Education and Prevention

According to the, National Institute of Drug Abuse, Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. Addiction can cause a physical or psychological dependence on a substance and many substances can cause an addiction, including alcohol, prescription medications and illicit drugs.

The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a “relapsing” disease—people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug.

Also known as, “uppers,” the primary use of stimulants is to increase energy, concentration, and wakefulness. Stimulants are said to provide a “rush.” In the short term, stimulants are believed to increase productivity and performance, while producing an excited high of pleasure. In the long term, stimulants are incredibly addictive and have a very high potential for abuse.

Examples of stimulants include:

• Adderall
• Amphetamines (Meth)
• Cocaine
• Ecstasy (MDMA)

These drugs increase alertness and heart rate, producing an effect of increased confidence, and energy. Large doses of these drugs can result in anxiety, panic, seizures, headaches, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia.