Synthetic Stimulants: Effects & Treatment

Tony D’Agostino

Outline

• Current UK Snapshot• Different types of stimulants• How they work• Medication & complimentary therapies• Interventions & treatment

Current UK Snapshot • Amphetamine taking a back seat?• Cocaine still Number 1 Class A drug• Ecstasy use stable??• Legal Highs• Methamphetamine starting to appear?

Types of amphetamine

Legal Highs• BZP• Spice• Mephedrone -

Meow M-cat• Methylone M1

Types of Methamphetamine

Pills.jpg

How They Work

Adrenaline

Neurology

Medication & Alternative Therapies

Medication• Tranquilisers?

• Very short term prescriptions• Promazine:

• Child doses (25 mg)• Takes edge off

• Antabuse and Subutex:• May reduce craving?

• Vaccine:• Blocks cocaine from brain• Injection lasts 6 months• Human trials at present

• SSRI Anti-depressants:• Takes time to work• Danger of ‘serotonin syndrome’

Alternative therapies:

Acupuncture (auricular & full body)

Alternative therapies cont…

• Teas• Essential oils • Massage• Homeopathy • Relaxation• Martial arts• Black Box electro stimulation therapy

Interventions & Treatment

• Brief interventions CBT / MI• Harm reduction• Self Help, Detox? Rehab• Contingency Management & Modafinil• Substitute Medication (amphet &

methamphet)

Tel: 07791 885532Email:

tonydaguk@gmail.com