Chap. 16 Types of Drugs & Effects
STUDY GUIDE
Marijuana
 Makes it hard to think and remember, so it will be difficult to make
decisions and perform tasks.
 Reduces reaction time and coordination, making it hard to drive a car.
 Increases the heart rate and appetite.
 High doses can cause anxiety and panic attacks.
 Has the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke.
 Can cause lung disease or cancer.
Stimulants
 Speed up body functions and make you alert.
 Causes the heart to beat faster (possibly causing a heart attack).
 Includes cocaine, crack, methamphetamine as well as beverages containing
caffeine.
Depressants
 Slows down body functions and reactions.
 Reflexes and coordination are slowed down making it hard to drive a car.
 Alcohol, tranquilizers and some medicines are depressants.
 Abuse of depressants can cause coma or death, especially if the drug is
combined with alcohol.
Ecstasy
 Has unpredictable effects because a person does not know what the maker
of the drug, put in it.
 Makes it hard to regulate body temperature.
Rohypnol
 Also called “roofies”.
 In a club, could be added to your drink. NEVER leave your drink unattended
in a club. If you need to walk away, do not pick up the drink again.
 Makes a person feel dizzy, sleepy or unconscious. May be used to commit
date rape.
Narcotics
 Extremely addictive.
 Gets rid of pain and dull senses.
(OVER)
 High feeling quickly wears off. Then the person experiences withdrawal
(nausea, cramps, vomiting)
 You can die the first time you use heroin.
 Users also risk HIV or hepatitis infection from shared needles.
 Includes Heroin, Oxycodone, Vicodin and Morphine.
Inhalants
 Inhaling the vapors of poisonous chemicals (toxic) can cause choking, death
by suffocation, heart attack and permanent brain damage.
 Signs of abuse include: red or runny eyes, sores near the mouth, breath
that smells like chemicals, holding a marker or pen near the nose.
 Read the label to see if a product is toxic and how to use it safely.
Anabolic Steroids
 Cause muscle tissue to grow at abnormally high rates.
 Cause uncontrollable anger (“roid rage”)
 Cause testicles to shrink in men.
 Cause severe acne and high blood pressure.
 Cause infertility and a deep voice in women.
Hallucinogens
 Distort a person’s moods, thoughts and senses.
 LSD and PCP can cause bizarre or violent behavior, and a false feeling of h
 aving super powers.