Stimulant+Use+and+Eating+Disorders

=__Stimulant Use and Eating Disorders__  = Eating disorders and disordered eating has been associated with stimulant abuse. Those individuals with eating disorders may use stimulants to control their appetite and/or to provide energy for exercise. In fact, high rates of __cocaine__ and __amphetamine__ use have been observed in people with eating disorders (International Journal of Eating Disorders,2006).Appetite suppression and weight loss have been reported to be the reason for the commencement and continuation of __cocaine__ and the severity of bulimia has been shown to correlate with the frequency of __MDMA__ and __amphetamine__ use, with users reporting the substance abuse aiding in weight loss (International Journal of Eating Disorders,2006). A common method used for those with eating disorders is laxative and diet pill misuse.__Phentermine__ is the common medical ingredient found in diet pills. It is an appetite suppressant belonging to the __amphetamine__ class (James & Nordby, 2005). Phentermine affects the central nervous system by releasing chemicals in the brain that control one’s appetite (James & Nordby, 2005).Phentermine works in the brain on the hypothalamus to release norepinephrine, signaling the fight or flight response, to reduce hunger. The goal of phentermine is to prevent the hunger signal from reaching the brain. Also, phentermine works outside the brain by releasing adrenaline. This causes fat cells to break down any stored fat in the body. In high doses it releases serotonin and dopamine and ultimately mimicking the affects of __methamphetamine.__(James & Nordby, 2005)