Long-term effects of stimulant (ab)use on energy, productivity and mood

[snusmumriken]

I would be very surprised if this question has not been asked and answered previously on the forum, but I could find no threads devoted to this topic through my searching. Also, I was not sure where to put this thread.

Please be awrae that all of this was relayed to me by a passing pangolin

"My background (optional reading): In the past half year I've been using certain stimulant drugs periodically (mostly MDPV and ethcathinone). I've had extended drug-free periods in between shorter periods of pretty intense usage. During the longer stimulant-free periods I've generally felt just as healthy and content as I did prior to discovering stimulants, which of course is very reassuring.

Like many others, I have a problem controlling my use of these drugs when I have them available. The quality of so greatly enhancing my productivity (and the enjoyment of being so productive) is probably what make these substances so addictive and desirable for me. I also have this abnormally strong obligation to do something productive in my free time. Like many others I am a professional procrastinator, and using a stimulant is, as such, usually by far the easiest way for me to satisfy my high expecations for myself. This factor probably the main factor I love stimulants so much.

The case: Since my first stimulant exerience half a year ago, I've always felt certain that stimulants are a marvelous productivity tool if used responsibly and in moderation, and for that I've loved them, but with great respect of their dangers. If I am not wrong, most research (with animal subjects) on the long-term effects of stimulants has found that the prevalence of neurotransmitters which the drug in questions has the effect of elevating, will in the long run decrease. And that, of course, is not exactly desirable.

I fear I will get caught in this specific downward spiral:
(1) Using a dopaminergic substance in order to increase productivity, causing (2) a decrease in average dopamine levels, which will (3) overall make me less productive while not using stimulants, meaning that (4) I will in the long run develop a greater need/desire for stimulants not only to stay productive, but also to feel good (due to lower levels of dopamine).

So, finally, here's what I'd like to know more about...

1. What does conducted research say about the long-term effects of stimulant (ab)use? And if it is true that the long-term use of stimulants depletes affected neurotransmitters in the long run, for how long does this last? Are we talking irreversably lowered levels, or if not, how long time does it take to recover?
2. What does your own experience with stimulants indicate? How have longer and/or periodical stimulant use affected you?
3. What does research say about the variability in the (long-term) harmfulness of stimulant drugs suited for productivity enhancement? I've always supposed that the main factor determining how and to what extent such drugs negatively affect neurotransmitter levels in the long run, is merely how much the drug elevates them while active in the body. So, my idea was that the more a substance elevates neurotransmitter levels, the more it will fuck them up in the long run — and thus, which specific substance is causing this effect is not nearly as important as the strength of the effects. Of course, I am here ignoring the fact that some substances are in general more more euphoric and addictive, but then this is primarily a quality of affecting neurotransmitters more, no? "You pay in harm for what you get in stimuli," I always supposed. Is this true in general, or are are there many other factors determining their harmfulness? If it is so, which substance would be the best pick with health and productivity in mind?
4. Since no or very little research has been done on lesser-known stimulant drugs, what can research on more common relatives tell us something about the harmfulness of currently available research chemical stimulants, like MDPV and ethcathinone?

I know it's horribly hard if not impossible ever to get any clear or absolute answers in research on the long-term effects of drugs, mainly due to (1) the questionable relevance of drug research on animals, and (2) the immense range of uncontrollable factors strongly affecting the results in research on humans, and (3) the problem of at all conducting research with potentially harmful drugs on humans.

But then, I guess, we'll just have to make the best of the available information and try to determine what's the most sensible way to handle these things. Most of you have probably already gathered more information than me on the subject, so what have you concluded with, if anything? When do you thing the disadvantages usually outweight the advantages? Also, ideas and opinions about how one can design a life with stimulants as a component and a productivity tool, while also maximizing safety and and minimizing inherent negative effects, are highly welcome.

I am greatly thankful for any contribution. After all this is an extremely important question. Again I am sorry if these questions have already had extensive coverage elsewhere, but then please point me in that direction. "