Compiled by Jon Weeldreyer, MA, LLP, CAC

Below is a list of the most commonly abused substances and their general classifications. Common effects are listed, however experiences may vary depending upon the individual's biological makeup, potency of the drug, dose of the drug, and frequency of use.

Alcohol: Alcohol is a depressant and is the most commonly used and abused drug in the United States.
Effects: Loss of inhibitions, relaxation, loss of judgment, loss of coordination, increased aggression, decreased heart rate, slower respiration, sleep interference, damage to the brain, liver, and other internal organs, depression, tolerance, withdrawal, and addiction.

Amphetamines: Amphetamines are addictive central nervous system stimulants, similar to the body's natural stimulant adrenaline. They are only legal when prescribed by a doctor.
Effects: Increased heart rate / blood pressure, breathing, and energy. Loss of appetite, aggression, blockage of blood vessels, irregular heart beat, stroke / heart failure, tolerance, and addiction.

Cocaine: Cocaine comes from the leaves of the South American coca plant. The leaves are ground into a white powder or paste. Cocaine is inhaled (powder breathed in through the nasal passages) or injected (mixed with water and injected into the bloodstream).
Effects: Brief feeling of euphoria, relief of depression and anxiety, constricted blood vessels, increased heart rate, respiratory problems, high body temperature, stroke or heart attack, immediate depression at the end of the high, nasal irritation and degeneration (holes in your nose), mental changes, violent behavior, tolerance, and psychological addiction.

Hallucinogens: Hallucinogens are substances that cause people to experience hallucinations. Some hallucinogens are found naturally in plants (mostly mushroom or cactus plants), but most are man-made substances created in drug labs such as LSD and PCP.
Effects: Mild euphoria, dangerous increase in blood pressure, hallucinations, dialated pupils, higher body temperature, depression, violent behavior, flashbacks that involve panic, confusion, and loss of control, tolerance.

Inhalants: Inhalants are ordinary household products like glue, whiteout, nail polish remover, paint, aerosol spray cans, and the Freon found in air conditioners. Most of these substances can be legally purchased, but it is ILLEGAL to use them in an inappropriate way. Inhalants rank #4 in popularity for use and are the most widely used drug by adolescents age 7 to 17. Inhalants cause the most body damage when compared to all other drugs.
Effects: Irregular heart beat, suffocation, brain damage, organ damage, hallucination, mental impairment, tolerance.

Marijuana/Hashish: Marijuana comes from the Hemp plant known as Cannabis Sativa. The main active, mind-altering chemical in marijuana is THC, which targets the central nervous system. Today's marijuana is said to be 7 to 10 times more potent than marijuana used in the 1960s. Marijuana tends to be the first illegal and illicit drug used by teenagers (after tobacco and alcohol) and is considered a "gateway drug." Marijuana differs from all other common drugs of abuse in that it stays in the body far longer (up to 150 times as long as alcohol!) due to being fat-based instead of water-based. This long "half-life" causes many of the negative effects listed below.
Effects: Feelings of calm and relaxation, elevation of heart and pulse rate, drowsiness/sleepiness, bloodshot eyes, paranoia, decrease in memory and coordination, Amotivational Syndrome (loss of motivation and interest in life), risk of lung cancer, bronchitis, emphysema, infertility (for both men and women), decrease in school and work performance, tolerance, withdrawal, and addiction.

Methamphetamines: Methamphetamines are powerful man-made amphetamines (central nervous system stimulants) that are illegal in all forms. They are usually made in home laboratories. The main ingredient is ephedrine, but they also include toxic ingredients such as hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, battery acid, fuel, and anti-freeze. They have no medicinal value.
Effects: Intense high, hallucinations, twitching/jerking, confusion, dangerous rise in body temperature, rise in blood pressure and heart-rate, malnutrition, heart and respiratory troubles, tolerance, and addiction.

Narcotics: Narcotics are drugs that act as pain relievers and sleep inducers (downers). Opiates are narcotics extracted from the poppy flower, while other narcotics are man-made. Narcotics generally cause relaxation with an immediate "rush." Narcotics are most often injected with intravenous needles or taken orally through misuse of cold medicines and prescribed pills.
Effects: Euphoria, drowsiness, loss of pain sensations, constipation, inflammation of the veins, hepatitis, skin abscesses or other growths, rapid tolerance, withdrawal, and addiction.

Tobacco and Nicotine: Tobacco is a leafy plant containing Nicotine, a powerful central nervous system stimulant.
Effects: Feeling of calm followed by sudden depression and fatigue, chronic respiratory problems (colds, bronchitis), heart disease, lung disease, emphysema, stroke, cancer (lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, and other internal organs), wrinkling (numerous and premature), tolerance, physical and psychological dependence.

Tranquilizers and Sedatives: Tranquilizers are depressant drugs that can be used to treat anxiety or insomnia. Sedatives are used as a sleep aid or relaxant. Tranquilizers are used to gain a sense of well-being or to reduce feelings of panic or tension. Like alcohol, tranquilizers work to depress brain functions. Some common tranquilizers are Xanex, Valium, Klonopin, Halcion, and Librium.
Effects: Relief of anxiety or tension, impairment of memory, drowsiness, confusion, stupor, decreased motivation, irritability, impaired sexual functioning.

Reference Source: George Washington University web site, http://www.gwu.edu/~cade/list.htm