Here is a riddle for you: what do Chai tea, Camels, and cocaine have in common? If you guessed “stimulants,” you would be right. Although many of us are overly wary of dangerous substances like coke and meth, two legally-sold drugs that have caused a lot of trouble in our country over the past years are extensively and legally distributed. Some of you may not even realize that similar drugs are sold under child-friendly packages. In fact, your cup of coffee can produce the same effects as a line of cocaine (to a certain degree), and that daily cigarette will stimulate you in the same manner as your cousin’s Oolong tea. Stimulants are popular among us homo sapiens, and not always for a good reason. Still, have you wondered about why some of these drugs are so dangerous? Let’s take a closer look at some common stimulants.
Nicotine
First, let’s start with one you might not have considered to be a stimulant. In fact, did you know that nicotine is one of the most widely used psychoactive chemicals on the planet, despite its lack of any reported medical use? At the beginning of the 20th century, smoking cigarettes was considered a glamorous way of socializing, which may seem a bit alien to some of you nowadays. Despite the taboo nature of smoking, though, the CDC has confirmed that 40 million U.S. adults (17% of the population) smoke these dangerous little sticks and inhale nicotine as a result.
Caffeine
You will definitely not be shocked to hear that caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant on the planet. Just take a walk through any supermarket and you will catch a glimpse of at least ten products that contain caffeine during one round. Chocolate, coffee, tea, pastries, energy drinks, and capsules are just part of the long lineup of products that are infused with this stimulant. While not technically an addictive substance, caffeine can induce physical dependency over time.
Cocaine
Synthesized from the leaves of the coca plant, cocaine is an illegal drug that gained popularity among Westerners in the 1800s. In fact, the drug was 100% legal during the 1900s and sold as a therapeutic treatment, without the need for a prescription. However, restrictions were quickly put in place during the 1920s, ultimately resulting in cocaine’s status as a restricted drug.
Prescription Drugs
Some people who require medical attention for their behavioral problems (like ADHD or hyperactivity, in general) may require prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin to help them cope with their random habits. While some stimulants were once prescribed for weight loss, this variety has no longer been permitted due to being highly addictive.
Seeking Treatment for Stimulant Abuse
Drug abuse and addiction is an unfortunate aspect of reality. Between the separate severity of stimulants and alcohol, imagine the pain a victim experiences after combining the two drugs. As easy as it may be to attempt to walk away from a substance that has taken its hold over you, though, you have to remember that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Addiction is not your fault and never will be.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction, or alcoholism or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you overcome your attachment to dangerous drugs and alcoholic drinks.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
