2. Tremor in the hands and a general “hyper-activity” or “wired” stimulated condition.
3. Flushed skin tone, dry mouth, sweating
4. High blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature
5. Long term addicts will display malnutrition, paranoia, aggression, depression
WHAT ARE STIMULANT DRUGS?
Discovered by a Japanese scientist, stimulants are generally used as a treatment for obesity, narcolepsy (sleeping sickness), and Attention Deficit Disorder.
One of the most powerful stimulants is meth-amphetamine, which is produced in clandestine labs. Drug addiction can happen to first-time-users. Cocaine is one of the most popular recreationally abused stimulant drugs.
Stimulant drugs cause an intense feeling of exhilaration or “rush” along with increased energy and psychological confidence. So people with low self-esteem can quickly become addicted.
Drug abuse leads to addiction, paranoia, and hallucinations. The most recent research shows that just under 34 million Americans have used cocaine, making it one of the most popular illegal, addicting drugs. By comparison, only 12 million people (more popular in rural areas) abuse the much less expensive meth-amphetamine. Last year an estimated 300 metric tons of cocaine was consumed by Americans.
Stimulant drugs include:
- Amphetamines—Dexadrine, Fastin, and Ionamin, Sanorex, Tenuate, are all prescription medicines
- Meth-amphetamines—illegal world-wide but still illegally produced, it is 10 times more potent than amphetamines and can be manufactured in small home-made labs.
- Cocaine—a powerful illegal stimulant drug produced from the coca leaf, one of the most abused illegal drugs in America.
- Ritalin—(methylphenidate), often referred to as “R-Balling” the abuse of drugs used in treating attention deficit syndrome is a growing problem in America.
If you see any of these signs in your loved one, it’s more than likely drug abuse and drug addiction. Get help as soon as possible.
I hate to say it, but I think this is becoming more and more important for parents to know. I certainly don’t want to see my kids fall to addiction, so I’m very adamant about empowering them with knowledge and educating myself about all of the drugs (new and old) as well!