Stimulant Addiction and Psychosis

“Stimulants” is a term usually used for drugs that act on the central nervous system (CNS) to increase alertness, cognitive function, and reduce fatigue. The most common types of stimulants are amphetamines, dextroamphetamines and methylphenidates. They are used to treat attention deficit disorder/attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), narcolepsy, and occasionally low blood pressure, obesity or asthma.

Stimulants usually work by producing an overabundance of dopamine in the brain, resulting in talkativeness, decrease in appetite, difficulty sleeping, and an increase in concentration, energy and pulse & blood pressure. Cocaine and its derivatives are sometimes also put in the ‘stimulant’ drug class.

There is conflicting evidence regarding cannabinoids’ ability to treat stimulant addiction. There are certainly plenty of case studies where patients with ADHD have reported relief with cannabis and cannabinoid-based medications, offering reduced hyperactivity combined with better concentration, focus and impulse control. However, there is less evidence for the treatment of recreational stimulant addiction, although some animal studies have shown promise with the terpene-cannabinoid, beta-caryophyllene. CBD may be a useful treatment for psychosis. Limonene could also prove useful.

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