Stimulants: Types, Uses and Effects

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the primary action of stimulants on the body?

  • They selectively block pain receptors in the central nervous system.
  • They slow down the transmission of messages between the brain and body.
  • They speed up the transmission of messages between the brain and body. (correct)
  • They have no significant impact on the communication between the brain and body.

Which factor does NOT significantly influence how stimulants affect an individual?

  • The environment in which the stimulant is taken.
  • Whether other drugs are taken concurrently.
  • The user's size, weight, and general health.
  • The user's level of education. (correct)

A person is experiencing a racing heartbeat, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. They also seem extremely agitated. Which of the following situations would warrant immediate medical attention by calling emergency services?

  • These symptoms are only concerning if they persist for more than 24 hours.
  • They are experiencing common side effects of prescribed stimulants and should rest.
  • They are likely experiencing a panic attack and should be given a sedative.
  • These symptoms could indicate an overdose; emergency services should be contacted immediately. (correct)

What is the primary difference between tolerance and dependence regarding stimulant use?

<p>Tolerance involves needing larger amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect, while dependence involves needing the drug to function normally. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'set' and 'setting' in the context of stimulant use?

<p>'Set' and 'setting' can significantly influence the experience of stimulant use, affecting mood and outcome. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of polydrug use?

<p>Using multiple drugs, either illicit or legal, at the same time or sequentially. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it dangerous to mix cocaine with MDMA?

<p>Cocaine blocks some of the desirable effects of MDMA while increasing the risk of heart attack. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common effect associated with lower doses of stimulants?

<p>Impaired coordination (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the risk of harm differ between prescribed and non-prescribed stimulant use?

<p>Non-prescribed use typically carries a higher risk due to potential for misuse, incorrect dosage, or mixing with other substances. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If someone you know has been using stimulants and expresses a desire to stop, what is the MOST appropriate first step they should take?

<p>Contact a healthcare professional or support service for guidance and support. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A person who regularly uses cocaine starts needing to use larger amounts to achieve the same initial high. What is this phenomenon called?

<p>Tolerance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why can mixing stimulants like ice or speed with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) be dangerous?

<p>This combination can cause dangerously elevated blood pressure, leading to heart failure or stroke. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST likely 'comedown' effect experienced after using cocaine?

<p>Irritability and mild paranoia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of drug use, what does the term 'Path2Help' refer to?

<p>An online tool that matches individuals with tailored support and information services. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes how stimulants can affect individuals prescribed medications like dexamphetamine or methylphenidate for ADHD?

<p>These individuals may depend on their medication to manage their condition, but harm is more likely with non-prescribed use. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stimulant is commonly found in legal substances such as coffee and tea?

<p>Caffeine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you do FIRST if you suspect someone is experiencing a stimulant overdose?

<p>Call emergency services immediately. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical route of administration for stimulants?

<p>Topical (applied to the skin) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which effect is MOST likely to occur when taking higher doses of illicit stimulants?

<p>Anxiety, tremor, and increased body temperature. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it especially risky to mix cocaine, speed, or ice with alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines?

<p>The conflicting effects of each drug place the body under extreme stress, increasing the risk of overdose. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are Stimulants?

Drugs that speed up communication between the brain and body, potentially causing increased alertness and energy.

Examples of Stimulants

Caffeine, nicotine, dexamphetamines, methylphenidate (Ritalin), speed, ice, and cocaine.

How are stimulants used?

They can be swallowed, chewed, snorted, smoked, or injected.

Effects of Low-Dose Stimulants

Euphoria, increased heart rate, alertness, talkativeness, and reduced appetite.

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Effects of High-Dose Stimulants

Anxiety, tension, increased body temperature, nausea, tremor, seizures, coma, or death.

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Set (in drug use)

A person's state of mind, previous experiences, and expectations regarding drug use.

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Setting (in drug use)

The environment where drug use occurs, including familiarity, company, and surroundings.

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Stimulant Overdose Symptoms

Racing heartbeat, chest pain, breathing problems, extreme agitation, fits/convulsions, passing out.

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Stimulant Comedown Effects

Difficulties sleeping, irritability, paranoia.

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Tolerance

Needing larger amounts of a drug to achieve the same effect.

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Dependence

Feeling like you need the drug to function normally.

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Ice/Speed and MAOIs Mixing Risks

Elevated blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and stroke.

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Cocaine/Speed + Other Drugs Mixing Risks

Overdose due to the body dealing with conflicting drug effects.

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Ice and Speed/Cocaine Mixing Risks

Enormous strain on the heart and other body parts, leading to stroke.

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Cocaine and MDMA Mixing Risks

Cocaine blocks MDMA's desirable effects and increases the risk of heart attack.

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Polydrug Use

Using more than one drug at the same time or one after another.

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Study Notes

What Are Stimulants?

  • Speed up communication between the brain and body.
  • Can increase alertness, confidence, energy, and feelings of wakefulness.
  • Include caffeine, nicotine, ADHD medications, speed, ice, and cocaine.

Appearance

  • Can appear as tablets, capsules, powders, clear crystals, or a brownish crystal-like powder.

Other Names

  • Uppers, pep pills, speed.

How Stimulants are Used

  • Methods include swallowing, chewing, snorting, smoking, or injecting.
  • The type of stimulant and method of use affect how quickly the effects begin.

Effects of Stimulants

  • Effects vary depending on size, weight, health, tolerance, other drugs taken, amount taken, environment, and the specific stimulant.
  • Lower doses include euphoria, increased well-being, increased heart rate and alertness, talkativeness, and reduced appetite.
  • Higher doses, especially from illicit stimulants, can cause anxiety, tension, increased body temperature, nausea, tremors, seizures, coma, or death.

Impact of Mood and Environment

  • 'Set' refers to a person's state of mind, previous experiences, and expectations.
  • 'Setting' is the environment where the drug is used, including familiarity, company, location, music, and lighting.
  • A calm environment may lead to a pleasant experience.
  • A noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience.

Overdose

  • Risk is higher with illicit stimulants, but can occur with prescribed stimulants if dosage is not followed.
  • Seek immediate medical help if experiencing a racing heartbeat, chest pain, breathing problems, extreme agitation, fits, or passing out.

Coming Down

  • Unpleasant effects may occur after use (difficulties sleeping, irritability and mild paranoia).

Tolerance and Dependence

  • Risk varies with the type of stimulant.
  • Can lead to dependence, where the user feels they need the drug to function normally.
  • Tolerance may develop, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same effect.
  • Those prescribed stimulants may 'rely' on the medications to manage their underlying condition and support functioning.
  • Risk of harm is more likely to occur with non-prescribed use (e.g. taking more than prescribed, taking incorrectly or mixing with other drugs).

Mixing Stimulants with Other Drugs

  • Can lead to unpredictable effects and increased risk of harm.
  • Ice/speed and MAOIs can cause elevated blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and stroke.
  • Cocaine/speed and alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines can cause overdose due to conflicting effects.
  • Ice and speed or cocaine can strain the heart, potentially leading to stroke.
  • Cocaine and MDMA may increase risk of heart attack.

More on Polydrug Use

  • Polydrug use is using more than one drug at the same time or one after another.
  • Can involve illicit drugs, alcohol, and medications.

Getting Help

  • Seek help if stimulant use affects health, relationships, work, finances, or other life situations.

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