Transcript Stimulants

Stimulants
Stimulants
The most commonly
abused stimulants include
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine
• Khat
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine Facts
• It is a highly addictive
central nervous system
stimulant.
• It is medically used in
small controlled amounts
to treat ADHD and
obesity.
• It was developed by the
Japanese in 1919 and
used during WWII by
soldiers to help them stay
alert; and to energize
factory workers
Methamphetamine Facts
• It is a white, odorless,
bitter-tasting crystalline
powder that can be
swallowed, smoked,
snorted or injected.
• It is often used with
other drugs such as
marijuana and heroin
Methamphetamine Facts
• Meth is often made in
small, illegal
laboratories, where it’s
production endangers
the people in the labs,
neighbors, and the
environment.
• Meth labs are toxic
waste dumps due to the
various chemicals used
in production.
• Purity of the drug is
uncontrolled due to the
various production
methods
Immediate Effects of Meth Abuse
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Increased wakefulness
Increased physical activity
Decreased appetite
Increased respiration
Rapid heart rate
Irregular heartbeat
Increased blood pressure
Tremors in hands and
fingers
• Dilated pupils
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
Long-Term Effects of Meth Abuse
• Extreme weight loss
• Severe dental problems
(“meth mouth”)
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Mood disturbances
• Violent behavior
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Delusions (“Meth bugs”)
leading to skin ulcerations
& infection
• Permanent damage to
brain cells
Cocaine
Cocaine Facts
• Cocaine is a powerfully
addictive central nervous
system stimulant
extracted from the leaves
of the coca plant.
• It was first isolated in the
1800’s and used in patent
medicines (throat
lozenges, tonics, etc.) and
other products (Coke),
until outlawed in 1914.
Cocaine Facts
Cocaine Facts
• The powdered form of
cocaine is usually
snorted, or dissolved in
water and injected.
• Crack is the crystal form
of cocaine, which when
heated, produces
vapors that are smoked.
Physical Effects of Cocaine Abuse
• Insomnia
• Increased body
temperature
• Increased heart rate
• Heart attack or stroke
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Nasal abnormalities (loss
of smell, stuffiness)
• Impotency
• Difficulty urinating
• Birth defects (can be
caused by use by male or
female)
Mental Effects of Cocaine Abuse
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Depression
Poor concentration
Increased anxiety
Tendency to lie
Confusion
Withdrawal from
normal activities
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Hallucinations
Paranoia
Irritability
Attention deficits
Listlessness
Legal risks
Khat
Khat Facts
• Khat is a stimulant drug
derived from a shrub
(Catha edulis) that is
native to East Africa and
southern Arabia.
• Khat users typically
chew on the leaves.
• The effects can last for
24 hours.
Effects of Khat Abuse
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Euphoria
Increased alertness
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Tooth decay and gum
disease
• Constipation
• Stomach ulcers and
tumors
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Nightmares
• Worsening of pre-existing
mental disorders