Question
Learning Objectives
After studying this lesson, I will be able to
describe the effects of stimulants on the body.
The most commonly abused stimulants include methamphetamine, cocaine, and Khat
Methamphetamine Facts
• It is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant.
• It is medically used in small controlled amounts to treat ADHD and obesity.
• It was developed by the Japanese in 1919 and used during WWII by soldiers to help them stay alert; and to
energize factory workers
• It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that can be swallowed, smoked, snorted or injected.
• It is often used with other drugs such as marijuana and heroin
• Meth is often made in small, illegal laboratories, where its production endangers the people in the labs,
neighbors, and the environment.
• Meth labs are toxic waste dumps due to the various chemicals used in production.
• Purity of the drug is uncontrolled due to the various production methods
Immediate Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse
• Increased wakefulness
• Increased physical activity
• Decreased appetite
• Increased respiration
• Rapid heart rate
• Irregular heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure
• Tremors in hands and fingers
• Dilated pupils
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse
• Extreme weight loss
• Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Mood disturbances
• Violent behavior
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Delusions (“Meth bugs”) leading to skin ulcerations & infection
• Permanent damage to brain cells
Cocaine Facts
• Cocaine is a powerfully addictive central nervous system stimulant extracted from the leaves of the coca plant.
• It was first isolated in the 1800’s and used in patent medicines (throat lozenges, tonics, etc.) and other products
(Coke), until outlawed in 1914.
• The powdered form of cocaine is usually snorted, or dissolved in water and injected.
• Crack is the crystal form of cocaine, which when heated, produces vapors that are smoked.
Physical Effects of Cocaine Abuse
• Insomnia
• Increased body temperature
• Increased heart rate
• Heart attack or stroke
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Nasal abnormalities (loss of smell, stuffiness)
• Impotency
• Difficulty urinating
• Birth defects (can be caused by use by male or female)
Mental Effects of Cocaine Abuse
• Depression
• Poor concentration
• Increased anxiety
• Tendency to lie
• Confusion
• Withdrawal from normal activities
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Irritability
• Attention deficits
• Listlessness
• Legal risks
Khat Facts
• Khat is a stimulant drug derived from a shrub (Catha edulis) that is native to East Africa and southern Arabia.
• Khat users typically chew on the leaves.
• The effects can last for 24 hours.
Effects of Khat Abuse
• Euphoria
• Increased alertness
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Tooth decay and gum disease
• Constipation
• Stomach ulcers and tumors
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Nightmares
• Worsening of pre-existing mental disorders
Write 5 sentences about what you learned reading over the info sheet.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5
After studying this lesson, I will be able to
describe the effects of stimulants on the body.
The most commonly abused stimulants include methamphetamine, cocaine, and Khat
Methamphetamine Facts
• It is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant.
• It is medically used in small controlled amounts to treat ADHD and obesity.
• It was developed by the Japanese in 1919 and used during WWII by soldiers to help them stay alert; and to
energize factory workers
• It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that can be swallowed, smoked, snorted or injected.
• It is often used with other drugs such as marijuana and heroin
• Meth is often made in small, illegal laboratories, where its production endangers the people in the labs,
neighbors, and the environment.
• Meth labs are toxic waste dumps due to the various chemicals used in production.
• Purity of the drug is uncontrolled due to the various production methods
Immediate Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse
• Increased wakefulness
• Increased physical activity
• Decreased appetite
• Increased respiration
• Rapid heart rate
• Irregular heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure
• Tremors in hands and fingers
• Dilated pupils
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse
• Extreme weight loss
• Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Mood disturbances
• Violent behavior
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Delusions (“Meth bugs”) leading to skin ulcerations & infection
• Permanent damage to brain cells
Cocaine Facts
• Cocaine is a powerfully addictive central nervous system stimulant extracted from the leaves of the coca plant.
• It was first isolated in the 1800’s and used in patent medicines (throat lozenges, tonics, etc.) and other products
(Coke), until outlawed in 1914.
• The powdered form of cocaine is usually snorted, or dissolved in water and injected.
• Crack is the crystal form of cocaine, which when heated, produces vapors that are smoked.
Physical Effects of Cocaine Abuse
• Insomnia
• Increased body temperature
• Increased heart rate
• Heart attack or stroke
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Nasal abnormalities (loss of smell, stuffiness)
• Impotency
• Difficulty urinating
• Birth defects (can be caused by use by male or female)
Mental Effects of Cocaine Abuse
• Depression
• Poor concentration
• Increased anxiety
• Tendency to lie
• Confusion
• Withdrawal from normal activities
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Irritability
• Attention deficits
• Listlessness
• Legal risks
Khat Facts
• Khat is a stimulant drug derived from a shrub (Catha edulis) that is native to East Africa and southern Arabia.
• Khat users typically chew on the leaves.
• The effects can last for 24 hours.
Effects of Khat Abuse
• Euphoria
• Increased alertness
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Tooth decay and gum disease
• Constipation
• Stomach ulcers and tumors
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Nightmares
• Worsening of pre-existing mental disorders
Write 5 sentences about what you learned reading over the info sheet.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5
Answers
GPT-4o mini
1. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can lead to severe physical and mental health issues, including extreme weight loss, anxiety, and permanent brain damage.
2. Cocaine, another powerful central nervous system stimulant, has both physical effects, such as increased heart rate and potential heart attack, and mental effects, including depression and paranoia.
3. Khat, a lesser-known stimulant, is derived from a shrub and can cause euphoria and increased alertness, but it also has serious side effects like cardiovascular disorders and worsening of mental health conditions.
4. The production of methamphetamine is highly dangerous, often taking place in illegal labs that pose environmental and safety risks to both individuals involved and the surrounding community.
5. All three stimulants—methamphetamine, cocaine, and khat—can lead to serious health complications, both physically and mentally, underscoring the importance of awareness and prevention regarding their abuse.
2. Cocaine, another powerful central nervous system stimulant, has both physical effects, such as increased heart rate and potential heart attack, and mental effects, including depression and paranoia.
3. Khat, a lesser-known stimulant, is derived from a shrub and can cause euphoria and increased alertness, but it also has serious side effects like cardiovascular disorders and worsening of mental health conditions.
4. The production of methamphetamine is highly dangerous, often taking place in illegal labs that pose environmental and safety risks to both individuals involved and the surrounding community.
5. All three stimulants—methamphetamine, cocaine, and khat—can lead to serious health complications, both physically and mentally, underscoring the importance of awareness and prevention regarding their abuse.