Which of the following drugs is classified as a stimulant?

Which of the following drugs is classified as a stimulant?

• A. Alcohol
• B. Cocaine
• C. Barbiturates
• D. Marijuana

Answer: (B)

Cocaine is classified as a stimulant because it primarily increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine. By inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, cocaine enhances its pleasurable effects and causes increased energy, alertness, and a feeling of euphoria. Stimulants are substances that elevate mood, increase feelings of well-being, and enhance alertness, which aligns with the effects that cocaine produces. In contrast, alcohol acts as a depressant, slowing down brain activity and leading to decreased inhibition and coordination. Barbiturates are also depressants that reduce anxiety and promote sleep by diminishing the function of the central nervous system. Marijuana, while it has various effects depending on the dosage and individual, is primarily categorized as a hallucinogen and also has depressant-like qualities. This distinction helps to clarify why cocaine is recognized as a stimulant within pharmacology.

Cocaine is classified as a stimulant because it primarily increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine. By inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, cocaine enhances its pleasurable effects and causes increased energy, alertness, and a feeling of euphoria. Stimulants are substances that elevate mood, increase feelings of well-being, and enhance alertness, which aligns with the effects that cocaine produces.

In contrast, alcohol acts as a depressant, slowing down brain activity and leading to decreased inhibition and coordination. Barbiturates are also depressants that reduce anxiety and promote sleep by diminishing the function of the central nervous system. Marijuana, while it has various effects depending on the dosage and individual, is primarily categorized as a hallucinogen and also has depressant-like qualities. This distinction helps to clarify why cocaine is recognized as a stimulant within pharmacology.