JUST THE FACTS
WHAT ARE
PSYCHOACTIVE
DRUGS?
AN EDUCATIONAL FACT SHEET FROM
THE FLORIDA ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE ASSOCIATION
Psychoactive drugs affect the chemical and physical functioning of the brain.
These drugs are often termed “mind-altering” because they change the perceptions
and the behavior of the individual using
them. There are seven main classifications
of psychoactive drugs: stimulants, club
drugs, depressants, narcotics, cannabis, hallucinogens and inhalants.
STIMULANTS
Stimulants are used primarily to relieve fatigue and increase alertness. The
most widely used stimulants are nicotine,
which is found in tobacco products, and
caffeine, which is found in soft drinks, coffee and tea. Cocaine and amphetamines are
more potent stimulants. People who use
stimulants build up a tolerance, which
means they have to take larger and larger
quantities in order to maintain the desired
effects. Greater levels of use increase the
likelihood of physical and psychological
dependence.
CLUB DRUGS
Club Drugs include Ecstasy, GHB and
Ketamine. These drugs have the effect of
both stimulants and hallucinogens, and are
popular at “raves” (all night dance parties).
Ketamine use as an anesthetic in humans
was discontinued due to the side effects but
has limited use as a veterinary medicine.
GHB initially gained popularity with body
builders, but there is no evidence that it increased muscle mass. GHB is odorless and
tasteless and along with Rohypnol, has the
reputation as a date-rape drug, as high
doses can cause deep sleep during which
the user is essentially unconscious. Recent
research by the National Institute on Drug
Abuse (NIDA) has shown that Ecstasy damages the brain’s serotonin neurons. Ecstasy
is a Schedule I category drug, which means
there is no medical usefulness and a high potential for abuse. This is the same classification given to Heroin, LSD, and Cocaine.
of the cannabis plant. Hashish is a concentrated
form of marijuana made from the resin secretions of the
cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most
significant psychoactive chemical ingredient found in
cannabis. The level of THC determines the potency of
the drug.
HALLUCINOGENS
Hallucinogenic drugs are natural and synthetic
drugs that distort the perception of reality and affect
thought processes. The main forms of hallucinogenic
drugs are phencyclidine (PCP), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and organic drugs, which include mescaline and psilocybin.
INHALANTS
DEPRESSANTS
Depressants are often referred to as sedative-hypnotic drugs or downers because they
depress the functioning of the central nervous
system. Small amounts help relax muscles and
produce calmness, while larger doses create
difficulties with judgement, reflexes and
speech. Depressants are often used for medical purposes to relieve anxiety, tension and insomnia. Nonmedical use of depressants has
the potential for psychological and physical
dependence, which leads to abuse. Alcohol is
the most widely used depressant followed by
sedatives and tranquilizers.
Inhalants are usually forms of aerosols or solvents
that are inhaled and produce feelings of euphoria, excitation and light-headedness. The vapors from inhalants enter the bloodstream rapidly by way of the lungs
and circulate throughout the body, often depressing
body functions such as breathing and heart rate.
NARCOTICS
Narcotics are drugs that dull the senses,
induce sleep and become addictive with prolonged use. In medical use, the term narcotic
refers to opium; narcotic analgesics are often
referred to as opioids. The tern analgesic refers to the pain-relieving effect of narcotics.
Opium, morphine, heroin and codeine are the
most commonly used narcotics. Opium is extracted from the seed pod of the opium poppy;
morphine and codeine are derived from the
substance found in opium. Heroin is a synthetic drug made by modifying the chemicals
in opium.
CANNABIS
Cannabis is a plant that grows mainly in
tropical and subtropical climates and has been
used as a drug for centuries. The main forms
of cannabis are marijuana and hashish. Marijuana is produced by drying the tops and leaves
DRUG-FREE
Funded through the Governor’s Drug-Free
Communities Program, Title IV. Funding from the Safe
and Drug-Free Communities Act of 1994
Funds for this document are provided by the
Substance Abuse Program Office, Florida Department of
Children and Families. Contract #LD048
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE FLORIDA ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE ASSOCIATION RESOURCE CENTER
1030 EAST LAFAYETTE STREET, SUITE 100, TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32301 TEL: (850) 878-2196
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
5/03/2500
PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS IDENTIFICATION CHART
DRUGS
MEDICAL USES
MEDICAL NAMES
SLANG NAMES
STIMULANTS
FORMS
USUAL
ADMINISTRATION
EFFECTS SOUGHT
POSSIBLE EFFECTS
Sniff, chew, smoke
Relaxation
STIMULANTS
None
Nicotine
Butt, chew, smoke, cig,
cancer sticks
Pipe, tobacco,
cigarettes, snuff
Caffeine
Hyperkinesis,
Stimulant
Caffeine
None
Chocolates, tea, soft Swallow
drinks, coffee
Alertness
Amphetamines
Hyperkinesis,
Narcolepsy, Weight
control, Mental
disorders
Local anesthetic
Dexedrine, Benzedrine
Speed, bennies, dexies,
pep pills, uppers
Capsules, liquid,
tablets, powder
Inject, swallow
Alertness,
activeness
Cocaine
Coke, rock, crack, blow,
toot, white, blast, snow,
flake
Speed, meth, crank,
crystal, ice, glass, crank
Powder, rock
Inject, smoke, inhale
Excitation, euphoria
Capsules, powder,
rock
Inject, swallow, smoke,
snort
Alertness,
exhilaration
Methamphetamine Severe obesity,
ADD, narcolepsy
Desoxyn
CLUB DRUGS
Ecstasy
(methylenedioxy
amphetamine)
CLUB DRUGS
None
X, MDMA, MDA, ADAM,
XTC
Capsules, tablets
Swallow, smoke, snort
Alertness, euphoria
GHB (Gammy
None
Hydroxybutyric Acid)
None
Liquid ecstasy, grievous
bodily harm, nature’s
qualude, easy lay,
liquid E
Special K, Vitamin K,
breakfast cereal,
Super K
Liquid, powder
Swallow, mix in drinks
Powder, liquid
Anesthetic
Ketaset, Ketalar, Ketaved,
Vetalar
DEPRESSANTS
Respiratory difficulties, fatigue, high blood
pressure
None
Dependency, lung cancer, heart attack, respiratory
ailments
Increased alertness, pulse rate and blood
pressure; excitation, insomnia, loss of
appetite
Increased alertness, pulse rate and blood
pressure; excitation, insomnia, loss of
appetite
Irritability
Dependency may aggravate organic actions
Agitation, increase in body temperature,
hallucinations, convulsions, possible death
Severe withdrawal, possible convulsions, toxic
psychosis
Agitation, increase in body temperature,
hallucinations, convulsions, possible death
Dependency, depression, paranoia, convulsions
Convulsions, coma, stroke, possible death
Depression, irritability, mental confusion, weight loss,
anxiety, rapid mood swings
Increased alertness, pulse rate and blood
pressure; excitation, insomnia, loss of
appetite
Increased alertness, pulse rate and blood
pressure, exhilaration, psychosis
STIMULANTS
CLUB DRUGS
None
Ketamine
(Ketamine
Hydrochloride)
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
STIMULANTS
Nicotine
Cocaine
OVERDOSE
CLUB DRUGS
Seizure, dehydration
Damage to serotonin neurons in the brain
Relaxation, lack of
inhibitions
Jitteriness, dry mouth, muscle cramps,
increased blood pressure and heart rate,
hallucinations
Nausea, vomiting, amnesia, deep
long-lasting sleep, lack of coordination
Liver failure, seizure, coma, fatal respiratory
failure
Dependency may occur. Long-term effects unknown
at this time
Snort, smoke, inject
Hallucinations
Delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function
Fatal respiratory problems
Tolerance
DEPRESSANTS
DEPRESSANTS
DEPRESSANTS
Alcohol
None
Ethyl alcohol
Booze, beer, wine,
liquor, malt liquor
Liquid
Swallow
Sense alteration,
anxiety reduction
Loss of coordination, sluggishness, slurred
speech, disorientation, depression
Total loss of coordination, nausea,
unconsciousness, possible death
Dependency, toxic psychosis, neurologic damage,
liver damage
Rohypnol
(Flunitrazepam)
Anesthetic, insomnia
Rohypnol
Roofies, roach, ropes,
roaches
Tablets
Swallow, snort
Intoxication
Blackouts, dizziness, disorientation, nausea
Fatal respiratory problems
Physical dependency, withdrawal sympotoms
including seizures
Sedatives
Anesthetic, Sedative
hypnotic,
Anti-convulsant
Anti-anxiety,
Sedative hypnotic
Secobarbital, Phenobarbital,
Seconal
Barbs, reds, downers,
sopors
Capsules, tablets,
powder
Inject, swallow
Anxiety reduction,
euphoria, sleep
Loss of coordination, sluggishness, slurred
speech, disorientation, depression
Dependency, severe withdrawal, possible
convulsions, toxic psychosis
Valium, Miltown, Librium
Downers
Capsules, tablets
Swallow
Anxiety reduction,
euphoria, sleep
Loss of coordination, sluggishness, slurred
speech, disorientation, depression
Cold and clammy skin, dilated pupils,
shallow respiration, weak and rapid pulse,
coma, possible death
Cold and clammy skin, dilated pupils,
shallow respiration, weak and rapid pulse,
coma, possible death
Smoke, swallow
Euphoria, prevent
withdrawal, sleep
Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory
depression, constricted pupils, sleep, nausea
Clammy skin, slow and shallow breathing,
convulsions, coma, possible death
Dependency, constipation, loss of appetite, severe
withdrawal
Tranquilizers
NARCOTICS
NARCOTICS
NARCOTICS
Dependency, severe withdrawal, possible
convulsions, toxic psychosis
NARCOTICS
Opium
Analgesic,
Antidiarrheal
Paregoric
None
Powder
Morphine
Analgesic,
Antitussive
Morphine, pectoral syrup
None
Powder, tablet, liquid Inject, smoke, swallow
Euphoria, prevent
withdrawal, sleep
Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory
depression, constricted pupils, sleep, nausea
Clammy skin, slow and shallow breathing,
convulsions, coma, possible death
Dependency, constipation, loss of appetite, severe
withdrawal
Heroin
Research
Diacetylmorphine
Powder
Inject, swallow, smoke
Euphoria, prevent
withdrawal, sleep
Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory
depression, constricted pupils, sleep, nausea
Clammy skin, slow and shallow breathing,
convulsions, coma, possible death
Dependency, constipation, loss of appetite, severe
withdrawal
Codeine
Analgesic,
Antitussive
Codeine, Empirin compound
with codeine, Robitussin a-c
China white, smack,
junk, H, horse, skag,
black-tar
None
Capsules, tablets,
liquid
Inject, swallow
Euphoria, prevent
withdrawal, sleep
Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory
depression, constricted pupils, sleep, nausea
Clammy skin, slow and shallow breathing,
convulsions, coma, possible death
Dependency, constipation, loss of appetite, severe
withdrawal
THC
Research, Cancer
chemotherapy
antinauseant
Tetrahydrocannabinol
THC
Tablets, liquid
Swallow
Relaxation,
euphoria,
increased perception
Relaxed inhibitions, euphoria, increased
appetite, distorted perceptions, disoriented
behavior
Fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis
Amotivational syndrome, respiratory difficulties, lung
cancer, interference with physical and emotional
development
Hashish
None
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Hash, oil, shish oil
Solid resin, hash oil
Smoke
Relaxation,
euphoria,
increased perception
Relaxed inhibitions, euphoria, increased
appetite, distorted perceptions, disoriented
behavior
Fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis
Amotivational syndrome, respiratory difficulties, lung
cancer, interference with physical and emotional
development
Marijuana
Research
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Pot, grass, sinsemilla,
doobie, ganja, dope,
gold, herb, weed, reefer
Plant particles
Smoke, swallow
Relaxation,
euphoria,
increased perception
Relaxed inhibitions, euphoria, increased
appetite, distorted perceptions, disoriented
behavior
Fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis
Amotivational syndrome, respiratory difficulties, lung
cancer, interference with physical and emotional
development
CANNABIS
CANNABIS
HALLUCINOGENS
CANNABIS
HALLUCINOGENS
CANNABIS
HALLUCINOGENS
HALLUCINOGENS
PCP
None
Phencyclidine
Angel dust, zoot, peace
pill, hog, ozone, dust
Tablets, powder
Smoke, swallow, snort,
inject
Distortion of senses,
insight, exhilaration
Illusions and hallucinations, distorted
perception of time and distance
Longer and more intense “trips” or episodes,
psychosis, convulsions, possible death
May intensify existing psychosis, flashbacks, panic
reactions
LSD
Research
Lysergic acid diethylamide
Acid, sugar, sid, dose,
blotter, windowpane
Capsules, tablets,
liquid
Swallow
Distortion of senses,
insight, exhiliration
Illusions and hallucinations, distorted
perception of time and distance
Longer and more intense “trips” or episodes,
psychosis, convulsions, possible death
May intensify existing psychosis, flashbacks, panic
reactions
Organics
None
Mescaline, psilocybin
Mesc, mushrooms,
shrooms, caps, peyote
buttons, magic
mushrooms
Crude preparations, Swallow
tablets, powder
Distortion of senses,
insight, exhiliration
Illusions and hallucinations, distorted
perception of time and distance
Longer and more intense “trips” or episodes,
psychosis, convulsions, possible death
May intensify existing psychosis, flashbacks, panic
reactions
None
None
Glue, benzene, toluene,
freon, whippets, nitrous
oxide, blue nun
Intoxication
Exhiliration, confusion, poor concentration
Heart failure, unconsciousness, asphyxiation,
possible death
Impaired perception, coordination and judgment;
neurologic damage, liver and kidney damage.
INHALANTS
Aerosols and
Solvents
INHALANTS
Solvents, aerosols
INHALANTS
Inhale
INHALANTS
For more information contact the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association Resource Center, 1030 E. Lafayette St., Suite 100, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Tel: (850) 878-2196 www.fadaa.org