Alcohol

Street names:

Booze
Brew
Cold One
Juice
Hard stuf
Sauce

Hooch

Moonshine

Vino

Draft

Suds

Liquid bread

Oats soda

Tummy buster

Liquid courage

12 oz. curl

Redneck wine

Classification of the drug: Alcohol is a nervous system depressant

Active ingredient in the drug: Ethanol
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): After absorption, the
alcohol enters the bloodstream and dissolves in the water of the blood. The blood
carries the alcohol throughout the body. The alcohol from the blood then enters and
dissolves in the water inside each tissue of the body (except fat tissue, as alcohol
cannot dissolve in fat). Once inside the tissues, alcohol exerts its efects on the
body. The observed efects depend directly on the blood alcohol
concentration (BAC), which is related to the amount of alcohol consumed. The BAC
can rise significantly within 20 minutes after having a drink.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Slurred speech

Drowsiness

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Upset stomach

Headaches

Breathing difficulties

Distorted vision and hearing

Impaired judgment

Decreased perception and coordination

Unconsciousness

Anemia (loss of red blood cells)

Coma

Blackouts (memory lapses, where the drinker cannot remember events that occurred
while under the influence)

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Unintentional injuries such as car crash, falls, burns, drowning

Intentional injuries such as firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence

Increased on-the-job injuries and loss of productivity

Increased family problems, broken relationships

Alcohol poisoning

High blood pressure, stroke, and other heart-related diseases

Liver disease

Nerve damage

Sexual problems

Permanent damage to the brain

Vitamin B1 deficiency, which can lead to a disorder characterized by amnesia, apathy

and disorientation

Ulcers

Gastritis (inflammation of stomach walls)

Malnutrition

Cancer of the mouth and throat

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Detoxification
Rehabilitation
Sobriety

Valium
Street names:

V's

Yellow V's

Blue V's

Benzos

Dead flower powers

Downers

Foofoo

Sleep away

Howards

Tranks

Old joes

drunk pills

ludes

Classification of the drug: Diazepam is an oral medication that is used to

treat anxiety.
Active ingredient in the drug: Diazepam
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): Valium afects the levels
of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, helping to slow down and stop
abnormal brain activity. This results in a calming efect, and sometimes feelings of
euphoria. It helps reduce anxiety, cause sleepiness, relax muscles, stop seizures,
and more.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Euphoria
Lack of coordination
Feeling of being drunk
Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Memory loss
Hallucination
Difficulty breathing
Slowed pulse
Coma
Heart attack

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Medication
Behavioral treatments
Xanax

Street names:

Xannies
Xanbars
Bars
Bricks
Benzos
Blue footballs
Up john

Classification of the drug: Alprazolam is an anti-anxiety medication

Active ingredient in the drug: Alprazolam
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): Xanax works by
decreasing abnormal brain activity and results in a calming efect on the body.
Although Xanax can sometimes trigger feelings of euphoria, it generally helps
relieve anxiety and relax the body.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

drowsiness, dizziness, feeling tired or irritable

blurred vision, headache, memory problems, trouble concentrating

sleep problems (insomnia)

swelling in your hands or feet

muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination, slurred speech

upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea

increased sweating, dry mouth, stufy nose

appetite or weight changes

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, unusual risk-taking

behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger

confusion, hyperactivity, agitation, hostility, hallucinations

feeling like you might pass out

urinating less than usual or not at all

chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest

uncontrolled muscle movements, tremor, seizure (convulsions)

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Inpatient treatment programs

Outpatient treatment programs

Opium
Street names:

Ah-pen-yen
Aunti
Aunti Emma,
Big O,
Black Pill,
Chinese Molasses,
Chinese Tobacco,
Dopium,
Dovers Powder
Dream Gun

Classification of the drug: An opioid or narcotic, made from the white liquid in
the poppy plant.
Active ingredient in the drug: Morphine
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): The most important
chemical in opium is morphine. It is this chemical which is responsible for the main
efects that people associate with opium. Morphine is an alkaloid, which means that
it contains mostly basic nitrogen atoms. It is usually obtained from unripe poppy
seeds. Morphine works by mimicking the efect of endorphins. This neurotransmitter
is responsible for handling pain and creating feelings of well-being.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Euphoria
Drowsiness
sedation
Slowing of breathing
Nausea
Confusion
constipation

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

drug tolerance
respiratory depression
unconsciousness
death with large doses

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

detoxification

psychological treatment
abstinence

Heroin
Street names:

H
Junk
Smack
Big H
Hell Dust
Nose drops
Thunder
Brown Sugar
Horse
Skag

Classification of the drug: Heroin (like opium and morphine) is made from the resin of
poppy plants.

Active ingredient in the drug: Morphine

Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): Once heroin is in the
system either by smoking, snorting, or injection it depresses the dopamine sensory
pathways in the brain. This induces create a rush of euphoria. As the heroin rushes
through the blood stream it warms the body. The extremities also become heavy and
relaxed. Heroin can also produce dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. It slows all functions
of the physical and mental functions. But be warned: taking heroin just once can result
in overdose and potential death. Heroin is unpredictable and how its going to afect
your body changes between individuals who are taking heroin.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Rush

Slowed breathing

Clouded mental functioning

Nausea and vomiting

Sedation; drowsiness

Hypothermia (body temperature lower than normal)

Coma or death (due to overdose

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Bad teeth

Inflammation of the gums

Constipation

Cold sweats

Itching

Weakening of the immune system

Coma

Respiratory (breathing) illnesses

Muscular weakness, partial paralysis

Reduced sexual capacity and long-term impotence in men

Menstrual disturbance in women

Inability to achieve orgasm (women and men)

Loss of memory and intellectual performance

Introversion

Depression

Pustules on the face

Loss of appetite

Insomnia

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Behavioral and pharmacological medication

Detox
Therapy
Maintenance

Codeine
Street names:

Syrup
Sizzurup
Cody
Captain cody

Classification of the drug: Codeine is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is

sometimes called a narcotic.
Active ingredient in the drug: Morphine
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): Codeine is a mild
painkiller, but also has cough suppressant and anti-diarrhoeal actions. In treating
pain, codeine works by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing
chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and
reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Nausea
Vomiting

Constipation
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Blurred and poor vision
Impaired coordination

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Lower heart rate

Low blood pressure
Disorientation
Convulsions
Hallucinations
Coma
Death

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Detox
Helplines
therapy

Caffeine
Street names:

C-pills
yellow jackets
The Caf
Bathroom Express
Piss Maker
Harry the C
Java
Joe
Black Gold
Eye Opener
Cup of Mud
Get up and Go

Classification of the drug: Cafeine is defined as a drug because it stimulates the

central nervous system, causing increased alertness. Cafeine gives most people a
temporary energy boost and elevates mood.
Active ingredient in the drug: methyl xanthine

Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): cafeine attaches to the
A1 receptor. With cafeine docked at the receptor, a lot of your bodys adenosine
molecules cant enter. It creates a traffic jam of sorts. With all that adenosine
blocked, the cafeine keeps you from getting tired.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Feeling more alert and active

Restlessness
excitability and dizziness
Anxiety and irritability
Dehydration and needing to urinate more often
Higher body temperature
Faster breathing and heart rate
Headache
lack of concentration
Stomach pains

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Osteoporosis
High blood pressure and heart disease
Heartburn
Ulcers
Difficulty sleeping
Infertility (in men and women)
Anxiety
Depression
Needing to use more to get the same efect
Dependence on cafeine

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Mix decafeinated cofee with regular cofee

Drink a latte with more low fat milk than cofee
Brew tea for less time
Pick soft drinks without cafeine

Nicotine
Street names:

Smokes
Cigs
Butts
Chew
Dip
Spit tobacco
snuf

Classification of the drug: Nicotine is the drug in tobacco leaves. Whether

someone smokes, chews, or snifs tobacco, he or she is delivering nicotine to the
brain
Active ingredient in the drug: Nicotine
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): Similar to other addictive
drugs like cocaine and heroin, nicotine increases levels of the neurotransmitter
dopamine, which afects the brain pathways that control reward and pleasure.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

high blood pressure,

Increased pulse rate and cough.
Bad breath and staining of teeth.

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Oral cancer
Heart diseases
Decline in insulin levels
Premature aging

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Nicotine replacement treatments

Additional medications
Behavioural treatments

Cocaine
Street names:

Coke
Dust
Toot
Line
Nose candy
Snow
Sneeze
Powder
White pony
Flake
The lady
Cain
Rock
Big C
Hard Rock
Crack

Classification of the drug: Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that

directly afects the brain.
Active ingredient in the drug: erythroxyline

Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): Cocaine decreases the
size of the user's blood vessels. This makes their heart beat faster and raises their
blood pressure. Less blood and oxygen is able to reach their organs. Cocaine also
raises the user's body temperature. Snorting cocaine into their nose or rubbing
cocaine on body areas makes the area constrict (get smaller). The areas may
become damaged and scarred. The cartilage that separates the two sides of the
user's nose may bleed or a hole may develop.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Loss of appetite

Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature

Contracted blood vessels

Increased rate of breathing

Dilated pupils

Disturbed sleep patterns

Nausea

Hyper stimulation

Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior

Hallucinations, hyper excitability, irritability

Tactile hallucination that creates the illusion of bugs burrowing under the skin

Intense euphoria

Anxiety and paranoia

Depression

Intense drug craving

Panic and psychosis

Convulsions, seizures and sudden death from high doses (even one time)

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain

High blood pressure, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and death

Liver, kidney and lung damage

Destruction of tissues in nose if snifed

Respiratory failure if smoked

Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected

Malnutrition, weight loss

Severe tooth decay

Auditory and tactile hallucinations

Sexual problems, reproductive damage and infertility (for both men and
women)

Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion

Irritability and mood disturbances

Increased frequency of risky behavior

Delirium or psychosis

Severe depression

Tolerance and addiction (even after just one use)

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Pharmacological approaches
Behavioural interventions

Crack
Street names:

24-7
Beat
Chemical
Cookies
Crunch and munch
Dice
Bad rock
Candy
Cloud
Crumbs
Ice cube

Classification of the drug: Crack cocaine is the crystal form of cocaine, which
normally comes in a powder form. It comes in solid blocks or crystals varying in
color from yellow to pale rose or white.
Active ingredient in the drug: erythroxyline
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): Crack decreases the size
of the user's blood vessels. This makes their heart beat faster and raises their blood
pressure. Less blood and oxygen is able to reach their organs. Crack also raises the
user's body temperature. Snorting crack into their nose or rubbing crack on body
areas makes the area constrict (get smaller). The areas may become damaged and
scarred. The cartilage that separates the two sides of the user's nose may bleed or
a hole may develop.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Loss of appetite

Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature

Contracted blood vessels

Increased rate of breathing

Dilated pupils

Disturbed sleep patterns

Nausea

Hyper stimulation

Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior

Hallucinations, hyper excitability, irritability

Tactile hallucination that creates the illusion of bugs burrowing under the skin

Intense euphoria

Anxiety and paranoia

Depression

Intense drug craving

Panic and psychosis

Convulsions, seizures and sudden death from high doses (even one time)

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain

High blood pressure, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and death

Liver, kidney and lung damage

Destruction of tissues in nose if snifed

Respiratory failure if smoked

Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected

Malnutrition, weight loss

Severe tooth decay

Auditory and tactile hallucinations

Sexual problems, reproductive damage and infertility (for both men and
women)

Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion

Irritability and mood disturbances

Increased frequency of risky behavior

Delirium or psychosis

Severe depression

Tolerance and addiction (even after just one use)

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Pharmacological approaches
Behavioural interventions

Amphetamines
Street names:

Speed
Uppers
Road dope
Dexies
Dominoes
Snap
Sweets
Thrusters
Leapers
Eye openers

Classification of the drug: Amphetamines are powerful psycho-motor stimulants,

like cocain
Active ingredient in the drug: synthetic chemicals
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): Like cocaine,
amphetamines increase the concentration of dopamine in the synaptic gap, but by a
diferent mechanism. Amphetamines are similar in structure to dopamine, and so
can enter the terminal button of the presynaptic neuron via its dopamine
transporters as well as by difusing through the neural membrane directly.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

High body temperature

Cardiovascular system failure

Hostility or paranoia

Irregular or increased heart rate/heart beat 19

Increased diastolic/systolic blood pressure

Increased activity/talkativeness

Euphoria

Heightened sense of well-being

Decreased fatigue/drowsiness

Decreased appetite20

Dry mouth

Dilated pupils

Increased respiration

Heightened alertness/energy21

Nausea

Headache

Palpitations

Altered sexual behavior

Tremor/twitching of small muscles22

Release of social inhibitions

Unrealistic feelings of cleverness, great competence, and power

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Toxic psychosis

Physiological and behavioral disorders 24

Dizziness

Pounding heartbeat

Difficulty breathing

Mood or mental changes

Unusual tiredness or weakness25

Cardiac arrhythmias

Repetitive motor activity

Convulsions, coma, and death26

Ulcers

Malnutrition

Mental illness

Skin disorders

Vitamin deficiency

Flush or pale skin

Loss of coordination and physical collapse 27

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Hospitalization
Therapy
medication

Methamphetamines
Street names:

meth
beannies
brown
chalk
crank
cinnamon
fast
get-go
speed

Classification of the drug: Methamphetamine usually comes in the form of a

crystalline white powder that is odorless, bitter-tasting and dissolves easily in water
or alcohol.
Active ingredient in the drug: ephedrine or pseudoephedrine
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): Meth is a stimulant that
afects the brain, spinal cord, and central nervous system. Meth changes the way
the body processes certain chemicals that act as communicators between nerve
cells and brain cells, which are called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitter
most afected by meth use is dopamine. Dopamine, in particular, gets released in
large quantities when you use meth. Dopamine is associated with feelings of

pleasure and reward, and creates a sense of euphoria in the user known as a rush.
During this rush, heart rate, blood pressure, and libido increase an intense feeling of
well-being.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Loss of appetite

Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature

Dilation of pupils

Disturbed sleep patterns

Nausea

Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior

Hallucinations, hyper excitability, irritability

Panic and psychosis

Convulsions, seizures and death from high doses

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain, high blood pressure
leading to heart attacks, strokes and death

Liver, kidney and lung damage

Destruction of tissues in nose if snifed

Respiratory (breathing) problems if smoked

Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected

Malnutrition, weight loss

Severe tooth decay

Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion

Strong psychological dependence

Psychosis

Depression

Damage to the brain similar to Alzheimers disease, stroke and epilepsy

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Behavioural therapies
Medications

LSD
Street names:

Acid
Battery acid
Blotter
Boomers

cid
doses
dots
hippie
loony toons
pane
purple heart
Zen

Classification of the drug: LSD is one of the most potent, mood-changing chemicals
Active ingredient in the drug: ergotamine
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): Classic hallucinogens are
thought to produce their perception-altering efects by acting on neural circuits in the
brain that use the neurotransmitter serotonin. Specifically, some of their most
prominent efects occur in the prefrontal cortexan area involved in mood, cognition,
and perceptionas well as other regions important in regulating arousal and
physiological responses to stress and panic.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Dilated pupils
Higher body temperatures
Increased heart rate and Blood pressure
Sweating
Loss of appetite
Sleeplessness
Dry mouth and tremors
Severe terrifying thoughts and feelings

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Flashbacks

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Behavioral modification
Counseling
Psychological treatment

Ecstasy
Street names:

MDMA
X
XTC

Snowball
Love drug
Adam
Cadillac
E

Classification of the drug: Ecstasy is a stimulant drug that can cause hallucinations.
Active ingredient in the drug: MDMA
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): MDMA is a phenyl
ethylamine that triggers stimulant and psychedelic efects first in the brain, and then in
the body. MDMA does not act by directly releasing serotonin but, rather, by binding to,
and thus blocking, the transporter involved in its reuptake.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Impaired judgment

False sense of afection

Confusion

Depression

Sleep problems

Severe anxiety

Paranoia

Drug cravings

Muscle tension

Faintness and chills or swelling

Involuntary teeth clenching

Blurred vision

Nausea

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Long-lasting brain damage afecting thought and memory

Damage to portions of the brain that regulate critical functions such as learning,
sleep and emotion

It is as if the brain switchboard was torn apart, then rewired backwards

Degenerated nerve branches and nerve endings

Depression, anxiety, memory loss

Kidney failure

Hemorrhaging

Psychosis

Cardiovascular1 collapse

Convulsions

Death

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Cognitive behavioural interventions

Drug abuse recovery support groups

Marijuana
Street names:

Chronic
Dope
Ganja
Herb
Mary Jane
Pot
Reefer
weed

Classification of the drug: Marijuana is a greenish-gray mixture of the dried,

shredded leaves and flowers of Cannabis sativathe hemp plant.
Active ingredient in the drug: THC
Physiological effect of the drug (how does it work): After you inhale marijuana
smoke, its chemicals zip throughout the body. THC is a very potent chemical
compared to other psychoactive drugs. Once in your bloodstream, THC typically
reaches the brain seconds after it is inhaled and begins to go to work.
Negative side effects of the drug in short term:

Sensory distortion

Panic

Anxiety

Poor coordination of movement

Lowered reaction time

After an initial up, the user feels sleepy or depressed

Increased heartbeat (and risk of heart attack)

Negative side effects of the drug in long term:

Reduced resistance to common illnesses (colds, bronchitis, etc.)

Suppression of the immune system

Growth disorders

Increase of abnormally structured cells in the body

Reduction of male sex hormones

Rapid destruction of lung fibers and lesions (injuries) to the brain could be permanent

Reduced sexual capacity

Study difficulties: reduced ability to learn and retain information

Apathy, drowsiness, lack of motivation

Personality and mood changes

Inability to understand things clearly

Possible treatments for addiction to the drug:

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Contingency management
Motivational enhancement therapy