Stimulants are another group of substances which hastens brain activity. These substances are classified as psychoactive drugs which can either be an illicit type or prescription medicine.
The prescription drugs under this type are mainly used for the medication of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It helps patients with this disease to gain better concentration in order to live a normal life.
In the market, they are known by several brand and street names. Examples of known brands of stimulants include Antidepressants, Concerta, Dexedrine, Adderall, Steroids, and Ritalin. These brands cannot be readily bought from stores without a prescription from medical personnel.
Meanwhile, in the streets and alleys, these drugs are known by the following names: Skippy, Bennies, R-ball, the smart drug, speed, uppers, hearts, LA turnaround, and more. These street names vary depending on the culture of the place.
In terms of physical appearance, these drugs are available in various forms for different brands in the market. For instance, Dexedrine exists in capsules with a pill identifier consisting of the strength (in mg) and the brand name. Tablet forms of these drugs include Ritalin and Adderall, although the former also exist in capsules.
Stimulants, How They Work
The general mechanism of stimulants is to speed up the activity of the brain. This action is true to both prescription and the illicit types. Alongside, some physical manifestations for this include increased breathing, high blood pressure, and a feeling of highness.
In relation, these bodily reactions are a result of the magnified effect of the dopamine and norepinephrine. In the brain, these substances can either strengthen brain signaling or collapse it due to excessive dosage. Example of illicit substances which disrupts brain signaling pathways are heroin and cocaine.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are two of the many neurotransmitters in the brain and the ones affected by stimulants. Dopamine is responsible for the balance of body movements, focus, emotions, and the person’s learning. Likewise, it is also responsible for the reward system in the brain.
A person with low concentrations of dopamine in the brain will have mental diseases such as Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease.
Meanwhile, norepinephrine is a brain chemical secreted in the adrenal medulla. This chemical has similar functions with adrenaline. Once secreted, this chemical increases blood pressure by allowing blood vessels to contract. In line, stimulants enhance the secretion of this brain chemical to speed up mental and physical activity.
Furthermore, stimulants are available in the market in various applications such as oral medicines, topical agents, injectables, caffeine, and illicit substances. Each of these types has a specific function.
Topical agents are applied directly on the skin. These types are used to constrict blood vessels to stop bleeding. Injectables such as epinephrine are mainly used to elevate breathing pattern and heartbeat. Oral medications like Ritalin are used to medicate extreme sleepiness during the day while Narcolepsy is for patients with ADHD. Lastly, caffeine is a widely used stimulant in almost all energy drinks.
Addiction and Dangers
The danger for dependence and addiction of these drugs is highly dependent on the amounts being ingested. The two most abused illicit substances of this type are methamphetamine and cocaine.
Whereas, desoxypipradrol is a prescription type stimulant with the highest effect. To illustrate its strength, a 10-mg of this medication orally ingested by a person can keep him awake for several days. This is almost three times as strong as a 30-mg Ritalin which can keep a person awake for about six hours.
A person who can no longer control one’s intake for these substances will pose serious health consequences. This uncontrolled intake can lead to an overdose and later addiction. The severe damage from abusing these substances include coma, seizures or tremors, and gradual memory loss.
Likewise, there are specific short and long-term health effects of these drugs. Some of the short-term effects for these drugs include increase breathing pattern, rapid heartbeat and high blood sugar level. Whereas, its long-term effects include unstable behavior, mental diseases, extreme weight loss, and irreversible damage of the liver and kidney.
Furthermore, early detection of an overdose is important in order to implement early first aid treatment. To know if a person is suffering from an overdose with these drugs, the following signs must be observed: nervousness, short rapid breaths, muscle spasm, highly temperamental, and slight delusions.
Medications and Treatments
Most people suffering from an overdose or addiction with any substances find it hard to go into treatment. This hindrance towards treatment is caused by several reasons such as social stigma, cost, availability of quality treatment facilities, and self-motivation.
Consequently, the very first step to a successful treatment is the person’s willingness and acceptance for the need for external help to recover.
Once the signs of an overdose are detected, early treatments must be done. The first thing to do is to check for the vital signs of the person. Second, ensure the patient can freely breathe, that is, clothing is comfortable and the person is in a well-ventilated area. If the patient is not breathing, apply cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Then place the patient in the recovery position while calling for medical help.
In general, detoxification is the first step to any treatment program. This can be done through abstinence, stomach lavage, or ingestion of activated charcoal. Some withdrawal symptoms are also experienced upon the gradual or sudden stop from taking these drugs. Most withdrawal symptoms observed include high irritability, body pains, extreme sadness, and social isolation.
Furthermore, certain medications are given to patients to treat specific side effects. For instance, disulfiram is used for the medication of cocaine and alcohol use disorder. Modafinil is used to discourage cravings for cocaine and amphetamines. If a patient wants to induce muscle relaxation, then Baclofen must be prescribed. Lastly, to treat epilepsy or seizures, Topiramate must be ingested.
Aside from medications, therapies are also incorporated in any treatment program in order to correct unhealthy behaviors and supplement recovery. Some of the common therapies applied include cognitive behavioral therapy and recovery groups.
In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the therapist will assist the patient in identifying unhealthy thoughts which triggers the addiction. After, the therapist will help the patient formulate positive coping mechanisms in handling these unhealthy thoughts.
In Recovery Groups, the patient will be included in a group of people having the same condition. The goal of this intervention is to enhance social communication skills and insight learning for the patient.
