature of these substances and the severe health consequences they can inflict. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and consequences of stimulant misuse can aid in early intervention and treatment.

Signs of Abuse

• Initial allure: Stimulants initially entice with increased self-confidence, libido, and performance at school or work.
• Psychological symptoms: Over time, misuse of certain stimulants can cause psychosis, paranoia, and anger.
• Physical dependence: Continued use even after negative effects are noticed and an inability to reduce or stop drug use are tell-tale signs of addiction.

Consequences of Chronic Use

• Addiction: Stimulants are highly addictive, with some having the potential to addict a person in just a use or two.
• Cardiovascular strain: Chronic use leads to cardiovascular stressors like accelerated heart rate, vasoconstriction, and a strain on the heart, arteries, brain, and other organs.
• Psychological and behavioural issues: Extended misuse can lead to violent behaviour, hostility, and other psychological issues.

Overdose Symptoms and Management

• Physiological symptoms: Overdose can manifest in severe physiological outcomes such as heart attack, seizure, and stroke.
• Preventive measures: Recognising the signs of stimulant use and understanding what to do if someone is using these drugs can be vital for overdose prevention.

The dangers associated with stimulant abuse extend beyond the individual to the community at large. The ramifications of misuse underscore the importance of awareness, education, and accessible treatment options to address stimulant abuse and addiction.

The legal status of stimulant drugs in the UK is governed by a framework of laws and regulations which aim to control and manage the use, possession, distribution, and production of these substances. This legal framework seeks to balance the potential medical benefits of certain stimulants against the risks associated with their misuse and abuse.

Regulation of Prescription Stimulants

• Controlled Substances: In the UK, prescription stimulants like amphetamines are regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971), the Medicines Act (1968), and the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016).
• Scheduling System: These acts categorise drugs into classes (A, B, and C) based on their potential for abuse and medical utility, with Class A being characterised as the most harmful and carrying the highest punishment.
• Prescription Regulations: Doctors and pharmacists must adhere to strict guidelines when prescribing and dispensing these drugs to ensure they are used responsibly and safely.

Illicit Stimulant Laws and Penalties

• Prohibition and Criminalisation: The possession, sale, manufacture, import, export, or production of illicit stimulants is criminalised under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971). For example, methamphetamine is classified as a Class A drug, signifying its high potential for abuse and the severe penalties associated with its illicit use.
• Penalties: The penalties for the illegal possession, distribution, or manufacturing of stimulants can be severe, including fines and imprisonment. The specific penalties depend on the drug class and the offence’s nature, with the most severe penalties reserved for Class A drugs.

Navigating the realm of stimulant drugs, whether for medical or recreational use, necessitates a robust understanding of harm reduction and safe use practices. These guidelines are pivotal in mitigating the risks associated with stimulant use and promoting a culture of safety and responsibility.

Dosage and Frequency Guidelines

• Medical Use: Adhering to the prescribed dosages and frequency is crucial for those using stimulants for medical purposes. Any deviation could lead to adverse effects or dependency.
• Recreational Use: For those engaging in recreational use, understanding the potency and effects of stimulants is essential to avoid overdose and other health complications.

Safe Use Practices

• Drug Mixing: Avoiding the mixing of stimulants with other substances, particularly alcohol or other drugs, as this can lead to dangerous interactions and amplified effects​
• Route of Administration: Opting for safer routes of administration, like oral consumption over more harmful methods like injection, can reduce the risk of adverse effects​​
• Purity and Source: Knowing the purity and source of the stimulant can help in assessing the risks associated with its use
• Clean Equipment: Utilising clean equipment to administer stimulants can prevent infections and other health issues​

Resources for Help and Support

• Addiction Treatment Centres: Various centres offer support and treatment for those struggling with stimulant addiction.
• Community Support Groups: Engaging with support groups can provide a network of understanding and help during recovery.
• Online Forums: Online platforms offer a space for individuals to share experiences, seek advice, and gain support on their journey towards safe stimulant use or recovery.

Safer Consumption Tips

• Start with a Small Dose: It’s always safer to start with a smaller dose to gauge the body’s reaction, especially if it’s a new substance or a different source.
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition before, during, and after stimulant use can help mitigate negative effects.
• Rest and Recovery: Allowing time for the body to rest and recover between uses is crucial to prevent the accumulation of adverse effects.

Harm reduction and safe use guidelines are indispensable tools in fostering a responsible approach to stimulant use. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce the risks and potential harm associated with stimulant use, contributing to a safer community at large.

The narrative on stimulants unfolds a tale of dual characters. On one side, stimulants stand as a beacon of relief for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy, reflecting medical advancement. On the flip side, they cast a long shadow of addiction and health perils, marking a societal challenge.

This piece seeks to map the landscape of stimulants, shedding light on their varied forms, effects, and the legal tapestry that governs their use in the UK. It dips into the menacing waters of abuse while also laying out a roadmap of harm reduction and safe use, highlighting the pragmatic steps towards mitigating risks.

As elucidated, the UK’s legal stance is cautious, drawing lines between medical utility and potential abuse. This cautious dance echoes globally, underscoring a collective consciousness of the stimulant quagmire.

The section on harm reduction and safe use guidelines is a nod to reality, acknowledging the current scenario of stimulant use and abuse. It underscores the importance of education, safe practices, and the necessity of a supportive framework for those grappling with addiction.

The FAQs encapsulate the essence of the discussion, providing a bridge for understanding, a conduit between the detailed exposition and the everyday queries that surface in the public domain.

In essence, we hope this stimulant guide presents a step towards informed discourse, a move towards a society better equipped to navigate the complex terrain of stimulant use, abuse, and regulation. Understanding enables a better-equipped society to make informed decisions, reducing harm and fostering a safer environment.

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/stimulant

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557852/

https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/drugs/administration-and-kinetics-of-drugs/drug-administration

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_policy_of_the_United_Kingdom