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Let's Be Clear:Methamphetamine & Stimulants

What is a Stimulant?

It’s important to be clear about stimulants, what they do to your body and mind, and the risks of misuse. Stimulants are a class of drugs that speed up the body’s systems and may be prescribed by a healthcare professional for diagnosed conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy. Common stimulants include prescription medications like Adderall and Ritalin — as well as illegal substances like cocaine and methamphetamine. These substances can make you feel more alert, energetic and focused — but they may come with serious risks.

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Let’s Be Clear:

The short-term buzz isn't worth the long-term damage.

The Dangers of Stimulants

Stimulants can be helpful when used as prescribed for medical conditions. But misusing them is very risky and can be highly addictive. Misusing stimulants can cause a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and unpredictable behavior. Over time, this misuse can result in serious mental health problems, heart issues and substance use disorder.

Common Misuses

Stimulant misuse is more common than you might think. People can misuse stimulants to lose weight, boost athletic performance or improve focus. Parents — talk to your kids about the dangers of stimulant misuse and ensure they understand the potential harm. Educating them now can prevent problems later.

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Who Might Be at Risk of Misusing Stimulants?

Let’s be clear: Anyone can be at risk of stimulant misuse, but certain factors can increase this risk — especially here in South Dakota.

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Students: With the pressure to do well in school, students might turn to stimulants to stay alert and focused during long study sessions and exams.
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Athletes: From high school sports teams to local leagues, athletes may misuse stimulants to boost their performance and gain a competitive edge.
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Workers in High-Stress Jobs: Those in demanding professions, such as farming, healthcare and manual labor, might misuse stimulants to cope with long hours and physical demands.
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Rural Citizens: Living in rural areas can come with unique challenges, such as limited access to healthcare and behavioral health resources. This can increase the risk of stimulant misuse as a way to manage stress, fatigue and other issues.

Meth & Stimulant 

Overdose Information 

Overdosing on stimulants is serious and life-threatening. Signs include:

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Hyperthermia
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

If you think someone is overdosing on stimulants, act immediately. What to Do:

1. Call 911: Get emergency medical help right away.
2. Stay with the Person: Keep them calm and reassure them that help is on the way.
3. Provide Information: If you know what substances were taken, tell the emergency responders.
4. Do Not Leave Them Alone: Continuous supervision is essential until help arrives.
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The information on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is presented for general reference and educational purposes to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be medical or other expert advice and should not be used in place of consultation with emergency responders or medical professionals. The information published here is not exhaustive and the user should seek the advice or appropriate professionals. Official State of South Dakota Website © 2024 South Dakota Departments of Health and Social Services. All Rights Reserved.