Overview
Stimulants are classified as any drug that temporarily increases alertness and the ability to concentrate. The range of things classified ranges from caffeine to cocaine. There are legal stimulants that are prescribed such as Ritalin or Dexedrine. These are generally prescribed to combat sleep disorders or ADHD. There are also illegal stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. These drugs are abused in order to create feelings of euphoria and to sharpen concentration. There has been an epidemic amongst students in the United States of abusing prescription stimulants in order to study and stay awake for longer periods of time.

Stimulant Side Effects

The side effects of stimulant drugs include increased heart rate, risk of stroke, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, increases blood pressure, decreases appetite, and inability to sleep. The side effects of stimulants can often be felt for long after the use has stopped. For instance a recreational cocaine user may not be able to return to their normal sleep schedule for days or even weeks since the last use. Overdose on stimulants can lead to death. Death is often brought on by a hear attack as the hear beats faster than it is designed to when affected by stimulant medication.

Stimulant Addiction

Stimulants are very easy to become addicted to. The feeling that a person can get more done in a day at a faster rate is very appealing. The addictive properties of stimulants have been widely studied. It is documented that stimulant abusers need a larger amount of the stimulant to reach the high they had previously attained. Dependence on the drug has also been shown by the increased irritability if the user cannot obtain their stimulant of choice.

Stimulant Treatment

Treatment for stimulant addiction is often performed on an outpatient basis, but can also be done in an inpatient setting. In the initial phase of treatment the patient will meet with a therapist several times a week. Positive reinforcement is key at this stage. Family support can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful treatment. Medication is not usually prescribed for the treatment of stimulant addicts.

A successful treatment approach will teach the user ways to cope with situations without resorting to stimulant abuse in the future. This is done through a combination of the above mentioned one on one therapy, group therapy, and twelve step programs.

Stimulant Links

If you would like to know more about stimulant abuse, symptoms, or treatment please feel free to visit one of the sites below. We hope this article has been helpful in your search for answers about stimulant abuse.

href=”http://www.cirquelodge.com/StimulantAddiction/StimulantAddictionFacility.php”>http://www.cirquelodge.com/StimulantAddiction/StimulantAddictionFacility.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulant

http://www.addictioninfo.org/articles/671/1/Treatment-for-Stimulant-Use-Disorders/Page1.html

Hash Overview

Hashish, more commonly known as hash, is a form of marijuana. The female marijuana plant has a chemical compound called trichomes. The trichomes are collected and compressed into a mass which is then known as hash. Hash is a particularly potent form of marijuana because the trichomes are rich in THC which is the psychoactive chemical in the marijuana plant. Smoking hash is the usual; method of ingestion, but like marijuana it can be eaten to achieve a high. Hashish is produces intoxicating feeling; with many users reporting feelings of marijuana.

Hash Side Effects

• Respiratory Difficulties ranging from a chronic cough all the way to lung cancer
• Social isolation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Short term memory loss
• Drowsiness
• Depression

Nitrous Oxide Overview

Nitrous Oxide is a gas that can be inhaled by a drug user. It was originally used as an anesthesthetic for minor surgery in the early 1800’s and was known as laughing gas because of the euphoria it produced in patients.

Nitrous oxide is unique among most drug due to the fact that it can be bought over the counter in most places. This is because the typical use for nitrous oxide is not to get high, but to add to the engine of a car to increase performance. Nitrous is usually sold in balloons at concerts or large outdoor parties. The user will then inhale the balloon to feel a rush.

Nitrous Oxide Side Effects

• Suffocation; People cannot breathe nitrous so if they are inhaling for any length of time they suffocation is a possibility.
• Nausea
• Sleepiness and lack of coordination
• Disorientation
• Loss of Appetite

Nitrous Oxide Addiction

There is no known physiological addiction to Nitrous Oxide inhalation. However, many nitrous users fit the criteria of addiction because they inhale the gas over and over to maintain a high. This can make the oxygen content in the body drop which is dangerous. The user has to inhale Nitrous Oxide repeatedly because the high achieved from inhaling nitrous is fairly short acting.

Nitrous Oxide Treatment

There are no protocols for treating a nitrous addict. Since any addiction would be largely psychological speaking with a mental health professional to treat the underlying cause of the addiction would be a good option. Narcotics Anonymous is also a recommended part of treating most addictions so getting a user involved in a program may be beneficial.

Nitrous Oxide Links

If you would like more information about Nitrous Oxide use, prevention, or any potential side effects please visit the following web sites:

http://www.justsayn2o.com/nitrous.dangers.html http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0579.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrous_oxide