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What are Legal Stimulants?

D. Nelson
D. Nelson

A stimulant is any drug that is used to sharpen or improve mental or physical function. The legality of stimulants differs from region to region, depending on the laws and policies of respective governments. While it may be difficult to compile a list of universally legal stimulants, there are a number of common stimulants that are legal in many areas and that may also be regulated in terms of who can use them. This includes caffeine, nicotine, and prescription amphetamines, such as methylphenidates, also known as Ritalin®.

Caffeine is a drug that is commonly consumed in coffee, although it may also be found in energy drinks, which are soft drinks that are used to increase alertness and awareness. Tea and yerba mate also contain some caffeine. This stimulant occurs naturally in many plants and may act as a pesticide. The coffee bean, which is actually the coffee plant's seed, is a common source.

Nicotine, which is found in cigarettes, is a legal stimulant.
Nicotine, which is found in cigarettes, is a legal stimulant.

Another of the most common legal stimulants is nicotine. This drug is consumed most often through the use of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. Nicotine is an alkaloid, a kind of chemical compound, that occurs naturally in the tobacco plant. Its effects often include a relaxed feeling, alertness, and increased talkativeness. This drug can be incredibly addictive and is considered by many health specialists to be one of the hardest addictions to break.

Energy drinks contain legal stimulants.
Energy drinks contain legal stimulants.

Amphetamines — such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, also known as Dexedrine® — are also legal in many regions. It is common for governments that have legalized these stimulants to place restrictions on their use so that they may only be legally consumed by those holding prescriptions from medical or psychiatric professionals. These prescription amphetamines are normally prescribed to individuals who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which is often characterized by hyperactivity and difficulty focusing.

Coffee, a legal stimulant.
Coffee, a legal stimulant.

While these legal stimulants often lead to hyperactivity in users who do not have ADD, they have the opposite effect in users who do suffer from the disorder. As such, they are sometimes misused by people who don't have ADD. In these instances, the drugs may be snorted so that users can experience immediate intensified effects. Most of these prescription stimulants come in pill or capsule form so that the effects are more measured in those who orally consume the drugs for the purposes of medical or psychiatric treatment.

Discussion Comments

anon997041

The closest thing I've found when I run out of adderall is bronkaid, or primatene, due to the ephedrine in the product. I've read ephedrine is very similar to adderall.

indemnifyme

I think it's so strange how if you give a stimulant to someone with ADD, it calms them down. And yet, if a person without ADD takes the same stimulant, it makes them hyper and gives them a ton of energy. I really don't understand it. It seems so counter-intuitive!

ceilingcat

@starrynight - I remember when they changed the regulations about pseudoephedrine. I don't buy cold medicine very much, and I was really confused one day when they asked me for my ID when all I was buying was some decongestant.

Anyway, I don't think it's such a bad thing for certain substances to be regulated. Stimulants can be harmful if you don't take them correctly.

Although, one stimulant I don't see the United States ever regulating is coffee. We love coffee in this country! If the government tried to regulate it, I think it might spark a revolution!

starrynight

I think a lot of stimulants go in and out of legal availability as information and circumstances change. For example, pseudoephedrine is a legal stimulant. It used to be extremely easy to get over the counter and used in a lot of cold medicines.

However, it can also be used to make meth. Now, pseudoephedrine is a controlled substance. In most states you have to show identification to buy a product with this stuff in it. Other states have made pseudoephedrine only available by prescription.

I actually anticipate that more states might make this stuff only available by prescription. Even with the regulations, people can still get around them and purchase enough of this stuff to make drugs with.

cloudel

My husband got diagnosed with ADD last year, and I was afraid that taking a stimulant to manage the condition would cause him to act like someone on speed. I was surprised by what it did to him.

He seemed more together than ever. He could make plans and keep them, and he could finish a thought without changing the subject.

He focused on a project until it was complete. The only downside to this drug was that it made him obsessive about things. If he started something, he had to finish it, even if that meant working outside after dark.

seag47

Every morning when I get up, I'm thankful that caffeine is legal. I don't think I could get started without my morning coffee. My coworkers would not like me very much if I showed up without having had it.

If I have to go without it for some reason, I am really irritable. I can't collect my thoughts, and I just want to fall asleep. In a few hours, I will get a headache.

I realize this means I am dependent upon caffeine, but as long as it's legal, I think this is okay. I only drink one strong cup a day, so I'm not doing major harm to my body.

lighth0se33

@shell4life – My husband recently had to quit smoking so that we could afford to have health insurance. He got a letter in the mail from his insurance company stating that the cost would triple if he continued to smoke.

I have a kidney condition, so being without insurance is not an option for us. He realized this, and he decided that it was time to quit.

He had tried several times before, but he always gave in to the craving. This time, his workplace offered coaching and nicotine patches. That, combined with lollipops to keep his hands and mouth busy, has helped him stay smoke-free for three weeks now.

I agree with you that it seems like cigarettes are on the road to becoming illegal. The government is trying to take care of those who refuse to take care of themselves.

shell4life

Cigarettes may be legal, but there are an increasing number of laws that purposely make life difficult for smokers. The hope is that the laws will give them an incentive to quit.

In my county, you can no longer smoke in restaurants or bars, in public parks, or even on the sidewalk in front of businesses. Pretty soon, I think smoking may be made illegal everywhere but in your own home.

Health insurance companies are charging more than ever to cover smokers these days. Some people quit because they cannot afford the premiums, but others just cancel their policies because they don't want to quit.

animegal

Does anyone know if there are legal amphetamines that you can buy?

I really need something strong that will help me stay up during my exam period and while Adderall is easy to get on campus, I would prefer something more natural and that isn't supposed to have a prescription.

I want to buy legal drugs, preferably over-the-counter so that I can get through a difficult period. I have heard that Profiderall is an alternative to Adderall, but I am not sure what is in it. Does anyone know if it is a legal herb, or something else? I don't want to get caught with anything like party pills.

wander

@popcorn - You could try and take caffeine pills which will give you one of the best natural highs in my opinion. Though they can make you jittery, which is a bit of a downside. As far as other OTC stimulants go you may want to check out some of the online stores that sell herbal highs.

There are plenty of legal herb drugs out there that will give you everything from an energy boost, to an all out hallucinogenic experience. You just need to do some research and find out what works for you. Don't worry too much about the side effects though, most are harmless. As with anything though, make sure you double check the labels so you have the whole story.

popcorn

When you are looking for over the counter stimulants to help keep you awake, what are some good options?

I have heard that some herbal stimulants can have some pretty rough side effects, so I want to find something that will keep me focused without having to rely on drinking a ton of coffee. I really don't like the way coffee tastes, so I prefer not to drink it.

I am open to supplements and foods that will have an effect on my energy levels. Preferably things that are healthy and won't make me sick. I hate having reactions to things.

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    • Nicotine, which is found in cigarettes, is a legal stimulant.
      By: Grafvision
      Nicotine, which is found in cigarettes, is a legal stimulant.
    • Energy drinks contain legal stimulants.
      Energy drinks contain legal stimulants.
    • Coffee, a legal stimulant.
      By: photosoup
      Coffee, a legal stimulant.
    • Chewing tobacco.
      By: robhainer
      Chewing tobacco.
    • Drinking a cup of coffee every day may lead to physical dependence on caffeine.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Drinking a cup of coffee every day may lead to physical dependence on caffeine.
    • Caffeine and nicotine are two of the most common legal stimulants, usually consumed through coffee and cigarettes respectively.
      By: Lorenzo Brasco
      Caffeine and nicotine are two of the most common legal stimulants, usually consumed through coffee and cigarettes respectively.