Drug Abuse: Effects, Risks, and Commonly Abused Drugs

According to the National Cancer Institute, or NCI, drug abuse is defined as the use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Substance abuse can occur with many different types of substances.

The controlled substances mainly include five categories of drugs:

• Narcotics
• Central nervous system (CNS) depressants
• CNS stimulants
• Hallucinogens
• Anabolic steroids

Each class has different properties and produces varying effects compared to one another.

All of these drugs have abuse potential or are immediate precursors to substances with abuse potential. Many of these controlled substances are thought to alter mood, thoughts, and feelings because of their actions on the CNS. Moreover, some of these drugs are used to lower pain or treat anxiety or depression. Some drugs induce sleep, while some make the person energized.

Controlled substances are often prescribed to patients to control symptoms such as pain or neuralgia, which is useful for therapeutic purposes. But if taken in large doses, it can lead to feel good effects, which can lead to their abuse.

Drug abuse is a condition when controlled substances are used in a manner or amount inconsistent with legitimate medical use. The overuse of non-sanctioned controlled substances that are from Schedules I to V of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is considered drug abuse.

More than abuse potential, most of the controlled substances are capable of causing dependence, which could be physical and psychological. In physical dependence, the body is addicted to the effect of the substance, and if it does not get that, it goes under withdrawal symptoms. Whereas psychological dependence is the urge, need, or craving for a drug to feel good. People who are psychologically dependent on something feel they can not function or work without that certain substance.

Here in this blog, some of the most commonly abused drugs have been summarized, along with their street names, route of administration, effects of intoxication, and potential health consequences.

List of Substances, Effects, and Health Consequences

Amphetamine

• Brand/Street Names: Adderall, Dexedrine; bennies, black beauties, speed
• Route of Administration: Injection, smoked, snorted
• Effects of Intoxication: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, metabolism, and energy, mental alertness, reduced appetite, irritability, anxiety, psychosis
• Potential Health Consequences: Weight loss, insomnia, cardiac complications, stroke, seizures, addiction

Barbiturates

• Brand/Street Names: Nembutal, Seconal; barbs, reds, yellow jackets
• Route of Administration: Injection, oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Pain/anxiety relief, lowered inhibitions, slowed pulse and breathing, sedation
• Potential Health Consequences: Confusion, fatigue, respiratory depression, addiction

Benzodiazepines

• Brand/Street Names: Ativan, Valium; candy, downers, xannies
• Route of Administration: Oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Pain/anxiety relief, sedation, lowered pulse/breathing
• Potential Health Consequences: Confusion, fatigue, respiratory depression, addiction

Bupropion

• Brand/Street Names: Wellbutrin; poor mans cocaine
• Route of Administration: Oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, euphoria, energy
• Potential Health Consequences: Seizures, tachycardia, arrhythmias, loss of consciousness

Cocaine

• Brand/Street Names: Blow, bump, candy, coke, crack, rock
• Route of Administration: Injection, smoked, snorted
• Effects of Intoxication: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, metabolism, energy, and mental alertness, reduced appetite, anxiety
• Potential Health Consequences: Weight loss, insomnia, cardiac complications, stroke, nasal damage, addiction

Codeine

• Brand/Street Names: Fiorinal with codeine, Tylenol with codeine; Captain Cody
• Route of Administration: Injection, oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness
• Potential Health Consequences: Respiratory depression, nausea, sedation, unconsciousness, addiction

Dextromethorphan

• Brand/Street Names: Robitussin; Robo, Triple C
• Route of Administration: Oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Impaired motor function, euphoria, detachment from body/environment
• Potential Health Consequences: Dizziness, distorted visual perceptions

Flunitrazepam

• Brand/Street Names: Rohypnol; roofies, rope
• Route of Administration: Oral, snorted
• Effects of Intoxication: Sedation, muscle relaxation, memory loss, dizziness
• Potential Health Consequences: Addiction, respiratory depression, memory loss, confusion

Gabapentin

• Brand/Street Names: Neurontin, Lyrica; Gabbie
• Route of Administration: Oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Euphoria, relaxation
• Potential Health Consequences: Diarrhea, drowsiness, slurred speech, lethargy

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)

• Brand/Street Names: Liquid ecstasy, liquid X
• Route of Administration: Oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Drowsiness, disorientation, nausea, memory loss
• Potential Health Consequences: Seizures, coma, confusion, vomiting

Heroin

• Brand/Street Names: Smack, dope, junk, black tar
• Route of Administration: Injection, smoked, snorted
• Effects of Intoxication: Euphoria, drowsiness, impaired coordination, slowed breathing
• Potential Health Consequences: Respiratory depression, coma, addiction

Hydrocodone

• Brand/Street Names: Vicodin, Lortab; Vike, Watson 387
• Route of Administration: Oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness
• Potential Health Consequences: Respiratory depression, nausea, constipation, addiction

Inhalants

• Brand/Street Names: Paint thinner, glue, poppers
• Route of Administration: Inhaled through nose/mouth
• Effects of Intoxication: Stimulation, loss of inhibition, nausea, slurred speech, wheezing
• Potential Health Consequences: Muscle weakness, memory impairment, cardiovascular and nervous system damage

Ketamine

• Brand/Street Names: Special K, vitamin K
• Route of Administration: Injection, smoked, snorted
• Effects of Intoxication: Increased heart rate, impaired motor function, feelings of detachment
• Potential Health Consequences: Memory loss, nausea, respiratory depression

Loperamide

• Brand/Street Names: Imodium; poor mans methadone
• Route of Administration: Oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Reduces symptoms of opioid withdrawal
• Potential Health Consequences: CNS depression, intestinal blockage

LSD

• Brand/Street Names: Acid, cubes, blotter
• Route of Administration: Oral, absorbed through tissues
• Effects of Intoxication: Altered perception, hallucinations, nausea, increased heart rate
• Potential Health Consequences: Flashbacks, hallucinogen persisting perception disorder

Marijuana

• Brand/Street Names: Blunt, weed, Mary Jane
• Route of Administration: Oral, smoked
• Effects of Intoxication: Euphoria, relaxation, increased heart rate, impaired memory, anxiety
• Potential Health Consequences: Impaired memory, panic attacks, respiratory infections, addiction

MDMA

• Brand/Street Names: Ecstasy, Molly
• Route of Administration: Injection, oral, snorted
• Effects of Intoxication: Hallucinogenic effects, tactile sensitivity, empathic feelings
• Potential Health Consequences: Irregular heartbeat, hyperthermia, addiction

Mescaline

• Brand/Street Names: Peyote, buttons
• Route of Administration: Oral, smoked
• Effects of Intoxication: Hallucinations, nausea, altered perception
• Potential Health Consequences: Chronic mental disorders

Methamphetamine

• Brand/Street Names: Meth, crank, ice, crystal
• Route of Administration: Oral, injection, smoked, snorted
• Effects of Intoxication: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and energy, reduced appetite, irritability, anxiety, psychosis
• Potential Health Consequences: Weight loss, cardiovascular complications, addiction, severe dental issues

Methylphenidate

• Brand/Street Names: Ritalin, smart drug
• Route of Administration: Injection, oral, snorted
• Effects of Intoxication: Psychotic episodes, fluctuations in blood pressure
• Potential Health Consequences: Digestive problems, heart failure, stroke, addiction

Morphine

• Brand/Street Names: Roxanol, Duramorph; the white stuff
• Route of Administration: Injection, oral, smoked
• Effects of Intoxication: Pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness
• Potential Health Consequences: Respiratory depression, nausea, sedation, addiction

Oxycodone

• Brand/Street Names: OxyContin, Percodan; kicker
• Route of Administration: Injection, oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness
• Potential Health Consequences: Respiratory depression, coma, addiction

PCP

• Brand/Street Names: Angel dust, hog, peace pill
• Route of Administration: Injection, oral, smoked
• Effects of Intoxication: Impaired motor function, hallucinations, aggression
• Potential Health Consequences: Memory loss, panic, violence

Psilocybin

• Brand/Street Names: Magic mushrooms
• Route of Administration: Oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Hallucinations, paranoia, panic
• Potential Health Consequences: Chronic mental disorders

Quetiapine

• Brand/Street Names: Seroquel; baby heroin
• Route of Administration: Oral
• Effects of Intoxication: Reduced anxiety, sedation
• Potential Health Consequences: Arrhythmias, coma, death (overdose)

Conclusion

Drug abuse is a serious problem that is affecting many peoples health, jobs, and relationships. While some of these substances have medicinal uses and can be helpful when taken in the prescribed doses, abusing them can lead to addiction, serious health issues, and even death. Therefore, steps should be taken to prevent drug abuse and addiction from occurring.

About the Author:

Mariya Rizwan is an experienced pharmacist who has been working as a medical writer for four years. Her passion lies in crafting articles on topics ranging from Pharmacology, General Medicine, Pathology to Pharmacognosy.

Mariya is an independent contributor to CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program. Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely of the independent contributor and do not necessarily represent those of CEUfast. This blog post is not medical advice. Always consult with your personal healthcare provider for any health-related questions or concerns.

If you want to learn more about CEUfasts Nursing Blog Program or would like to submit a blog post for consideration, please visit https://ceufast.com/blog/submissions.