Drug Dangers

Alcohol: Alcohol is the drug in beverages such as beer, malt liquors, liquors, wine, and wine coolers. It is also found in many prescriptions and over the counter medications.
 

Cocaine/Crack:  Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug extracted from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Cocaine in its pure form is a white powder.

Ecstasy: Ecstasy is one of the most popular rave drugs. It is a stimulant that can cause hallucinations. It is usually sold in pill form and is often stamped with popular logos or cartoon caricatures. Some forms of ecstasy resemble children’s chewable vitamins.

GHB: GHB stands for gamma hydroxy butyrate. It is a central nervous system depressant. GHB can be used to alter drinks and could be dangerous to unsuspecting victims. GHB is usually an odorless, clear liquid with a slightly salty taste. It is sometimes found in powder form.

Hallucinogens:  They are drugs which primarily affect perception, sensation, thinking, self-awareness, and emotion. These drugs cause changes in time and space perception, delusions, and hallucinations. These effects may either be mild or overwhelming.

ICE:  “Ice” is a form of methamphetamine, a powerful synthetic stimulant. Methamphetamine is known in other forms as “speed” or “crystal meth.” The use of “ICE” is very dangerous because it enters the blood stream very quickly through the lungs.

Inhalants:  These are defined as a group of chemicals which evaporate easily and are abused by sniffing or inhaling. They cause a “high” when they are inhaled. Many of these are found in common household products which are not normally thought of as drugs.

Marijuana:  Marijuana is a plant found in many areas of the world. It is also known as “pot”, “grass” or “weed.” It contains a mind-altering substance “THC,” as well as hundreds of other chemicals. The amount of THC determines the effect on the user.

Methamphetamine:  Methamphetamine is a Synthetic amphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system; similar to MDMA. It is known as "Speed", "Ice", "Chalk", "Meth", "Crystal", "Crank", "Fire" and "Glass". Effects can be severe including behavior resembling paranoid schizophrenia, liver damage, stroke and death.

Narcotics:  These are drugs that relieve pain and often induce sleep. Some of these drugs are the opiates, which include opium and its derivatives, morphine, codeine and heroin. Narcotics also include certain drugs that have a morphine-like action, such as methadone.

PCP:  Phencyclidine is called PCP or “angel dust.” It is a drug with both hallucinogenic and depressant effects. It was first tried as a surgical anesthetic but caused unpleasant side effects.

Prescription Drugs:  Abuse of prescription drugs to get high has become increasingly prevalent among teens and young adults.

Rohypnol:  Rohypnol is the trade name of flunitrazepam, a benziodiazapine agonist drug with sedative effects. It is available by prescription to treat insomnia or for certain psychiatric treatment in some foreign countries, or under very limited conditions in the United States.

Sedatives:  Sedatives are drugs which depress the central nervous system. Sedatives are made in capsule or tablet form and they are most often taken orally. Some drugs which can be classified as sedatives are; alcohol, narcotics, PCP, barbiturates, nonbarbiturates, and benzodiazapines. Barbiturates or sleeping pills include Nembutal and Seconal. Slang names for these drugs are barbs, downers, and reds.

Steroids:  These steroids are synthetic compounds that resemble the male sex hormone testosterone. They are commonly known simply as “steroids.” The more technical term is “anabolic androgenic steroids.” “Anabolic” means building muscle or promoting growth.

Stimulants:  Stimulants are drugs which stimulate the central nervous system. They produce and increase in alertness and activity. Caffeine (found in coffee, cola, tea, and chocolate) and nicotine (found in tobacco products) are stimulants. Others are ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine. The strongest stimulants are cocaine, amphetamines, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate (Ritalin).
 
Tobacco:  Nicotine is the active drug in tobacco. It is a stimulant and affects the heart, circulation, and nervous system. Its immediate effects on the body are a faster heartbeat and increased blood pressure. Tobacco products include, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco and snuff.