Common Substances of Abuse
1. Alcohol - Alcohol is a depressant drug, produced by the fermentation of fruits, vegetables orgrains, that helps to lessen inhibitions and to relax.
Drugs: | Common Street Names | Effects: | Complication on Health: |
Alcohol. | Booze Liquor
Beer Cider Wine Fenny Arrack Kallu Toddy |
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Drugs: | Common Street Names | Effects: | Complication on Health: |
'Marijuana', or 'Marihuana' | Pot Weed Grass GanjaSkunk Hashish/Charas Hash oil Bhang Herb Reefer Boom Gangster | General- Mild impairment
Feelings of-
Tachycardia (increased heart rate) Alteration (Increase or decrease) in psychomotor activitiesTremors Lacrimation(crying) Reddening of Conjunctiva Dry mouth Increased appetite | General- No serious adverse complications yet associated Respiratory tract irritant
Psychiatric disorders
Toxic confusional states HysteriaA motivational syndrome Lethargy Apathy Loss of
Anergia |
3. Narcotics
Drugs: | Common Street Names | Effects: | Complication on Health |
Heroin Opium Morphine Pethidine Methadone | Diacetyl-morphine Brown sugar Dope Horse JunkSkag Skunk Smack White horse | General-
| General-
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4. Stimulants / Uppers - Stimulants, also known as Uppers or Speed, are a group ofdrugs that bring about feelings of increased alertness and physical activity, making the user seemingly less tired, mentally and physically
Drugs: | Common Street Names | Effects: | Complication on Health |
Crack Coke Blow Bump Candy Charlie Rock Snow Toot | General- Increased-
| General-
| |
Amphetamines | Biphetamine Dexedrine. Bennies Black--beauties Crosses. Hearts. Speed.Truck drivers. Uppers | In addition to the above: Users of amphetamines also exhibit-Feelings of-
Psychotic behavior | In addition to the above: Other complications with Amphetamines users-
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Methamphetaine | Desoxyn Chalk Crank Crystal Fire Glass Go fast Ice Meth | Above-mentioned general effects | In addition to the general complications-Other complications with Methamphetaine users-
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MDMA (Club drugs) | Ecstasy Adam Eve Clarity Lover's speed Peace STP X XTC | In addition to the general effects-Users of MDMA also exhibit- Increased-
Feelings of-
Positive mood states associated with-
| In addition to the general complications-Other complications with MDMA users are-
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5. Depressants / Downers - Depressants are substances thatsoothe the excitable nervous system by calming the nerves and relaxing the muscles.
Drugs: | Common Street Names | Effects: | Complication on Health: |
Benzodiazepanes | Xanax Downers Sleeping pills Tranquillizers Ativan Halcion Librium Valium Candy Tranks | General- Reduced-
Feeling of-
| General-
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Barbiturates | Amytal Nembutal Seconal Phenobarbital Barbs Reds Red birds Phennies Tooies Yellows Yellow jackets. | Above-mentioned general effects. | Other complications with Barbiturate users are-
Life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. |
6. Hallucinogens / Acids - Hallucinogens are drugs that affect a person's sense of perception, sensation, thinking, self-awareness, and emotions. These drugs are obtained either naturally, or like LSD, from synthetic sources.
Drugs: | Common Street Names | Effects: | Complication on Health: |
LSD(Lysergic acid diethyl-amide) | Psychedelics Acid Blotter Boomers Cubes Microdot Yellow sunshine | General- Altered states of-
Nausea Dilated pupilsIncreased-Body temperature. Heart rate. Blood pressure Loss of appetite Sleeplessness Numbness Weakness Tremors Persistent mental disorders-
| General-
|
7. Steroids - Steroids are man-made substances that are related to male sex hormones. They are useful for muscle building (Anabolic) and to increase masculine (androgenic) characteristics . Athletes aspiring to enhance their performances and individuals wishing to improve their physical appearances generally abuse steroids.
Drugs: | Common Street Names | Effects: | Complication on Health: |
Anabolic steroids | Anadrol Oxandrin Durabolin Depo-testosterone Equipoise Roids Juice | No intoxication effects | Hypertension Blood clotting and cholesterol changes Liver cysts Cancer of kidneys Hostility and aggression Acne In adolescents-
Males-
Females-
|
8. Volatile solvents / Inhalants - These are a wide range of chemical substances like petrol, spray paints, glues, laughing gas, which give off vapors or gas at room temperature, that can produce an intoxicating effect.
Drugs: | Common Street Names | Effects: | Complication on Health: |
Phencyclidine | Angel dust Boat Hog Love boat Peace pill | General- Increased-
Impaired motor function Possible decrease
Panic Aggression Violence | General- Memory lossNumbness Nausea Vomiting Loss of appetite Depression. |
Inhalants | Laughing gas Poppers Snappers. Whippets. Solvents-
Gases-
Nitrites-
| General-
| General- Unconsciousness. Cramps. Weight loss. Muscle weakness. Depression. Memory impairment. Damage to cardiovascular & nervous systems. Sudden death. |