Stimulation Seeking
Dimension 634 of 1,100 · Health Lens
Stimulation Seeking measures the extent to which an expression reflects desire for, use of, or positive response to activating experiences and substances that increase alertness, energy, arousal, or mental engagement. It encompasses both appetitive interest in stimulation and self-reported stimulation from substances such as nicotine, caffeine, amphetamines, and related activating experiences.
evidence final name · Substance Use
Minimal Stimulation Seeking
Expressions activating this band show little coherent orientation toward stimulation, with content that is diffuse, incidental, or only loosely tied to arousal and activation. When stimulation-related language appears, it is weak, hypothetical, or embedded in unrelated concerns rather than expressing an active desire for energizing effects.
Low Stimulation Seeking
Expressions activating this band show limited or mixed engagement with stimulation, including scattered references to boldness, belonging, identity, interference, or risky behavior without a clear focus on energizing effects. Stimulation is present mainly as a peripheral motive or possibility rather than a sought-after state.
Moderate Stimulation Seeking
Expressions activating this band describe awareness of bodily or emotional activation, including comfort, anxiety, unpleasant effects, energy concerns, and early links between substance use and changes in arousal. The expression reflects a recognizable connection between substances or activities and felt stimulation, but with ambivalent or mixed valence.
High Stimulation Seeking
Expressions activating this band show clear interest in activating substances and their alerting effects, including use of stimulants, curiosity about intense drug experiences, and concern from others about self-directed use. Stimulation is treated as a meaningful and often desired outcome, especially in relation to feeling alert or energized.
Intense Stimulation Seeking
Expressions activating this band center on strong endorsement of stimulation as a valued state, with explicit references to substances or experiences that help the person stay awake, feel energized, or become mentally activated. The expression presents stimulation as noticeably beneficial, reinforcing, or actively pursued.
Candidate names
Sentence counts by range
Dataset representation
Anchor definitions
Minimal Substance Use: Substance use is present at a low level. Expressions activating this band reflect early or diffuse substance use.
Emerging Substance Use: Substance use is present here in a general or mixed form without a single dominant facet. Compared to the band below, substance use is more intense and concentrated but retains the same essential character. Expressions activating this band may reflect general or diffuse substance use.
Elevated Substance Use: Substance use is experienced here as observable behavioral patterns associated with problematic or disordered functioning. Unlike the band below, where substance use was characterized by a general or mixed form, the proxy here has shifted in character. Expressions activating this band engage with substance use at a level associated with formal behavioral assessment.
Severe Substance Use: Substance use is experienced here as observable behavioral patterns associated with problematic or disordered functioning. Compared to the band below, substance use is more intense and concentrated but retains the same essential character. Expressions activating this band engage with substance use at a level associated with formal behavioral assessment.