Stimulant Abuse

Question 0

Should you snort any of these stimulants?

Answer 0

No. They’re absorbed slowly through the gut. Snorting them will cause them to reach dangerously high levels.

Question 1

What’s the MoA of methylphenidate?

Answer 1

Blocks reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. (reversible, incomplete inhibition)

Question 2

MoA of amphetamine?

Answer 2

Multiple mechanisms that increase dopamine (and serotonin) secretion.

Question 3

What’s the difference between “misuse” and “abuse”?

Answer 3

Misuse: using in a manner other than prescribed, but not in a way that causes disability or dysfunction.
Abuse: using for “socially unacceptable” practices, such as getting high, that result in disability/dysfunction.

Question 4

Is non-medical use of stimulants associated with increased academic performance?

Answer 4

Nope. It’s associated with increased class-skipping, and declines and academic performance.

Question 5

Is it easy to fake ADHD symptoms to get meds?

Answer 5

Yup.

Question 6

Does taking stimulants actually improve performance in people who have their shit together?

Answer 6

Maybe a little, but not that much. People are better able to study without getting distracted for longer periods of time… but does that make them perform better?

Question 7

Is stimulant intoxication bad? Is withdrawal bad?

Answer 7

Yes, these are bad things.