To assist you in locating substances in this document, the following cross reference by category is provided.
Narcotics Alfentanil Stimulants Amphetamine
Cocaine* Benzedrine
Codeine Benzphetamine
Crack Cocaine* Butyl Nitrite
Fentanyl Dextroamphetamine
Heroin Methamphetamine
Hydromorphone Methylphenidate
Ice Phenmetrazine
Meperidine
Methadone Hallucinogens Bufotenine
Morphine LSD
Nalorphine MDA
Opium MDEA
Oxycodone MDMA
Propoxyphene Mescaline
MMDA
Depressants Amobarbital Phencyclidine
Benzodiazepine Psilocybin
Chloral Hydrate
Chlordiazepoxide Cannabis Lorazepam
Diazepam Marijuana
Glutethimide Tetrahydrocannabinol
Meprobamate
Methaqualone Alcohol Ethyl Alcohol
Nitrous Oxide
Pentobarbital Steroids Dianabol
Phenobarbital Nandrolone
Secobarbital
*Cocaine, while classified under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as a narcotic, is also discussed as a stimulant.
Drug Category Profile
Narcotics
Drug Dependence How Used Duration Physical/Psychological (hours)
Opium High/High Oral, smoked 3-6
Morphine High/High Oral, smoked, injected 3-6
Codeine Mod./Mod. Oral, injected 3-6
Heroin High/High Smoked, injected, sniffed 3-6
Hydromorphone High/High Oral, injected 3-6
Meperidine High/High Oral, injected 3-6
Methadone High/High Oral, injected 12-24
What are Narcotics?
Drugs used medicinally to relieve pain
High potential for abuse
Cause relaxation with an immediate "rush"
Initial unpleasant effects - restlessness, nausea
Possible Effects Euphoria
Drowsiness, respiratory depression
Constricted (pin-point) pupils
Symptoms of Overdose Slow, shallow breathing, clammy skin
Convulsions, coma, possible death
Withdrawal Syndrome Watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, cramps
Loss of appetite, irritability, nausea
Tremors, panic, chills, sweating
Indications of Possible
Misuse Scars (tracks) caused by injections
Constricted (pin-point) pupils
Loss of appetite
Sniffles, watery eyes, cough, nausea
Lethargy, drowsiness, nodding
Syringes, bent spoons, needles, etc.
Depressants
Drug Dependence How Used Duration Physical/Psychological (hours)
Barbiturates High/mod. Oral 1-16
Methaqualone High/High Oral 4-8
Tranquilizers High/High Oral 4-8
Chloral Hydrate Mod./Mod. Oral 5-8
Glutethimide High/Mod. Oral 4-8
What are Depressants?
Drugs used medicinally to relieve anxiety, irritability, tension
High potential for abuse, development of tolerance
Produce state of intoxication similar to that of alcohol
Combined with alxohol, increase effects, multiply risks
Possible Effects Sensory alteration, anxiety reduction, intoxication
Small amounts cause calmness, relaxed muscles
Larger amounts cause slurred speech, impaired judgment,
loss of motor coordination
Very large doses may cause respiratory depression, coma, death
Newborn babies of abusers may show dependence, withdrawal
symptoms, behavioral problems, birth defects
Symptoms of Overdose Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils
Weak and rapid pulse, coma, death
Withdrawal Syndrome Anxiety, insomnia, muscle tremors, loss of appetite
Abrupt cessation or reduced high dose may cause convulsions, delirium, death
Indications of Possible
Misuse Behavior similar to alcohol intoxication (without odor of
alcohol on breath)
Staggering, stumbling, lack of coordination, slurred speech
Falling asleep while at work, difficulty concentrating
Dilated pupils
Stimulants
Drug Dependence How Used Duration Physical/Psychological (hours)
Cocaine* Possible/High Sniffed, smoked
injected 1-2
Amphetamines Possible/High Oral, injected 2-4
Methamphetamine Possible/High Oral, injected 2-4
Phenmetrazine Possible/High Oral, injected 2-4
Methylphenidate Possible/Mod. Oral, injected 2-4
Other Stimulants Possible/High Oral, injected 2-4
Ice High/High Smoked, oral
injec., inhaled 4-14
What are Stimulants?
Drugs used to increase alertness, relieve fatigue, feel stronger and more decisive; used for euphoric effects or to counteract the "down" feelings of tranquilizers or alcohol.
Possible Effects Increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils and decreased appetite; high doses may cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, loss of coordination, collapse; may cause perspiration, blurred vision, dizziness, a feeling of restlessness, anxiety, delusions.
Symptoms of Overdose Agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death.
Withdrawal Syndrome Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation.
Indications of Possible.
Misuse Excessive activity, talkativeness, irritability, argumentativeness or nervousness.
Increased blood pressure or pulse rate, dilated pupils.
Long periods without sleeping or eating.
Euphoria
*Cocaine, while classified under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as a narcotic, is also discussed as a stimulant.
Cocaine
Also known as:
Coke, Dust, Snow, Flake, Blow, Girl
You probably know why cocaine is abused -
* Carefree Feeling
* Euphoria
* Relaxation
* In control
But did you know that -
* A cocaine "high" lasts only about 5 to 20 minutes.
* Cocaine use may cause severe "mood swings" and irritability.
* You need more and more cocaine each time you want a "high.
* Cocaine increases your blood pressure and heart rate -
particularly dangerous if you have a heart condition.
* One use can cause death!
* Possession and use are illegal and can result in fines and arrest.
Crack
Also known as:
Crack, "Crack cocaine", Freebase rocks, Rock
You probably know why crack is abused -
* Quick high
* Power
* Euphoria
But did you know that -
* Crack is almost instantly addictive.
* One use could cause a fatal heart attack.
* Repeated use may cause insomnia, hallucinations, seizures, paranoia.
* The euphoric effects of crack last only a few minutes.
* Crack possession and use are illegal in all fifty states.
* There are more hospitalizations per year resulting from crack and cocaine use than any other illicit substance.
Ice - Methamphetamine
Also known as:
Meth, Crystal, Crank, Methamphetamine
You probably know why ice is abused -
* Temporary mood elevation
* Exhilaration (high)
* Increased mental alertness
* Upper-increase wakefulness
But did you know that -
* Ice is extremely addictive - sometimes with just one use!
* Ice can cause convulsions, heart irregularities, high blood pressure, depression, restlessness, tremors, severe fatigue.
* An overdose can cause coma and death
* When you stop using ice you may experience a deep depression.
* Ice causes a very jittery high, along with anxiety, insomnia, sometimes paranoia.
Inhalants
Some of the substances that are abused:
* Butyl nitrite
* Amyl nitrite (Gas in aerosol cans)
* Gasoline and Toluene vapors (Correction fluid, glue, marking pens)
You probaly know why inhalants are abused -
* Cheap High
* Quick buzz
* Fun
But did you know that inhalants may cause -
* Loss of muscle control
* Slurred speech
* Drowsiness or loss of consciousness
* Excessive secretions from the nose and watery eyes
* Brain damage and damage to lung cells
Hallucinogens
Drug Dependence How Used Duration Physical/Psychological (hours)
PCP
Angel Dust
Loveboat Unknown/High Smoked, oral, Up to days
injected
LSD
Acid
Green/Red Dragon None/Unknown Oral 8-12 hrs.
Mescaline, Peyote None/Unknown Oral, injected 8-12 hrs.
Psilocybin None/Unknown Oral, injected,
smoked, sniffed Variable
Designer Drugs*
Ecstacy - PCE Unknown/Unknown Oral, injected,
smoked Variable
What are Hallucinogens?
Drugs that produce behavioral changes that are often multiple and dramatic
No known medical use, but some block sensation to pain and use may result in self-inflicted injuries
"Designer Drugs", made to imitate certain illegal drugs, are often many times stronger than drugs they imitate
Possible Effects Rapidly changing feelings, immediately and long after use
Chronic use may cause persistent problems, depression, violent behavior, anxiety, distorted perception of time
Large doses may cause convulsions, coma, heart/lung failure, ruptured blood vessels in the brain
May cause hallucinations, illusions, dizziness, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, loss of control
Delayed effects - "flashbacks" may occur long after use
Designer drugs - one use may cause irreversible brain damage
Symptoms of Overdose Longer, more intense "trip" episodes, psychosis, coma, death
Withdrawal Syndrome No known withdrawal syndrome
Indications of Possible
Misuse Extreme changes in behavior and mood; person may sit or recline in a trance-like state; person may appear fearful
Chills, irregular breathing, sweating, trembling hands
Changes in sense of light, hearing, touch, smell, and time
Increase in blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar
*Phencyclidine analogs, Amphetamine vaiants
Hallucinogens
Types:
* LSD (Acid, Red/Green Dragon
* Ecstacy (designer drug)
* PCP (Angel Dust, Loveboat)
* PCP & Cocaine (Beam me up Scottie)
* Mescaline
* Psilocybin
You probably know why hallucinogens are abused -
* Fun
* Stimulation or depression
* Behavorial changes
But did you know that
* One use of LSD or PCP can cause multiple and dramatic behavioral changes.
* Large doses of hallucinogens may cause convulsions, ruptured blood vessels in the brain and irreversible brain damage.
* Many hallucinogens cause unpleasant and potentially dangerous "flashbacks," long after the drug was used.
* Most hallucinogens cause "hallucinations," i.e., changes in perception of time, smell, touch, etc.
Cannabis
Drug Dependence How Used Duration Physical/Psychological (hours)
Marijuana Unknown/Moderate Smoked, oral
pot, grass 2-4
Tetrahydro-
cannabinol Unknown/Moderate Smoked, oral 2-4
Hashish Unknown/Moderate Smoked, oral 2-4
Hashish Oil Unknown/Moderate Smoked, oral 2-4
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What is Cannabis? Hemp plant from which marijuana and hashish are produced;
Hashish consists of resinous secretions of the cannabis plant;
Marijuana is a tobacco-like substance
Possible Effects Euphoria followed by relaxation; loss of appetite; impaired memory, concentration, knowledge retention; loss of coordination; more vivd sense of taste, sight, smell, hearing; stronger doses cause fluctuating emotions, fragmentary thoughts, disoriented behavior, psychosis; may cause irritation to lungs, respiratory system; may cause cancer
Symptoms of Overdose Fatigue, lack of coordination, paranoia, psychosis
Withdrawal Syndrome Insomnia, hyperactivity, sometimes decreased appetite
Indications of Possible
Misuse Animated behavior, loud talking, followed by sleepiness
Dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes
Distortions in perception; hallucinations
Distortions in depth and time perception; loss of coordination
Marijuana
Also known as:
Pot, Grass, Joints, Roaches, Reefer, Weed, Mary Jane
You probably know why marijuana is abused--
* Relaxation
* Euphoria
But did you know that-
* Marijuana may cause impaired short-term memory, a shortened attention span and delayed reflexes.
* During pregnancy, marijuana may cause birth defects.
* Marijuana may cause a fast heart rate and pulse.
* Repeated use of marijuana may cause breathing problems.
* Possession of marijuana is illegal in all fifty states.
* Marijuana may cause relaxed inhibitions, disoriented behavior.
Alcohol
Drug Dependence How Used Duration Physical/Psychological (hours)
Ethyl Alcohol Possible/Possible Oral 1-4
Ethanol Possible/Possible Oral 1-4
What is Alcohol?
Liquid distilled product of fermented fruits, grains and vegetables
Used as solvent, antiseptic and sedative
Moderate potential for abuse
Possible Effects Intoxication
Sensory alteration
Anxiety reduction
Symptoms of Overdose Staggering
Odor of alcohol on breath
Loss of coordination
Slurred speech, dilated pupils
Fetal alcohol syndrome (in babies)
Nerve and liver damage
Withdrawal Syndrome Sweating
Tremors
Altered perception
Psychosis, fear, auditory hallucinations
Indications of Possible
Misuse Confusion, disorientation, loss of motor nerve control
Convulsions, shock, shallow respiration
Involuntary defecation, drowsiness
Respiratory depression and possible death
Alcohol
Also known as:
Booze, Juice, Brew, Vino, Sauce
You probably know why alcohol is abused--
* Relaxation
* Sociability
* Cheap High
But did you know that-
* Alcohol is a depressant that decreases the responses of the central nervous system.
* Excessive drinking can cause liver damage and psychotic behavior.
* As little as two beers or drinks can impair coordination and thinking.
* Alcohol is often used by substance abusers to enhance the effects of other drugs.
* Alcohol continues to be the most frequently abused substance among young adults.
Steroids
Drug Dependence How Used Duration Physical/Psychological (hours)
Dianabol Possible/Possible Oral days - wks
Nandrolone Possible/Possible Oral days - wks
What are Steroids?
Synthetic compounds available legally and illegally
Drugs that are closely related to the male sex hormone, testosterone
Moderate potential for abuse, particularly among young males
Possible Effects Increase in body weight
Increase in muscle strength
Enhance athletic performance
Increase physical endurance
Symptoms of Overdose Quick weight and muscle gains
Extremely aggressive behavior or "Roid rage"
Severe skin rashes
Impotence, withered testicles
In females, development of irreversible masculine traits
Withdrawal Syndrome Significant weight loss
Depression
Behavioral changes
Trembling
Indications of Possible
Misuse Increased combativeness and aggressiveness
Jaundice
Purple or red spots on body; unexplained darkness of skin
Persistent unpleasant breath odor
Swelling of feet or lower legs
Steroids
Three types of steroids:
* Anabolic (male hormone)- steroids most frequently abused
* Cortical
* Estrogenic (female hormone)
You probably know why steroids are abused--
* Increase strenght
* Increase muscle size
* Help muscles recover
But did you know that abuse of steroids may cause-
* Severe acne, rashes, stunted growth
* Sexual function problems
* Women to take on masculine traits, develop hairiness
* Behavioral changes, aggressiveness ("roid rages")
* Long-term effects, such as cholesterol increases, heart disease, liver tumors, cancer, cataracts and death
