| Stimulants are drugs that are known to increase an | | | | acts as a stimulant by increasing the release of |
| individual's alertness and awareness temporarily. It | | | | norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which in |
| affect the body by increasing the activity of the | | | | turn increase the blood pressure, constricts the blood |
| central nervous system, sympathetic nervous | | | | vessels, increases blood glucose and the heart rate |
| system or both. More popularly known as "uppers", | | | | of the user. |
| stimulants give a feeling of euphoria to people who | | | | Almost 80% of Americans consume caffeine daily |
| take them. | | | | that's why there is only minimal restriction to its sale |
| If properly prescribed and consumed, stimulants are | | | | and consumption. On a normal note, teenagers |
| used to increase alertness (especially with people | | | | consume caffeine because they want to stay awake |
| who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit | | | | or pull an all-nighter to study for an exam, to make a |
| Hyperactivity Disorder), alleviate sleepiness, promote | | | | project, etc. However, there are some teenagers |
| weight loss and counteract abnormal states pertaining | | | | who become addicted to caffeine and they can't |
| to decreased consciousness or alertness (e.g. | | | | seem to stop its intake. |
| narcolepsy). This type of drug are also prescribed to | | | | Nicotine, which is found in tobacco is also considered |
| treat depression. | | | | one of the most popularly used stimulants in the |
| Teenagers use stimulants abusively because they like | | | | world. Statistics show that there are a lot of |
| the feeling of being high and euphoric. Stimulants are | | | | teenagers who are already chain smokers and these |
| not only found in drugs prescribed by the doctor but | | | | teens can be considered as addicted to stimulants in |
| also in caffeine-rich beverages such as soft drinks, | | | | one way or another since cigarettes have a strong |
| tea, energy or power drinks and coffee. Caffeine | | | | stimulant in its composition, which is nicotine. |