Chapter 5: The Major Stimulants: Cocaine & Amphetamines

Amphetamines

a family of ephedrine-based stimulant drugs

Amphetamine psychosis

a set of symptoms, including hallucinations, paranoia, and disordered thinking, resulting from high doses of amphetamines.

attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

A behavioral disorder characterized by increased motor activity and reduced attention span.

cocaine

an extremely potent and dependence-producing stimulant drug derived from the coca leaf.

cocaine hydrochloride

the form of cocaine that is inhaled (snorted) or injected into the bloodstream.

cocaine psychosis

a set of symptoms, including hallucinations, paranoia, and disordered thinking, produced by chronic use of cocaine.

crack cocaine or crack

a smokable form of cocaine.

d-amphetamine

shortened name for dextroamphetamine, a potent form of amphetamine marketed under the brand name Dexedrine.

formication

hallucinatory behavior produced by chronic cocaine or amphetamine abuse, in which the individual feels insects or snakes crawling either over or under the skin.

free-base cocaine

a smokeable form of cocaine.

ice

a smokeable form of methamphetamine. It is often referred to as crystal meth because of its quartz-like appearance.

kindling effect

a phenomenon in the brain that produces a heightened sensitivity to repeated administrations of some drugs, such as cocaine. This heightened sensitivity is the opposite of the phenomenon of tolerance.

l-amphetamine

shortened name for levoamphetamine, a form of amphetamine that is less potent than d-amphetamine.

methamphetamine (speed or crank)

a type of amphetamine once marketed under the brand name Methedrine.