Drug Categories & Effects

1. Drug Category:Stimulants

Examples: cocaine, caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines

Intended Use: increases alertness and energy

Side Effects: Speeds up heart rate, blood pressure

& respirationCan lead to anxiety and paranoia

#5: List at least two reasons why you WILL NOT smoke cigarettes

2. Drug Category:Depressants

Examples: alcohol, tranquilizers, barbiturates

Intended Use: relieves pain Side Effect:

Slows down the nervous system, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure

Causes confusion, lack of coordination, drowsiness and slow reflexes

#6: A drug that produces side effects of stimulants, depressants &

hallucinogens is:

A. nicotine B. alcohol C. barbiturates D. marijuana

3. Drug Category:Marijuana (THC)

Examples: weed, pot, reefer, grass, dope, Mary Jane

Possible Intended Use: enhance mood, pain reliever

Side Effects:Effects of stimulants, depressants and

hallucinogens Increases appetite feelings of disorientation, anxiety, depression,

memory loss

4. Drug Category: Narcotics (Opiates) Examples: morphine, heroin, opium,

codeine Intended Use: relieves pain Side Effects:

Slows down central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)

Causes dreamlike state, drowsiness, nausea

5. Drug Category:Hallucinogens

Examples: LSD, PCP, Angel Dust, acid Intended Use: None Side Effects:

Alters mind (confusion) person can’t tell the difference between reality and fantasy (hallucinations)

Causes erratic behavior, changes in emotions, anxiety, and panic attacks

6. Drug Category:Inhalants

Examples: glue, gasoline, markers, aerosol sprays, whiteout

Intended Use: asthma inhalers,

not any of above Side Effects:

Causes dizziness and loss of muscle coordination

Slurs speech Damages blood, liver, and brain cells

7. Drug Category:Ecstasy Examples: XTC, Adam, MDMA Intended Use: None Side Effect:

both a hallucinogen and stimulant Loss of inhibitions, nausea, and blurred

vision Sleep problems, anxiety, depression Seizures & strokes

Popular at “Raves” and most common “designer drug”

8. Drug Category:SteroidsExamples: corticosteroids,

anabolic steroidsIntended Use:

corticosteroids- prescribed to treat inflammation

anabolic steroids- boosts ability to build muscle

Side Effects:

Stunt growthEnlarge heart musclesAggressive behaviorAcneBreast growth in menReproductive problems