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Alcohol Description
Alcohol Effects
Alcohol Statistics
Club Drugs Description
Club Drugs Effects
Club Drugs Street Names
Club Drugs Statistics
Cocaine Description
Cocaine Street Names
Cocaine Effects
Cocaine Statistics
Heroin Description
Heroin Street Names
Heroin Effects Heroin Statistics
Inhalants Description
Inhalants Street Names
Inhalants Effects
Inhalants Statistics
LSD Description
LSD Street Names
LSD Effects
LSD Statistics
Marijuana Description
Marijuana Street Names
Marijuana Effects
Marijuana Statistcs
MDMA (Ecstasy) Description
MDMA (Ecstasy) Street Names
MDMA (Ecstasy) Effects
MDMA (Ecstasy) Statistics
Methamphetamine Description
Methamphetamine Street Names
Methamphetamine Effects
Methamphetamine Statistics
PCP Description PCP Street Names PCP Effects PCP Statistics Prescription Medications Description Prescription Medications StreetNames Prescription Medications Effects
Prescription Medications Statistics Steroids Description Steroids Street Names Steroids Effects Steroids Statistics Tobacco Description Tobacco Effects Tobacco Statistics
Alcohol
Description: Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars and starches. It is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. A standard drink equals 0.6 ounces of pure ethanol, or 12 ounces of beer; 8 ounces of malt liquor; 5 ounces of wine; or 1.5 ounces (a "shot") of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, or whiskey). The National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) does not conduct research on alcohol; for more information please visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Effects: Alcohol affects every organ in the drinker's body and can damage a developing fetus. Intoxication can impair brain function and motor skills and heavy use can increase risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver disease. Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is a diagnosable disease characterized by a strong craving for alcohol and/or continued use despite harm or personal injury. Alcohol abuse, which can lead to alcoholism, is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one's health, interpersonal relationships or ability to work.
Statistics and Trends: In 2008, 51.6% of Americans age 12 and older had used alcohol at least once in the 30 days prior to being surveyed; 23.3% had binged (5+ drinks within 2 hours); and 23.3% drank heavily (5+ drinks on 5+ ocassions). In the 12-17 age range, 14.6% had consumed at least one drink in the 30 days prior to being surveyed; 8.8% had binged; and 2.0% drank heavily (Source National Survey on Drug Use and Health (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Admnistration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 15.9% of 8th graders, 28.8% of 10th graders, and 43.1% of 12th graders had consumed at least one drink in the 30 days prior to being surveyed, and 5.4% of 8th graders, 14.4% of 10th graders, and 27.6% of 12th graders had been drunk (Source: Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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Club Drugs
Description: Club drugs tend to be used by teenagers and young adults at bars, nighclubs, concerts, and parties. Club drugs include GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine and others. MDMA (Ecstacy), Methamphetamine and LSD (Acid), are considered club drugs and are covered in their individual drug summaries.
Street Names: Special K, Vitamin K, Jet (ketamine); G, Liquid Ecstacy, Soap (GHB); and Roofies (Rohypnol) (Source: More at Street Terms (Office of National Drug control Policy Web Site).
Effects: Club drugs have varying effects. Ketamine distorts perception and produces feelings of detachment from the environment and self, while GHB and Rohypnol are sedating. GHB abuse can cause seizures and lead to a coma. High doses of ketamine can cause delirium and amnesia. Tohypnol can incapacitate users and cause amnesia, and especially when mixed with alcohol, can be lethal.
Statistics and Trends: The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed the 0.5% of 8th graders, 0.4% of 10th graders and 1.3% of 12th graders had abused Rohypnol; 1.1% of 8th graders, 0.5% of 10th graders, and 1.2% of 12th graders had abused GHB; and 1.2% of 8th graders, 1.0% of 10th graders and 1.5% of 12th graders had abused ketamine at least once in the year prior to their being surveyed (Source: Source Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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Cocaine
Description: Cocaine is a powerful, addictive central nervous system stimulant that is snorted, injected, or smoked. Crack is cocaine hydrochloride powder that has been processed to form a rock crystal that is then usually smoked.
Street Names: Coke, Snow, Flake, and Blow (You can learn more at Street Terms - Office of National Drug Control Policy Web Site).
Effects: Cocaine usually makes the user feel euphoric and energetic, but it also increases body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. Users risk heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, seizures, abdominal pain, and nausea. In rare cases, sudden death can occur on the first use of cocaine or unexpectedly afterwards.
Statistics and Trends: In 2008, 5.3 million Americans age 12 and older had abused cocaine in any form and 1.1 million had abused crack at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA- funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 1.8% of 8th graders, 3.0% of 10th graders, and 4.4% of 12th graders had abused cocaine in any form and 1.1% of 8th graders, 1.3% of 10th graders, and 1.6% of 12th graders had abused crack at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Monitoring the Future - Universityof Michigan Web Site).
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Heroin
Description: Heroin is an addictive drug that is processed from morphine and usually appears as a white or brown powder or as black, sticky substance. It is injected, snorted, or smoked.
Street Names: Smack, H, SKA, Junk (You can learn more at Street Terms - Office of National Drug Control Policy Web Site).
Effects: Short-term effects of heroin include a surge of euphoria and clouded thinking followed by alternately wakeful and drowsy states. Heroin depresses breathing, thus, overdose can be fatal. Users who inject the drug risk infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Statistics and Trends: In 2008, 453,000 Americans age 12 and older had abused heroin at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: Source: Nationmal Survey on Drug Use and Health - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The Monitoring the Future Study in 2008 showed that 0.9% of 8th graders, 0.8% of 10th graders, and 0.7% of 12th graders had abused heroin at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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Inhalants
Description: Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that users intentionally inhale because of the chemicals' mind-altering effects. The substances inhaled are often common household products that contain volatile solvents, aerosols or gases.
Street Names: Whippets, Poppers and Snappers (You can learn more at: Street Terms - Office of National Drug Control Policy Web Site).
Effects: Most inhalants produce a rapid high that resembles alcohol intoxication. If sufficient amounts are inhaled, nearly all solvents and gases produce a loss of sensation, and even unconsiousness. Irreversible effects can be hearing loss, limb spasms, central nervous system or brain damage, or bone marrow damage. Sniffing high concentrations of inhalants may result in death from heart failure or suffocation.
Statistics and Trends:In 2008, 2 million Americans age 12 and older had abused inhalants (Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 8.9% of 8th graders, 5.9% of 10th graders, and 3.8% of 12th graders had abused inhalants at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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LSD (Acid)
Description: LSD can distort perceptions of reality and produce hallucinations; the effects can be frightening and can cause panic. It is sold as tablets, capsules, liquid, or an absorbent paper.
Street Names: Acid, Blotter, and Dots (You can learn more at: Street Terms - Office of National Drug Control Policy Web Site).
Effects: LSD produces unpredictable psychological effects, with "trips" lasting about 12 hours. With large enough doses, users experience delusions and hallucinations. Physical effects include increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure; sleeplessness; and loss of appetite.
Statistics and Trends: In 2008, 802,000 Americans age 12 and older had abused LSD at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 1.3% of 8th graders, 1.8% of 10th graders, and 2.7% of 12th graders had abused LSD at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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Marijuana
Description:Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the U.S. It is made up of dried parts of the Cannabis satriva hemp plant.
Street Names: Pot, Ganga, Weed, Grass, and 420 (Find more at: Street Terms - Office of National Drug Control Policy Web Site).
Effects: Short-term effects of marijuana use include euphoria, distorted perceptions, memory impairment and difficulty thinking and solving problems.
Statistics and Trends: In 2008, 25.8 million Americans age 12 and older had abused marijuana at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 10.9% of 8th graders, 23.9% of 10th graders, and 32.4% of 12th graders had abused marijuana at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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MDMA (Ecstasy)
Description: MDMA is taken orally as a capsule or tablet.
Street Names: XTC, X Adam, Hug, Beans, Love Drug (You can learn more at: Street Terms).
Effects: Short-term effects include feelings of mental stimulation, emotional warmth, enhanced sensory perception, and increased physical energy. Adverse health effects can include nausea, chills, sweating, teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision. MDMA can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature; on rare occasions, this can be lethal.
Statistics and Trends: In 2008, 2.1 million Americans age 12 and older had abused MDMA at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health). The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future study showed that 1.7% of 8th graders, 2.9% of 10th graders, and 4.3% of 12th graders had abused MDMA at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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Methamphetamine
 Description: Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that is closly related to amphetamine. It is long lasting and toxic to dopamine nerve terminals in the central nervous system. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder taken orally or by snorting or injecting rock "crystal" that is heated and smoked.
Street Names: Speed, Meth, Chalk, Ice, Crystal, Glass (You can learn more at Street Terms - Office of National Drug Control Policy Web Site).
Effects: Methamphetamine increases wakefulness and physical acticity, produces rapid, irregular hearbeat, and increased blood pressure and body temperature. Long-term use can lead to mood disturbances, violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and severe dental problems. All users, but particularly those who inject the drug, risk infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Statistics and Trends: In 2008, 850,000 Americans age 12 and older had abused methamphetamine at least once in the year prior to being surveyed Source: National Surcey on Drug Use and Health - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 1.2% of 8th graders, and 1.2% of 12th graders had abused methamphetamine at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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PCP/ Phencyclidine
Description: PCP is a synthetic drug sold as tablets, capsules, or white or colored powder. It can be snorted, smoked, or eaten. Developed in the 1950s as an IV anesthetic, PCP was never approved for human use because of problems during clinical studies since it produces intensely negative psychological effects.
Street Names: Angel Dust, Ozo, Wack, Rocket Fuel (You can learn more at Street Terms - Office of National Drug Control Policy Web Site).
Effects: PCP is a "dissassociative" drug, distorting perceptions of sight and sound and producing feelings of detachment. Users can experience several unpleasant psychological effects, with symptoms mimicking schizophrenia including: delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking, extreme anxiety.
Statistics & Trends: In 2008, 99,000 Americans age 12 and older had abused PCP at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 1.1% of 12th graders had abused PCP at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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Prescription Medications
Description: Prescription drug abuse means taking a prescription medication that is not prescribed for you, or taking it for reasons or in dosages other than as perscribed. Commonly abused classes of prescription medications include opioids (for pain), central nervous system depressants (for anxiety and sleep disorders), and stimulants (for ADHD and narcolepsy). Opioids include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), propoxyphen (Darvon), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), and diphoneoxylate (Lomotil). Central nervous system depressants include barbiturates such as pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal), and benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax). Stimulants include dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines (Adderall).
Street Names: Oxy, Cotton, Blue, 40 and 80 (Learn more at: Street Terms - Office of National Drug Control Policy Web Site).
Effects: Long-term use of opioids or central nervous system depressants can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Opioids can produce drowsiness, constipation and, depending on amount taken, can depress breathing. Central nervous system depressants slow down brain function; if combined with other medications that cause drowsiness or with alcohol, heart rate and respiration can slow down dangerously and cause irregular hearbeat, or seizures.
Statistics and Trends: In 2008, 15.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative for non-medical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration web Site). The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 2.9% of 8th graders, 6.7% of 10th graders, and 9.7% of 12th graders had abused Vicodin and 2.1% of 8th graders, 3.6% of 10th graders, and 4.7% of 12th graders had abused OxyContin for non-medical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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Steroids (Anabolic)
Description: Most anabolic steroids are synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. They are taken orally or are injected. Some people, especially athletes, abuse anabolic steroids to build muscle and enhance performance. Abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health problems, some of which are irreversible.
Street Names: Juice, Gym Candy, Pumpers, Stackers (You can learn more at: Street Terms - Office of National Drug Control Policy Web Site).
Effects: Major effects of steroid abuse can include liver damage; jaundice; fluid retention; high blood pressure; and increase in "bad" cholesterol. Also, males risk shrinking of the testicles, baldness, breast development, and infertility. Females risk growth of facial hair, menstrual changes, male-pattern baldness, and deepened voice. Teens risk permanently stunted height, accelerated puberty changes, and severe acne. All users, but particularly those who inject the drug, risk infectious diseases such as HIV/ AIDS and hepatitis.
Statistics and Trends: The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 0.9% of 8th graders, 0.9% of 10th graders, and 1.5% of 12th graders had abused anabolic steroids at least once in the year prior to being surveyed (Source: Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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Tobacco/ Nicotine
Description: Through the use of tobacco, nicotine is one of the most heavily used addictice drugs and the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the U.S. Cigarette smoking accounts for 90% of lung cancer cases in the U.S., and about 38,000 deaths per year can be attributed to secondhand smoke. Cigarettes and chew tobacco are illegal substances in most U.S. states for those under 18; a handful of states have raised the age of 19.
Effects: Nicotine is highly addictive. The tar in cigarettes increases a smoker's risk of lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchial disorders. The carbon monoxide in smoke increases the chance of cardiovascular diseases and pregnant smokers have a higher risk of miscarriage or low birthweight babies. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in adults and greatly increases the risk of respiratory illnesses in children.
Statistics and Trends: In 2008, nearly 71 million Americans age 12 and older had used a tobacco product at least once in the month prior to bein surveyed. The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 6.8% of 8th graders, 12.3% of 10th graders and 20.4% of 12th graders had used cigarettes andd 3.5% of 8th graders, 5.0% of 10th graders, and 6.5% of 12th graders had used smokeless tobacco at least once in the month prior to being surveyed. And while rates of smoking have continued to decline to historically low levels the overall rate of smoking by Americans remains unacceptably high (Source: Monitoring the Future - University of Michigan Web Site).
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