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Stimulants

ALSO KNOWN AS: Cocaine, Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulants, Amphetamines, Pep Pills, Jolly Beans, Snow Flake, White Mosquitoes, Cocoa Puffs, Speed, Heaven Dust, Peruvian Marching Powder, Poppers, Nose Candy, Businessman’s Trip, Methamphetamine, Girl, Corine, Meth, Uppers, Billie Hoke, Big “C”, Phenmetrizine, Cross Tops, Bams, Wire, Methylphenidate, Lid Poppers, Gold Dust.

SIGNS/EFFECTS OF USE: Stimulants can produce intense feelings of euphoria, alertness, indestructibility, and self-confidence in the user. Some stimulants can also numb pain. Because these substances stimulate the central nervous system, signs of stimulant use include nervousness, inability to be still, and chattiness. Depending on the substance used, stimulant users may become confused and unable to concentrate.
Excessive and/or frequent use may result in dramatic behavioral changes including aggression, which may result from the feelings of panic that such use can cause. Physical effects include increased or irregular heartbeat, which may lead to cardiac arrest; convulsions, which may result in fainting spells or coma; and sudden respiratory failure, which may be fatal.

WITHDRAWAL: While some users or their friends may attempt to lessen the effects of stimulants by using depressants/barbiturates, this may result in an overdose of depressants. The safest, most effective way for a user to successfully stop using stimulants is through a medically monitored detox program. In such a program, the professional staff carefully watches for signs of anxiety and depression, which are common with stimulant withdrawal. Because some stimulants decrease appetite, malnutrition is also a danger. Finally, if the user has experimented with intravenous (IV) injection, they may have such complications as skin abscesses, Hepatitis, HIV, and endocarditis.

Photographs by M. Dillon © 1996 http://www.markdillonphotography.net/