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Nicotine & Ritalin
While the abuse of amphetamines and methamphetamines is well known, many other stimulants, including nicotine and Ritalin, are abused.
Nicotine
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is the primary active ingredient found in most tobacco cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff. It is both a stimulant and a sedative to the central nervous system.
How is nicotine used?
Nicotine is usually smoked in cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. It can also be ingested through snuff and chewing tobacco.
How does nicotine work?
The ingestion of nicotine results in an almost immediate "kick" because it causes a discharge of epinephrine from the adrenal cortex. This stimulates the central nervous system and other endocrine glands, which in turn causes a sudden release of glucose. Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure and restricts blood flow to the heart muscle. It also causes increased alertness and may contribute to temporarily enhanced mental performance. Stimulation is then followed by depression and fatigue, causing the user to seek more nicotine. Nicotine takes only seconds to reach the brain but has a direct effect on the body for up to 30 minutes. Nicotine, like cocaine, heroine, and marijuana, increases the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine affects the brain pathways that control reward and pleasure. With regular use of tobacco, levels of nicotine accumulate in the body.
What are nicotine’s side effects?
In addition to nicotine, cigarette smoke is primarily composed of a dozen gases (mainly carbon monoxide) and tar. The tar in a cigarette exposes the user to a high expectancy rate of lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchial disorders. The carbon monoxide increases the chance of cardiovascular diseases. Users that attempt to cease nicotine use may experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms, such as anger, anxiety, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, and craving for nicotine. Most of these symptoms subside within 3 to 4 weeks, but the hunger and craving may persist for months.
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin (Methylphenidate) is a central nervous system stimulant with effects similar to, but more potent than, caffeine and less potent than amphetamines. It has a noticeably calming effect on hyperactive children and a "focusing" effect on those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivy Disorder (ADHD).
How is Ritalin used?
When abused, the tablets are either taken orally or crushed and snorted. Some abusers dissolve the tablets in water and inject the mixture.
How does Ritalin work?
Ritalin has pharmacological effects similar to those of amphetamines and cocaine. Individuals abuse Ritalin for its stimulant effects, including appetite suppression, wakefulness, increased focus/attentiveness, and euphoria. Ritalin is thought to amplify the release of dopamine in the body, thereby improving attention and focus in individuals who have dopamine signals that are weak.
What are some negative side effects of Ritalin use?
Most notably, Ritalin produces dose-related increases in heart rate and blood pressure. It is also capable of producing severe psychological dependence. When Ritalin is injected, the materials can block small blood vessels, causing serious damage to the lungs and retina of the eye.
What are some of the street names for Ritalin?
Ritalin is sometimes referred to as "the smart drug" and Vitamin R.
