6.1 What is behind psychostimulants’ stimulating effects?
Psychostimulants are drugs that activate the central nervous system, making you feel more alert, energetic, and even excited.
They work by increasing the levels of key brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin. This rise in activity stimulates the brain’s reward and arousal pathways, enhancing feelings of pleasure and wakefulness.
Drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine (MAMPH) specifically target dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. They cause a rapid buildup of these chemicals in the brain, intensifying their effects and leading to a powerful, short-term high.
Schizophrenia and Stimulant Use: challenges and consequences
Recent studies on the overlap between schizophrenia and stimulant use disorders reveal significant diagnostic and treatment challenges.
Stimulants like methamphetamine and amphetamines can worsen psychotic symptoms, making it harder to distinguish between schizophrenia itself and drug-induced psychosis.
For individuals with schizophrenia, stimulant use increases the risk of hospitalization and premature death. This highlights the need for specialized treatment approaches that address both disorders simultaneously.
How do psychostimulants create addiction?
Humans have used drugs for various reasons throughout history, including medicine, social interaction, and relaxation.
Our brains have specific areas that respond to natural rewards like food, social connections, and sex – these form the brain’s reward system. Interestingly, drugs activate these same regions, triggering intense feelings of pleasure, such as euphoria and improved focus.
Over time, the brain learns to associate drugs with pleasure, reinforcing repeated use.
For people with schizophrenia or stimulant addiction, the craving for these substances can persist even when they no longer bring pleasure, leading to compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences.
What happens to the brain on amphetamines?
Amphetamines interfere with the brain’s normal chemical balance by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, which causes their levels to rise in the brain. Amphetamines also affect the release of these chemicals within brain cells, further increasing their concentration. This buildup creates a spike of pleasure and euphoria, which can lead to a cycle of reward and addiction.
However, prolonged use can alter brain structures involved in decision-making and impulse control, particularly the prefrontal cortex.
Research suggests that overstimulation of dopamine pathways may increase glutamate levels, disrupting brain function and contributing to psychotic symptoms, similar to those seen in schizophrenia.
‘’In essence, amphetamines not only trigger pleasurable sensations but can also disrupt important brain functions, potentially leading to serious mental health issues over time.’’
The hidden dangers of amphetamines
Amphetamines, including drugs like ecstasy (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)) and methamphetamine, are known to boost energy, focus, and alertness while reducing the feeling of fatigue.
However, they come with side effects such as hyperactivity, anxiety, aggression, and sleep problems.
These drugs can also cause rapid heartbeats, high blood pressure, and other heart-related issues.
One of the most severe risks of amphetamine use is the potential for psychotic disorders.
The consequences of addiction affect not just the individual, but also their family, community, and the healthcare system.
How widespread is the global use of psychostimulants?
Psychostimulants like cocaine, amphetamines, and newer substances are widely used around the world.
Psychostimulants like cocaine, amphetamines, and newer stimulants are among the most widely used drugs worldwide. In 2019, the United Nations estimated 18 million people used cocaine globally. In the Americas alone, authorities seized over 1,200 tons of cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines, reflecting the scale of the issue.
While usage varies across regions, stimulant abuse remains a persistent global challenge.
Who is most affected by stimulant use disorder?
Stimulant use disorder (StUD), involving drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, affects a significant portion of the population.
Data from the U.S. show that approximately 0.2% of individuals aged 12 and older struggle with stimulant addiction, with slightly higher rates among teenage girls aged 12- 17. Among adults, young people aged 18-29 are the most affected.
Intravenous stimulant use is more common among men than women.
Non-prescribed stimulant use is widespread among high school and college students, with 5-35% reporting use in the past year.
Risk factors for developing stimulant use disorder
Risk factors for developing stimulant use disorder include both personal and environmental influences.
People with mental health conditions (i.e. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia), or other substance use disorders are at higher risk of developing stimulant addiction or relapsing.
Environmental factors play a big role, especially for teens. Those exposed to cocaine before birth or growing up in households where parents use drugs are more likely to develop issues with stimulants.
Exposure to community violence, living in unstable homes, having mental health challenges, or spending time with drug users and dealers also increases the risk.
How do stimulants lead to addiction?
Substance use disorders affect people of all age groups and social classes but are most common among those between the ages of 12 and 25.
Many individuals start using stimulants, like methamphetamine or prescription medications, in their early twenties, often to manage weight or boost performance in school, work, or sports.
Regular use can quickly lead to addiction, especially with smoking or injecting stimulants, which can result in severe addiction within weeks or months.
Patterns of use can range from occasional bingeing to daily use, with tolerance often reducing the pleasurable effects over time.
