stimulant basics and facts
Meth
Cocaine
MDMA (Molly)
Real Talk & Rx
100
What is the main effect stimulants have on the central nervous system?
They speed it up / excite it.
100
What is the most common street name for methamphetamine?
Meth (also accepted: crystal, ice, speed)
100
What plant is cocaine derived from?
The coca plant
100
MDMA is sometimes called a "club drug". What two types of drug is it classified as.
Stimulant and psychedelic. MDMA has mainly stimulant effects with minor psychedelic effects.
100
What are your experiences with stimulant drug use, either directly or indirectly.
one person must share
200
From which continent does the plant used to produce cocaine originate?
Bonus 100 points: what was the route of administration?
South America. this plant has been used since 8,000 B.C.E.
Bonus: it was chewed along with Tabacco to give a buzz.
200
What are common symptoms a person presents while using methamphetamine for an extended period of time?
extreme agitation, paranoia, and erratic behavior that happens when someone has been using methamphetamine for an extended period without sleep — often at the end of a binge
200
What is crack cocaine, and how does it differ from powder cocaine?
Crack is cocaine that has been processed into a smokeable solid form — it hits faster and more intensely than snorted powder cocaine, but the high is much shorter
200
MDMA causes a massive surge of which brain chemical, leading to feelings of closeness, empathy, and euphoria?
Serotonin (also dopamine and norepinephrine, but serotonin is the main driver)
200
What is Adderall, and what is it actually made of?
A prescription medication used for ADHD; it contains amphetamine salts (a mix of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine).
100 point bonus: How closely related is Adderall and meth chemically?
300
True or False:
MDMA (Molly) was used during therapy sessions before it became a street drug.
True! MDMA was used in the 1970s during psychotherapy sessions and became popular during the 1980's and 1990's as a street drug.
300
What happens to the brain's natural ability to feel pleasure after long-term meth use, and what is the clinical term for this condition?
The brain's dopamine system becomes severely depleted and damaged, making it very difficult to feel joy or pleasure from everyday life — this is called anhedonia.
300
What does cocaine do to blood vessels in the body, and why does this make it particularly dangerous for the heart?
Cocaine constricts (narrows) blood vessels, which raises blood pressure and forces the heart to work much harder — this can cause heart attack even in young, healthy people
300
What is the "comedown" after MDMA use, and why does it happen?
After the serotonin flood, the brain is temporarily depleted. Leading to depression, fatigue, irritability, and anxiety that can last days.
300
2000 points!!!!
Why do you think some people feel like they need a stimulant to get through the day. Whether it's prescription, caffeine or something else?
more than one answer.
400
What are the main organs in the body that stimulant use like cocaine and meth effect?
Brain- damages the brains ability to produce neurochemicals the drug works on.
Heart and blood vessels- increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and higher body temperature. high risk of stroke and heart attack
Kidney- chronic use can cause kidney damage
400
What visible physical changes can occur to someone's face and skin after long-term methamphetamine use?
Severe aging, skin sores from picking, tooth decay and loss ("meth mouth"), sunken cheeks, and dramatic weight loss
400
What physical health condition can chronic snorting of cocaine cause to the nose/face?
Deviated septum. chronic snorting of cocaine can cause constriction of blood vessels, reduce blood flow and depriving nasal tissues of oxygen and nutrients. Which can lead to erosion of nasal tissue.
400
Street MDMA is frequently adulterated. What is one substance it is commonly cut with, and why does that raise the danger level significantly?
Fentanyl (increasingly common and potentially lethal), Methamphetamine, bath salts/cathinones, caffeine and PMA (Paramethoxyamphetamine)
400
When someone without ADHD takes prescription amphetamine like Aderall, they often feel a stronger effect than someone who actually has ADHD. Why might that be?
People with ADHD have underactive dopamine regulation. The medication brings them closer to a baseline level. someone who does not have ADHD and already has normal baseline dopamine level will feel it differently.
500
how was methamphetamine used during World War 2?
nations gave their soldiers methamphetamine as a way to keep them awake and alert during missions. This use resulted in many soldiers becoming addicted and bringing their drug use back home after the war.
500
Why is methamphetamine considered more difficult to recover from than many other drugs, in terms of what it does to the brain's dopamine system long-term?
Meth destroys dopamine receptors over time, leaving the brain unable to feel pleasure naturally — recovery can take months to years, and some damage may be permanent.
500
What is cocaine-induced stroke, who is at risk, and why does it happen even in teenagers with no prior health conditions?
Cocaine can cause a stroke by triggering sudden spasms and blockages in brain blood vessels — even first-time users and young people are at risk because the drug's effects on blood vessels are immediate and unpredictable, regardless of age or health history
500
MDMA is sometimes called an "empathogen" what does that mean?
Empathogen means it produces feelings of emotional openness, closeness and empathy. It temporarily lowers emotional walls.
MDMA is in a category of drugs called, Entactogens.
500
Why might someone of your age group use stimulant drugs? what are the risks they are taking?
more than one person must answer