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Effects Of Commonly Abused Drugs
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana: The Gateway Drugs
Physical Effects and Statistics: Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in American society. It acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, affecting the areas of the brain that control speech, intellectual function, mood and emotion, and muscular coordination. Small quantities cause feeling of well-being and relaxation. Larger quantities, however, can cause intoxication, sedation, unconsciousness, and even death with very large doses. Alcohol has a number of side effects, even in low to moderate levels. It reduces sensitivity to pain, taste, and odor; it impairs vision, decreases attention and memory, interferes with REM sleep, and reduces sexual performance (although the drinker may feel less inhibited or anxious in sexual situations). Long term physical effects include: damage to vital organs (such as liver, heart, pancreas and brain), cancer, gastrointestinal irritation, malnutrition, sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure, and lowered resistance to disease. In addition to the direct physical effects, many serious indirect dangers - often worse than the direct physical effects -- result from use of alcohol. Alcohol is a factor in about 40% of the fatal automobile accidents in the U.S. every year. It also contributes to risky sexual behavior (including chance of getting AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases) by interfering with the drinker's judgment, loosening inhibitions, and reducing ability to communicate clearly. For pregnant women, alcohol can severely damage the unborn fetus, resulting in stillbirth, premature birth, miscarriage, or children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. (Currently, no safe level of alcohol consumption for pregnant women has been determined.) Alcohol also plays a major role in many types of violent crime. One congressional report states that alcohol is a major factor in 68% of manslaughters, 62% of assaults, 54% of murders and attempted murders, 48% or robberies, and 44% of burglaries. Alcohol is addictive, although the rate at which people become addicted can vary greatly. Some people lose control over their drinking very soon after getting started. Others become dependent only gradually - sometimes so gradually that they don't realize it's happening. The factors that cause addiction are not completely understood. Addiction seems to occur more quickly, however, among certain groups of people, including young people and women.
Adapted from: "Alcohol," in Mind-altering drugs: A guide
to the history, uses and effects of psychocative drugs (2nd ed.). Madison,
WI: Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources, 1998. Additional Risks of Alcohol Use for Teens: In addition to the physical effects presented above, alcohol poses several further risks for teenage drinkers:
McFarland Partners in Prevention, "It takes a whole community to raise a child." [Brochure].
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2001). Underage
drinking prevention: Action guide and planner (DHHS Publication
No. [SMA] 3259).
Although tobacco is often not viewed as a drug, it is actually one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances worldwide. Nicotine is the psychoactive ingredient in tobacco. Nicotine is a stimulant that increases heart and respiration rate, blood pressure, adrenaline production, and metabolism. It also seems to lower stress by relaxing muscles. Some smokers report they can concentrate better and feel more alert after smoking; others say they feel more relaxed. Heavy doses of nicotine can produce tremors. At very high levels nicotine becomes toxic, and begins to act as a depressant on the central nervous system. At such high levels, it may cause breathing paralysis, convulsions, and death. Smoking has many harmful long-term effects. There are 43 chemical substances in smoke which are known to cause cancer. Smokers have elevated risk of lung cancer, cancer of the larynx, mouth, and esophagus, and possibly cancer of the bladder, kidney, pancreas, and cervix. Some other long term effects of smoking include: pneumonia, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory infections, lung complications following surgery, emphysema (loss of elasticity in the lungs, which makes breathing painful), elevated blood pressure, blockage of blood vessels in arms, legs, and brain, impaired sense of taste and smell, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, chronic cough, and tremors. In males, it can cause reduced fertility, abnormal sperm production, and erectile dysfunction. In pregnant women, smoking may harm the unborn fetus: risks associated with smoking include stillbirth, premature birth, miscarriage, and low birth weight. In addition to these direct effects on smokers, second-hand smoke has been linked to respiratory problems in children of smokers, and increased cancer rates among spouses of smokers. Approximately 3,000 Americans die each year from lung cancer associated with second hand smoke. Chewing tobacco includes several other risks. It can cause gum disease, erosion of the teeth, and abnormal growth of cells lining the mouth. Tobacco chewers are 50 more times likely to develop mouth or throat cancer than non-chewers. Estimates indicate that tobacco is responsible for 3 million premature deaths worldwide each year, and 400,000 premature deaths in the U.S. each year. Tobacco, both smoked and chewed, is both physically and psychologically addictive. No safe level of tobacco use has been identified, and researchers say that any use is abuse. Regular users experience mild withdrawal symptoms between cigarettes, making them crave another. Also, regular smokers often become tolerant of the effects of nicotine over time, so they must increase the amount of smoking to obtain the same effect; even then it may be difficult for them to experience the effects they desire. Although quitting is often difficult, it is estimated that 44.3 million Americans are now former smokers. Fortunately, many of the negative health effects of smoking are reversible, and after 10 years, the death rate is approximately the same for ex-smokers as for people who have never smoked.
Adapted from: "Tobacco," in Mind-altering drugs: A guide to the history, uses and effects of psychocative drugs (2nd ed.). Madison, WI: Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources, 1998.
Marijuana is a mixture of dried and shredded leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The term "cannabis" refers to all drugs obtained from the hemp plant, including marijuana, sinsemilla, hashish, and hash oil. All of these drugs contain the chemical THC, which is the most active chemical ingredient in marijuana. The forms of marijuana available today are considerably stronger (as measured by THC content) than the forms available when the drug became common in the 1960s. Marijuana is usually used by rolling into a cigarette or smoking in a pipe; sometimes, users slice open a cigar and replace the tobacco with marijuana. Individuals use marijuana to get high (feeling intoxicated and/or euphoric). Users may become engrossed with ordinary sights, sounds, tastes and trivial events which appear very interesting or funny. Time may seem to pass very slowly, and the user may feel thirsty and hungry. Marijuana has a number of side effects. New users, people using in a new setting, or individuals using marijuana with a high THC level, may experience acute anxiety or have paranoid thoughts. Marijuana causes difficulty with short-term memory. It also tends to distort perceptions, and slows reaction time. Because of these side effects, there are serious indirect risks associated with marijuana use--often worse than the direct side effects. Users are at particularly high risk for automobile accidents and unsafe sex. In one study at a shock-trauma unit, 15% of patients who were involved in traffic accidents had been smoking marijuana, and an additional 17% had both THC and alcohol in their bloodstream. Also, students may have difficulty studying and learning, and athletic performance may be negatively affected. There appear to be long-term effects to marijuana use as well. Studies suggest that marijuana is linked to cancer, much as cigarette smoking. Marijuana also may affect the immune system and cause similar respiratory problems to cigarette smoking. Heavy use of marijuana affects production of both male and female hormones. In males, changes in hormone production may cause delay of puberty and decrease in sperm production. In females, changes in hormone production may cause disruption of the menstrual cycle and discharge of eggs from ovaries. In pregnant women, marijuana also appears to harm the developing fetus. Some studies have found that babies of marijuana users were shorter, weighed less, and had smaller head sizes than babies of non-users. Other studies have found that babies born to users have symptoms resembling fetal alchol syndrome, and possibly nervous sytem problems.
Common street names: pot, herb, grass, weed, Mary Jane, reefer,
Aunt Mary, skunk, boom, gangster, kif, ganja, and many others. In addition,
different strains or "brands" of marijuana are freqeuntly given their own
names, often referring to their place of origin, such as "Texas tea"
or "Maui wowie."
Inhalants are chemical products, such as aerosol sprays or various liquids, commonly found around home or school which can be sniffed or inhaled to obtain a high. Inhalants can have deadly effects. Users may suffer from nausea, forgetfulness, and inability to see things clearly. They also may lose control of parts of their body, such as arms and legs. Use of inhalants also can cause severe damage to various organs, including the brain, heart, liver and kidneys. Worst of all, users can die from "Sudden Sniffing Death," which can occur without warning during or shortly after sniffing. Sudden Sniffing Death is caused by cardiac arrest from overworking the heart, and can happen even to first time users. Signs and symptoms of use:
Adapted from: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (Undated). A parents' guide to preventing inhalent abuse [Brochure].
Ecstasy is known as a "feel good" drug, which users take because it provides positive feelings, empathy for others, extreme relaxation, and elimination of anxiety. It also reduces the need to eat, drink, and sleep, so that users can remain active for all-night parties or raves, where the drug is commonly taken. Ecstasy is usually taken in capsules or tablets; the tablets are often colored like candy, and many are imprinted with logos -- often pirated from reputable corporations or product lines. Related paraphernalia includes Vicks rub, painter's mask, and glow sticks to enhance the effects of the drug, and a baby pacifier or suckers to relieve tooth grinding caused by the drug. Ecstasy produces many side effects. Short term effects can include nausea, chills, sweating, tremors, hyperthermia (high body temperature), tachycardia (rapid heart beat), kidney failure, blurred vision, hallucinations, disorientation, impaired coordination, and confusion. Notably, severe hyperthermia or dehydration has caused death for some ecstasy users. Long term effects include prolonged depression, anxiety, and flashbacks. Heavy use also may cause liver and brain damage. Ecstasy has a high addiction potential. Signs and symptoms of use:
Adapted from: Publishers Group (Spring, 2002). Street Drugs:
Drug Identification Guide. Plymouth, MN: Author. Anabolic steroids are a class of drugs used most commonly used by bodybuilders and other athletes to improve physical appearance and enhance performance. They are taken orally or injected. Combined with exercise and a high protein diet, anabolic steroids tend to increase the size and strength of muscles, endurance, and decrease recovery time between workouts. Some anabolic steroids have been approved for medical and veterinary use, primarily to replace low levels of testosterone. Anabolic steroids have a number of side effects, including severe acne, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels. In males, anabolic steroids also cause premature balding, reduced sexual function, testicular atrophy, and breast development. In females, anabolic steroids tend to produce more body hair, deeper voice, smaller breasts and fewer menstrual cycles. In adolescents, bone lengthening may stop prematurely, resulting in stunted growth. In addition, large doses of multiple anabolic steroids may damage the cardiovascular system, liver, or reproductive organs. Adapted from: Publishers Group (Spring, 2002). Street Drugs: Drug Identification Guide. Plymouth, MN: Author.
Oxycontin is a time-release form of oxycodone, a pain-killer with effects similar to morphine. It is used legally by prescription for treatment of mild to moderate pain, chronic pain, and terminal cancer pain. It comes in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. It may be obtained illicitly through forged prescriptions, theft, or unscrupulous medical service personnel. The usual effects of Oxycontin include lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, as well as muscle relaxation. Serious negative effects include: allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of lips, tongue, or face, or hives, cold clammy skin, small pupils, seizures, loss of consciousness and coma. Long term effects include: constipation, dryness of mouth, respiratory depression, physical tolerance and possible physical and psychological dependence. Signs and symptoms of use:
Adapted from: Publishers Group (Spring, 2002). Street Drugs: Drug Identification Guide. Plymouth, MN: Author.
Cocaine is one of the oldest known drugs. It is extracted from the leaves of the coca bush, which grows mainly in Peru and Bolivia. It is a powerful stimulant, which directly affects the brain, and is extremely addictive. It exists primarily in two forms: the hydrochloride salt and "freebase." The hydrochloride salt is a powder that can be snorted by nose, or dissolved in water to be injected intravenously. The freebase form can also be smoked, usually in pipes. Short term use produces many possible effects, including: elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, heightened alertness, aggression, paranoia, depression, chest pain, respiratory failure, nausea, abdominal pain, strokes, seizures, headaches, blurred vision, tremors, twitching, fever, irritability, and decreased appetite. High doses can produce hallucinations or delusions. Long term effects include psychological dependence and various amounts of physical tolerance, eating disorders, impotence, seizures, strokes, malnutrition, and permanent damage to nasal passages. Signs and symptoms of use:
Adapted from: Publishers Group (Spring, 2002). Street Drugs: Drug Identification Guide. Plymouth, MN: Author.
Cocaine Base (includes Crack Cocaine, Freebase Cocaine, Coca Paste): The various forms of cocaine base are typically smoked in pipes. The short term effects are the same as for cocaine use, but occur more quickly and intensely. The long terms effects also are similar to cocaine use, and also include permanent damage to lungs, and more rapid addiction. Signs and symptoms are the same as for cocaine use. Adapted from: Publishers Group (Spring, 2002). Street Drugs: Drug Identification Guide. Plymouth, MN: Author.
Heroin is processed from morphine, which is extracted from seeds of certain types of poppy plants. Pure heroin is a white powder, but it is frequently combined with additives so that its color may range from white to dark brown. Recently, more crudely produced "black tar heroin" has gained in popularity; its texture varies from sticky to hard lumps, and color ranges from dark brown to black. Heroin can be injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked. It produces a sense of euphoria; the speed of onset depends on the method by which the drug is taken, with intravenous injection producing the most rapid onset or "rush." General effects of heroin include: intense, short-lived euphoria; lowered heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate; nausea, drowsiness, poor concentration; lowered body temperature, decreased appetite and decreased sexual drive. Long term effects include: mood swings, severe constipation, menstrual irregularities, lung damage, skin infections, seizures, and coma. Heroin is highly addictive in any form, and overdose is often lethal. The DEA has reported nearly 4,000 heroin overdose deaths per year in the last several years. Signs and symptoms of use:
Adapted from: Publishers Group (Spring, 2002). Street Drugs: Drug Identification Guide. Plymouth, MN: Author.
Amphetamines are stimulants, a class of drug that enhances brain activity, producing increased alertness, attention, energy and exhilaration. Side effects of amphetamines include rapid and/or irregular heart rate, rapid breathing, high blood pressure, reduced appetite, and hallucinations. Long term effect include weight loss, loss of coordination, irritability, anxiousness, restlessness, delirium, panic, paranoia, impulsive behavior, aggressiveness, and heart failure. Amphetamines are addictive. Signs and symptoms of use:
Adapted from: Publishers Group (Spring, 2002). Street Drugs: Drug Identification Guide. Plymouth, MN: Author.
Methamphetamine is one type of amphetamine. In pure form it is a near white powder, but it may appear in many different colors, and its texture may range from powder to crystals or tablets, depending on the method of production. It can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally. Side effects are similar to other amphetamines, including elevated heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate, decreased appetite, aggression, paranoia, depression and irritability. High doses may cause hallucinations or delusions. Long term effects also include malnutrition, psychosis, kidney and other tissue damage, memory loss, anxiety, auditory hallucinations, cardiac and neurological damage. Overdose may cause hyperthermia or convulsions, which can lead to death. Methamphetamine is highly addictive. Signs and symptoms of use:
Adapted from: Publishers Group (Spring, 2002). Street Drugs: Drug Identification Guide. Plymouth, MN: Author.
LSD: LSD is a synthetic drug, and it is the most powerful hallucinogen known. It is produced in crystalline form. Most commonly, it is taken by dissolving in water and dripping into the mouth, or it may be applied to other materials (such as small paper squares, called "blotters") that are consumed orally. It also can be mixed with other agents to form tablets or thin squares of gelatin (called "windowpanes"). The effects of LSD are highly unpredictable. It causes varying degrees of illusions, hallucinations, disorientation, impaired coordination, higher body temperature, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, tremors, delusions and confusion. It can change the user's sense of time and self, and cause "cross over" between sensations, so that users report they hear colors and see sounds. Such alterations can cause panic. Long term effects may include prolonged depression, anxiety, and flashbacks or HPPD - that is, repeated recurrences of sensory alterations originally produced by the drug. Signs and symptoms of use:
Adapted from: Publishers Group (Spring, 2002). Street Drugs: Drug Identification Guide. Plymouth, MN: Author.
PCP was originally investigated as an anesthetic, but development for humans was discontinued due to negative side effects. It is sold in tablet, capsule, powder and liquid form (which usually resembles apple juice). Most commonly the liquid form is applied to some type of leafy material and smoked. PCP produces distorted perceptions and feelings of detachment from the environment and self, known as "dissociation." It has a number of other side effects, including: illusions, hallucinations, disorientation, impaired coordination, confusion, agitation, coma, altered states of consciousness, stupor, convulsions, unresponsiveness, and experiences of "sensory crossover" (users report they see sounds and hear colors). It is also noted for violent experiences (i.e. bad trips). Signs and symptoms of use:
Adapted from: Publishers Group (Spring, 2002). Street Drugs: Drug Identification Guide. Plymouth, MN: Author.
In small doses, barbiturates produce muscle relaxation, a sense of peacefulness, and mild euphoria. Other effects include: dizziness, lethargy, drowsiness, chest pain, headache, sore throat, skin rash, mild incoordination, mild impairment of thinking and short-term memory, mild release of emotional inhibition, worsening of pre-existing pain, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Moderate doses produce an increase in the same symptoms caused by small doses. In addition, a moderate dose may cause: oversedation and confusion, slurred speech, confused sensory impression, drop in blood pressure and heart rate, respiratory depression, and induced sleep. Overdoses of barbiturates can produce additional effects, including: slow, shallow, and irregular breathing; constriction of pupils, followed by unchanging dilation; impaired reflexes, kidney failure, low body temperature, very low blood pressure, weak pulse, coma, and death by respiratory failure. Long term effects include anxiety, restlessness, depression, chronic fatigue, slurred speech, incoordination, visual disturbances, vertigo, reduced sex drive and impotence, menstrual irregularities, respiratory disorders, and (rarely) psychotic episodes. Chronic users may suffer from impaired memory, judgment, and thinking; hostility, depression, and mood swings, impaired fine motor skills, reduced attention span, and worsening of preexisting emotional disorders. In pregnant women, barbiturates can harm the developing fetus, producing symptoms in the baby such as birth defects, lowered intelligence, and brain tumors. Click here to go back to top of page
Tranquilizers act by depressing the activity of the nervous system. They are commonly prescribed to treat a variety of medical conditions. They appear as white, off-white, or yellow powders, but are usually sold as colored capsules or tablets. They also can be dissolved and taken by injection. At least one type of tranquilizer (the benzodiazepines) can cause physical dependence. Commonly prescribed tranquilizers include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonapin), and lorazepam (Ativan). Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is not licensed for use in America, but can be procured illicitly. In low to moderate doses, tranquilizers cause: relief of mild anxiety or tension, sense of relaxation, sense of well-being or euphoria, temporary impairment of memory, drowsiness, confusion. In higher doses, tranquilizers may cause: impaired thinking, emotional instability, slurred speech, staggering gait, blurred vision, impaired coordination. At least one tranquilizer (triazolam) has been reported to cause bizarre and aggressive behavior. Extremely high doses of tranquilizers may result in cardiovascular and respiratory depression. Long term effects include: lethargy and oversedation, decreased motivation, irritability, vivid or disturbing dreams, nausea, headache, skin rash, impaired sexual functioning or menstrual irregularities, increased appetite and weight gain. Chronic use can cause: impaired thinking, memory, and judgment, disorientation and confusion, slurred speech, muscle incoordination and weakness, dizziness, anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, apathy, emotional disinhibition and rage. |
Alcohol, tobacco, and
marijuana are known as "gateway drugs" because most people who end up using
hard drugs start by using alcohol, tobacco, and/or marijuana. Reducing use
of these gateway drugs may reduce use of hard drugs later on.
Table of Commonly Abused Drugs
| Type Of Drug | Drug Names | Street Names | Description | How It's Used | Related Paraphernalia | Signs and Symptoms |
| Cannabis | Marijuana | Pot, grass, reefer, weed, bud | Looks like dried oregano leaves | Usually smoked in handrolled cigarettes or pipes | Rolling papers, pipes, bongs, baggies, roach clips | Sweet burnt odor, neglect of appearance, loss of motivation,slow reactions, red eyes, memory lapses |
| Depressants
(Depress the nervous system) |
Alcohol | Booze, hooch, juice, brew | Clear or amber colored liquid | Swallow in liquid form | Flask, bottles, cans | Impaired judgement, poor muscle coordination, lowered inhibitions |
| Barbiturates (Amytal, Seconal, Nembutal) |
Barbs, downers, yellow jackets, red devils, blue devils | Variety of tablets, capsules, powder | Swallow in pill form or inject | Syringes, needles | Drowsiness, confusion, impaired judgment, slurred speech, needle marks, staggering gait | |
| Tranquilizers (Valium, Librium, Milltown, Xanax) |
V's, blues | Variety of tablets | Swallow in pill form or inject | Syringes, needles | Drowsiness, faulty judgment, disorientation | |
| Narcotics (heroine, morphine) |
Dreamer, junk, smack, horse | White or brown powders, tablets, capsules, liquids | Injected or smoked | Syringe, spoon, lighter, needles, medicine dropper | Lethargy, loss of skin color, needle marks, constricted pupils, decreased coordination | |
| Stimulants
(Stimulate the nervous system) |
Amphetamines | Speed, uppers, pep pills, bennies, dexies, crank, crystal, black beauties, white crosses | Variety of tablets and capsules | Swallow in pill or capsule form or inject | Syringe, needles | Excess activity, irritability, nervousness, mood swings, needle marks, dilated pupils, talkativeness, then depression; erases fatigue and hunger |
| Cocaine | Coke, snow, toot, white lady | White powder | Usually inhaled; can be injected, swallowed, or smoked | Razor blade, straws, glassy surfaces | Restlessness, dilated pupils, talkativeness, oily skin, euphoria, short-term high followed by depression | |
| Crack Cocaine | Rock | Beige, pea-shaped pellets in vials | Crumbled and smoked in pipe or joint | Pipe, glass, vials, colored stoppers | Same as cocaine, but swifter and more intense | |
| Nicotine | Coffin nail, butt, smoke | Dried brown tobacco leaves | Smoked in cigarettes, pipes & cigars, snuff, chew | Papers, lighters, tin cans | Smell of tobacco, smoker's breath, stained teeth or fingers | |
| Hallucinogens
(Alter perceptions of reality) |
PCP | Angel dust, killer weed, supergrass, hog, peace pill | White powder or tablet | Usually smoked, but can be inhaled, injected, or swallowed in tablets | Tin foil | Slurred speech, blurred vision, uncoordination, confusion, agitation, violence, unpredictability, "bad trips" |
| LSD | Acid, cubes, purple haze, white lightning | Odorless, colorless, tasteless powder | Injected or swallowed in tablets or capsules | Blotter papers, window panes, tin foil | Dilated pupils, illusions, hallucinations, disorientation, mood swings, nausea, flashbacks | |
| MDMA | Ecstacy, XTC, Adam, decadence, M&M, X, XE | Usually colored pills or capsules | Usually swallowed | Dust mask, Vicks rub, pacifier, glow stick, 3D glasses | Elevated vitals, grinding of teeth, heightening of all senses, muscle rigidity, reduced inhibition, dilated pupils | |
| Mescaline Psilocybin |
Mesc, cactus, magic mushroom | Capsules, tablets, mushrooms | Ingested in natural form or smoked | Same as for LSD | ||
| Inhalants
(Substances abused by sniffing) |
Solvents and aerosols | Household chemicals that produce mind altering vapors | Inhaled or sniffed, often with use of paper or plastic bag | Cleaning rags, empty spray cans, tubes of glue, baggies | Poor motor coordination, bad breath, impaired vision, memory, and thoughts, violent behavior | |
| Nitrous Oxide | Laughing gas, whippets | Colorless gas with sweet taste and smell | Inhaled or sniffed by mask or cone | Aerosol cans, small canisters | Light-headed, loss of motor control | |
| Nitrates (Amyl and Butyl) |
Poppers, locker room rush, snappers | Clear yellowish liquid | Inhaled or sniffed from gauze or ampules | Cloth-covered bulb that "pops" when broken, small bottles | Slowed thought, headache |
Adapted from: McFarland Partner in Prevention, "It takes a whole community to raise a child." [Brochure].
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