Mood Altering Drugs
Developmental Tasks of Adolescents
Substance abuse and HIV Risk
Psychiatric Effects of Drugs
Drug Mechanism & Duration
100
This drug can lead to sedation, incoordination, nausea, and vomiting and is primarily metabolized by the central nervous system.
Alcohol
100
Adolescents are developing the ability to think abstractly and make decisions based on future consequences, rather than just immediate rewards
Cognitive Development
100
Adolescents who use this route of drug administration are at an increased risk for HIV due to needle sharing.
Intravenous Drug Use
100
Chronic use of this drug can lead to a psychotic disorder, especially when mixed with alcohol, increasing the risk of toxic psychosis.
Cocaine
100
This drug's effects, such as relaxation and release of inhibitions, are noticeable within 20 minutes and can last up to several hours, depending on the dose.
Alcohol
200
This stimulant is found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, and its effects include restlessness, increased heart rate, and insomnia.
Caffeine
200
This developmental stage is important for adolescents as they attempt to establish a sense of identity.
Identity Formation
200
This type of substance use can increase the risk of sexual activity without protection, which raises the chances of HIV transmission.
Cocaine or Other Stimulants
200
This substance, commonly abused in both prescribed and illicit forms, can exacerbate psychiatric symptoms and contribute to dual diagnosis.
dual diagnosis
200
The onset of this drug's effects is rapid (within minutes) and lasts for up to an hour, often causing euphoria and increased alertness.
Caffeine
300
Known for its ability to induce euphoria, relaxation, and visual hallucinations, this drug has a duration that is dose-dependent
Cannabis
300
Adolescents often engage in this type of behavior, where they believe they are invincible and deny the potential risks associated with their actions.
Egocentrism or Invincibility Fable
300
The risk of HIV in adolescents may rise when drug use is combined with unprotected sexual activity, especially with this type of drug.
Heroin or Opioids
300
Taking this class of drugs (anxiolytics) with alcohol can lead to respiratory depression or even overdose.
Benzodiazepines
300
This drug induces euphoria and relaxation and is metabolized through the central nervous system, with effects that last 4 to 8 hours.
Opioids (e.g., Heroin)
400
This hallucinogen can cause altered body image, heightened perceptions, and increased blood pressure, with effects lasting up to 12 hours.
LSD, Psilocybin, or Ecstasy (MDMA)
400
The need to belong to a peer group and be accepted socially is a key task during adolescence.
Peer Identity
400
Using substances like methamphetamine can increase these risky behaviors in adolescents, which heighten HIV infection risk.
Sexual Risk-Taking Behaviors
400
Chronic use of this drug can lead to long-lasting neurophysiologic changes in the brain, contributing to mood disorders and addiction.
Marijuana
400
The duration of this hallucinogen (e.g., LSD) is up to 12 hours, with effects like visual hallucinations, altered perceptions, and emotional swings.
Hallucinogens
500
This drug, commonly known as "angel dust," causes detachment from surroundings and hallucinations, with a rapid onset.
PCP
500
This developmental task involves learning to handle emotions and interpersonal stressors, which is often challenged by substance use in adolescence
Emotional Regulation
500
This is a major concern in adolescents who abuse drugs, particularly with substances like cocaine and crack, where overdose and HIV are key risks.
Accidental Overdose
500
Abuse of this substance can cause euphoria followed by anxiety and paranoia, and long-term use is linked to increased psychiatric disorders.
Methamphetamine
500
This stimulant's effects can include increased heart rate, aggression, and insomnia, and its onset varies depending on the route of administration.
Cocaine or Methamphetamine