2010
The fast and furious
Publication
Publication
Cocaine, amphetamines and harm reduction
Cocaine and amphetamines (‘stimulants’) are distinct central nervous system stimulants with similar effects (Pleuvry, 2009; Holman, 1994). Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid extracted from coca leaves. Amphetamines are a subclass of phenylethylamines with primarily stimulant effects, including amphetamine, methamphetamine, methcathinone and cathinone and referred to as ‘amphetamines’ in this review (Holman, 1994). MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine or ecstasy) is a substituted amphetamine known for its entactogenic, psychedelic, and stimulant effects (Morgan, 2000). Stimulants can produce increased wakefulness, focus and confidence, elevated mood, feelings of power, and decreased fatigue and appetite; stimulants also produce nervousness or anxiety and, in some cases, psychosis and suicidal thoughts (Holman, 1994; EMCDDA, 2007f; Hildrey et al., 2009; Pates and Riley, 2009). Although there is little evidence that stimulants cause physical dependence, tolerance may develop upon repetitive use and withdrawal may cause discomfort and depression (EMCDDA, 2007f; Pates and Riley, 2009). Users may engage in ‘coke or speed binges’ alternated with periods of withdrawal and abstinence (Beek et al., 2001).
| Additional Metadata | |
|---|---|
| hdl.handle.net/1765/51686 | |
| Organisation | RePub (University Library) |
|
Grund, J.-P., Coffin, P., Jauffret-Roustide, M., Dijkstra, M., de Bruin, D., & Blanken, P. (2010). The fast and furious. In Harm reduction: evidence, impacts and challenges, EMCDDA, Lisbon, April 2010 (pp. 191–232). Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/51686 |
|
