How it is used:
rolled up and smoked as a joint or in a pipe,
mixed into food or brewed in tea, can also be turned into an oil that can be smoked which is called "dabs."
Classification:
Marijuana can be classified as depressant, stimulant
and hallucinogen.
Routes of Administration
Orally
Inhalation
Topically with cream
Effects:
An individual usually feels the effects
between 30 minutes to an hour, they have altered senses,
changes in mood, impaired memory and movement, and if
taken at a high enough dose they can experience hallucinations.
Street Names
Grass
Green
Pot
Weed
Mary Jane
Bud
Flower
Common Forms
Dried flowers of cannabis plant
Wax form used for smoking
Can be mixed with food or topical creams
Short-term & Long-term Concerns
Short-term: users can experience short-term problems with memory, attention, and learning.
Long-term: users can experience affect in their brain development, may reduce learning and memory functions, and these changes can be permanent.
Classification:
Stimulant
Routes of Administration
orally through beverages, food and pills
Street Names
Joe
Go juice
Brew
Common Forms:
Soda, Energy drinks, Food, Pills,
Coffee, Tea
Soda
Energy drinks
Coffee
Tea
Java
Pills
Food
Effects:
After ingestion of caffeine, CNS is stimulated. Can help
individuals be more awake and alert. Caffeine increases heart
rate, body temperature, increased blood flow to extremities.
Short-term & Long-term concerns
Short-term: not a danger unless ingestion of excessive amounts.
Long-term: overdose, insomnia, irritability, dependence and then withdrawal symptoms, muscle tremors, poor appetite, and dizziness.
How it is used:
Caffeine is used as a stimulant, and
most commonly in coffee and energy drinks to help
keep people awake.
Classification:
Is classified as a stimulant
Routes of Administration:
Intravenous
Orally
Inhalation
Street Names:
Crystal
Crank
Ice
Speed
Subtopic
Common Forms
Crystalline powder
Pills
Wax oil base
Effects:
Euphoric rush
Hyperactivity
Stimulates Nervous System
Effects can be felt within seconds-minutes depending on route of administration
Short & Long Term Concerns:
Short-term: aggression, appetite loss, weight loss, inability to sleep, heartbeat abnormalities.
Long-term: hair loss, malnutrition, depression, cardiac arrhythmia, deterioration of oral health, central nervous system hyperactivity and tics.
How it is used:
Meth is used as a stimulant as it produces an euphoric rush that is very addictive.
Classification:
Inhalants are a depressant.
Routes of Administration:
Inhalation
Street Names
Whippets
Bolt
Snappers
Blast
Common Forms
Aerosols
Hair Spray
Air Freshner
Helium
Nitrous Oxide containers: whipped cream cans
Glue
Gasoline
Spray Paint
Effects: After inhalation users will experience a sense of euphoria and a 'head high". Effects can be felt almost instantly.
Short & Long Term Concerns:
Short-term: dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, lethargy, general muscle weakness, and increased heart rate.
Long-Term: impaired judgement, belligerence, and impaired functioning in school and social situations.
How it is used:
Users experience a head high after inhalation of aerosols or everyday items such as gasoline or hair spray.
Classification:
Alcohol is classified as a depressant.
Routes of Administration
Orally
Street Names
Booze
Hooch
Shine
Juice
Kool aid
Common Forms
Vodka
Tequila
Beer
Wine
Whiskey
Hard ciders
Gin
Hard seltzers
Effects:
After ingestion of alcohol, an individual
can experience delayed reaction times,
drowsiness, slurred speech, and impairment of motor skills. Depending on the amount of alcohol ingested, the individual will first experience a 'buzz' and then with an increase in consumption will experience the drunk feeling that will intensify the effects.
Short-term & Long-term concerns
Short-term:
Anemia (loss of red blood cells), distorted vision and hearing, blackouts, vomiting, unconsciousness.
Long-term:
alcohol poisoning, high blood pressure, liver disease, nerve damage, damage to the brain, ulcers, malnutrition, gastritis, as well as an increased chance of relational problems.
How it is used:
Alcohol is used as a liquid beverage for most
individuals to help 'loosen up' or unwind. This is
counterproductive though because with enough alcohol
consumption it will produce it's depressant effect.
Classification:
Stimulant
Routes of Administration
Inhalation of smoke
Smokeless forms i.e chew
Street Names
Snuff
Butt
Crop
Bone
Common Forms
Cigarettes
Cigars
Chewing tobacco
Moist snuff
Hookah
Effects:
increased stimulation of brain activity,
increased alertness and concentration,
feelings of relaxation, decreased blood pressure
Short-term & Long-term concerns
Short-term: addiction to nicotine, asthma,
chronic cough, bad breath, tooth decay, receding gums
Long-term: cancers related to mouth, throat, lungs. COPD,
increased risk cardiovascular disease and stroke.
How it is used:
Tobacco is used as a stimulant
and for the feeling of relaxation.
Classification:
Opioids are classified as a stimulant.
Routes of Administration:
Intravenous
Orally
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular
Street Names:
TNT
Smack
Oxy
Percs
H
Black Tar
Brown Sugar
Common Forms
Prescription Drugs
Heroin
Pain relievers such as oxycodone & morphine
Effects:
When taking an opioid it turns off the inhibitory neurons for dopamine that regulate dopamine secretion in the brain, this produces a euphoric feeling that comes with relief and calmness.
Short & Long Term Concerns:
Short-Term:
drowsiness, slowed breathing,
constipation, unconsciousness, nausea,
coma.
Long-Term:
physical dependence and addiction,
withdrawal symptoms can occur if use stops, To regain balance in the brain, the inhibitory neurons work extra hard and harder for the dopamine neurons to release dopamine, so an individual will take more of the opioids to produce the euphoric feeling.
How it is Used:
Opioids in the practical sense are used as pain relievers
such as after an individual receives surgery. When they are misused they are used to produce a euphoric feeling for the user.
Classification: Hallucinogen
Routes of Administration:
Intravenous
Sublingual
Orally
Inhalation
Street Names:
Weed
Sugar
Acid
Trip
K
Angel Dust
Special K
Shrooms
Common Forms
Mushrooms
Acid
LSD
DMT
MDMA
PCP
Marijuana
Effects:
After ingestion of a psychedelic a
user will experience an increased
blood pressure, heart rate, and body
temperature. They also experience loss of
appetite, dry mouth, and sweating. Hallucinations can
include seeing, hearing, colors, smelling or touching in a
distorted way.
Short & Long Term Concerns:
Short Term:
Visual disturbances, hallucinations,
changes in sense of perception or time,
nausea, mixed senses.
Long Term:
Long-term effects can include
tolerance. Hallucinogens can develop
tolerance faster than other drugs, but
typically do not present physical withdrawal
symptoms when use is stopped.
Persistent Psychosis & Flashbacks:
More serious long-term effects, persistent psychosis
includes visual disturbances, disorganized thinking,
and paranoia.
Flashbacks include hallucinations, and more vivid visual
disturbances.
How it is used:
Psychedelics are used primarily
recreationally to change or enhance sensory
perceptions. They are also used in psychotherapy
for psychological research and treatment.