Stimulants
Common Examples
Cocaine & Crack
Methamphetamines
Diet Aids
Amphetamines
Ritalin
Adderall
Prescription Examples
Methods of Ingestion
Inhaling/smoking
Swallowing (pill)
Snorting
Injecting the powder that has been dissolved in water/alcohol
Common Signs of Use
Relationship problems
Mood swings
Trouble with the police
Changes to eating patterns leading to poor nutrition
Reduced interaction with family
Unexplained need for money
Declining school/work performance
Sleep disturbance
Explosive outbursts
Sudden change of friends
Physical Effects
Restlessness
Body Tremors
Excited
Euphoria
Talkative
Dilated pupils
Exaggerated Reflexes
Bruxism
Extreme weight loss
Severe dental problems ("meth mouth")
Intense itching, leading to skin sores from scratching
Anxiety and or confusion
Sleeping problems
Violent behavior
Paranoia—extreme and unreasonable distrust of others
Anxiety
Hallucinations—sensations and images that seem real though they aren't
Effects
Overdose Effects
Hyperactivity/sweating
Difficulty passing urine
Shaking/trembling/spasms
Rapid breathing/feeling that you can’t breathe
Chest pain/pounding heart
Raised temperature
Disorientation
Paranoid, delusional, irritable, anxious or psychotic behavior
Severe Headache
Convulsions
Overview
Drugs that stimulate the brain, speed up both the mental and physical processes. They increase energy, improve attention and alertness, and elevate blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate.
They decrease the need for sleep, reduce appetite, improve confidence and concentration, and lessen inhibitions.