Stimulants are drugs that increase brain activity, leading to an increase in alertness, attention, and energy. They are used for euphoric effects or to counteract the "down" feeling of tranquilizers or alcohol. They may be sniffed, smoked, injected, taken orally, or inhaled, depending on which stimulant is used.
Examples of stimulants are:
Stimulants can cause the following:
High doses of stimulants can cause the following:
Prolonged use of stimulants may lead to:
An overdose of stimulants can cause the following effects:
Stopping the use of an addictive drug can cause painful physical and psychological symptoms. This is called withdrawal. When stopping use of some stimulants, the following withdrawal symptoms may occur:
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RESOURCES:
The Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration
http://www.samhsa.gov/
National Institute on Drug Abuse
http://www.drugabuse.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Mental Health Association
http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/
Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org/
References:
Drug dependence and addiction. Merck website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/ Accessed September 10, 2003.
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information website. Available at: http://www.health.org/govpubs/rpo926/.
Stimulant abuse by school age children: a guide for school officials. Office of Diversion Control website. http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/brochures/stimulant/stimulant_abuse.htm. Published June 2001. Accessed May 1, 2009.
Last reviewed May 2009 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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