Stimulants List

Author: Emily Oconnor

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About Stimulants

Stimulants are psychoactive substances that increase a person’s focus, energy levels, alertness and physical performance by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This increase in neurotransmitters also produces feelings of euphoria.

Stimulants are used in the treatment of several medical conditions, including ADHD, narcolepsy, binge eating disorder, nasal congestion, asthma and in certain cases of treatment-resistant depression. While stimulants play an important role in healthcare, stimulant misuse can pose significant health consequences.

People abuse stimulants for various reasons. Stimulants such as cocaine and ecstasy are commonly used on the party or club scene to heighten the sensations of the experience. For example, the lights look brighter or the music feels more intense. For others, stimulant use helps them to let down their guard and become more social. Others describe a heightened sense of community and happiness.

Even prescription stimulant medications can be abused. Adderall, a medication commonly used to treat ADHD, has been used by some to facilitate weight loss, improve academic performance, or to self-medicate symptoms of anxiety, depression or undiagnosed ADHD. Although Adderall is legally produced, using it without a valid prescription is against the law.

The Most Commonly Abused Stimulants

Abusing stimulants can quickly lead to an addiction problem.

Cocaine or Crack Cocaine are highly addictive substances that are derived from the leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine is typically available in white crystalline powder, while crack typically comes in solid or rock-like crystals. Cocaine can be snorted, rubbed on the gums, dissolved and injected. Crack is smoked. Cocaine is considered a Schedule II drug with very limited medical use.

Amphetamines are powerful stimulants that are prescribed to treat ADHD, narcolepsy or obesity. They are considered a Schedule II drug, carrying a high risk for abuse and addiction as well as limited medical uses.

Commonly prescribed amphetamines include Adderall, Dexedrine and Vyvance. Amphetamines are generally taken orally in tablet form, but can be modified into forms that can be smoked or injected.

Methamphetamines are stimulants that are similar to amphetamines and have powerful effects on the central nervous system. Although Desoxyn is legally produced for the treatment of ADHD and severe obesity, most methamphetamines are illicitly produced and sold illegally. Illegal methamphetamines are synthetic substances produced as bluish-white rocks or crystals, contributing to the commonly used name, ” Crystal Meth.”

Ecstasy ( MDMA), or Molly as it is more commonly known,  is a powerful synthetic stimulant drug that causes increased feelings of euphoria, empathy and heightened sensations. Ecstasy is usually a combination of substances that can include methamphetamines or other dangerous stimulants or opioids. Because MDMA is illegally produced and has no federal regulation, users are often unaware of exactly what they are taking. For this reason, the risk of overdose or other serious medical consequences is dramatically increased.

Short- and Long-term Risk of Stimulant Use

While certain stimulants play an important role in the treatment of specific medical conditions, they pose a high risk for short- and long-term effects.

Short-Term:

• Increased blood pressure and body temperature
• Faster breathing
• Faster and irregular heart rate
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Sleep disturbances
• Aggression, irritability, unpredictability and violent behavior.

Long-Term:

• Severe dental problems
• Premature osteoporosis
• Organ damage – lung, kidney and liver
• Permanent damage to the heart and brain
• Intense itching leading to sores that don’t heal, potentially leading to serious infections
• High blood pressure that can lead to heart attack, stroke and death
• Sustained psychotic symptoms, including paranoia, hallucination, mood disturbances, delusions or violent behavior, that can last months to years after use

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