Other Drugs
Koplyn, Keegan & Alissa
Depressants
Drugs
Short term effects
Long-Term Effects
Barbiturates
Poor coordination,slurred speech,decreased alertness.
Sleepiness,irritability,confusion
CNS Depressants
Blurred vision,dizziness,slurred speech,drowsiness,headache, skin rash
Blood and liver disease
Opiates
Nausea,vomiting,decreased alertness,drowsiness,depressed respiration
Constipation,infections associated with infecting
Alcohol
Impaired judgment,decreased alertness,lack of coordination, memory problems,vomiting
Liver damage,brain damage, anxiety and depression, malnutrition memory loss
Stimulants
Drug
Short term Effects
Long term effects
Amphetamines
Restlessness,rapid speech, blurred vision,dizziness
Hyperactivity
Methamphetamines
Increased respiration, elevated body temperature, convulsions stroke
Psychotic behavior
Cocaine
Sleep disorders,loss of appetite,increased blood pressure and heart rate
Depression
Nicotine/Tobacco smoke
Nausea,loss of appetite, headache,increased blood pressure Hacking cough
Roles of family,community and cultural norms Relationship with family and friends often become strained as the behavior and personality of a drug abuser change.
Contrast
Prescription drugs are:
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Prescribed by a doctor
Bought at a pharmacy
Prescribed for and intended to be used by one person
OTC (over the counter) drugs are:
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Drugs that do NOT require a doctor's prescription
Bought off-the-shelf in stores
The highly addictive characteristics of drugs such as heroin, cocaine and various amphetamine compounds may take away any control you have over the continuation of self-inflicted damage. The cost of feeding an inevitable addiction that regular use will cause, may mean you find yourself involved in serious crime, facing a lengthy jail term, and dealing with serious health problems including permanent mental illness, the risks of communicable diseases like
HIV/AIDS, and overdosing. You might also lose the support of your family and friends along the way.
Illegal drugs generally fall under three main categories:
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Depressants
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Stimulants
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Hallucinogens
Prescription drugs can also fall under these categories. When prescribed by your doctor and used in accordance with the doctor's instructions, these drugs are legal. When stolen or fraudulently obtained, the possession,