Commonly Abused Substances
Synthetics
Synthetic drugs are the most difficult to regulate by law enforcement officials, medical doctors, and psychologists. Synthetic drugs are not traceable to a plant or particular chemical like many other drugs. Instead, synthetic drugs or “designer” drugs are made, quite literally, with everything under the kitchen sink. As a result, determining how the drug will effect the brain and body is unpredictable. Synthetic drugs are powerful stimulants, creating a fast and furious high and almost instantaneous dependency. Generally the effects and symptoms of Synthetic drug abuse include:
Paranoia
Rapid heart rate
Overheating
Slurred speech
Irrational thoughts
Fear of being chased by evil forces
“Superhuman” strength
Methamphetamines
Crystal Meth is a highly abused stimulant and synthetic drug. Also known as “ice” or “glass” the crystal like shards are smoked or injected. Meth is abused for its stimulant properties, causing people to stay awake for as long as ten days. Effects and symptoms of meth abuse include:
Dilated pupil
Suppressed appetite
Erratic behavior
Insomnia
Focus on picking the skin
Paranoia
Rapid weight loss
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance, contributing to high numbers of death and alcohol-related injury each year. Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks per sitting, which is about two hours. Drinking abusively can impair basic cognitive and motor functions, judgment, and thinking. Alcohol damages the liver, brain, and body. Effects and symptoms of alcohol abuse include:
Incoherence
Blackout
Slurred Speech
Poor Judgment
Vomiting
Imbalance, or stumbling
Needing more alcohol or not knowing one’s limits
Stimulants
Cocaine is the most popularly abused stimulant drug. Crack and other amphetamine drugs like Adderall and drugs used for studying are popular as well. Stimulant drugs work with the central nervous system, quickly accessing the brain and putting into hyper speed mode. Cocaine can cause in overdose with just one hit while other amphetamines taken in large quantities can cause heart complications. Effects and symptoms of stimulant abuse include:
Hyper focus
Ability to stay up all night
Maximized productivity
Jittery behavior
Suppressed appetite
Irritability
Aggression
Opioids
In 2014 approximately 28,000 Americans died from overdose on opioids including heroin and prescription painkillers. Opioid overdose is caused by respiratory depression, the slowing of the heart until it stops. Opioids are highly addicting, but through subtle means like chronic pain treatment. Opioids create euphoric sensation through muscle relaxation and feelings of warmness. Dependency on opioids result in brutal withdrawal symptoms, causing a need to continue using the drugs just to avoid the withdrawal. Effects and Symptoms of opioid abuse include:
“Nodding out” or falling asleep frequently
Slowed movement, or doing nothing at all
Rapid weight loss
Change in skin pigment and elasticity
Irritability when not on the drug
Constipation
“Pinholed” pupils
Severe symptoms of withdrawal
Benzodiazepines
Introduced in the 1950’s as “mommy’s little helper” benzodiazepines became famous for “taking the edge off”. Famous brands like Valium and Xanax are prescribed to help cope with anxiety. Though marketed as non-dependency forming, regular users of these drugs experience immediate symptoms of withdrawal when they miss a dose. Abusing Xanax can result in euphoric sensation similar to opioids. Effects and symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse includes:
Slow movements
Shallow breathing
Loss of judgment for physical pain
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