Sunday, May 6, 2012

How Stimulant Drugs Affect The Body

How Stimulant Drugs Affect The Body


A stimulant drug, otherwise known as an 'upper' is a commonly abused drug in the United States today. Known for its ability to increase alertness and energy, there are several negative effects the drugs also have on both the body and mind. Very few individuals truly understand the affects of stimulants on the body.
The most common and legal types of stimulants are that of caffeine and nicotine. Caffeine can be found in a large variety of sodas, coffees and energy drinks, while both nicotine and caffeine can be found in cigarettes. Small doses of caffeine can also be found in chocolate and/or cocoa beans.
Although chocolate and coffee have not been widely known to cause severe and life-threatening issues, the effects of energy drinks mixed with alcohol and/or cigarettes differ. The negative effects of cigarette smoking on the body is widely known, but what effects to caffeine have on the body that can be dangerous?
When large amounts of caffeine are ingested on a regular basis, a condition commonly known as caffeinism may occur. With caffeinism, an individual may regularly experience effects like that of muscle twitching, intense headaches/migraines, inability to sleep (insomnia), ulcers or irritability. Caffeine, like nicotine in cigarettes, are both known as 'gateway drugs'. These gateway drugs may lead individuals to experiment or abuse other intense and more dangerous drugs after short-term use.
The most intense and illegal versions of stimulant drugs may include, but are not limited to:
* Ecstasy (MDMA)
* Cocaine
* Amphetamines
All of these stimulant drugs may have slightly different effects determined by the individual, dosage, etc. Although some of the common side-effects amongst all of these stimulant drugs are:
* Increase in blood pressure
* Increase in heart rate
* Psychosocial deterioration
* Dependence and/or regular withdrawal symptoms
* Loss of appetite and/or anorexia
* Death due to abuse, overdose, and/or poor decision-making

Drugs classified as stimulants can cause an individual to become addicted over time. If you know of a close friend or family member, or if you personally are suffering from an addiction to a harmful stimulant drug - seek help. There are drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers around the globe that house professionals trained in treating addiction as an illness.
With proper rehabilitation treatment, and often times the assistance of a higher spiritual power, one can rid themselves of a severe addiction. It's never too late to seek help, and turn your life, or the life of loved one, around for the betterment of health and overall life

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