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Inhalants (Whippets, poppers, snappers)
Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that users intentionally inhale because of the chemicals’ mind-altering effects. The substances inhaled are often common household products that contain volatile solvents or aerosols. Most inhalants produce a rapid high that resembles alcohol intoxication. If sufficient amounts are inhaled, nearly all solvents and gases produce anesthesia, a loss of sensation, and even unconsciousness.
Statistics and Trends: Inhalants are often among the first drugs that young kids use. In NIDA’s 2005 Monitoring the Future study, 17.1% of 8th graders, 13.1% of 10th graders, and 11.4% of 12th graders said they had abused inhalants at least once. Source: NIDA Infofacts: High School and Youth Trends
Club Drugs (XTC, X (MDMA); Special K, Vitamin K (ketamine); liquid ecstasy, soap (GHB); roofies (Rohypnol)
Typically used by teenagers and young adults at bars, clubs, concerts, and parties. The most common club drugs include Ecstasy (MDMA), GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine, methamphetamine, and acid (LSD). Chronic use of MDMA may lead to changes in brain function. GHB abuse can cause coma and seizures. High doses of ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, and other problems. Mixed with alcohol, Rohypnol can incapacitate users and cause amnesia.
Statistics and Trends: According to the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 11 million people have tried MDMA, more than 11 million have tried methamphetamine, and more than 23 million have tried LSD at least once. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health - SAMHSA web site.
Ecstasy/MDMA (XTC, X, Adam, hug, beans, love drug)
A human-made drug that acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. It is taken orally as a capsule or tablet.
Short-term effects include feelings of mental stimulation, emotional warmth, enhanced sensory perception, and increased physical energy. Adverse health effects can include nausea, chills, sweating, teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision.
Statistics and Trends: According to the 2005 Monitoring the Future survey, 3.0% of 12th graders, 2.6% of 10th graders, and 1.7% of 8th graders had used Ecstasy in the past year. Source: NIDA Infofacts: High School and Youth Trends.
Marijuana (Pot, ganga, weed, grass, and many others...)
The most commonly used illegal drug in the U.S. The main active chemical is THC. Short-term effects include memory and learning problems, distorted perception, and difficulty thinking and solving problems.
Statistics and Trends: Nearly 45% of U.S. teenagers try marijuana before finishing high school. Source: NIDA
Infofacts: High School and Youth Trends.
Methamphetamine (Speed, meth, chalk, ice, crystal, glass)
An addictive stimulant that is closely related to amphetamine, but has longer lasting and more toxic effects on the central nervous system. It has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Increases wakefulness and physical activity and decreases appetite. Chronic, long-term use can lead to psychotic behavior, hallucinations, and stroke.
Statistics and Trends: According to the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 12 million Americans have tried methamphetamine. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health - SAMHSA web site.
PCP/Phencyclidine (Angel dust, ozone, wack, rocket fuel, and many others)
Illegally manufactured in labs and sold as tablets, capsules, or colored powder. It can be snorted, smoked, or eaten. Developed in the 1950s as an IV anesthetic, PCP was never approved for human use because of problems during clinical studies, including intensely negative psychological effects. Many PCP users are brought to emergency rooms because of overdose or because of the drug’s unpleasant psychological effects. In a hospital or detention setting, people high on PCP often become violent or suicidal.
Statistics and Trends: In NIDA’s 2005 Monitoring the Future study, 2.4% of high school seniors reported having used PCP at least once. Source: NIDA Infofacts: PCP (Phencyclidine).
Prescription Medications
Prescription drugs that are abused or used for nonmedical reasons can alter brain activity and lead to dependence. Commonly abused classes of prescription drugs include opioids (often prescribed to treat pain), central nervous system depressants (often prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders), and stimulants (prescribed to treat narcolepsy, ADHD, and obesity). Long-term use of opioids or central nervous system depressants can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Taken in high doses, stimulants can lead to compulsive use, paranoia, dangerously high body temperatures, and irregular heartbeat.
Statistics and Trends: According to NIDA’s 2005 Monitoring the Future study, 9.5% of high school seniors used hydrocodone (Vicodin) in the past year. Source: NIDA Infofacts: High School and Youth Trends.
Smoking/Nicotine
One of the most heavily used addictive drugs in the U.S. Nicotine is highly addictive. The tar in cigarettes increases a smoker’s risk of lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchial disorders. The carbon monoxide in smoke increases the chance of cardiovascular diseases. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in adults and greatly increases the risk of respiratory illnesses in children.
Statistics and Trends: In 2004, 30% of the U.S. population over age 12 used tobacco at least once in the month prior to being interviewed. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health - SAMHSA web site.
Steroids (Anabolic)
Human-made substances related to male sex hormones. Some athletes abuse anabolic steroids to enhance performance. Abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health problems, some of which are irreversible. Major side effects can include liver tumors and cancer, jaundice, high blood pressure, kidney tumors, severe acne, and trembling. In males, side effects may include shrinking of the testicles and breast development. In females, side effects may include growth of facial hair, menstrual changes, and deepened voice. In teenagers, growth may be halted prematurely and permanently.
Statistics and Trends: In NIDA’s 2005 Monitoring the Future study, 2.6% of high school seniors reported using steroids at least once. Source: NIDA Infofacts: High School and Youth Trends.
Information from www.nida.nih.gov/
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