SteroidsSteroids can have serious health consequences and can lead to addiction. Their use is associated with higher risks for hearts attacks, strokes and liver problems. In men, they can result in breast development and genital shrinking; these effects can be irreversible. In both sexes, steroids may cause acne and hair loss, mood problems, hostility, aggression and paranoia.

MarijuanaMarijuana and hashish can cause mild to severe anxiety or mild paranoia in sensitive users. Their use has been associated with short-term memory problems and can interfere with the learning of new material as well as the performance of complex motor tasks. Some research has associated heavy ongoing use with increased risk of respiratory problems, decreased sex hormone levels, formation of precancerous cell changes in the lungs, impairment in the immune system and decreased cognitive functioning on standardized tests. They may produce psychological dependence, and withdrawal symptoms have been observed in some heavy users.

CocaineCocaine and its smokeable freebase form, crack, are among the most potent of the stimulant drugs. These substances pose a high risk for addiction. Immediate negative effects include restlessness, irritability and anxiety with depressed mood. Snorting can cause serious damage to the nasal membranes and nasal septum. High doses or prolonged use can cause irritability, mood disturbances, paranoia and auditory hallucinations with the potential of crack to produce particularly aggressive paranoid behavior. Moderate to severe depression lasting weeks can follow cessation of use in heavy users. Medical complications can include disturbances in heart rhythm, heart attacks, chest pain, respiratory failure, strokes and seizures (which can be experienced even by those experimenting with the drug). Mixing alcohol and cocaine can increase the risk of sudden death.

Other StimulantsOther stimulants with the potential for abuse and dependence include Ritalin, Adderall, amphetamine, and methamphetamine (crystal meth, ice). Short-term effects can include anxiety, headaches, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. In higher doses, there is risk of stroke, convulsions and irregular heartbeat and respirations that can lead to death. Crushing and snorting stimulants and intravenous use greatly increase the risk of overdose and infection. High or prolonged doses can cause weight loss, paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, delusions, and the feeling of bugs crawling under one’s skin as well as significant depression after the high and during periods of abstinence. Methamphetamine use can cause irreversible damage to the blood vessels in the brain and lead to strokes. It has been associated with long-term decreased functioning of the brain areas regulating motor control and memory and has a very high potential for addiction.

NicotineNicotine is another highly addictive drug whether ingested by smoking or chewing. Addiction is physical and psychological. Withdrawal symptoms include changes in body temperature, heart rate, digestion, muscle tone and appetite. Psychological withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, nervousness, headaches, fatigue, nausea and cravings for nicotine that last for long periods of time after cessation of use. Some of the risks associated with smoking include cancer, stroke, heart disease, emphysema, elevated blood pressure, chronic bronchitis, gastric ulcers, frequent colds, and premature and more abundant face wrinkles.

GHB and RohypnolGHB and Rohypnol are often referred to as “date rape” drugs because they can immobilize and cause unconsciousness in the user. Rohypnol can cause a type of amnesia in which the user may not remember what is said or done under the influence of the drug. In some cases, victims describe a feeling of paralysis during which they cannot move even during the course of a rape or assault through which the victim remains conscious.

EcstasyUse of Ecstasy (MDMA) has been shown to cause long-term damage to nerve cells in the brain, which regulate emotion, memory, sleep and pain. Some studies suggest that lasting negative effects may occur with experimental use of Ecstasy. In higher doses, it can cause dehydration, dangerous increases in heart rate and body temperature, heart attacks, seizures and death.

KetamineKetamine is a depressant that has dissociative properties. In low doses it produces psychedelic effects but in higher doses it can lead to lack of coordination, slurred speech, paranoia, aggressive behavior, heart attacks, strokes, coma or death. Mixing any of these drugs with alcohol can exaggerate their negative effects.

HallucinogensUnder the influence of hallucinogens - LSD (acid), PCP (angel dust), Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), mescaline and peyote - the senses of direction, distance, time, sound and visual perception can become distorted. The effects can last up to 12 hours. Psychological risks include significant anxiety, confusion, depression, paranoia and loss of emotional control. Other risks include flashbacks, violent behavior or behaviors resembling psychosis. Hallucinogens may precipitate significant mental health problems in emotionally vulnerable individuals. Possible physical risks include elevated heart rate and blood pressure, sleeplessness and tremors, decreased awareness of pain resulting in injury, convulsions and coma.

DepressantsDepressants slow activity in the central nervous system. This broad category includes medications to relieve anxiety and to induce sleep. Some of the brand names in this category are Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Librium, Butisol, Quaalude, and Ambien. They pose a risk if taken at higher dosages than prescribed, without a prescription or with alcohol. Tolerance can develop, in which the person needs larger doses to achieve the desired effect; this can lead to overdose and death. Accidents or injury can also occur due to the side effects of loss of coordination, slowed reaction time, sleepiness and impaired judgment. Drugs in this category have a high potential for physical and psychological dependence.

NarcoticsNarcotics are used medically as pain relievers, anesthetics or cough suppressants. Some are opiates and come from the poppy (including opium, morphine, heroin and codeine). Synthetic forms include Demerol and Oxycontin. About half of those who use narcotics develop a dependence on them. Tolerance can lead to higher doses to achieve the desired effect, which can increase the chance of overdose. Different potency levels in heroin can lead to accidental death from overdose. Overdose can also occur due to inhaling drugs prescribed to be taken orally, such as Oxycontin. Contamination of the drug and use of unsterile needles can lead to HIV infection, infection of the heart lining and valves, skin abscesses, liver disease, hepatitis and tetanus.