Drugs of Abuse

Substances:
Category and Name

Examples of Commercial
and Street Names

DEA Schedule*
How Administered**

Intoxication Effects / Potential Health Consequences

Cannabinoids

Depressants

Also, for barbiturates—sedation, drowsiness/depression, unusual excitement, fever, irritability, poor judgment, slurred speech, dizziness, life-threatening withdrawal

For benzodiazepines—sedation, drowsiness/dizziness

For flunitrazepam—visual and gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary retention, memory loss for the time under the drug's effects

For GHB—drowsiness, nausea/vomiting, headache, loss of consciousness, loss of reflexes, seizures, coma, death

For methaqualone—euphoria/depression, poor reflexes, slurred speech, coma

Dissociative Anesthetics

Increased heart rate and blood pressure, impaired motor function/memory loss; numbness; nausea/vomiting

Also, for ketamine—at high doses, delirium, depression, respiratory depression and arrest

For PCP and analogs—possible decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, panic, aggression, violence/loss of appetite, depression

Hallucinogens

Also, Also for LSD and mescaline—increased body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure; loss of appetite, sleeplessness, numbness, weakness, tremors

For for LSD—persistent mental disorders for for psilocybin—nervousness, paranoia

Opioids and Morphine Derivatives

Also, for codeine—less analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression than morphine

For heroin—staggering gait

Stimulants

Also, for amphetamine—rapid breathing/tremor, loss of coordination; irritability, anxiousness, restlessness, delirium, panic, paranoia, impulsive behavior, aggressiveness, tolerance, addiction, psychosis

for cocaine—increased temperature/chest pain, respiratory failure, nausea, abdominal pain, strokes, seizures, headaches, malnutrition, panic attacks

for MDMA—mild hallucinogenic effects, increased tactile sensitivity, empathic feelings/impaired memory and learning, hyperthermia, cardiac toxicity, renal failure, liver toxicity

for methamphetamine—aggression, violence, psychotic behavior/memory loss, cardiac and neurological damage; impaired memory and learning, tolerance, addiction

for nicotine—additional effects attributable to tobacco exposure; adverse pregnancy outcomes; chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, tolerance, addiction

Other Compounds