Stimulants: An Overview Nature of Stimulants Most widely consumed drug in the United States Such...
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Transcript of Stimulants: An Overview Nature of Stimulants Most widely consumed drug in the United States Such...
Stimulants: An Overview
Nature of Stimulants Most widely consumed drug in the United States Such drugs increase alertness and increase energy Examples include amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine,
and caffeine Neurobiological effects vary, but all act as
“sympathomimetic” agents and seem to ultimately activate the “pleasure center” of the brain
Stimulants: Amphetamine Use Disorders
Effects of Amphetamines Produce elation, expansive mood, vigor, reduce
fatigue Enhance the release of dopamine and
norepinephrine, while blocking reuptake Such effects are followed by a “crash” (e.g., feeling
depressed and tired)
Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Substances
The Nature of Drugs in This Class Sedatives – Calming Hypnotic – Sleep inducing (e.g., barbiturates) Anxiolytic – Anxiety reducing (e.g., benzodiazepines) Intoxication effects of such drugs are similar to large
doses of alcohol Combining such drugs with alcohol is synergistic
All Exert Their Influence Via the GABA Neurotransmitter System
Stimulants: Cocaine Use Disorders
Effects of Cocaine Produce short lived sensations of elation, vigor,
reduced fatigue, self-confidence Effects result from blocking the reuptake of
dopamine Cocaine is highly addictive, but dependence
develops slowly Cocaine use in the United States has declined over
the last decade, although experimental use is on the rise again among adolescents
Stimulants: Nicotine Use Disorders
Effects of Nicotine Stimulates the central nervous system, specifically
nicotinic acetylcholine receptors Results in sensations of relaxation, wellness,
pleasure although intoxication effects are not described
Nicotine is highly addictive Nicotine users dose themselves to maintain a steady
state of nicotine
Stimulants: Caffeine Use Disorders
Effects of Caffeine – The “Gentle” Stimulant Found in tea, coffee, cola drinks, and cocoa products Caffeine blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitter
adenosine Small doses elevate mood and reduce fatigue Used by over 90% of Americans Regular use can result in tolerance and dependence
Opiods: An Overview
The Nature of Opiates and Opiods Opiate – Natural chemical in the opium poppy with
narcotic effects (i.e., pain relief) Opiods – Refers to a class of natural and synthetic
substances with narcotic effects Such drugs are often referred to as analgesics Examples include heroin, opium, codeine, and morphine
Effects of Opiods Activate body’s enkephalins and endorphins Low doses induce euphoria, drowsiness, and slowed
breathing High doses can result in death Withdrawal symptoms can be lasting and severe
Hallucinogens: An Overview
Nature of Hallucinogens Substances that change the way the user perceives the world May produce delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, and altered
sensory perception Specific neurobiological actions are unknown Examples include marijuana, LSD
Marijuana Active chemical is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) May produce several symptoms (e.g., mood swings, paranoia,
hallucinations) Impairment in motivation is not uncommon (i.e.,
amotivational syndrome) Major signs of withdrawal and dependence do not typically
occur but can in some individuals
Hallucinogens: An Overview (cont.)
LSD and Other Hallucinogens d-lysergic acid diethylamide Tolerance tends to be rapid, and withdrawal
symptoms are uncommon Psychotic delusional and hallucinatory symptoms can
be problematic