What Types of Drugs Are Stimulants?
According to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), a stimulant is any drug that stimulates the central nervous system and heightens energy and alertness. Some stimulant drugs can be purchased over the counter or are prescribed, while others are man-made and illegal. Stimulants are often used for recreational purposes due to their ability to produce euphoria and suppress appetite; however, they can increase heart rate and body temperature to fatal levels.
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Cocaine
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The DEA reports that cocaine is the most powerful stimulant made from natural ingredients. It is a white powder processed from coca leaves. Cocaine powder can be combined with water and ammonia or baking soda to form a solid block known as crack. Cocaine is generally snorted, while crack is usually smoked in a glass pipe. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, cocaine and crack can lead to paranoid thoughts and severe respiratory problems.
Methylphenidates
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Methylphenidates are stimulant drugs used to treat children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They are also legally used to prevent daytime sleeping in narcoleptics. According to the DEA, methylphenidates have a high risk of abuse due to their accessibility. Methylphenidate tablets can be crushed, then snorted or injected to stimulate the central nervous system and produce alertness or extreme feelings of well-being. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America reports that improper use of methylphenidates can produce a dangerous irregular heartbeat and hallucinations.
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Amphetamines
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Amphetamines are a group of stimulant drugs that were first developed to treat asthma and insomnia. According to the DEA, amphetamines are often abused due to their ability to keep energy levels high over an extended period of time. Amphetamines stay in the system longer than other stimulant drugs, resulting in longer highs that make them extremely addictive. One of the most commonly abused amphetamines is crystallized methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known as crystal meth), a man-made substance made from heating over-the-counter medications that contain amphetamines.
Anorectics
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Anorectic drugs are stimulants used to suppress appetite and are often marketed as weight loss pills. Some varieties are prescription-only, while others can be purchased over the counter. According to the DEA, anorectic drugs were developed as a less-powerful alternative to amphetamines. Anorectic drugs affect the central nervous center and make the body believe it is not hungry. The DEA reports that weight loss pills that combine the anorectics dexfenfluramine, phentermine and fenfluramine can possibly contribute to heart complications and are illegal in the United States.
Khat
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Khat is a stimulant made from the fresh leaves of the Catha edulis, a shrub naturally found in the Arabian peninsula and East Africa. The leaves are chewed in order to increase energy and suppress appetite; however, once the leaves dry, they lose their effectiveness. According to the DEA, khat is smuggled into other areas of the world, including the United States. If a person chews khat leaves regularly, he can suffer from paranoia, hallucinations and delusional behaviors.
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