Commonly Abused Drugs: Stimulants
Stimulant is a type of drug known specifically for its euphoric effects, meaning it boosts feeling of well-being, enhances your mood, and increases your energy and alertness level. Some of the most common stimulants are detailed below:
*Cocaine - This is one of the most common type of stimulant, which is known by many other names such as "coke", "C", "rock", toot", "crack", among others. The name comes from the crackling sound it produces when smoked.
*Amphetamine - This is a type of prescription drug in pill form recommended for medical problems such as ADHD. Abuse of amphetamines include using it in some other forms other than the prescribed method or taking it even without prescription.
*Methamphetamine - This is one of the most powerful stimulants that come in clear crystal form and is water and alcohol solvent. It is widely accessible in the market and is even available off the counter, often consisting of toxic ingredients.
Why Do Teens Abuse Them?
Due to the euphoric effect produced by stimulant drugs on the body is one reason why it is one of the most commonly abused drugs, especially among teens. As soon as you intake stimulants, it alters the way your brain functions and the nerve cells that are responsible for all types of brain communication. These neurons release chemicals that affect the way you think and feel.
In the case of stimulants, it creates that feel-good sensation and a feeling of euphoria due to the buildup of dopamine in your system. Although you might feel good as a side effect of taking stimulants, you'd release this intense feeling of pleasure and renewed level of energy. In some cases, it might cause you to feel paranoia or anxiety.
There are several different ways to abuse stimulants but the most common method is swallowing it in pill form. Stimulants in powder form are "snorted" wherein the properties from this drug are absorbed into your bloodstream to produce its consequent effects on your body. Other methods of abuse for stimulants include injection and smoking them by heating the crystal form.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Stimulant Abuse
To understand the possible dangers of abusing stimulants, one must examine both its short and long-term effects. Upon consuming stimulant drugs, you will immediately experienced a heightened sense of joy, energy, and wakefulness. However, you can experience other negative side effects in exchange for that temporary feeling of euphoria. These include anxiety, irritability, decreased appetite, raised body temperature, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, nausea, blurred vision, muscle spasms, among others.
In the long-term, the effects of stimulant abuse are far more serious and therefore needs to be addressed. With repeated use of this drug, it will eventually lead to addiction until you continue to seek it out and cause harmful effects on your body. Aside from addiction, you can develop extreme anorexia, hallucinations, thinking problems, aggressiveness, delusions, among others.
Available Treatments
Currently, behavioral therapies are considered as the most effective treatment approach against stimulant abuse. The idea behind these therapies is to restore normal function of the brain, as well as the behavior of the patient. Other complementary therapies are provided to help them cope with the stress factors in life.
The Contingency Management, known as Motivational Incentives, is a form of behavioral therapy that was used on patients of cocaine and methamphetamine abuse and showed positive results. It works by offering re