Stimulant Drugs and Its Effects

Not only does the phrase ‘Robbing Peter to pay Paul’ apply to Ponzi schemes, but it clearly applies to the use of stimulant drugs as well. According to the book Uppers, Downers, All Rounders, while stimulant drugs provide extra physical strength, added confidence, motivation and feelings of well-being, the continuing use of stimulants in the body may lead to ‘subsequent withdrawal symptoms, and severe depression can last for days or weeks or occasionally months. (Inaba, 2003) Without stimulus drugs, the human body releases the chemicals epinephrine and norepinephrine associated with the extra energy, confidence, and other feelings, among others.
However, the normal release of these chemicals are reabsorbed by the body, and re-released again when needed. In the case of stimulant drugs, the release of these chemicals are forced on the body even before the need arises, thus, providing the body with extra energy. (Inaba, 2003) The result of this release of extra energy is then manifested by talking, uneasiness, hypervigilance and physical activity. Inaba, 2003) What is most concerning however, is the effect of strong stimulant drugs on the natural re-absorption of these chemicals, because drugs like these purposely prevent the re-absorption of these chemicals and een its metabolism. (Inaba, 2003)
Having stated this, the robbery made by stimulant drugs is due to the dire health effects it causes in the long-term, such as ulcers, spasms, the constriction of heart vessels, hypertension, insomnia, paranoia, aggression, violence, psychosis, proneness to miscarriage, among others. Inaba, 2003) Thus, while it gives a short-term benefit to stimulant drug users, the long-term health toll must never be taken for granted, because it may prove to be fatal as well. It is a good thing, however, that many states are now implementing Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIP), best practices guidelines for the treatment of substance abuse disorders. (Rawson, 1999)