Health Risks Associated with Use or Abuse
Tobacco and Nicotine
Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to contract heart disease. Lung, larynx,
esophageal, bladder, pancreatic, and kidney cancers also strike smokers at increased
rates. Thirty percent of cancer deaths are linked to smoking. Chronic obstructive
lung diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, are 10 times more likely
to occur among smokers than among nonsmokers. Smoking during pregnancy also
poses risks, such as spontaneous abortion, pre-term birth, and low birth weights.
Fetal and infant deaths are more likely to occur when the pregnant woman is
a smoker. Nicotine is both psychologically and physically addictive.
Alcohol
Low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination needed to operate
vehicles. Small amounts can also lower inhibitions. Moderate to high doses
cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, and loss of memory and
the ability to learn and remember information. High doses cause respiratory
depression and death. Long-term consumption, particularly when combined with
poor nutrition, can also lead to dependence and permanent damage to vital
organs such as the brain and the liver. If combined with other depressants of
the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the
effects just described. Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give
birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible
physical abnormalities and mental retardation.
Cannabis
(Marijuana, Hashish, Hashish Oil, Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Physical effects of cannabis include increased heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dry
mouth and throat, and increased appetite. Use of cannabis may impair or reduce
short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, reduce ability to
perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, and impair driving
ability. Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the acquisition of
new information difficult. Marijuana, hashish, THC, etc., can also produce
paranoia and psychosis. Longterm use may result in possible lung damage,
reduced sperm count and sperm motility, and may affect ovulation cycles.
Cannabis can also be psychologically addictive.
Inhalants
(Nitrous Oxide, Amyl Nitrite, Butyl Nitrite, Chlorohydrocarbons,
Hydrocarbons)
Immediate effects of inhalants include nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds,
fatigue, lack of coordination, and loss of appetite. Solvents and aerosol
sprays also decrease the heart and respiratory rates and impair judgment. Amyl
and butyl nitrite cause rapid pulse, headaches, and involuntary passing of
urine and feces. Long-term use may result in hepatitis or brain damage. Deeply
inhaling vapors, or using large amounts over a short time, may result in
disorientation, violent behavior, unconsciousness, or death. High
concentrations of inhalants can cause suffocation by displacing oxygen in
lungs. Long-term use can cause weight loss, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance,
muscle fatigue, and permanent damage to the nervous system.
Cocaine (Crack)
Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. Its immediate effects include
dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and
body temperature. Occasional use can cause nasal irritation; chronic use can
ulcerate the mucous membrane of the nose. Crack or freebase rock is extremely
addictive. Physical effects include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate,
elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations,
paranoia, and seizures. The use of cocaine can cause death by cardiac arrest
or respiratory failure.
Stimulants
(Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, Crank, Ice)
Stimulants cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood
pressure, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite. Users may experience
sweating, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety.
Extremely high doses can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of
coordination, and physical collapse. Amphetamine injection creates a sudden
increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, very high fever, or
heart failure. In addition to physical effects, feelings of restlessness,
anxiety, and moodiness can result. Use of large amounts over a long period of
time can cause amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucinations, delusions,
and paranoia. The use of amphetamines can cause physical and psychological
dependence.
Depressants
(Barbituates, Methaqualone, Tranquilizers)
Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles, but somewhat larger
doses can cause slurred speech, staggering gait, and altered perception. Large
doses can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death. Combination of
depressants and alcohol can multiply effects of the drugs, thereby multiplying
risks. Babies born to mothers who abuse depressants during pregnancy may be
physically dependent on the drugs and show withdrawal symptoms shortly after
birth. Birth defects and behavioral problems may also result. The use of
depressants can cause both physical and psychological dependence.
Hallucinogens
(PCP, LSD, Mescaline, Peyote, Psilocybin)
Phencyclidine (PCP) interrupts the functions of the neocortex, the section of
the brain that controls intellect and instinct. PCP blocks pain receptors,
and
users can have violent PCP episodes resulting in self-inflicted injuries.
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin cause illusions
and hallucinations. The physical effects may include dilated pupils, elevated
body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite,
sleeplessness, and tremors.
Narcotics
(Heroin, Methadone, Codeine, Morphine, Meperidine, Opium)
Narcotics initially produce a feeling of euphoria that often is followed by
drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Users may experience constricted pupils,
watery eyes and itching. Overdoses may produce respiratory depression, clammy
skin, convulsions, coma and death. Addiction in pregnant women can lead to
premature, stillborn, or addicted infants who experience severe withdrawal
symptoms. Use of narcotics can cause physical and psychological
dependence.
Designer Drugs
(Analogs of Fenatyl, Analogs of Meperidine, MDMA, Ecstasy Analogs of PCP)
Many "designer drugs" are related to amphetamines and depressants and have
mild stimulant and depressant properties. Use can produce severe neurochemical
damage to the brain. Narcotic analogs can cause symptoms such as those seen in
Parkinson's disease: uncontrollable tremors, drooling, impaired speech,
paralysis, and irreversible brain damage. Analogs of amphetamines and
methamphetamines cause nausea, blurred vision, chills or sweating, and
faintness. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
Analogs of PCP cause illusions, hallucinations, and impaired perception.
Anbolic Steroids
Steroid users subject themselves to more than 70 side effects, ranging in
severity from acne to liver cancer, including psychological as well as
physical reactions. The liver and cardio-vascular and reproductive systems are
most seriously affected by use. In males, use can cause withered testicles,
sterility, and impotence. In females, irreversible masculine traits can
develop along with breast reduction and sterility. Psychological effects in
both sexes include very aggressive behavior, known as "roid rage", and
depression. While some side affects appear quickly, others, such as heart
attacks and strokes, may not show up for years.
References
U.S. Dept. of Education (1989). What Works: Schools Without Drugs. (Rockville,
MD: National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, 1989), pp
61-72.
National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA Capsules, (Rockville, MD: Press Office
of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1986).