Introducing Commonly Abused Stimulants
Amphetamine
Most people in the US and Europe abuse the prescription form of amphetamine. A generation ago, amphetamine was prescribed by doctors for weight control. Young people discovered the abuse potential of this drug quickly. The drug was nicknamed “speed” for how it made you feel and act and those who abused it heavily were called “speed freaks.”
A doctor may prescribe Dextroamphetamine or Dextrostat (dextraoamphetamine) for narcolepsy, the sleep disorder that causes people to fall asleep repeatedly during the day. This is also one of the drugs that is prescribed when a teacher or doctor feels that is child is disruptive and not paying enough attention in class - the questionable condition called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Most ADHD drugs are also drugs of abuse. They are either used recreationally for the high they can produce, or they are misused by students who want to gain an advantage in their studies. The effects of this abuse will be covered in detail below.
Prescription stimulants are abused by taking more of them than prescribed, taking them when without a prescription, or using them in a different way than prescribed. For example, some of these drugs may be snorted or dissolved and injected.
Methamphetamine
Meth is made in large illicit labs both in Mexico and Asia, and in small domestic labs located in every state of the US. Pharmaceutical companies also make forms of methamphetamine that are prescribed for weight control or ADHD. It may also be used for narcolepsy or depression.
Ecstasy
This is the club or party drug that is also known as MDMA. The full name of the drug is 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine. It’s also referred to as E, X, XTC. The crystalline form of the drug has recently become popular and is nicknamed Molly. There are several other drugs similar in their chemistry that may be claimed to be Ecstasy that are just as stressful and damaging.
Ritalin or Concerta
The generic name of this drug is methylphenidate. Concerta is the time-release form of the drug. Again, it is used for ADHD or narcolepsy. Most of the ADHD drugs are abused by students, in addition to other groups that use them recreationally.
Vyvanse
This is another prescription drug that is used to treat ADHD. The generic name of this drug is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
Strattera
Another stimulant created to treat ADHD. Generic name atomoxetine HCl (hydrochloride).
Adderall
This prescription drug used for ADHD and narcolepsy is made of a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
Khat
Khat is a mild stimulant used in Eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Khat comes in the form of fresh, young leaves from the_ Catha edulis_ shrub. The fresh leaves are exported all over the world to regions populated by emigrants from these regions. It is a mild and addictive stimulant that can have serious effects on a body and mind.
No one tells young people who buy or are given these drugs at a party or music festival how damaging they can be. But you have discovered a way to learn the risks so you can help others. Keep reading to find out how these drugs damage different organs in the body, or the mind.
Resources
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