Stimulants

Rory Campbell, Sean Fitzgerald, Max DaSilva,

Sarah Baybeck, Thitiya Tesapun & Jason Li
Classification of Stimulants -Overview
● Enhance focus, increase alertness, and energy levels will rise
● Increase the availability of certain chemicals (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the
prefrontal cortex of the brain (attention and behavior center), allowing some of the
brain’s pathways to work more effectively
● They also balance out the neurotransmitters in the brain by boosting the levels of some
to where others already are
● Dopamine is the body’s rewarding system and Norepinephrine affects the blood
vessels, blood pressure and sugar, the heart rate and breathing
● If being abused, the medicine is being taken in a dose that isn’t prescribed, taking
someone else’s prescribed stimulants, or just taking it to get high (and is being snorted,
smoked, or injected not just by swallowing the tablet/capsule/liquid)
Commercial/Street names
Each individual stimulant has a specific name pertaining to it and the effects it has
on whoever using it.

● Speed (in general and Meth)

● Uppers (in general)
● Vitamin R (Ritalin)
● Molly (ecstasy)
Acute Effects
A. Mind- hallucinations (seeing/hearing/feeling things that are not actually
present), panic, disturbed sleep patterns (being awake for long periods of time
due to drug), a feeling of “rush” (euphoria), confusion and aggression
B. Body- increased heart rate/blood pressure/body temperature/endurance,
improved productivity, dilation of pupils, nausea, seizures, and death if the
dose is high
Chronic Effects
A. Mind- depression, psychosis (disconnection from reality), psychological
dependence grows stronger (need to have the drug), and a feeling of
paranoia will begin

B. Body- malnutrition, damage to liver/lungs/kidneys, blood vessels in the heart

and brain can be permanently damaged, destruction of nose tissues (if
sniffed/snorted), breathing problems (if smoked), and infectious diseases like
HIV and hepatitis (if injected due to the needles), strokes, heart attacks, or
death if dose is high
Medicinal Purposes
● Prescriptions given to people who have ADHD and narcolepsy (episodes of very deep
sleep that are not controllable)
● Do not cure either of these medical conditions, just alleviate some of the symptoms
● Pills like Adderall and Ritalin increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine,
allowing the kid with ADHD to calm down, be able to focus more, and perform better on
tasks at hand (like a test or homework)
● Stimulants help people who suffer from narcolepsy to stay awake during the day which
may allow them to avoid an episode of deep sleep
● Asthma medication contain stimulants (relax chest muscles)
● Promote weight loss of someone who is obese, or suppress their hunger
● “THOUGHT” by some teenagers and young adults in college that taking stimulants
would make them smarter, and older people believed that their memory would improve
if they took stimulants
Examples of other drugs
● Khat, made from evergreen shrub found in Africa, causes euphoria/loss of
appetite/increased excitement (Bushman’s tea, African salad)
● Ecstasy, which makes you feel empathetic towards someone for no known
logical reason (aka Molly)
● Guarana fruit, contains 4-6 times as much caffeine than coffee, found in a lot
of energy drinks, blocks compound that
makes your brain relax (adenosine) just like
caffeine
Availability
● Prescribed by a doctor,
if you have a condition that stimulants is
found to help with the symptoms
● Illegally produced now and “handed
out” at dance clubs & parties
● Some can be bought in stores,
coffee/pop/candy can be bought by
anyone in the grocery store
● nicotine is also available but you have
to be 18+ to be able to purchase it
Nicotine
Commercial and/or Street names
Some street names for nicotine are: smokes, ciggies, stogs, stogies, stokes,
snouts, tabs, cigs, butts, cigs, or tobacco. Nicotine is also chewable and some
street names for chewable nicotine are chew, dip, snuff, and split tobacco.
Sources
Nicotine is mostly found and grown in the tobacco plant where the nicotine is extracted from
the leaves. But it is also found in lower quantities in other sources like tomatoes, potatoes,
eggplants, green peppers, and they can also be found in the leaves of the coca plant. Farms
in North Carolina and Kentucky are the main producers of nicotine throughout the United
States which is the fourth biggest producer of nicotine in the entire world.
Form(s) and Routes of Administration
The different forms of the drug are cigars, cigarettes, patches, chewing tobacco, nicotine
gum, snuff, and E-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are a battery powered device that use juice to
vaporize the liquid form of nicotine and these devices are continually increasing in popularity,
these devices usually have highly concentrated nicotine and have different flavors for a user
to choose from. Patches contain a large amount of nicotine that can be placed on the armed
and administered to the bloodstream continuously for many hours of the day. Nicotine gum
is used to help smokers quit and the gum has a small amount of nicotine and it increases the
nicotine concentration in the body much slower than smoking does so it’s less harmful.
Chewing tobacco also smokeless tobacco or “dip” is absorbed into the body through the
mouth and chewing tobacco is associated with throat and mouth cancers in many cases as
it is very dangerous and harmful when it comes to cancer.
Acute Effects on the Body and Mind
Nicotine is a sedative and a stimulant, when exposed to nicotine the body experiences a
release of adrenaline resulting in a stimulation of the body. Nicotine also cause a increase in
blood sugar (glucose) due to its effect on the pancreas making it produce less insulin. When
using nicotine dopamine is released in the brain giving off a good sensation like heroin or
cocaine does, when dopamine levels rise the feeling of contentment also increases. Being
exposed to nicotine also increase heart rate, heart muscle oxygen consumption rate, and
heart stroke volume. Using nicotine also is related to raised alertness, euphoria and a
sensation of being relaxed. Another thing that nicotine does is that it increases levels of beta-
endorphin which ultimately reduces anxiety.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240820.php
Chronic effects on Body and Mind:
One’s blood circulation can be affected in multiple ways including increased
clotting tendency, atherosclerosis, and enlargement of the aorta. Some of the
effects in the brain involve dizziness, lightheadedness, irregular and disturbed
sleep, nightmares, and possible blood restriction. It also affects the gastrointestinal
system with nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, indigestion, peptic ulcers, diarrhea, and
heartburn. After intake of nicotine the heart can also have effects of changes in
heart rate, an increase in blood pressure, diseases on the coronary artery, and an
increased risk of stroke. One can also experience spasms in the lungs,
pneumonia, tremors and pain in the muscles, increased levels of insulin which can
cause diabetes, and joint pain.
Medicinal Purpose(s)
There are a few medicinal purposes that nicotine can be used for, including
treating parkinson’s disease, alzheimer's disease, one’s level of concentration,
and their ability to focus. Nicotine receptors can be able to contribute to normal
cognitive functions of the brain. Studies also say that nicotine could have a
positive effect on patients that have tourette’s syndrome. For the most part there
has been no interest from the pharmaceutical industry to try and explore the
possible positive effects that nicotine has on humans.
https://nicotinepolicy.net/blogs/guest-blogs/32-jacques-le-houezec/88-the-positive-
effects-of-nicotine
Availability
The drug nicotine is available as an over the counter drug in many stores
throughout the U.S., but to be able to buy the drug the legal age is 18 years old
but it varies in some different areas where they only let people that are 21 years or
older buy the forms of nicotine.
Legal Ramifications
To be able to buy and use nicotine legally one needs to be at least the age of 18
but some areas still prefer to only sell nicotine to people who are 21 and older. It is
illegal to sell nicotine to any people that are under the age of 18 so therefore it is
illegal to have nicotine when you are under the age of 18.
Treatments
It is very hard to stop the use of the very addictive drug nicotine but some was
have been proven effective and the best way to stop is by using medication and
going to counseling, most treatments include nicotine replacement therapy and
non-nicotine medications are quite helpful in treating nicotine dependence.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines
● Amphetamine, Phenethylamine, Methylphenadate,
Levoamphetamine, Dextroamphetamine
● Ritalin, Adderall
● Whiz, Speed, Kiddie-Pills, Dexies, Pep-Pills, Ritz
Synthesis of Amphetamine
● Leukart Reaction
● Benzene and Ammonia Reaction
● Ritter Reaction
Forms of Amphetamine
Acute Effects
● Joy/Ecstasy
● Self-Esteem Boost
● Sociability Increase
● Energy Boost
● Release of Dopamine
● Pupil Dilation
Chronic Effects
● Appetite Decrease
● Weight Loss
● Fast Heartbeat
● Arrhythmias
● Increased Blood Pressure/Heart Attack/Stroke
● Memory Loss
● Aggression/Violence/Depression/Suicide
● Hallucinations/Delusions
● Insomnia
Medicinal Purposes
● Used to treat ADHD in children and adults
○ Ritalin, Adderall
● Different releases available depending on condition
○ Short Release, Sustained Release, Extended Release
● Small chance for tolerance if same medication taken for
years
Availability
● Only available through prescription as they are controlled
substances.
○ Levoamphetamine, Devoamphetamine,
Methylphenadate
● On the street through black markets
○ All prescription amphetamines, in addition to illegal
ones (such as Methamphetamine)
Legal Ramifications
● Schedule IIN Drug
○ Means high potential for abuse and severe
physical/psychological dependencies.
● Possession charge
○ 1yr in prison, $1000 fine, or both
Methamphetamine
Commercial/ street names
Commercial/ street names

Meth Crystal Meth

● Chalk ● Glass
● Crank ● Ice
● Speed ● Tina
● Beannies ● Stove top
● Methlies Quik ● Shards
● Yellow powder ● Ventana
Sources
● Synthetic drug
● Made from cooking epedrine or pseudoepidrine with an ammonia/phosphorus
source such as fertilizer or lithium from batteries
● Solvents such as nail polish remover or lighter fluid are then added to remove
waste products
● Bubbling the meth with acidic gas turns it into crystal meth
Administration
● Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, and ingested
● Currently smoking is the most common method of administration
● Meth powder can be smoked as well as crystal meth using a pipe called a
flute
● Meth powder can be snorted as well
● Meth powder is mixed with water to inject it intravenously
● Meth is injected as manufactured or homemade pills or straight powder
Acute Effects on Body and Mind
Body

● Appetite loss
● Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
● Convulsions and seizures
● Nausea
● Death from overdose

Mind

● Bizarre, erratic, and violent behavior ● Irritability

● Hallucinations and psychosis ● Panic
● Hyper-excitability
Chronic Effects on Body and Mind
Body

● Permanent blood vessel damage leads to strokes, heart attacks, and death
● Liver, kidney, lung, and nose tissue damage
● Breathing problems
● Infectious diseases and abscesses
● Weight loss and malnutrition
● Epilepsy
● Severe tooth decay- “meth mouth”

Mind

● Disorientation, apathy, psychological dependence, persistent psychosis,

depression, brain damage and symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s (memory loss
or gaps, mood swings)
Medicinal Purposes
● Methamphetamine HCL (hydrochloride) is available as Desoxyn
● Used for ADHD treatment in conjunction with other methods
● Used to aid weight loss hen other strategies have not worked
Availability
● Methamphetamine HCL is available as a prescription drug
● It cannot only be prescribed for one-time use when other strategies for ADHD
and weight loss have failed
● Meth and crystal meth are distributed illegally by international drug trafficking
and domestic meth labs
Legal Ramifications
● Schedule II drug (high abuse potential but current accepted medical uses)
● Possession of non prescribed meth is illegal and considered a felony
○ Possessing over 5 grams can lead to federal imprisonment of 5-40 years as well as hefty
fines and additional
Treatment
● Meth addiction is one of the hardest addictions to treat but it is treatable
● Most effective treatment is behavioral therapy
● Studies have also found that the best treatment programs combine behavioral
therapy, family education, individual counseling, 12 step programs, drug
testing, and support of other non drug hobbies
○ Matrix Model
○ Provided by a variety of commercial, nonprofit, and government organizations nationwide
Cocaine
Cocaine
Street names of cocaine Street names of crack cocaine

● Coke ● Rocks
● Snow ● Sleet
● Blow ● Nuggets
● Rail ● Tornado
● Dust ● Hail
Form of Cocaine
● It is a white crystal powder
● It usually mixed with other substances like talcum powder, or amphetamine
● The other forms is crack cocaine, or cocaine base which is a small irregular-
shaped rock
● Crack cocaine is cheaper than powder
Sources
● Cocaine is made from coca
plant.
● It originated in South America
in the areas of Colombia,
Bolivia, and Peru
● The chemical in coca plant or
cocaine hydrochloride was
used to create cocaine
Administration
● For powder, they snort or rub it into gums
● Others Dissolve and inject into the body
● Crack cocaine is used to smoke by heat it up and inhale the vapor
Acute Effects
● The effect immediately show up and disappear within few minutes or hour
● Increase mental alertness
● Increase body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
● Paranoia
● Irritability
Chronic Effects
● Loss of smell and nosebleed from snorting
● Cough from smoking
● Asthma
● Bloodborne disease from injection
● Skin infection
● Increase negative mood while not taking drug
Medicinal Purposes
● In the past, Natives were using coca plants to chew or brewed them in the tea
to combat fatigue
● It was a popular ingredient in alcoholic drinks in 1800s
● In 1880s, they were used for the morphine addiction suffered by many former
Civil War soldiers
● They were used to perform eye surgery of treat for depression before they
found about addiction
Availability
● Cocaine hydrochloride can be prescribed by a doctor to be used as a local
anesthetic in certain cases of eye, ear, or throat surgeries
● It usually used for medical purpose only
● They can find and buy through social media(Illegal)
Legal Ramifications
● Schedule II
○ Combination products with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per
dosage unit
● Under federal law and the law of all states, people who have any amount of
cocaine without prescription is a crime
○ First Offense
■ More than 1 year of prison, or more than $1000, or both
Treatment
● Behavioral therapy is used to treat cocaine addiction
○ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
○ Contingency Management
○ Therapeutic Communities
○ Community based recovery group such as 12-step programs
● There are no government-approved medicines available now but some
researchers testing on it
○ Disulfiram
○ Buprenorphine
○ Modafinil
Caffeine
 Commercial/Street Name

- Joe
- Dirt
- Mud
- Java
- Brew
- Cuppa
- Go Juice
- Jitter Juice
Sources of caffeine

- Over 60 different plant sources

- Most well known plants:
- Coffee beans
- Tea leaves
- Kola nuts
- Cocoa beans
 Forms + Administration
- Mainly in beverages like coffee, tea, and soda
- Cocoa and chocolate have trace amounts of
caffeine
- Naturally extracted pure caffeine is a bitter white
powder
- Usually not in its pure, extracted form
- Sometimes added to gum, jelly, beans, waffles,
syrup, and other snacks
 Acute effects

- Temporary increased sense of wakefulness and alertness

- Over 400 mg of caffeine in a day can lead to increased aggression
- Alleviates fatigue
- Improves concentration and focus
- Negative effects on pregnancy, fertility, and glucose control
- Consuming pure caffeine powder can lead to fatal overdose and should
always be avoided
- Suppresses appetite and boosts thermogenesis, though research has not
confirmed long term results
- Can boost physical performance in sports through increased endurance and
reduced exertion
 Chronic effects (all come from regular, heavy use of caffeine - at least 4 cups a day)

- Nervousness - Frequent urination

- Difficulties sleeping - Low blood
- Irritability pressure
- Headaches - Faintness or
- Dizziness and ringing in ears sudden
- Muscle tremors unconsciousness
- Fatigue or weakness - Seizures
- Rapid, irregular heart rates and breathing rates
- Poor appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased thirst
 Medicinal purposes

- Most often used to restore wakefulness

during a state of fatigue
- Can be found in many headache and
migraine medicine
- Can be found in dietary supplements
- Caffeine Citrate(Cafcit) is used to treat
breathing problems in premature babies
 Availability

- Most widely available drug in the world

- In many over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions such as:
- Anacin
- Excedrin
- Vivarin
- Goody’s Extra Strength
- Nodoz
- Midol Maximum Strength
- Pain Reliever Plus
- Vanquish
 Legal Ramifications

- FDA stance
- “Caffeine is safe for consumers up to 400 mg daily”
- If it is included in any food or drink, it must be listed on the nutrition label
- Moderation is necessary
- European Food Safety Authority
- Adults can consume up to 5.7 mg per kg of body weight per day
- No more than 200 mg can be consumed per a single dose
- Pregnant women can consume no more than 200 mg per day
- International Food Information Council
- Moderate intake is 300 mg per day
- A moderate intake of caffeine is safe and can be beneficial
 Treatment

- Experts(Doctors) advise that when trying to

cut down on caffeine, do it slowly, as
withdrawal symptoms include headaches,
increased irritability, difficulty concentrating,
and muscle pain/stiffness