Stimulants Activate the Stress Neurons

By enhancing the intensity of our reactions to stimuli, stimulants cause brief periods of heightened awareness, quick thinking, and elevated mood. Four widely recognized stimulants are amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine, and nicotine. 

The stimulating and mood-altering effects of amphetamines give them a high abuse potential. Side effects include insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, and paranoia. Amphetamines take a particularly hard toll on the heart. Hyperactive heart muscles are prone to tearing. Subsequent scarring of tissue ultimately leads to a weaker heart. Furthermore, amphetamines cause blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise, conditions that increase the likelihood of heart attack or stroke. 

Amphetamines are a family of compounds structurally related to the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. 

Cocaine and amphetamines share a similar profile of addictiveness, though cocaines addictive properties are more intense. The cocaine that is inhaled nasally is the hydrochloride salt. The free-base form of cocaine, called crack cocaine, is also abused. As with the street drug ice, which is the free-base form of methamphetamine, crack cocaine is volatile and may be smoked for what is an intense but profoundly dangerous and addictive high. 

The South American coca plant has been used by indigenous cultures for many years in religious ceremonies and as an aid to staying awake on long hunting trips. Leaves are either chewed or ground to a powder that is inhaled nasally. 

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