Health Risks of Commonly Abused Substances

Substance

Nicknames/Slang Terms

Short Term

Effects

Long Term Effects

Alcohol

 

slurred speech, drowsiness,

headaches,

impaired judgment,

decreased perception and coordination, distorted vision and hearing ,

vomiting,

breathing difficulties,

unconsciousness,

coma,

blackouts,

toxic psychosis, physical dependence, neurological and liver damage, fetal alcohol syndrome, vitamin B1 deficiency, sexual problems, cancer, physical dependence

Amphetamines

uppers, speed, meth, crack, crystal, ice, pep pills

increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, dry mouth, loss of appetite, restlessness, irritability, anxiety

delusions, hallucinations, heart problems, hypertension, irritability, insomnia, toxic psychosis, physical dependence

Barbiturates and Tranquilizers

barbs, bluebirds, blues, yellow jackets, red devils, roofies, rohypnol, ruffies, tranqs, mickey, flying v's

slurred speech, muscle relaxation, dizziness, decreased motor control

severe withdrawal symptoms, possible convulsions, toxic psychosis, depression, physical dependence

Cocaine

coke, cracks, snow, powder, blow, rock

loss of appetite

increased blood pressure and heart rate, contracted blood vessels, nausea,

hyper-stimulation anxiety, paranoia, increased hostility

Increased rate of breathing, muscle spasms and convulsions.

dilated pupils

disturbed sleep,

depression, weight loss, high blood pressure, seizure, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, hallucinations, psychosis, chronic cough, nasal passage injury, kidney, liver and lung damage

Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate

GHB, liquid B, liquid X, liquid ecstasy, G, georgia homeboy, grievous bodily harm

euphoria, decreased inhibitions, drowsiness, sleep,  decreased body temperature, decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure

memory loss, depression, severe withdrawal symptoms, physical dependence, psychological dependence

Heroin

H, junk, smack, horse, skag

euphoria, flushing of the skin, dry mouth, “heavy” arms and legs, slowed breathing, muscular weakness

constipation, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakening of the immune system,

respiratory (breathing) illnesses,

muscular weakness, partial paralysis, coma, physical dependence, psychological dependence

Ketamine

K, super K, special K

dream-like states, hallucinations, impaired attention and memory, delirium, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression

Urinary tract and bladder problems, abdominal pain, major convulsions, muscle rigidity , increased confusion, increased depression, physical dependence, psychological dependence

LSD

acid, stamps, dots, blotter, A-bombs

dilated pupils, change in body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, sweating, chills, loss of appetite, decreased sleep, tremors, changes in visual acuity, mood changes

may intensify existing psychosis, panic reactions, can interfere with psychological adjustment and social functioning, insomnia, physical dependence, psychological dependence

MDMA

ecstasy, XTC, adam, X, rolls, pills

impaired judgment, confusion, confusion, blurred vision,  teeth clenching, depression,

anxiety, paranoia, sleep problems, muscle tension

 

same as LSD, sleeplessness, nausea, confusion, increased blood pressure, sweating , depression, anxiety, memory loss

 kidney failure, cardiovascular problems, convulsions

death, physical dependence, psychological dependence

Marijuana/Cannabis

pot, grass, dope, weed, joint, bud, reefer, doobie, roach

sensory distortion, poor coordination of movement

slowed reaction time,

panic, anxiety

 

bronchitis, conjunctivas, lethargy, shortened attention span, suppressed immune system, personality changes, cancer, psychological dependence, physical dependence possible for some

Mescaline

peyote cactus

nausea, vomiting, anxiety, delirium, hallucinations, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature,

lasting physical and mental trauma, intensified existing psychosis, psychological dependence

Morphine/Opiates

M, morf, duramorph, Miss Emma, monkey, roxanol, white stuff

euphoria, increased  body temperature, dry mouth, “heavy” feeling in arms and legs

constipation, loss of appetite

collapsed veins, heart infections, liver disease, depressed respiration, pneumonia  and other pulmonary complications, physical dependence, psychological dependence

PCP

crystal, tea, angel dust, embalming fluid, killer weed, rocket fuel, supergrass, wack, ozone

shallow breathing, flushing, profuse sweating, numbness in arms and legs, decreased muscular coordination, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, delusions, paranoia, disordered thinking

memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, depression, weight loss, psychotic behavior, violent acts, psychosis, physical dependence, psychological dependence

Psilocybin

mushrooms, magic mushrooms, shrooms, caps,  psilocybin & psilocyn

nausea, distorted perceptions, nervousness, paranoia,

confusion, memory loss, shortened attention span, flashbacks may intensify existing psychosis,

Steroids

roids, juice

increased lean muscle mass, increased strength, acne, oily skin, excess hair growth, high blood pressure

Cholesterol imbalance, anger management problems, masculinization or women, breast enlargement in men, premature fusion of long bones preventing attainment of normal height, atrophy of reproductive organs, impotence, reduced fertility, stroke, hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver damage, psychological dependence