Drug Characteristics

Stimulants Speed Up all activities of the body because they stimulate the brain. Can cause hypertension Cause irritability Examples: Caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, speed, ecstasy, amphetamines

Depressants Slow down all activities of the body because they depress the brain Depressants put parts of the brain to sleep from front to the back. When a section of the brain is asleep, the functions that are controlled by that section are impaired. Can cause heart rate and breathing to slow down enough to cause death. Examples alcohol, GHB, rohypnol

Hallucinogens Distort a person’s perceptions so much that they cannot tell what’s real from what is not. People on hallucinogens may forget where they are or not be able to keep track of time. Examples: PCP, LSD/Acid, Mushrooms

Marijuana Organic drug that comes from the Indian Hemp plant. It is not certain whether marijuana is physically addictive, but people have been known to become psychologically dependent on it.

Marijuana Continued… The psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC. Effects of Marijuana: Depressive Stimulant Hallucinogenic Short Term memory loss One joint is equal in carcinogens to up to 5 cigarettes.

Inhalants Enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain immediately after they are inhaled. Cause dizziness and giddiness at first, followed by fainting, nausea, and irritability. Can freeze the alveoli and bronchi of the lungs and cause respiratory arrest. Examples: Paint Thinners, Free on, gasoline, Nitrous Oxide

Narcotics Drugs that have been derived from the Opium Poppy plant. Some are useful medicines because they can be pain relievers, narcotics are also the most physically addictive drugs. A narcotic that does not have medicinal purposes anymore is heroin

Narcotics Continued…. Since narcotics cause a fast tolerance to occur, people tend to use more of the substance at a time. Because of this, people run the constant risk of overdose on the drug. Large doses of narcotics can depress the nervous system and lead to a loss of consciousness, coma, and even death

Sedatives-Hypnotics Drugs that depress the body systems and cause drowsiness. Tranquilizers, sleeping pills, sedatives.

Sedatives-Hypnotics Barbiturates: prescribed preparations that relieve anxiety and insomnia –very addictive. Benzodiazepines: (minor tranquilizers) prescription medications for relieving minor anxiety and insomnia – not as powerful, but still addictive

Steroids There are more than 100 types of anabolic steroids which require prescriptions. Used through oral ingestion, injection, or rubbed on the skin in the form of creams or gels. Illicit anabolic steroids are often smuggled from Mexico or European countries to the United States. They can also be synthesized in a clandestine laborites within the United States.

Steroids Steroid abuse can cause acne, breast development in men, increased irritability and aggression, liver cancer, heart attack, and high cholesterol. Withdrawal symptoms can include mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, and depression which can persist for a year or more after the abuser stops the use.