Each type of drug has it’s own unique effect upon the user. Most drugs are in essence “pain killers” and work to relieve pain in the body, or alter the mood of the user and create a euphoric feeling. Below is a list of common drugs and their effects on the body:
- Amphetamines: During the “up” time: energy, talkfulness, peppiness, increased confidence, insomnia, loss of appetite, increased respiratory and heart rate, dilated pupils. During the “down” time or “crash”: depression, tiredness, anxiety, anger.
- Barbituates: “Peaceful feeling”, sleepiness and reduced anxiety, slurred speech, clumsiness, unconsciousness.
- Cocaine: A “high” or euphoric feeling, insomnia, constricted peripheral blood vessels, dilated pupils, increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, respiratory arrest, seizures, death.
- Crack Cocaine: Same as cocaine, with increased aggression and paranoia.
- Ecstasy: Mild hallucinogenic effects, increased sensitivity to touch, hearing and smell, empathic feelings, brain damage, hyperthermia, cardiac toxicity, renal failure and liver toxicity
- Heroin, Codeine, Morpine, Opium: Pain relief, euphoric feeling, drowsiness, nausea, vomitting, constipation, confusion, sedation, decreased blood pressure, and respiratory rate, unconsciousness, staggering gait, coma and death.
- Marijuana: Problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, euphoric feeling, issues with problem solving, lack of coordination, feelings of anxiety and paranoia, panic and increased heart rate.
- Nitrous Oxide: Temporary loss of motor control, mild hallucinations, insensibility to pain and giggling.
- Stimulants: Lack of appetite, fevers, headaches, convulsions, hyperactivity, irregular heartbeat and respiration, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, excessive repetition of movements and meaningless tasks.
