Slow Down
No Need For Stimulants
What Are Stimulants?
Stimulants are drugs that increase alertness, attention, and energy. They also increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration
(Prescription Drug Abuse)
Suspect Someone is Misusing Stimulants?
It is not always easy to tell when people are misusing stimulants, as they may just come across as extremely alert and ready to go. But if you pay close enough attention, you will be able to pinpoint the signs. Symptoms of amphetamine use include:
- Euphoria
- Hypervigilance
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Impaired judgment
Caffeine is another type of stimulant that can cause symptoms like:
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Muscle twitching
- Rambling speech
- Frequent urination
- Rapid heartbeat.
(Nolen-Hoeksema 2014 DSM-5)
Why?!
- The need to achieve a euphoric state
- Increased mental alertness
- Increased energy level
- Ease of obtaining these medications from peers or clinicians
- It seen as a part of a plan to improve poor grades
- Selling these medications to make money
(Stimulant Misuse: Strategies to Manage)
Common Myths About the Stimulant Amphetamine
- It is the same as methamphetamine.
- It is the same as caffeine.
Because amphetamines are used to increase alertness, many people believe that using them is no different than drinking coffee or other caffeinated substances
- I can use it if I have symptoms of ADHD.
- I can stop using any time.
While the initial use of an amphetamine drug can be voluntary, drug addiction can change areas of the brain that control judgment, decision making, and behavior control.
(Stigmas Related to Amphetamine Addiction)
It is our job to educate ourselves about the effects and dangers of stimulant abuse in order to prevent ourselves and others from falling into the traps of believing that it is okay to take them for the reasons mentioned above, or any other reason.
Getting Better
References
Harvard Health Publications. (n.d.). Retrieved from Treatment options for overcoming stimulant drug addiction, from the Harvard Mental Health Letter: http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/Treatment-options-for-overcoming-stimulant-drug-addiction-
Nolen-Hoeksema. (2014). Abnormal Psychology (6 ed.). New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Prescription Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Institute of Drug Abuse: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/stimulants/what-are-stimulants
Stigmas Related to Amphetamine Addiction. (n.d.). Retrieved from Amphetamine Risks: http://www.amphetaminerisks.com/stigmas-related-to-amphetamine-addiction
Stimulant Misuse: Strategies to Manage . (n.d.). Retrieved from Use and Misuse of stimulants: http://www.acha.org/Continuing_Education/docs/ACHA_Use_Misuse_of_Stimulants_Article2.pdf