You see the coffee you take to keep you awake all through the night? Probably because you have an exam to write or a deadline to meet up with. Short term effect is it gives you the desired effect of not sleeping at night. But what about the long term effects?
Let's talk about stimulants.
Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase your alertness, attention, and energy levels in your body. Most common stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine.
Here are some of the effects of stimulants:
Increased alertness and attention: Stimulants can improve your focus and concentration, making it easier to complete tasks and stay on task.
Increased energy: Stimulants can make individuals feel more awake and alert, as well as reduce feelings of fatigue and lethargy.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Many stimulants increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for individuals with preexisting heart conditions.
Decreased appetite: Stimulants can suppress appetite, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition if taken in excess.
Euphoria: Some stimulants can produce feelings of intense pleasure and euphoria, which can lead to addiction and dependence.
Increased risk-taking behavior: Stimulants can lead individuals to engage in risky behavior, such as driving under the influence, which can be dangerous for themselves and others.
The effects of stimulant use can go beyond the short-term highs that users usually experience.
Most times, users in favour of the short term pleasure disregard the future potential harm associated with ongoing use.
Long term effects;
Psychological effects: Hallucinations, delusions, persistent anxiety, paranoia, depression.
Physical effects: Extreme weight loss, reduced sexual functioning, gastrointestinal problems, muscle deterioration, chronic exhaustion, cardiovascular damage, breathing problems, headaches, stroke.
One must be aware that long-term use of stimulants can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Before you use stimulants, it must be only as prescribed or recommended, as taking too much or taking them in inappropriate ways can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.