This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network.

*Cocaine, while classified under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as a narcotic, is also discussed as a stimulant.

Return to Top

Drug Category Profile

Narcotics

Return to Top

Drug Category Profile

Depressants

Return to Top

Drug Category Profile

Stimulants

*Cocaine, while classified under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as a narcotic, is also discussed as a stimulant.

Return to Top

Substances of Abuse - Brief Profiles

Cocaine

Also known as:
Coke, Dust, Snow, Flake, Blow, Girl

You probably know why cocaine is abused -

• Carefree Feeling
• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• In control

But did you know that -

• A cocaine "high" lasts only about 5 to 20 minutes.
• Cocaine use may cause severe "mood swings" and irritability.
• You need more and more cocaine each time you want a "high.
• Cocaine increases your blood pressure and heart rate -
  particularly dangerous if you have a heart condition.
• One use can cause death!
• Possession and use are illegal and can result in fines and arrest.

Return to Top

Substances of Abuse - Brief Profiles

Crack

Also known as:
Crack, "Crack cocaine", Freebase rocks, Rock

You probably know why crack is abused -

• Quick high
• Power
• Euphoria

But did you know that -

• Crack is almost instantly addictive.
• One use could cause a fatal heart attack.
• Repeated use may cause insomnia, hallucinations, seizures, paranoia.
• The euphoric effects of crack last only a few minutes.
• Crack possession and use are illegal in all fifty states.
• There are more hospitalizations per year resulting from crack and
  cocaine use than any other illicit substance.

Return to Top

Substances of Abuse - Brief Profiles

Ice

Also known as:
Meth, Crystal, Crank, Methamphetamine

You probably know why ice is abused -

• Temporary mood elevation
• Exhilaration (high)
• Increased mental alertness
• Upper-increase wakefulness

But did you know that -

• Ice is extremely addictive - sometimes with just one use!
• Ice can cause convulsions, heart irregularities, high blood pressure, depression, restlessness, tremors, severe fatigue.
• An overdose can cause coma and death
• When you stop using ice you may experience a deep depression.
• Ice causes a very jittery high, along with anxiety, insomnia, sometimes paranoia.

Return to Top

Substances of Abuse - Brief Profiles

Inhalants

Some of the substances that are abused:

• Butyl nitrite
• Amyl nitrite (Gas in aerosol cans)
• Gasoline and Toluene vapors (Correction fluid, glue, marking pens)

You probaly know why inhalants are abused -

• Cheap High
• Quick buzz
• Fun

But did you know that inhalants may cause -

• Loss of muscle control
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• Excessive secretions from the nose and watery eyes
• Brain damage and damage to lung cells

Return to Top

Drug Category Profile

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens

Types:

• LSD (Acid, Red/Green Dragon
• Ecstacy (designer drug)
• PCP (Angel Dust, Loveboat)
• PCP & Cocaine (Beam me up Scottie)
• Mescaline
• Psilocybin

You probably know why hallucinogens are abused -

• Fun
• Stimulation or depression
• Behavorial changes

But did you know that

• One use of LSD or PCP can cause multiple and dramatic behavioral changes.
• Large doses of hallucinogens may cause convulsions, ruptured blood vessels in the brain and irreversible brain damage.
• Many hallucinogens cause unpleasant and potentially dangerous "flashbacks," long after the drug was used.
• Most hallucinogens cause "hallucinations," i.e., changes in perception of time, smell, touch, etc.

Return to Top

Drug Category Profile

Cannabis

Return to Top

Substances of Abuse - Brief Profiles

Marijuana

Also known as:
Pot, Grass, Joints, Roaches, Reefer, Weed, Mary Jane

You probably know why marijuana is abused--

• Relaxation
• Euphoria

But did you know that-

• Marijuana may cause impaired short-term memory, a shortened attention span and delayed reflexes.
• During pregnancy, marijuana may cause birth defects.
• Marijuana may cause a fast heart rate and pulse.
• Repeated use of marijuana may cause breathing problems.
• Possession of marijuana is illegal in all fifty states.
• Marijuana may cause relaxed inhibitions, disoriented behavior.

Return to Top

Drug Category Profile

Alcohol

Alcohol

Also known as:
Booze, Juice, Brew, Vino, Sauce

You probably know why alcohol is abused--

• Relaxation
• Sociability
• Cheap High

But did you know that-

• Alcohol is a depressant that decreases the responses of the central nervous system.
• Excessive drinking can cause liver damage and psychotic behavior.
• As little as two beers or drinks can impair coordination and thinking.
• Alcohol is often used by substance abusers to enhance the effects of other drugs.
• Alcohol continues to be the most frequently abused substance among young adults.

Return to Top

Drug Category Profile

Steroids

---

Drug

Dependence Physical/Psychological

How Used

Duration (hours)

---

Dianabol	Possible	Oral	days - wks
Nandrolone	Possible	Oral	days - wks

---

What are Steroids?

Synthetic compounds available legally and illegally Drugs that are closely related to the male sex hormone, testosterone Moderate potential for abuse, particularly among young males

Possible Effects

Increase in body weight Increase in muscle strength Enhance athletic performance Increase physical endurance

Symptoms of Overdose

Quick weight and muscle gains Extremely aggressive behavior or "Roid rage" Severe skin rashes Impotence, withered testicles In females, development of irreversible masculine traits

Withdrawal Syndrome

Significant weight loss Depression Behavioral changes Trembling

Indications of Possible Misuse

Increased combativeness and aggressiveness Jaundice Purple or red spots on body; unexplained darkness of skin Persistent unpleasant breath odor Swelling of feet or lower legs

---

Steroids

Three types of steroids:

• Anabolic (male hormone)- steroids most frequently abused
• Cortical
• Estrogenic (female hormone)

You probably know why steroids are abused--

• Increase strenght
• Increase muscle size
• Help muscles recover

But did you know that abuse of steroids may cause-

• Severe acne, rashes, stunted growth
• Sexual function problems
• Women to take on masculine traits, develop hairiness
• Behavioral changes, aggressiveness ("roid rages")
• Long-term effects, such as cholesterol increases, heart disease, liver tumors, cancer, cataracts and death

Return to Top

U.S. Department of Labor,
"America in Jeopardy: The Young Employee and Drugs in the Workplace."
Appendix A & B