Stimulant Drugs
how they are used and abused
Definition of Stimulants
Stimulants (also referred to as psychostimulants) are psychoactive drugs that induce temporary improvements in either mental or physical functions or both. Stimulants produce a variety of different kinds of effects by enhancing the activity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Common effects, which vary depending on the substance and dosage in question, may include enhanced alertness, awareness, wakefulness, endurance, productivity, and motivation, increased arousal, locomotion, heart rate, and blood pressure, and the perception of a diminished requirement for food and sleep.
names and nicknames
Amphetamines
Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Benzphetamine (Didrex)
Caffeine (NoDoz, Vivarin)
Cocaine
Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Diethylpropion (Tenuate)
Methamphetamines
Methylphenidate (Concerta; Metadate ER; Metadate CD)
Modafinil (Provigil)
Nicotinev
Pemoline (Cylert)
Phendimetrizine (Bontril SR, Prelu-2)
Phentermine (Fastin, Ionamin)
Sibutramine (Meridia)
Theobromine
Xanthine
3. Nicknames/Street names of drugs from this category
Coke
Flake
Snow
Blow
White
Toot
Base
Basa
Powder
Smack
Big Rush
Pearl
Candy
Cola
C
Big flakes
Nose candy
Baseball
Bump
Line
Rail
Snow
Stash
Yeyo
Why do people get involved with these drugs
Stimulants are used for their euphoric effects and/or to counteract the depressant effects of tranquilizers or alcohol. They have only limited medical application. In Canada, for example, they are used in the treatment of narcolepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s Disease, and have had some very limited use in the treatment of obesity
use of them in Iowa
United States produces 88 percent of the world's legal amphetamine.
Adderall, a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is known as the "study drug." It is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Increases attention and decreases restlessness in patients who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted and have unstable emotions.
There has been a significant increase in accommodations requests for adderall at the Student Disability Resources Office on campus.
11.4 percent of young people ages 12-25 used prescriptions drugs non-medically within the past year in 2010.
Full-time college students between ages of 18-22, were found to be twice as likely to abuse Adderall than those of the same age and not in college.
30 to 40 percent of those who have it, misuse it, or divert the medication at some time.
When abused, Adderall can be extremely addictive.
In addition to having the potential of becoming addictive, common side effects of the drug include lack of appetite, increased blood pressure, headache, dry mouth, inability to fall asleep and weight loss. For many people, they may not experience significant adverse side effects every time they use it.
the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2010 found that full-time college students abusing Adderall were three times more likely to have used marijuana in the past year than those of the same age not in college.
The same group was also five times more likely to have used painkillers non-medically and 90 percent were reported binge drinkers while more than 50 percent were reported to be heavy drinkers.