Stims

Kat's stims from the episode "Final Cut".

Nothing yet is known of the chemical composition of the stimulant known as stims, or if the term refers to one substance or a class of several. It may simply be an abbreviation of "stimulant."

They were in high use in the first series episode, 33, as battlestar Galactica's pilots were forced to use them in an attempt to stay alert after four continuous days on Condition One and Two alert status.

Kara Thrace believes that stims dulled her flying skills, and initially refuses to take hers until ordered by the CAG, Lee Adama.

Overuse or overdosing on stims can cause irrational, violent, and psychotic behavior. Viper pilot Louanne Katraine severely damages her Viper and injures herself when her stim use reached a point where she could barely fly or understand instructions.

In real life, stimulants, usually amphetamines, are used by combat pilots to maintain alertness.