Alcohol, Tobacco, and
Other Drugs
Koplyn, Keegan & Alissa

Depressants
Drugs

Short term effects

Long-Term Effects

Barbiturates

Poor coordination,slurred speech,decreased alertness.

Sleepiness,irritability,confusion

CNS Depressants

Blurred vision,dizziness,slurred speech,drowsiness,headache, skin rash

Blood and liver disease

Opiates

Nausea,vomiting,decreased alertness,drowsiness,depressed respiration

Constipation,infections associated with infecting

Alcohol

Impaired judgment,decreased alertness,lack of coordination, memory problems,vomiting

Liver damage,brain damage, anxiety and depression, malnutrition memory loss

Stimulants
Drug

Short term Effects

Long term effects

Amphetamines

Restlessness,rapid speech, blurred vision,dizziness

Hyperactivity

Methamphetamines

Increased respiration, elevated body temperature, convulsions stroke

Psychotic behavior

Cocaine

Sleep disorders,loss of appetite,increased blood pressure and heart rate

Depression

Nicotine/Tobacco smoke

Nausea,loss of appetite, headache,increased blood pressure Hacking cough

Roles of family,community and cultural norms Relationship with family and friends often become strained as the behavior and personality of a drug abuser change.

Contrast
Prescription drugs are:
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Prescribed by a doctor
Bought at a pharmacy
Prescribed for and intended to be used by one person

OTC (over the counter) drugs are:
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Drugs that do NOT require a doctor's prescription
Bought off-the-shelf in stores

The highly addictive characteristics of drugs such as heroin, cocaine and various amphetamine compounds may take away any control you have over the continuation of self-inflicted damage. The cost of feeding an inevitable addiction that regular use will cause, may mean you find yourself involved in serious crime, facing a lengthy jail term, and dealing with serious health problems including permanent mental illness, the risks of communicable diseases like
HIV/AIDS, and overdosing. You might also lose the support of your family and friends along the way.
Illegal drugs generally fall under three main categories:
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Depressants

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Stimulants

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Hallucinogens

Prescription drugs can also fall under these categories. When prescribed by your doctor and used in accordance with the doctor's instructions, these drugs are legal. When stolen or fraudulently obtained, the possession,