Different Types of Drugs

Cannabinoids: Hashish, Marijuana

•          How Consumed: Swallowed, smoked

•          Effects: Euphoria, slowed thinking, confusion, impaired balance and coordination

•          Consequences of long term use: Cough, frequent respiratory infections, impaired memory, increased heart rate, anxiety, panic attacks

Depressants

•          Depressants: Barbiturates, benzodiazepines

•          How Consumed: Swallowed, injected

•          Effects: Reduced anxiety, feeling of well-being, slow pulse and breathing, low blood pressure, poor concentration 

•          Consequences of long term use: Fatigue, confusion, impaired memory & judgment, respiratory depression and death

Anesthetics

•          Anesthetics: Ketamine

•          How Consumed: Injected, swallowed, smoked

•          Effects: Increased heart rate and blood pressure, impaired motor function, panic, aggression

•          Consequences of long term use: Memory loss, numbness, nausea/vomiting, depression

Hallucinogens

•          Hallucinogens: LSD

•          How Consumed: Swallowed, smoked

•          Effects: Increased body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, numbness, weakness, tremors, nausea

•          Consequences of long term use : Persisting perception disorder

Opiods

•          Opiods: Codeine, heroin, morphine, opium

•          How Consumed: Injected, swallowed, smoked

•          Effects:  Pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness

•          Consequences of long term use: Nausea, constipation, confusion, sedation, respiratory depression and arrest, unconsciousness, coma, death

Stimulants

•          Stimulants: Amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine

•          How Consumed: Injected, smoked, swallowed

•          Effects: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, metabolism, feelings of exhilaration, energy, increased mental alertness

•          Consequences of long term use : Rapid or irregular heart beat, reduced appetite, weight loss, heart failure, nervousness, insomnia

Other

Steroid: Injected, swallowed, applied to skin

Hypertension, blood clotting and cholesterol changes, liver cysts and cancer, kidney cancer, hostility and aggression, acne, premature stoppage of growth, prostate cancer, reduced sperm production, shrunken testicles, breast enlargement, menstrual irregularities, development of beard and other masculine characteristics.

 Dextromethorphan

•          Swallowed

•          Distorted visual perceptions, memory loss, numbness, nausea/vomiting

Alcohol

•          How Consumed: Swallowed

•          Effects: It is an addictive agent that

                depresses the central nervous system.

•          Consequences of long term use: Alcohol is  cumulatively poisonous and damages many organs of the body when  used excessively (including the brain, liver, and heart). Chronic, heavy use of alcohol may lead to irreversible physical and neurological damage.