Illegal Drugs Illegal drugs are very dangerous because they can cause damage to an individuals brain, heart,

and other important organs. For example, cocaine which is illegal can cause a heart attack the very first time it is used. Also, when a person uses drugs that are illegal they are less likely to do well in school, work, and other activities. They have a hard time thinking clearly and tend to make poor decisions. When an individual uses drugs they often do irrational things such as driving under the influence which can be harmful to themselves and others. People use illegal drugs for many different reasons. Often it is to fit in with their friends or just because they are curious. Over all, the underlying reason a person tries drugs is to escape from reality. If they are sad they take the drug to make them feel better for a short time until the drug wears off and then they find that the problem is still there. Taking drugs has never solved anyones problems, however, it often creates new ones. The user becomes dependent on the drugs and finds they are addicted to it. There are many different types of illegal drugs. They included: heroin, cocaine, crack, marijuana, ecstasy, and meth. We are going to discuss each of these drugs below. Illegal Drugs: Heroin Heroin belongs to a group of drugs called opiates. Opiates are strong pain killers and are classified as depressants because they slow down the functions of the central nervous system. Heroin can be injected, snorted, or smoked. It usually comes in powder form and in different colors. It is illegal to possess, manufacture, supply, import, or trade heroin. Heroin can produce nausea and vomiting, as well as constipation and itching. At higher doses, the pupils of the eyes narrow to pin-points, the skin becomes cold, and breathing becomes slower and shallower. Long term use of street opiates (heroin) and the associated lifestyle may result in damage to the veins, heart, and lungs. Women may experience irregular menstruation and possibly infertility, while men may experience impotence. Because heroin is usually injected, there is a particular risk for the user. Sharing injecting equipment - needles and syringes, spoons, sterile water, filters, alcohol swabs and tourniquets - greatly increases the risk of contracting diseases like tetanus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Illegal Drugs: Cocaine Cocaine is classified as a stimulant as it speeds up the nervous system. It is an addictive drug which comes from coca leaves or it is made synthetically and comes in the form of a white powder. Cocaine is highly addictive. The addiction can be almost immediate following the first use. Regular users almost always become addicted to cocaine. This addiction can cause problems with daily living including lying, stealing, flattened emotions, and problems with relationships. Cocaine is extremely dangerous and can cause death to the user. The effect of cocaine will depend on the amount taken, the quality, and the purity of the drug. Taking more of the drug may not increase the sensation, rather it increases the risk of overdose and negative health effects. Illegal Drugs: Crack "Crack" is the street name given to cocaine that has been processed from cocaine hydrochloride to a ready-to-use form for smoking. Rather than requiring the more dangerous method of processing cocaine using ether, crack cocaine is processed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water. It is then heated to remove the hydrochloride, thus producing a form of cocaine that can be smoked. The term "crack" refers to the crackling sound heard when the mixture is heated, presumably from the sodium bicarbonate. On the illicit market, crack, or "rock," is sold in small, inexpensive dosage units. Smoking this form of the drug delivers large quantities of cocaine to the lungs, producing effects comparable to intravenous injection. These effects are felt almost immediately after smoking, are very intense, and do not last long. Illegal Drugs: Marijuana Marijuana is primarily a depressant; however it may have hallucinogenic effects. Marijuana comes from the dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. The effects of marijuana will vary depending on the individual and the mood they are in. It will also depend on the strength and amount of the drug being used. In combination with other drugs or alcohol, the use of now much stronger hydroponically grown marijuana produces disturbing feelings of paranoia, hallucinations, and other symptoms of drug-induced psychosis. Drug use can lead to social and emotional problems that can affect a person's relationship with families and friends. For example, one of the effects of marijuana can be loss of inhibitions. This may lead to a person saying or doing something they would not normally do, or taking risks which may put them in danger. Marijuana can also make people less motivated.

Illegal Drugs: Ecstasy Ecstasy (also known as 'adam', 'e', 'm&m' or 'xtc') is a stimulant because it speeds up the functions of the central nervous system. Ecstasy is often mixed with a variety of different drugs, making it difficult for users to know what they are taking. It is dangerous to take other drugs in combination with ecstasy as little is known about these combinations. Using more than one drug also increases the risks of complications and serious side effects. It can lead to a number of serious physical and psychological problems. Ecstasy can produce a 'hangover' effect with symptoms including loss of appetite, insomnia, depression, or muscular aches. The effects of ecstasy vary from person to person depending on size, mood, gender, health, weight, personality, expectations of the drug, and previous experience with ecstasy. Illegal Drugs: Meth Meth is part of a group known as amphetamines. The effect of meth is that it stimulates the activity of certain chemicals in the users brain. Meth is classified as a stimulant drug. Meth bought on the streets is usually a white or yellow powder. Meth can be swallowed, injected, smoked or snorted. Use of any drug can damage your health. Meth is often of a very poor quality and a 'dirty' hit can make users sick. Of course the effects of meth will vary from person to person depending on mood, physical size, personality, gender, the way they use it, quality of the drug and previous history of use. The immediate effects last between two and five hours.

Drug Classifications, Health Risks of Illegal Drugs and Federal Penalties for Distribution of Illegal Drugs
Drugs CSA Schedule s Trade or Other Names Medical Uses Dependence Duratio Physical Usual n Psychologica Method (Hours) l Tolerance Possible Effects Effects of Overdose Withdrawa l Syndrome

Narcotics Substanc eI Diamorphine, Horse, Smack, Black tar, Chiva, Negra (black tar) MS-Contin, Roxanol, Oramorph SR, MSIR None in the U.S., Analgesic, Antitussive High High Yes High Analgesic High Yes High Analgesic High Yes High Hydromorphone Substanc e II Dilaudid Analgesic High Yes Roxicet, Oxycodone, w/Acetominophen Substanc , OxyContin, e II Endocet, Percocet, Percodan Acetominophen, Guaifenesin or Promethazine w/Codeine, Fiorinal, Fiorcet, or Tylenol w/Codiene High High Analgesic Yes 3-12 3-4 Watery eyes, runny Oral, Slow and nose, Euphoria, injected shallow yawning, drowsiness breathing, loss of , clammy appetite, respiratory, skin, irritability, depression, convulsions tremors, constricted Oral, , coma, panic, pupils, injected possible cramps, nausea death nausea, chills and sweating 3-6 Oral 3-12 Oral, injected 3-4 Injected , snorted, smoked

Heroin

Morphine

Substanc e II

Hydrocordone

Hydrocodone, Substanc w/Acetominophen e II, , Vicodin, Product Vicoprofen, III Tussionex, Lortab

Oxycodone

Moderate Moderate Analgesic, Antitussive Yes 3-4

Codeine

Substanc e II, Products III, V

Oral, injected

Other Narcotics

Fentanyl, Demerol, Substanc Analgesic, Methadone, e II, III, Antidiarrheal Darvon, Stadol, IV , Antitussive Talwin, Paregoric, Buprenex GHB, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Sodium Oxybate, Xyrem

High-Low High-Low Yes Oral, injected, Variable snorted, smoked

Depressants gamma Hydroxybutyri c Acid Sub I, Product III None in the U.S., Anesthetic Moderate Moderate Yes Moderate Moderate Yes 1-8 3-6 Slurred Shallow Anxiety, speech, respiration, insomnia, disclammy tremors, orientation, skin, dilted delirium, drunken pupils, convulsions, behavior weak and Oral, possible without rapid pulse, injected death odor of coma, Oral

Benzodiazepines

Valium, Xanax, Antianxiety, Sedative, Substanc Halcion, Ativan, Restoril, Rohypnol Antie IV (Roofies, R-2) convulsant,

Klonopin

Hypnotic, Muscle Relaxant Moderate Antianxiety, Sedative, Hypnotic Moderate 2-6 Yes Oral

Other Depressants

Substanc e I, II, III, IV

Ambien, Sonata, Meprobmate, Chloral Hydrate, Barbituates, Methaqualone (Quaalude) Coke, Flake, Snow, Crack, Coca, Blanca, Perico, Nieve, Soda Crank, Ice, Cristal, Krystal Meth, Speed, Adderall, Dexedrine, Desoxyn

alcohol, impaired memory of events, interacts with alcohol

possible death

Stimulants Possible Local Anesthetic High Yes Attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, weight control Possible High 2-4 Yes Oral, injected, smoked, snorted 1-2 Snorted, smoked, injected Increased Agitation, alertness, Apathy, excitation, increased euphoria, body tem- long periods perature, of sleep, increased halluirritability, pulse rate cinations, depression, & blood dispressure, convusions, possible orientation insomnia, death loss of appetite

Cocaine

Substanc e II

Amphetamine/ Methamphetamine

Sub II

Methylphenidate

Attention deficit/ Substanc Ritalin, Concerta, e II Focalin, Metadate hyperactivity disorder Adipex P, Appetite Substanc Ionamin, Prelu-2, suppression, e III, IV Didrex, Provigil Narcolepsy

Possible High Yes Possible Moderate Yes None 2-4 2-4

Oral, injected, smoked, snorted Oral, injected

Other Stimulants Hallucinogens

MDMA and Analogs

(Ecstasy, XTC, Adam), MDA Substanc (Love Drug), eI MDEA (Eve), MBDB, DOM, DOB Acid, Microdot, Sunshine, Boomers

Moderate None Yes 4-6

None None Unknown Yes Possible Anesthetic (Ketamine) High Yes None None None Possible 4-8 1-12 8-12

Heightened Increased senses, body temOral, teeth perature, snorted, grinding electrolyte smoked and dehydratio imbalance, cardiac n arrest Oral (LSD) Longer, more intensed "trip episodes" Unable to direct movement, to feel pain, or remember

Muscle aches, drowsiness, depression, acne

LSD

Substanc e II

Phencyclidine and Analogs

PCP, Angel Dust, Hog, Loveboat, Substanc Ketamine (Special e I, II, K), PCE, PCPy, III TCP Psilocybe mushrooms, Substanc Mescaline, Peyote Cactus, eI Ayahausca, DMT, Fory, AMT Pot, Grass, Sinsemilla, Blunts, Mota, Yerba, Grifa

Illusions Smoked and hallu, oral, cinations, injected, altered snorted perception of time and distance Oral

None

Other Hallucinogens

Drug seeking behavior *Not regulated

Cannabis Unknown None Moderate Yes Antinauseant, Appetite stimulant None Yes Moderate Yes Unknown Hashish and Hashish Oil Substanc eI Hash, Hash Oil Moderate Yes Anabolic Steroids Substanc e III Depo Testosterone, Sustanon, Sten, Cypt Parabolan, Winstrol, Equipose, Anadrol, Dianabol, Primabolin-Depo, D-Ball Unknown Hypogonadism Unknown Unknown Unknown Anemia, Breast cancer Yes Variable Unknown 14-28 days Injected Virilization, edema, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia, Oral, acne, injected aggressive behavior 2-4 2-4 2-4 Smoked , oral Euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, Smoked increased , oral appetite, disorientation Smoked , oral Fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis Occasional reports of insomnia, hyperactivity, decreased appetite Substanc eI Substanc e I, Product III

Marijuana

Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC, Marinol

Testosterone

Unknown

Possible depression

Other Anabolic Substanc Steroids e III

Inhalants Amyl and Butyl Nitrates Pearls, Poppers, Rush, Locker Room Laughing gas, balloons, Unknown Angina (Amyl) Unknown No Anesthetic Unknown Low 0.5 Inhaled 1 Inhaled Flushing, hypotension, headache Impaired memory, Methemoglobinemia Vomiting, resiratory

Agitation

Nitrous Oxide

Trembling, anxiety,

Whippets Adhesives, spray paint, hair spray, dry cleaning fluid, spot remover, lighter fluid Beer, wine, liquor

No Unknown None High No High 0.5-2 Inhaled

Other Inhalants

Alcohol

None

High Yes

1-3

Oral

slurred depression, insomnia, speech, loss of convitamin drunken sciousness, deficiency, behavior, possible confusion, slow onset death halluvitamin cinations, deficiency, convulsions organ damage

I. EXHIBIT 2 HEALTH RISKS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION The consumption of alcohol may cause a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms--including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at a greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics. Health Risks of Illegal Drugs

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES - USES AND EFFECTS

DRUGS CSA SCHEDULES

TRADE OR OTHER NAMES MEDICAL USES

DEPEND. Physical

DEPEND. Psycho.

Tolerance

Dur. Hours

Method of Admin.

NARCOTICS

Hydrocodone II III

Tussionex, Vicodin, Hycodan, Lorcet

Analgesic, antitussive

High

High

Yes

3-6

Oral

Morphine II

Duramorph, MS-Contin, Foxanol, Oramorph-SR

Analgesic

High

High

Yes

3-6

Oral, smoked, injected

Codeine II III V

Tylenol w/Codeine, Empirin w/Codeine, Robitussan A-C, Florinal w/Codeine, APAP w/Codeine

Analgesic, antitussive

Moderate

Moderate

Yes

3-6

Oral, injected

Heroin

Diacetylmorphine, Horse, Smack

None

High

High

Yes

3-6

Injected, sniffed, smoked

Hydromorphone II

Dilaudid

Analgesic

High

High

Yes

3-6

Oral, injected

Oxycodone II

Percodan, Percocet, Tylox, Roxicet, Roxicodone

Analgesic

High

High

Yes

4-5

Oral

Fentanyl & Analogs

Innovar, Sublimaze, Alfenta, Sufenta, Duragesic

Analgesic, Adjunct to Anesthesia, Anesthetic

High

High

Yes

10-12

Injected, transdermal patch

Medhadone & LAAM I II

Dolophine, Methadose, Levoalpha-Acetymethadol, Levomethadyl acetate

Analgesic, Treatment of dependence

High

High

Yes

12-72

Oral, injected

Other Narcotics II III IV V

Percodan, Percocet, Tylox, Opium, Darvon, Buprenorphine, Meperdine

Analgesic, antidiarrheal

High-Low

High-Low

Yes

Variable

Oral, injected

ANABOLICSTEROIDS

Testosterone (Cypionate, Enanthate) III

Depo-Testoterone, Delatestryl

Hypogonadism

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

12-28

Injected

Nandrolone (Decanoate, Phenproplonate) III

Nortestosterone, Durabolin, Deca-Durabolin, Deca

Anemia, breast cancer

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

14-21

Injection

Oxymetholone III

Anadrol-50

Anemia

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Oral

EXHIBIT 2 - Health Risks of Illegal Drugs (Continued)

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES - USES AND EFFECTS

DRUGS CSA SCHEDULES

TRADE OR OTHER NAMES MEDICAL USES

DEPEND. Physical

DEPEND. Psycho.

Tolerance

Dur. Hours

Method of Admin.

DEPRESSANTS

Chloral Hydrate IV

Noctec, Somnos, Felsules

Hypnotic

Moderate

Moderate

Yes

5-8

Oral

Barbiturates II III IV

Amytal, Florinal, Nembutal, Seconal, Tuinal, Phenobarbital, Pentobarbital

Anesthetic, anticonvulsant, sedative, hypnotic, veterinary euthanasia agent

High-Mod.

High-Mod.

Yes

5-8

Oral, injected

Benzodiazepines IV

Ativan, Dalmane, Diazepam, Librium, Xanax, Serax, Valium, Tranxene, Verstran, Versed, Halcion, Paxpam, Restoril

Antianxiety, sedative, anticonvulsant, hypnotic

Low

Low

Yes

4-8

Oral, injected

Glutethimide III

Doriden

Sedative, hypnotic

High

Moderate

Yes

4-8

Oral

Other Depressants I II III IV

Equanil, Miltown, Noludar, Placidyl, Valmid, Methaquatone

Antianxiety, sedative, hypnotic

Moderate

Moderate

Yes

4-8

Oral

STIMULANTS

Cocaine1 II

Coke, Flake, Snow, Crack

Local anesthetic

Possible

High

Yes

1-2

Sniffed, smoked, injected

Amphetamines/ Methamphetamine II

Biphetamine, Desoxyn, Dexedrine, Obetrol, Ice

Attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy, weight control

Possible

High

Yes

2-4

Oral, injected, smoked

Methylphenidate II

Ritalin

Attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy

Possible

High

Yes

2-4

Oral, injected

Other Stimulants I II III IV

Adipex, Didrex, Ionamin, Melfiat, Plegine, Captagon, Sanorex, Tenuate, Tepanil, Prelu-2, Preludin

Weight control

Possible

High

Yes

2-4

Oral, injected

HALLUCINOGENS

LSD I

Acid, Microdot

None

None

Unknown

Yes

8-12

Oral

Mescaline & Peyote I

Mescal, Buttons, Cactus

None

None

Unknown

Yes

8-12

Oral

Amphetamine Variants I

2-5-DMA, STP, MDA, MDMA, Ecstacy, DOM, DOB

None

Unknown

Unknown

Yes

Variable

Oral, injected

EXHIBIT 2 - Health Risks of Illegal Drugs (Continued)

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES - USES AND EFFECTS

DRUGS CSA SCHEDULES

TRADE OR OTHER NAMES MEDICAL USES

DEPEND. Physical

DEPEND. Psycho.

Tolerance

Dur. Hours

Method of Admin.

H A L L U C I N O G E N S (continued)

Phencyclidine and Analogs I II

PCE, PCPy, TCP PCP, Hog, Loveboat, Angel Dust

None

Unknown

High

Yes

Days

Oral, smoke

Other Hallucinogens I

Bufotenine, Ibogaine, DMT, DET, Psilocybin, Psilocyn

None

None

Unknown

Possible

Variable

Smoked, ora injected, sniffed

CANNABIS

Marijuana I

Pot, Acapulco Gold, Grass, Reefer, Sinsemilla, Thai Sticks

None

Unknown

Moderate

Yes

2-4

Smoked, ora

Tetrahydrocanabinol I II

THC, Marinol

Antinauseant

Unknown

Moderate

Yes

2-4

Smoked, ora

Hashish and Hashish Oil I

Hash, Hash Oil

None

Unknown

Moderate

Yes

2-4

Smoked, ora

Designated a narcotic under the CSA 2Not designated a narcotic under the CSA

ion, etc.)

Schedule 1: High Abuse, No Recognized Medical Use, Lack of Safety

y y y y y

Heroin LSD MDMA Marijuana Methaqualone

Schedule 2: High Abuse, Medical Utility, High Dependency Risk

y y y y y

Opium Morphine Coca Cocaine Methadone y Methamphetamine

Schedule 3: Lower Abuse, Medical Utility, Moderate Dependency Risk

y y y y y y

Amphetamine Barbiturate Valium Xanax Anabolic Steroids Codeine

Schedule 4: Limited Abuse, High Medical Utility, Limited Dependency Risk

y y y y

Chloral Hydrate Meprobamate Paraldehyde Phenobarbital

Schedule 5: Minor Problems

y

Typically includes preparations of the above drugs in limited amounts

Categorizing Varieties of Use:

Legal Status:
y y y

Some drugs are legal, some are not Some drugs are available only by prescription, some are OTC Cross-Cultural variation: Relativity of Situation

10 Most Abused Prescription Drugs

Hydrocodone Hydrocodone belongs to the class of drugs called opioids, which are used for pain control in individuals who have moderate to severe pain. Opioids can be taken by mouth, crushed and snorted or injected. A number of deaths have been reported with injection of drugs intended for slow release in the body such as OxyContin, which is a derivative of hydrocodone. Opioids may cause constipation and drowsiness and can depress the rate of breathing and lead to death.

Codeine Codeine is another opioid. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), codeine may cause respiratory depression and arrest, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation and coma. The Drug Enforcement Administration says codeine is the most widely used narcotic in medical treatment and is one of the starting materials used to develop hydrocodone. It is usually taken in pill form and can be found in combination with acetaminophen or aspirin or as a cough suppressant in liquid form. Fentanyl Fentanyl is a strong narcotic. The only legal prescription use is for pain control in people who have cancer. The danger with fentanyl is there is no margin for error when increasing the dose. The body develops a tolerance to the drug, so more of the medication is needed over time to get the same effect. Because of the low margin for error, increasing the dosage can be deadly. Fentanyl can be used as a skin patch, injected, smoked or snorted. Street names include China white, China girl, dance fever, murder 8 and Tango and Cash.

Morphine Morphine is another medication in the opioid family, used to treat moderate to severe pain. Side effects may include shallow breathing, seizure, confusion, dizziness or weakness and fainting. People taking morphine may also experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, memory problems, constipation and sleep problems. Valium Valium is the registered brand name of diazepam. It is an anti-anxiety drug that changes the chemical balance in the brain and is often prescribed for alcohol withdrawal, shakiness, agitation and muscle pain. According to Prescription Drug Abuse, it is very common and easy to obtain. The body builds up a tolerance over just one month. Symptoms of abuse depend upon how long and at what level the person has been using the drug. Xanax Xanax is used for anxiety disorders, panic disorders and anxiety caused by depression. Drinking alcohol with Xanax increases the effects of the alcohol. According to drugs.com, Xanax is habit forming and should never be prescribed for people with a history of abuse or addiction to prescription drugs. Side effects can include risk-taking behavior, depression, hyperactivity, light-headedness, seizures, muscle twitching, jaundice and less frequent urination. Ambien Ambien is a sleep medication used by people who have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Ambien is moderately psychologically and physically addictive. People can also develop a tolerance to this medication and may require help in stopping use. Lunesta Lunesta is a relatively new sleep aid that is a central nervous system depressant and a non-benzodiazepine. According to NIDA, it has a lower risk for abuse and addiction because of the method of action. However, any central nervous system depressant should not be mixed with other medications because the cumulative effect can slow the heart and respiration, which can be fatal. Ritalin Ritalin is a stimulant designed to increase alertness, attention and energy. It is commonly prescribed to children who have attention deficit disorder but is now a drug of choice among college students who are interested in staying up longer and studying harder. According to NIDA, the medication is usually taken orally, but people also dissolve it and inject the solution. However, it contains insoluble fillers that can block small blood vessels and cause tissue death. Adderall Adderall is another stimulant that gained national attention when the son of former Vice President Al Gore was arrested for possessing Adderall, marijuana, Xanax and Valium. Adderall is used to get a speedy high or "pull an allnighter" to study.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/81359-abused-prescription-drugs/#ixzz1TXEIpBca

What is drug abuse? Drug abuse, also called substance abuse or chemical abuse, is a disorder that is characterized by a destructive pattern of using a substance that leads to significant problems or distress. It affects more than 7% of people at some point in their lives. Teens are increasingly engaging in prescription drug abuse, particularly narcotics (which

are prescribed to relieve severe pain), and stimulant medications, which treat conditions like attention deficit disorder. What is drug addiction? Drug addiction, also called substance dependence or chemical dependency, is a disease that is characterized by a destructive pattern of drug abuse that leads to significant problems involving tolerance to or withdrawal from the substance, as well as other problems that use of the substance can cause for the sufferer, either socially or in terms of their work or school performance. More than 2.6% of people suffer from drug addiction at some time in their life. The term dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a drug-abuse or dependence issue in addition to a serious mental-health problem in an individual. Substance abuse or dependence unfortunately occurs quite commonly in people who also have severe mental illness. This is important given that people with a serious mental illness are far more at risk of engaging in violence, being incarcerated, or contracting infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Individuals with dual diagnosis are also at higher risk of being noncompliant with treatment. What types of drugs are commonly abused? Virtually any substance whose ingestion can result in a euphoric ("high") feeling can be abused. While many are aware of the abuse of legal substances like alcohol or illegal drugs like marijuana (in most states) and cocaine, less well known is the fact that inhalants like household cleaners are some of the most commonly abused substances. The following are many of the drugs and types of drugs that are commonly abused and/or result in dependence: Alcohol: Although legal, alcohol is a toxic substance, particularly to a developing fetus when a mother consumes this drug during pregnancy. Amphetamines: This group of drugs comes in many forms, from prescription medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall) to illegally manufactured drugs like methamphetamine ("meth"). Overdose of any of these substances can result in seizure and death. Anabolic steroids: A group of substances abused by bodybuilders and other athletes, this group of drugs can lead to terrible psychological effects like aggression and paranoia, as well as devastating long-term physical effects like infertility and organ failure. Caffeine: While it is consumed by many, coffee, tea and soda drinkers, when consumed in excess this substance can produce palpitations, insomnia, tremors and significant anxiety. Cannabis: More commonly called marijuana, the scientific name for cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In addition to the negative effects the drug itself can produce (for example, infertility, paranoia, lack of motivation), the fact that it is commonly mixed ("cut") with other substances so drug dealers can make more money selling the diluted substance or expose the user to more addictive drugs exposes the marijuana user to the dangers associated with those added substances. Examples of ingredients that marijuana is commonly cut with include baby powder, oregano, embalming fluid, PCP, opiates, and cocaine. Cocaine: A drug that tends to stimulate the nervous system, cocaine can be snorted in powder form, smoked when in the form of rocks (crack cocaine), or injected when made into a liquid. Ecstasy: Also called MDMA to denote its chemical composition (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), this drug tends to create a sense of euphoria and an expansive love or desire to nurture others. In overdose, it can increase body temperature to the point of being fatal. Hallucinogens: Examples include LSD and mescaline, as well as so-called naturally occurring hallucinogens like certain mushrooms, these drugs can be dangerous in their ability to alter the perceptions of the user. For example, a person who is intoxicated with a hallucinogen may perceive danger where there is none and to think that situations that are truly dangerous are not. Those misperceptions can result in dangerous behaviors (like jumping out of a window because the individual thinks they are riding on an elephant that can fly). Inhalants: One of the most commonly abused group of substances due to its accessibility, inhalants are usually contained in household cleaners, like ammonia, bleach, and other substances that emit fumes. Brain damage, even to the point of death, can result from using an inhalant just once or over the course of time, depending on the individual. Nicotine: The addictive substance found in cigarettes, nicotine is actually one of the most habit-forming substances that exists. In fact, nicotine addiction is often compared to the intense addictiveness associated with opiates like heroin. Opiates: This group is also called narcotics and includes drugs like heroine, codeine, Vicodin, Percocet, and Percodan. This group of substances sharply decrease the functioning of the nervous system. The lethality of

opiates is often the result of the abuser having to use increasingly higher amounts to achieve the same level of intoxication, ultimately to the point that the dose needed to get high is the same as the dose that is lethal for that individual by halting the person's breathing (respiratory arrest). Phencyclidine: Commonly referred to as PCP, this drug can cause the user to feel extremely paranoid, become quite aggressive and to have an unusual amount of physical strength. This can make the individual quite dangerous to others. Sedative, hypnotic, or antianxiety drugs: As these substances quell or depress the nervous system, they can cause death by respiratory arrest of the person who either uses these drugs in overdose or who mixes one or more of these drugs with another nervous system depressant drug (like alcohol or an opiate).