Classifications
These drugs increase alertness, attention, and energy, and elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Examples include cocaine, nicotine, methamphetamine, and caffeine.
Stimulants
This drug is highly addictive and can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. It can lead to neurological problems, including cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and movement disorders.
Cocaine
The brain has a remarkable ability to change and adapt in response to experiences. This means that with the right treatment and support, individuals with addiction can recover and lead fulfilling lives.
Neuroplasticity
This term refers to the negative effects of drug use on cognitive function and academic performance.
Educational attainment or academic achievement
This epidemic continues to be a major public health crisis in the United States. In 2020, there were 69,710 overdose deaths involving these drugs, representing a 37% increase from the previous year.
Opioids
These drugs reduce arousal and stimulation, leading to relaxation and sedation. Examples include alcohol, benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium), and barbiturates.
This drug can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, muscle tension, jaw clenching, vision problems, vomiting, paranoia, and excessive dehydration.
"Molly" AKA MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine)
This term refers to the process by which the body adjusts to functioning without a substance after long-term use.
Detoxification (detox)
In the United States, possession of this drug is a federal offense punishable by up to one year in prison for a first offense.
Marijuana
This synthetic opioid is responsible for a significant number of opioid overdose deaths in the United States.
Fentanyl
These drugs alter perception, thoughts, and feelings, leading to hallucinations and profound sensory experiences. Examples include LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and PCP.
Hallucinogens
This drug can create dizziness, vomiting, sedation, irritability, and decrease the speed of breathing.
Percocet
This term refers to programs that provide housing, employment assistance, and other services to individuals in recovery.
Recovery support services or sober living homes
These refer to challenges that addiction creates due to healthcare needs, income, social needs, and legal costs.
Economic, financial, and healthcare burden
The number of drug overdose deaths in the United States reached a record high in this year.
2020
These drugs are used for pain relief but can also produce a sense of euphoria. They include both prescription medications like oxycodone, and fentanyl and illegal drugs like heroin.
Opioids
This drug can create respiratory issues, cognitive decline and impairment, memory loss, increase the risk of developing mental health disorders, and increase the risk of heart-related conditions.
Marijuana
This national helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP)
This term describes the harmful emotional and psychological effects that addiction can have on family members.
Family dysfunction or family dynamics
The percentage of high school students who reported using illicit drugs in the past month.
25%
These drugs are volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive effect. Examples include paint thinner, gasoline, and aerosol sprays.
Inhalants
This drug can create a false perception of reality, paranoia, mood swings, vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness or twitching, and affect coordination and balance.
"Magic mushrooms" AKA Shrooms
This type of treatment involves living in a residential facility and receiving intensive therapy and support for addiction.
Residential or inpatient treatment
Some employers may refuse to hire individuals with a history of drug use due to concerns about this.
Reliability or dependability
This demographic group experienced the highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Males aged 25-44