[PDF] Les psychostimulants - STA HealthCare Communications

What is a psychostimulant & how does it work?

Psychostimulants are the most used psychotropic substances over the world. A “psychostimulant” can be defined as a psychotropic substance with the capacity to stimulate the central nervous system. It causes excitation and elevated mood, as well as increased alertness and arousal. Its global effect is to speed up signals into the brain.

Is khat a psychostimulant?

Recently, in the context of an always more individual and competitive society, the use of cocaine or methamphetamine in the professional context has been observed. A certain plant, khat, is used in specific societies in east-Africa for its psychostimulant properties.

Which stimulant is causing the most public health impact?

Nicotine is the legal stimulant causing the most important public health impact. Cocaine ranks among the most used illicit substances after cannabis. Stimulant medications are frequently misused. Psychostimulants can lead to addiction, have physical, psychological and social health consequences and can induce a great disease burden.

What is the prevalence of psychostimulant use?

Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010 Jul; 3 (7): 2333–2361. Prevalence of psychostimulant use is high, and raising in several countries. Nicotine is the legal stimulant causing the most important public health impact. Cocaine ranks among the most used illicit substances after cannabis. Stimulant medications are frequently misused.