Substance |
Cardiac |
Nervous |
Digestive |
Reproductive |
Dependency |
Other |
Alcohol |
High blood pressure. |
Brain damage, poor judgment and coordination. Depression and mood swings. |
Liver damage. |
Increased miscarriages, low birth weight with small amounts. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Sexual dysfunction. |
Drinking large amounts of over a period of time can produce physical and psychological dependency. |
Increased accidents with injuries and death. Rapid intake can lead to alcohol poisoning and death. |
Barbiturates(Quaaludes, Nembutal, Seconal) |
Decreased blood pressure; weak and rapid pulse. |
Slurred speech, disorientation, decreased respirations and coma. |
Increased appetite. |
Babies may be born physically dependent. Birth defects can occur. |
High potential of physical and psychological dependence. |
Abrupt withdrawal can be life threatening. |
Cannibus(Marijuana, Hashish) |
Chest pain due to increased heart rate. |
Reduced short term memory, impaired coordination, and decreased vision. Decreased motivation, concentration and attention. |
Increased appetite. |
Decreased sperm count with possible infertility. Increased miscarriages, low birth weight. |
Psychological dependence may occur; physical dependence may develop with daily use. |
Increased accidents with injuries and death. Lung damage. |
Central Nervous Stimulants(Amphetamines, Ecstasy, Cocaine) |
Increased heart rate and blood pressure. Increased heart attack rate, arrhythmias, and death. |
Headache, convulsions, hallucinations, insomnia, and short attention span. Increased alertness. Euphoria. |
Loss of appetite. Severe weight loss. Liver damage. |
Increased miscarriages and premature births. Babies may be born physically dependent. Repeated use can cause impotence. |
Physical dependence may occur among chronic users. Psychological dependence can occur very rapidly. |
Damage to nasal tissue if snorted. HIV/AIDS and hepatitis if injected with contaminated needles. |
Hallucinogens(LSD, PCP, Ecstasy, Mescaline) |
Increased heart rate and blood pressure. |
Impairment of coordination. "Flashbacks", convulsions and coma. |
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. |
Increased miscarriages and birth defects. |
Respiratory depression. Dilated pupils. |
|
Narcotics(Heroin, opium, Morphine, Oxycontin) |
Decreased blood pressure and shock. |
Stupor and coma. Decreased respirations resulting in death. |
Constipation |
Increased risk of anemia, heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, and hepatitis if used during pregnancy. Increased miscarriages, premature and still births. |
Physical and psychological dependence. |
HIV/AIDS and hepatitis if injected with contaminated needles. |
