The Effects of Drugs
on Adolescence
CIS 1020-040
JULIA LELIS
11/8/11
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... ii
Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ iii
Adolescent Drug Exposure ............................................................................................................................ ii
Stimulants .................................................................................................................................................... iv
Symptoms of Excessive Stimulant Drugs ...................................................................................................... v
Depressants.................................................................................................................................................. vi
Symptoms of Excessive Depressant Drugs.................................................................................................. vii
Hallucinogens ............................................................................................................................................. viii
Symptoms of Excessive Hallucinogen Drugs ................................................................................................ ix
Inhalants........................................................................................................................................................ x
Symptoms of Excessive Inhalant Drugs....................................................................................................... xii
As you can see… ..........................................................................................................................................xiii
Works Cited .................................................................................................................................................xiv
The Effects of Drugs
ii
Page | ii
Table of Figures
Figure 1, Stimulant Drugs................................................................................................................................
Figure 2, Depressant Drugs .............................................................................................................................
Figure 3, Depressant Drugs ............................................................................................................................. Page | iii
Figure 4, Hallucinogen Drugs ..................................................................................................................... viii
Figure 5, Drug Depressant Use .................................................................................................................... ix
Figure 6, Inhalant Drugs ................................................................................................................................ x
Figure 7, Inhalant Drug Use ........................................................................................................................ xii
iii
Adolescent Drug Exposure
Teens all over the world are unfortunately exposed to drugs more frequently than generations
before them had ever anticipated. The pressure of taking and doing drugs that the youth endures today
is immense and ludicrous. The media portrays drinking and smoking weed as a norm for the everyweekend teenage party goer. I have heard countless numbers of songs, generally in the Rap or Hip-Hop
genre pertaining to drug abuse in all its glory. From Marijuana to Heroin, addictions can be formed
quickly and early on in an adolescent life, and the idea of using drugs is a consistent battle amongst
today’s youth. Most teens don’t expect to develop a drug addiction when they try drugs, but usually,
with the use and abuse of drugs in order to “have fun,” addictions form, and the consequences are
sometimes fatal. Teens as young as 13 have often already tried drugs as powerful as cocaine (Teen Drug
Abuse, 2011).
Most Frequently Prominent Signs of Addiction
Grades suddenly slipping or dropping dramatically.
Missing school
Mood changes
Dropping out of usually activities
Physical appearance changing
Adolescent
Drug Abuse
Friends suddenly change
Money or valuables missing
Secretive behavior
Hostile, aggressive outbursts
Lost motivation
Forgetfulness
Unusual sleeping habits
Depressed
Anxious
Table 1, Signs of Adolescent Drug Abuse
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From this table, we can conclude that most signs of addiction usually correspond with the given
information. Skipping school frequently is definitely a red flag that trouble is going on behind the scenes.
If a child is often too "tired" or "sick" to go to school, this could be a warning as well. Drug abusing teens
are often irritable or emotional, and along with their emotions dropping, their hygiene usually turns to
poor. They will drop out of normal activities, such as music, sports, or other hobbies, friends suddenly
change, and new friends will often not be introduced. Their style of clothing changes as often as their
friends do, and their emotional rollercoaster will often send them through anxiety, depression, hostile
and aggressive outbursts, and loss of motivation. Their sleeping habits often turn to little or no sleep, or
excessively long periods of sleep to the point where they will sleep literally all day. They become
forgetful, and secretive. For example, their bedroom door may frequently be locked, or they could
possibly spend large amounts of time in the bathroom. Money and other valuables will go missing from
their room, or even from their parents’ wallets or other hiding places (Adolescent Substance Abuse
Knowledge Base, 2007).
Teenage drug abuse affects not only adolescents but also their families, friends and sometimes
total strangers. Teenagers who drive while impaired risk causing a car crash and harming themselves
and others. Girls who abuse alcohol and drugs are more likely to have unprotected sex, contract sexually
transmitted diseases and have unplanned pregnancies. Adolescents who abuse drugs are more likely to
be depressed and engage in violent behavior. Adolescents are also at risk for using drugs to attempt
suicide (Adamec, 2010).
There is no way of knowing exactly how many types of drugs there are, but we do know that
there are countless numbers of both legal and illegal drugs. The different categories of drugs include:
Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Inhalants, and so on. Alcohol is also considered a depressant
drug, and is probably the most popular drug throughout all classifications of drugs.
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Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of psychoactive drug that increase activity in the brain. These drugs can
temporarily elevate alertness, mood and awareness. While some stimulant drugs are legal and widely
used, all can be addicting. While stimulants share many commonalities, each has unique properties and
mechanisms of action. Stimulants can be taken orally in pill form, inhaled nasally, smoked, or injected
(Cherry).
PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS
NICOTINE
CAFFEINE
STIMULANTS
COCAINE
METH
Figure 1, Stimulant Drugs
Chronic, long term use may cause increased aggressiveness, panic attacks, seizures bronchitis,
nausea, vomiting, cancer of the throat and/or lungs, long periods without sleeping or eating, increased
heart rate, chest pain, cardio vascular diseases, toxic delirium, tremors, terminal seizures, psychotic
features, hallucinations, hypertension, irregular breathing, Dermatosis, Stroke, or death (Youth on
Drugs).
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What are the possible effects of stimulant use?
Agitation, excessive activity, talkativeness, overconfidence, euphoria
Irritability, argumentativeness or nervousness
Enhanced concentration, suppressed tiredness
A feeling of restlessness, anxiety
Drug
Stimulant
Use
Headache
Excessive perspiration
Increased blood pressure and/or respiratory rates, reduced body
temperature
Heart palpitations, rapid or irregular heartbeat
Dilated pupils, irritation of eyes and nose, blurred vision, delusions
Decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea
Coughing
Cramps, diarrhea
Loss of coordination, tremors in the hands, dizziness, collapse
Table 2, Drug Stimulant Use
Symptoms of Excessive Stimulant Drugs

OVERDOSE:
Agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions,
possible death.

WITHDRAWAL:
Feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression, exhaustion,
drowsiness. Symptoms of withdrawal can last 1-2 Days (Youth on Drugs)
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Depressants
Depressants are drugs that inhibit the function of the central nervous system and are among the
most widely used drugs in the world. These drugs operate by affecting neurons in the central nervous
system, which leads to symptoms such as drowsiness, relaxation, decreased inhibition, anesthesia,
sleep, coma and even death. All depressants also have the potential to be addictive. They can be taken
orally, injected, or smoked.
While central nervous system depressants all share an ability to reduce activity in the central
nervous system and lower levels of awareness in the brain, there are important differences among
substances within this drug class. Some are safer than others, while some depressants have more
potential for use for medicinal purposes (Cherry).
Chronic, long term use of depressants may cause physical dependence, loss of coordination in
motor skills, slurred speech, impaired judgment, hallucinations, paranoia, impaired memory, psychotic
episodes, altered eyesight, chronic fatigue, decreased libido, irregular menstrual cycle, respiratory
depression, and convulsions (Youth on Drugs).
ALCOHOL
BARBITURATES
DEPRESSANTS
Benzodiazepines
Inhalants&
Solvants
Marijuana
Figure 2, Depressant Drugs
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What are the possible effects of depressant
use?

Calm, relaxation

Lack of facial expression or animation.

Skin may feel cold and clammy

Altered senses, reduced anxiety,

Behavior similar to alcohol intoxication

Staggering, stumbling, lack of coordination, slurred speech

Falling asleep (nodding), difficulty concentrating

Dilated pupils

Decreases body temperature and heart rate

Nausea, Increased perspiration

Depressants taken in combination with each other or with
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Drug
Depressant
Use
alcohol have the potential to cause serious impairment or death.
Table 3, Drug Depressant Use
Symptoms of Excessive Depressant Drugs

OVERDOSE:
There are several different symptoms from the abuse and overdose of
depressant drugs. Shallow respiration (breathing), clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and
rapid pulse, coma, and even possible death are the most common (Youth on Drugs).

WITHDRAWAL:
The withdrawal from depressants may be hazardous and/or
potentially lethal. To stop abruptly or reduce the dosage of depressants the user may be
at risk of convulsions, delirium, and possible death. Symptoms of withdrawal can last 810 days (Youth on Drugs).
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are drugs that cause people to experience hallucinations and alter their
perception of reality. Under the influence of hallucinogens, people see images, hear sounds, and feel
sensations that seem real but are not. Hallucinogens alter the way the nerve cells (neurons) work in your
brain. They cause the neurons to release a neurotransmitter called serotonin. This can over activate the
serotonin receptors which may affect mood, sleeping patterns and heart rate. The actions of other
neurotransmitters can also be disrupted when using hallucinogens. Many hallucinogens are chemically
produced. Some hallucinogens occur naturally and can be found in plants such as the Peyote Cactus or
in fungi, or “magic mushrooms.” Hallucinogens can be taken orally, injected, smoked, or sniffed (Youth
on Drugs).
Chronic, long term use may cause extreme changes in behavior and mood, depression, violent
behavior, person may sit in a trance-like state, anxiety, fearfulness, trembling hands, chills, irregular
breathing, sweating, distorted senses of light, hearing, touch, smell, and perception of time, increase in
blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar, numbness of extremities and loss of muscular coordination .
PCP
HALLUCINOGENS
ECSTACY
MAGIC
MUSHROOMS
LSD
(Acid)
Figure 4, Hallucinogen Drugs
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What are the possible effects of hallucinogen use?
Rapidly changing feelings (immediately and long after use)
Hallucinations
Dizziness, confusion, nausea & vomiting
Suspicion
Anxiety
Muscle relaxation, weakness, tremors
Drug
Hallucinogen
Use
Ataxia. or loss of the ability to coordinate muscular movement
Loss of control, bad trips
Dilated pupils
Dry mouth
Increased body temperature
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Increased sweating, flushing
Loss of appetite
Sleeplessness, drowsiness
One use of hallucinogens may cause multiple and dramatic behavioral
changes and/or irreversible brain damage
Figure 5, Drug Depressant Use
Symptoms of Excessive Hallucinogen Drugs

OVERDOSE:
Longer, more intense trip, Psychosis, muscle spasms and seizures, loss of
coordination, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, person may sit in a trance-like state,
heart/lung failure, ruptured blood vessels in the brain, coma, and possible death.

WITHDRAWAL:
hallucinogens.
There are actually no discernible withdrawal symptoms from the use of
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Inhalants
Inhalants are volatile (vaporize at room temperature) substances that produce chemical vapors.
These vapors can be intentionally inhaled (huffing) to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering effect
similar to alcohol use. Inhalants are found in common everyday household products that we use:
Air freshener, Butane, Cooking spray, Correction fluid/ thinners, Deodorant, Fabric protector,
Felt pens, Freon, Gasoline, Household glue, Hairspray, Helium, Incense, Lighter fluid, Model
airplane glue, Nail polish/ nail polish remover, Paint, Paint thinner, Propane, Rubber cement.
Spot remover, Spray paint, etc.
Inhalants are breathed in through the nasal passages and absorbed by the lungs or sprayed directly
into the mouth or mixed with other liquids and swallowed. To maintain the high, the user must continue
use.
INHALANTS
SOLVENTS
GASES
Figure 6, Inhalant Drugs
NITRITES
Page | x
Solvents are industrial or chemicals, including paint thinners, dry-cleaning fluids,
gasoline, and glue. The Solvent category also includes art or office supply chemicals. This
includes correction fluids, felt-tip-marker fluid, and electronic contact cleaners.
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Gases used in household or commercial products, including butane lighters and propane
tanks, whipping cream aerosols or dispensers, refrigerant and fire extinguishers gases, aerosol
propellants and associated solvents in items such as spray paints, hair or deodorant sprays, and
fabric protector sprays.
Nitrites such as: Aliphatic nitrites, found in room deodorizers, Amyl nitrite, is a drug
that is sometimes prescribed to people that have heart problems and is available by
prescription, Butyl nitrite and volatile alkyl nitrites.
Chronic, long term use of inhalants may cause Chemical odor to one’s breath , anxiety,
excitable, irritable, loss of appetite, nausea, sores and/or spots in and around the mouth,
altered breathing, increased heart rate, ringing in the ear, hearing loss, sneezing, coughing,
weakening of the muscles, fatigue, limb spasms, uncontrollable bowel movements and
urination , temporary blindness, unconsciousness, suffocation, central nervous system or brain
damage, bone marrow damage, Sudden Sniffing Death – SSD, and death (Youth on Drugs).
What are the possible effects of inhalants use?
Inhalants can kill you the first time you use them
Effects are usually felt within the first 3 to 5 minute of use of an
inhalant
Drug
Inhalant
Use
Loss inhibitions, increased self-confidence, excitement, euphoria.
Dazed, dizzy or drunk appearance
Reckless, dangerous behavior
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Bloodshot eyes
Runny nose, nosebleeds
Headache
Coming down from the high can cause feelings of anxiousness and/or
agitation.
Figure 7, Inhalant Drug Use
Symptoms of Excessive Inhalant Drugs

OVERDOSE:
Headache, ringing in the ears, double vision, dilated pupils, increased heart
rate, irregular heartbeat, increased activity, impulsive, hazardous actions, slurred speech,
slowed reflexes, delusions, hallucinations, unconsciousness, permanent brain damage, Sudden
Sniffing Death (SSD), and death (Youth on Drugs).

WITHDRAWAL:
Restlessness, irritability, anxiety, agitation, anorexia, loss of appetite,
nausea, vomiting, tremor, elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, insomnia, intense
dreaming, nightmares, impaired concentration, memory, and judgment, increased sensitivity to
sounds, alteration in tactile sensations, delirium, hallucinations, paranoid delusions, seizures,
elevated temperature, headache, and possible death.
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As you can see…
The information from the previous pages is outrageous. The use of these substances is a pillar of
stupidity, and the effects can be fatal. The greatest changes to the parts of the brain that are responsible
for impulse-control, judgment, decision-making, planning, organization and involved in other functions
like emotion, occur in adolescence. This area of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, does not reach full
maturity until around age 25 (The Teenage Brain). While the brain is busy growing, 70.1% of high school
seniors have used alcohol in the past year, 34.9% had tried marijuana, and over half had tried illicit drugs
at least once in their life. Even among 8th graders, 45.6% had already drunk alcohol, and 22.8% had
already tried illicit drugs (Ken C. Winters, 2004). Thus, the growth and development of the brain is
crucial during the ages 12 through 18, when most begin their exploration of drugs and alcohol. From the
statistics and facts above, we can clearly determine and recognize the harsh wrong-doing of drugs to the
brain, body, mind, and relationships one holds dearest.
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Works Cited
Adamec, C. (2010, July 16th). Affects of Teenage Drug Abuse. Retrieved November 20th, 2011, from
livestrong.com: http://www.livestrong.com/article/176159-effects-of-teenage-drug-abuse/
Ken C. Winters, P. (2004, November). Adolescent Brain Development and Drug Abuse. Retrieved
November 15th, 2011, from TRI Science Addiction:
http://www.factsontap.org/docs/2004Nov_AdolescentBrain.pdf
The Teenage Brain. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15th, 2011, from Blogspot.com:
http://teenagebrain.blogspot.com/
Youth on Drugs. (n.d.). Retrieved November 8th, 2011, from Drug Factuals - Hallucinogens:
http://youthondrugs.com/drugs/hallucinogens