Do you need to learn about the most commonly abused drugs? You have come to the right place. The following is a list of popular drugs in alphabetical order.
Amphetamines
These are prescription stimulants used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is abused as a study aid, to stay awake and to suppress appetite. On the street is is called speed, uppers, bennies or black beauties. Chronic use produces a psychosis that resembles schizophrenia. Overuse also creates paranoia, hallucinations, violent and erratic behavior. It is taken in pill form, injected or smoked.
Benzodiazepines
These are depressants that induce sleep and sedation. A doctor will prescribe it as Valium, Xanax or Klonopin. On the street it is called Benzos, Downers or Tranks. When abused it is normally crushed and snorted. An overdose may be deadly. It can also cause hostility, amnesia and irritability.
Cough Medicine (DXM)
When not used for colds, cough medicine is a “street drug”. Commonly referred to as Syrup, Robo and Tussin — It causes disorientation, slurred speech and a loss of coordination. This “high” or “trip” comes from drinking a large amount of the active ingredient (DXM). It causes extreme nausea and liver damage.
GHB
This is a depressant, that is usually in the form of liquid. It is typically produced in a “home lab”. It is popular with the club crowd. When mixed with alcohol, the drug causes a person to become unconscious and black out. Sometimes, it is referred to as “the date rape drug”. It is also called G, Cups and Georgia Homeboy. GHB produces serious side effects. It has killed more users than the drug Ecstasy.
Heroin
This “old school” drug is back in popularity. On the street it is called Junk, Smack, Black Tar or Dope. It is extremely addictive, because of the powerful “relaxing” high it produces. Heroin overdose is common, especially when purchased on the street. That is because the purity of the drug is not known.
Inhalants
This drug is found in household products. Items like nail polish remover, computer duster, whipped cream aerosol, glue and Freon (air condition fluid) are inhaled through the mouth. It’s a cheap 20 minute high. Commonly referred to as huffing, dusting, whippets and bagging. This dangerous activity causes significant damage to the liver, heart, lungs and kidneys. Users appear drunk, and dazed.
Katamine
This is a quick-acting anesthetic that is used on humans and animals. It causes hallucinations, similar to LSD. On the street it is called Special K, Vitamin K or Cat Valium. People who use it become psychologically dependent. Users have problems with memory. At high doses it slows the breathing and can cause death.
Khat
This is a stimulant drug made from the leaves and twigs of an evergreen shrub. It is often called Kat. It produces manic behavior, depression and hallucinations. The side effects are increased blood pressure and heart rate. It also causes cardiac complications.
Krokodol
This is a version of the narcotic painkiller desomorphine. It is homemade substitute for heroin, that appears to have come from rural Russia. It is getting a lot of attention because of the “flesh eating” pictures you can easily find on the internet. The drug is made from codeine mixed with household chemicals like gasoline and paint thinner. Because it is cooked and used without any care to remove the byproducts, it has a large amount of toxic substances. Users inject the drug, and it can cause serious damage to the body.
Marijuana
Methamphetamine
This is a stimulant that produces a high and keeps you awake. It is very dangerous and addictive. It is known on the street as Meth, Chalk, Ice, Glass and Crank. Side effects are irregular heart rate, rapid breathing, loss of appetite and high blood pressure. Long-term use causes rotted teeth and brain damage.
MDMA
This drug is commonly called Molly or Ecstasy. It is a popular drug, especially in the dance club scene, because of its stimulant properties. It comes in trendy branded tablets (Hello Kitty, Gucci, Playboy bunnies). It is addictive and causes severe dehydration and liver damage. Users typically show an unusual display of attention. People who regularly use this drug will develop depression, anxiety and memory loss.
Peyote
This is a small cactus plant with the active ingredient mescaline. It is a hallucinogen, known on the street as peyote or cactus. It is often chewed, ground into powder or smoked. It will alter perceptions of space and time. Users have a rise in body temperature, hallucinations and vomiting.
Phencyclidine (PCP)
This is a synthetically produced hallucinogen. Known on the street as angel dust, Tic Tac, Wack and Zoom. It can be seen in tablets, powder form or capsules. It is very addictive. Users sometimes feel strength, power and invulnerability. It causes disorientation, delirium and amnesia.
Psilocybin
This is a hallucinogenic chemical obtained from types of mushrooms. It is known on the street as magic mushrooms, or Shrooms. It is usual chewed or brewed as a tea. Users experience hallucinations but a large amount can cause panic attacks and psychosis. An overdose may result in death.
Rohypnol
This is a prescription anti-anxiety medication. It is far more powerful than Valium. It is also known as “the date rape drug” because it commonly produces a blackout. In popular culture, it is called Roofies. It causes memory loss, dizziness and a drop in blood pressure.
Salvia
This is a psychoactive plant from the mint family and abused for its hallucinogenic effect. People use it by chewing fresh leaves, drinking extracted juices, and smoking or inhaling vapors It caused perceptions of bright lights, vivid colors and shapes, body distortion and loss of coordination.
Spice
This is an herbal mixture also called K2 or synthetic marijuana. It is popular because in many states, you can buy it at gas station or smoke shop. It is made by spraying man-made chemicals onto leaves that can be smoked. If often looks like potpourri and is labeled “not for human consumption”. These chemicals produce a high, but is not similar to marijuana. Side effects are confusion, paranoia, extreme anxiety and hallucinations. It is dangerous and addictive.
Steroids
This drug is popular for athletes, because it produces rapid growth of muscles. It is commonly referred to as juice, stackers, rhoids and gym candy. It can cause heart attacks and strokes. Young people who abuse the drug risk staying short and never reaching their full adult height.
A Quick Note on Drug Paraphernalia
This is equipment used to hide or consume drugs. Examples are pipes, cigarette papers, needles, bongs, miniature spoons and razor blades. These items can be purchased on the internet, at tobacco shops, gas stations and convenience stores. Items commonly seen used with “club drugs are: glow sticks, pacifiers, lollipops and surgical masks. To cover up drug use, items like mouth wash, eye drops and sunglasses are used.
There are numerous sites to obtain more information. A good place to start:
drugpolicy.org
drugabuse.gov
800 Recovery Hub Blog 