Drugs

Stimulants:

• drugs whose effect on the central nervous system causes a rise in heart rate, blood pressure, and muscular tension

• caffeine, cocaine, nicotine, amphetamines (speed), meth

• positive uses: increased confidence, increased awareness and attentiveness, improves mood, relieves stress, sense of euphoria

• negative uses: decreases reaction time, decreases appetite, insomnia, temporarily increased heart rate, paranoia

• withdrawal symptoms: fatigue, depression, suicidal thoughts, irritability, severe headaches

• in severe cases: loss of libido, face/body picking, hallucinations, death

Depressants:

• drugs that slow down the nervous system

• alcohol, barbiturates, rohypnol (roofies)

• positive uses: reduces anxiety, sense of wellbeing, increased impulsiveness, loss of inhibition

• negative uses: poor judgment, may act aggressive, suicidal thoughts, dizziness, muscle relaxation, death

• withdrawal symptoms: weakness, hangover, vomiting, depression, seizures, death

Narcotics:

• drugs that increase relaxation and relieve pain and anxiety

  • heroin, morphine (derived from the opium plant)

  • codeine (found in couch medicines and painkillers)

  • fentanyl (used to treat severe pain like cancer)

  • methadone (a “step-down” drug for heroin addicts)

  • oxycontin and vicodin (used for moderate to severe pain)

• positive uses: reduces anxiety, reduces pain, heroin gives a 3-5 hour rush, sense of well-being and peacefulness

• negative uses: apathy increases, difficulty concentrating, slowed speech, decreased physical activity, drooling, itching, nausea, death

• withdrawal symptoms: vomiting, anxiety, tremors, panic, chills, sweating

Hallucinogens:

• a drug that is capable of producing hallucinations or changes to the perceptual process

  • cannabis, LSD, ecstasy

  • PCP (animal tranquilizer, embalming fluid)

  • Peyote (derived from a cactus plant and used in religious rituals by some Native Americans Tribes in the Southwest)

• positive uses: sense of euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite, feelings of peace (ecstasy)

• negative uses: disoriented behavior, vision and depth distortion

• withdrawal symptoms: insomnia, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression