Stimulant
A stimulant is a variety of drug that arouses any bodily function, but more specifically those that excite the brain and central nervous system (CNS).[1]
Worldwide, the most widely used stimulant is caffeine, which is commercially available in many drinks such as teas and coffees.[2] Another widely used stimulant is nicotine, which occurs naturally in tobacco, although its use has declined from the mid-20th century onwards, due to the health risks associated with excessive use of tobacco products such as cigars and cigarettes. In the 21st century, vaping has emerged as a common form of nicotine administration. Most other stimulants are illegal for recreational use in most territories and include amphetamine, cocaine (and its more potent variant crack), ecstasy and methamphetamine, although several such stimulants enjoy medicinal use worldwide.
Recreational use of stimulants has a long history, with Coca leaves (in which cocaine is an active ingredient) having been chewed in modern-day Peru as far back as c. 6000 BC.[3]