alcohol
What are the long-term health risks?
Excessive and regular alcohol consumption can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, certain cancers, liver disease, and brain damage.
Addiction
Most vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can harm adolescent brain development and lead to dependence.
What is fentanyl and why is it so dangerous?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Even a tiny amount, as little as two milligrams (the size of a few grains of salt), can be fatal. Much of the fentanyl contributing to the current overdose crisis is made illegally and mixed into other illicit drugs or counterfeit pills without the user's knowledge, making accidental overdose a significant risk
What is methamphetamine and what are its common forms and street names?
Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive synthetic stimulant that primarily affects the central nervous system. It is classified as a Schedule II stimulant by the DEA, meaning it has a high potential for abuse but also some approved medical uses (e.g., for ADHD or obesity, though illicit use is far more common).
What is heroin and what are its immediate effects?
Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the seed pod of the opium poppy plant. It typically appears as a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as "black tar heroin". Once it enters the brain, it is converted to morphine and binds to opioid receptors, producing a surge of pleasure (a "rush"), followed by a warm flushing of the skin, dry mouth, heavy limbs, clouded mental function, and a period of drowsiness where a person may "nod off"
Are there any negative interactions with other substances
Yes, drinking alcohol while taking certain medications or other drugs can be very risky, as it can increase side effects, reduce a drug's effectiveness, or even hide a drug's effects.
Lung Damage
Vaping can cause irritation and damage to the lungs, potentially leading to conditions like asthma, chronic lung disease, and EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury).
Is it possible to tell if a drug or pill contains fentanyl?
No, it is nearly impossible to tell if a drug or a counterfeit pill contains fentanyl by looking, tasting, or smelling it. Fentanyl has no scent or taste when mixed with other substances. The only reliable way to check for its presence is by using fentanyl test strips (FTS)
How is methamphetamine typically consumed?
Methamphetamine can be consumed in several ways
Smoked
Injected
How is heroin used and what are the associated risks?
People typically inject, sniff (snort), or smoke heroin. All methods deliver the drug to the brain quickly, making it highly addictive.
How can I know if I have a problem with alcohol?
You can consider questions like: Have you felt you should cut down on your drinking? Do you get annoyed by criticism of your drinking? Do you feel guilty about your drinking? Do you ever need a drink first thing in the morning to get yourself going or to get rid of a hangover?.
Cardiovascular Issues
Research suggests vaping may negatively impact the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
What should I do if I think someone is overdosing on fentanyl?
A fentanyl overdose is a medical emergency requiring immediate action call 911
How does methamphetamine affect the brain and body in the short and long term
Meth floods the brain with a large amount of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and motor function. This causes an initial rush of euphoria, increased energy, alertness, and decreased appetite.
Can a person overdose on heroin, and how is it treated?
Yes, a person can overdose on heroin, which can be life-threatening. Overdose symptoms include slow and shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, a slow heart rate, cold and clammy skin, convulsions, and coma. An overdose can be treated with a medication called naloxone (Narcan), which blocks the effects of opioids and can reverse the overdose if administered quickly, though more than one dose may be needed.
What are the specific risks for women?
Women are often at higher risk for alcohol-related problems than men due to biological factors that can affect how alcohol is processed in the body, leading to more immediate and long-term consequences.
Other Harmful Chemicals
Vaping aerosol can contain cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals like lead, and other harmful particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
Can you overdose on fentanyl just by touching it or being exposed to secondhand smoke?
No, this is a common myth. Fentanyl is not easily absorbed through the skin, and there have been no confirmed cases of overdose from casual skin contact or from breathing in secondhand smoke. It must be consumed (injected, snorted, swallowed, or absorbed through mucous membranes like those in a prescribed patch) to have a significant effect. It is safe to help someone who is overdosing.
What are the signs and symptoms of methamphetamine use disorder (addiction)
Meth is a highly addictive drug with a high potential for developing a substance use disorder. Signs and symptoms of addiction include
What are the long-term effects of chronic heroin use?
Long-term use can lead to numerous health problems, including insomnia, chronic constipation, liver or kidney disease, lung complications like pneumonia, and mental disorders. It also leads to tolerance (needing more of the drug for the same effect) and physical dependence, a chronic brain disorder (addiction) where getting and using the drug becomes the user's primary purpose in life.
What are the signs of alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is a condition where a person can't stop drinking even when it negatively affects their health, relationships, and safety. Signs include a compulsive need to drink, an inability to control intake, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences.
contain
vaping contains heavy metals like nickel, tin, and lead.
Is fentanyl addiction treatable?
Yes, like other opioid use disorders, fentanyl addiction is a treatable chronic medical condition. Treatment options include a combination of FDA-approved medications (such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone) and behavioral therapies
Are there effective treatments for methamphetamine addiction?
Yes, there are effective behavioral treatments for methamphetamine use disorder, though there are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for it.
What are the signs of heroin withdrawal and the available treatment options?
If a dependent person stops using heroin, they will experience withdrawal symptoms within a few hours. These symptoms can be very intense and include severe muscle and bone pain, restlessness, sleep problems (insomnia), diarrhea, vomiting, and intense cravings.
Treatment for heroin use disorder often involves a combination of medication (such as methadone or buprenorphine) to manage withdrawal and cravings, and behavioral therapies. Treatment plans are most effective when individualized to meet the patient's specific needs,