Stimulants : You’re saying my morning coffee’s a what?!

Yup, the 5$ latte that we sometimes mindlessly pick up from the cute neighbourhood coffee shop is actually part of a psychoactive substance category (drugs) called stimulants. Substances like nicotine, speed, cocaine, and many others are part of the same group.

Drugs that are part of this category increase central nervous system activity. More precisely, they tend to increase body temperature, heart rate, feelings of energy and wakefulness. We divide stimulants into two subcategories : classical stimulants and empathogens. This article will help you better understand the differences between these subcategories by presenting you with examples of substances and potential effects.

Classical stimulants:

Classical stimulants tend to induce, in addition to the aforementioned stimulants’ effects, an increase in :

• alertness
• self-esteem
• anxiety
• paranoia
• impulsivity

Physically, you might experience  sweating, dehydration, reduced appetite, insomnia, and heart palpitations. You might also experience an increased libido but struggle to reach orgasm.

Classical stimulants sold legally or prescribed

Odds are, you are surrounded by stimulants in your everyday life. Nicotine in cigarettes and vapes, caffeine in coffee and psychostimulants or prescription amphetamines like Adderall®, Concerta®, and Ritalin®  are all part of this subcategory.

Illegal classical stimulants

Now, if I told you to imagine someone taking cocaine, what would you think of? Take the time to picture it. Now do the same for crack and compare both images.

Even though the latter gets a bad rap, the two substances are almost the same, as crack is usually a mix of baking soda and cocaine. Other drugs in this category include methamphetamines, also called speed or crystal meth, cathinones (bath salts), and non-prescription amphetamines.

Empathogens : MDMA and its derivatives

Have you ever been told that you were loved by a complete stranger in the middle of an EDM festival? That situation represents quite accurately the effects of empathogens.

In addition to the effects of classical stimulants, empathogens can increase :

• empathy
• the desire to communicate
• the feeling of belonging
• libido
• the feeling of connexion to others
• intensity of sensory perceptions

One could also experience angst, panic, paranoia, or unstable mood.

Physically, they can cause muscle tension which explains the famous teeth grinding they are associated with. They can also cause bladder tension and trouble urinating.

The most popular empathogen is undoubtedly MDMA, also called molly, ecstasy or E.

In conclusion

Lastly, whether you take a stimulant to party all night or to study all day, it’s clear that the amount of white (but not only!) powders can be confusing, especially when you add cutting agents to the mix. That’s why our substance analysis service can help you get a clearer picture of what you’re using, hence reducing risk.

Consult the substance analysis calender by clicking here!

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