Now You Know

What Are The Bodily Effects Of Illegal Drugs?

CANNABIS (MARIJUANA): Greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and/or flowers of Canabis Sativa.

Acute Health Effects- Heightened sensory perception; euphoria, followed by drowsiness/relaxation; impaired judgement, coordination, and balance; increased heart rate; increased appetite. Long Term Effects- May be a casual factor in schizophreniform disorders, and is associated with depression and anxiety. In Combination With Alcohol- Magnified tachycardia (abnormally fast heartbeat), and effect on blood pressure; amplified impairment of cognitive, psychomotor, and driving performance. Withdrawal Symptoms- Irritability, difficulty sleeping, strange nightmares, craving and anxiety.

COCAINE: White, crystalline powder that can be snorted, injected, or smoked.

Acute Health Effects- Dilated pupils; increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure; nausea; increased energy, alertness; euphoria; decreased appetite and sleep. In high doses- erratic, violent behavior; panic attacks. Long Term Effects- Addiction, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, paranoia, panic attacks, mood disturbances, insomnia, nasal damage and difficulty swallowing due to snorting, GI problems, HIV. With Alcohol- Greater risk of overdose and sudden death. Withdrawal Symptoms- Depression, fatigue, increased appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, vivid & unpleasant dreams, psychomotor retardation or agitation.

PRESCRIBED STIMULANTS (ABUSE): Amphetamine [Dexedrine, Adderall], Methylphenidate [Ritalin, Concerta].

Acute Health Effects- Increased alertness, attention, energy; irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperature, potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures. Long Term Effects- Anxiety, hostility, paranoia, psychosis, addiction. With Alcohol- Increases risk of alcohol OD. Withdrawal Symptoms- Depression, fatigue, increased appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, vivid and unpleasant dreams, psychomotor retardation or agitation.

METHAMPHETAMINE: White, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that is easily dissolved in water or alcohol; can be ingested orally, intranasally, injected, or smoked.

Acute Health Effects- Enhanced mood, increased headrest's, blood pressure, body temperature, energy, and activity; decreased appetite, dry mouth, increased sexuality, jaw clenching. Long Term Effects- Addiction, memory loss, weight loss, impaired cognition, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, confusion, paranoia, aggression, mood disturbances, hallucinations, violent behavior, liver, kidney, and lung damage, severe dental problems, cardiac and neurological damage, HIV, and hepatitis. Withdrawal Symptoms- Depression, anxiety, fatigue, and intense craving for the drug.

INHALANTS: Volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, nitrites.

Acute Health Effects- Confusion, nausea, spurred speech, lack of coordination, euphoria, dizziness, drowsiness, disinhibition, lightheadedness, hallucinations/delusions, headaches, suffocation, convulsions/seizures, hypoxia, heart failure, coma, sudden sniffing death (butane, propane, and other chemicals in aerosols). [Nitrites- systemic vasodilations, increased heart rate, brief sensation of heat and excitement, dizziness, headache.] Long Term Effects- Muslim breakdown leading to muscle spasms, tremors, and possible permanent motor impairment, liver/kidney damage. [Nitrites- HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis, lipoid pneumonia.] With Alcohol- Nitrites- increased risk of adverse cardiovascular effects. Withdrawal Symptoms- Irritability, restlessness, insomnia, headaches, poor concentration.

PRESCRIBED SEDATIVES, SLEEPING PILLS, OR ANXIOLYTICS (ABUSE): Central nervous system suppressants include barbiturates (like Nembutal) and benzodiazepines (like Valium, Xanax).