Caffeinated beverages are very popular. More than 150 million Americans drink coffee daily. Coffee is a source of caffeine, which many people rely upon. Many people don’t know that caffeine can be a drug.
Caffeine, a stimulant, is in the same drug class as Ritalin, amphetamines, and cocaine. Doctors may prescribe stimulants for legitimate medical reasons to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants (“study drugs”) can also be misused, particularly among college students.
What are stimulants?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a stimulant is a drug that stimulates or activates the nervous system and increases psychological and nerve activity levels.
Caffeine is one of the most widely used stimulants. It can be found in many energy drinks, sodas, teas, over-the-counter medications, and coffee.
ADHD is a common condition that can be treated with stimulant drugs. According to some reports, up to 58.7% of college students have used these drugs. Examples include:
- Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)
- Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release)
- Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
- Ritalin (methylphenidate)
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
ADHD and stimulants
ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood but can also be present in adulthood. From 2016 to 2019, ADHD was diagnosed in nearly 6 million U.S. kids aged 3-17.
ADHD symptoms include hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. They can also cause trouble focusing, excessive talking, disrupting conversations, and difficulty sitting still. Untreated ADHD can cause problems at school and work. This can lead to financial challenges, relationship issues, health problems, unemployment, and financial troubles. ADHD can be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare provider. For expert advice, if you suspect you may have ADHD, consult a psychiatrist.
What does the body do with stimulants?
The energizing effects of stimulants are well-known. These stimulants increase alertness, cognitive performance, mood elevation, and physical and mental health. Certain stimulants, such as caffeine, are generally safe for those who don’t have any underlying heart problems or blood pressure issues.
Stimulants stimulate or activate the nervous system. This increases the level of psychological activity and nerve activity. Stimulants activate the dopamine system, which releases norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter and chemical messenger), which is responsible for alertness, awareness, excitability, and euphoria. Stimulants, especially ADHD drugs, are susceptible to misuse and recreational abuse because of their stimulating, euphoric effects.
Stimulants can be used to boost dopamine levels in both ADHD and non-ADHD patients. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects attention span, motivation, and movement. Stimulant medication can be very effective in ADHD patients. They increase focus and reduce hyperactive or impulsive behavior.
What happens if stimulants are taken without ADHD?
ADHD symptoms include hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. They can also cause trouble focusing, excessive talking, disrupting conversations, and difficulty sitting still. Untreated ADHD can cause problems at school and work. This can lead to financial challenges, relationship issues, health problems, unemployment, and financial troubles. ADHD can be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or another healthcare provider. For expert advice, if you suspect you may have ADHD, consult a psychiatrist.
Studies have shown that stimulants taken without ADHD do not improve cognitive function. Some studies have shown that motivation may only make students perform better. However, their performance was almost the same without stimulant use.
Prescription stimulants without ADHD can lead to unwanted side effects.
Side effects possible when taking ADHD stimulants are:
- Appetite changes
- Heart rate increases
- High blood pressure
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Tremor
Side effects include stroke, seizures, heart attacks, psychological dependence, and physical or mental dependence. Stimulant drug side effects can be more dangerous for some people than others. These risks mean that a qualified healthcare provider should only ever administer stimulants for a legitimate medical purpose.
There are many ways that ADHD stimulants can be misused. You can misuse ADHD stimulants in a variety of ways, including buying or borrowing the drug from a friend or relative or using the prescribed stimulant drug more frequently or at a higher dosage than your healthcare provider recommends.
Other stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, are often abused. People attempt to feel the euphoric effects by taking the inspiration, swallowing it, snorting, smoking, or injecting the crushed drug. Concerta is one example of a prescription ADHD medication. It’s designed to prevent misuse and diversion.
Are stimulants good for longevity?
It is unlikely. There are theories that stimulants may have longevity benefits. Research has shown that stimulants such as amphetamines can accelerate the aging process. Stimulants can increase blood pressure and make the heart beat faster, which could lead to long-term cardiovascular problems.
There is mixed evidence regarding the health and longevity benefits of coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Most people with ADHD can tolerate 400mg of caffeine daily (equal to 4 cups of regular coffee). Consuming more caffeine than that can cause headaches, stomach upset, irritability, insomnia, migraines, and irritability.
Stimulants are just like other drugs in that the poison is in how much you take. Many people can tolerate provocations and even benefit from them when they are used healthily.
It is important to weigh the long-term effects of prescription-only stimulants before using them for non-medical purposes.
