Tobacco (smoke, chew, snuff)
- Health effects, average dose
Decreased ability to carry oxygen in blood. Appetite suppression, nausea, vomiting, irritation of lungs, decreased ciliary motion, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, heart contractions.
- Health effects, large dose
Nausea, salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, decreased heart rate, weakness to faintness, drop in blood pressure, drop in respirations, convulsions, death.
- Health effects, long-term use
Bronchitis, chronic lung disease, emphysema, cancer, heart attack, stroke.
Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)
- Health effects, average dose
Depressant: relaxation, lowered inhibitions, reduced intensity of physical sensations, digestive upsets, body heat loss, reduced muscular coordination, short-term memory loss, reduced rapid eye movement (REM), sleep.
- Health effects, large dose
Loss of body control, loss of consciousness (also causing physical injury), susceptibility to pneumonia, cessation of breathing. Increased risk for vehicle, boat, and swimming accidents.
- Health effects, long-term use
Liver damage, ulcers, chronic diarrhea, amnesia, vomiting, brain damage, internal bleeding, debilitation, pancreatitis, cancer, heart attack, stroke.
Marijuana (pot, hash, hash oil, weed)
- Health effects, average dose
Alterations of mental process: sedation, altered mental process.
- Health effects, large dose
Distorted perception, anxiety, panic, lack of motivation.
- Health effects, long-term use
Cancer, lung damage, elevated heart rate. Controversial: hormones altered, reproductive system changed.
Cocaine (crack, rock, freebase)
- Health effects, average dose
Stimulant: Initial euphoria, never to be repeated. Initial decrease in heart rate. A rise in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Appetite loss, increased alertness, dilated and dried out bronchi, restlessness, impaired motor function.
- Health effects, large dose
Hyperactivity, insomnia, anxiety. Decreased motor performance, convulsions. Increased heart rate, vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure, arrhythmias.
- Health effects, long-term use
Paranoid psychosis, lung damage, arrhythmia, respiratory arrest, heart attack, or seizures. Disruption of brain chemical balance.
Stimulants (amphetamines — uppers; methamphetamines — speed, crystal, crank, ecstasy, caffeine)
- Health effects, average dose
Stimulant of central nervous system: increased blood pressure and pulse rate, appetite loss, increased alertness, dilated and dried out bronchi, restlessness, diuretic, gastric acid.
- Health effects, large dose
Generally not applicable for caffeine: temporary psychosis, irritability, convulsions, palpitations.
- Health effects, long-term use
Generally, not applicable for caffeine: psychosis, insomnia, paranoia, nervous system damage.
Sedatives (downers, ludes, tranquilizers)
- Health effects, average dose
Depressant: relaxation, lowered inhibitions, reduced intensity of physical sensations, drowsiness, body heat loss. Reduced muscular coordination in speech, movement, and manual dexterity.
- Health effects, large dose
Loss of consciousness, loss of body control, stupor, severe depression of respiration (effects are exaggerated when used in combination with alcohol, synergistic effect).
- Health effects, long-term use
Amnesia, confusion, drowsiness, personality change.
Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, mushroom)
- Health effects, average dose
Alteration of mental processes: distorted perceptions, hallucinations, confusion, vomiting.
- Health effects, large dose
Psychosis, hallucinations, vomiting, anxiety, panic, stupor. With PCP: aggressive behavior, catatonia, convulsions, coma, high-blood pressure.
- Health effects, long-term use
Psychosis, continued hallucinations, mental disruptions.
Opiates (heroin, smack, horse)
- Health effects, average dose
Depressant: Suppression of pain, lowered blood pressure and respiratory rate, constipation, disruption of menstrual cycle, hallucinations.
- Health effects, large dose
Coma, respiratory depression, death.
- Health effects, long-term use
Depressed sexual drive, lethargy, general physical debilitation.
Inhalant (glue, solvents)
- Health effects, average dose
Dizziness, flushing of the face, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, headache, nausea.
- Health effects, large dose
Confusion, weakness, fainting, loss of body control, cough.
- Health effects, long-term use
Confusion, personality changes, blood abnormalities with nitrates.
Anabolic steroids (steroids)
- Health effects, average dose
Tissue-building and masculinizing properties, change in balance of electrolytes that cause retention of sodium and fluid, as well as weight gain.
- Health effects, large dose
Suppresses immune system. Risk of liver damage, kidney damage, skin problems, heart problems, reproductive system problems, early baldness.
- Health effects, long-term use
Controversy: liver cancer, acne, mind-altering mood elevation, depression, change in sex drive, increased aggression, psychotic episodes.
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