Health Risks

Substance

Some Possible Long-Term Effects

Alcohol

toxic psychosis, physical dependence, neurological and liver damage, fetal alcohol syndrome, impaired judgment

Amphetamines
uppers, speed, crank

loss of appetite, delusions, hallucinations, heart problems, hypertension, irritability, insomnia, toxic psychosis, rebound depression

Barbiturates
barbs, bluebirds, blues

severe withdrawal symptoms, possible convulsions, toxic psychosis, depression, physical dependence, impaired judgment

Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Dalmane, Rohypnol) benzos, downers, sleepers, tranqs, roofies

impaired judgment, sedation, panic reaction, seizures, psychological dependence, physical dependence

Cocaine & Cocaine freebase
coke

loss of appetite, depression, weight loss, seizure, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, psychosis, chronic cough, nasal passage injury, hallucinations

Codeine

physical dependence, constipation, loss of appetite, lethargy, respiratory depression

Heroin
H, junk, smack

physical dependence, constipation, loss of appetite, lethargy, respiratory depression

Inhalants
ames, gas, laughing gas, poppers, snappers

psychological dependence, psychotic reactions, confusion, frozen airway, sudden death

LSD
acid

may intensify existing psychosis, panic reactions, can interfere with psychological adjustment and social functioning, insomnia, flashbacks

MDA, MDMA, MOMA
ecstacy, xtc

same as LSD, sleeplessness, nausea, confusion, increased blood pressure,sweating, paranoia

Marijuana (cannabis)
pot, grass, dope, weed, joints

bronchitis, conjunctivitis, mood swings, paranoia, lethargy, impaired concentration

Mescaline (peyote cactus)
mesc, peyote

may intensify existing psychosis, hallucinations at high dose

Methaqualone
ludes

coma, convulsions

Morphine
M, morf

physical dependence, constipation, loss of appetite, lethargy

PCP
crystal, tea, angel dust

psychotic behavior, violent acts, psychosis, hallucinations at high dose

Psilocybin
magic mushrooms, shrooms

may intensify existing psychosis

Steroids
roids, juice

cholesterol imbalance, acne, baldness, anger management problems, masculinization of women, breast enlargement in men, premature fusion of long bones preventing attainment of normal height, atrophy of reproductive organs, impotence, reduced fertility, stroke, hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver damage, depression