| Substance |
Cardiac |
Central Nervous System |
Digestive |
Reproductive |
Dependency |
Other |
| Alcohol |
High blood
pressure |
Brain damage, poor judgement & coordination, depression, mood swings |
Liver damage |
Increased miscarriages & low birth weight with small amounts. Fetal alcohol syndrome Sexual dysfunctions |
Drinking large amounts over a period of time can produce physical & psychological dependency. |
Increased accidents with injuries and death. |
| Barbiturates (Quaalude, Nembutal, Seconal) |
Decreased blood pressure
Weak & rapid pulse |
Slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior, decreased respirations, coma |
Increased appetite |
Babies may be physically dependent. Birth defects may occur. |
High potential of physical & psychological dependence. |
Abrupt withdrawal can be life threatening. |
| Cannabis Group (Marijuana, Hashish) |
Chest pain because of increased heart rate. |
Reduced short term memory, impaired coordination, decreased vision, decreased motivation, concentration, & attention. |
Increased appetite |
Decreased sperm count with possible infertility, increased miscarriages, low birth weight when used during pregnancy. |
Psychological dependence may occur; physical dependence may develop with daily use. |
Increased accidents due to decreased judgement, vision, coordination.
Damage to lungs. |
| Central Nervous Stimulants (Amphetamines, Ecstasy, Cocaine) |
Increased pulse rate & blood pressure. Increased heart attack rate, arrhythmias & death. |
Headache, convulsions, short attention span, euphoria, increased alertness, hallucinations, insomnia. |
Loss of appetite, severe weight loss, liver damage. |
Increased miscarriages & premature births. Babies may be physically dependent.
Repeated use can cause impotence. |
Physical dependence may occur among chronic users; psychological dependence can occur rapidly. |
Damage to nasal tissue if snorted. AIDs & Hepatitis if injected with contaminated needles. |
| Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, STP, Ecstasy, Mescaline) |
Increased heart rate & blood pressure. |
Impairment of motor skills & coordination, "flashbacks", convulsions, coma |
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort. |
Miscarriage and birth defects. |
Respiratory depression,
constricted pupils |
|
| Narcotics (Opiates, Heroin, Morphine, Demerol, Opium) |
Decreased blood pressure & shock |
Unconsciousness, stupor, coma |
Constipation |
Increased risk of
anemia, heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, hepatitis when used during
pregnancy. Increased miscarriages, premature and still births. |
Physical & psychological dependence |
Decreased respirations resulting in death.
AIDs & Hepatitis if injected with contaminated needles. |
| All of the above substances mixed with one another can cause severe health risks and possibly death. |
Any substance that is injected with contaminated needles causes a high risk for AIDs and Hepatitis. |