Drug Facts
With so many voices and opinions out there, it’s important to understand the facts.
Fact is that while you’re a teen (and even into your early 20’s!), you’re still growing and developing, and drug abuse during these years in particular can have a lasting impact. Another fact to consider: the brain is much more vulnerable to addiction during these years. 90% of Americans with a substance abuse problem started smoking, drinking or using other drugs before age 18.
When it comes to drug use, individual reactions and experiences vary, so it’s important to understand the usual risks and effects, both short- and long-term. Knowledge can be the key to making your own best decisions.
Information provided isn’t to prevent anyone from seeking medical treatment under the advice and care of their doctor. A variety of substances offer potential medicinal value, but that doesn’t negate their risks, especially when abused.
- Adderall
- Alcohol
- Bath Salts
- Benzos
- Cocaine
- DXM
- GHB
- Hallucinogens
- Heroin
- Inhalants
- Ketamine
- LSD
- Marijuana
- MDMA
- Meth
- Mushrooms
- Over-the-Counter
- Prescription Drugs
- Rohypnol
- Salvia
- Spice
- Steroids
- Tobacco & Nicotine
- Xanax
- Adderall
- Alcohol
- Bath Salts
- Benzos
- Cocaine
- DXM
- GHB
- Hallucinogens
- Heroin
- Inhalants
- Ketamine
- LSD
- Marijuana
- MDMA
- Meth
- Mushrooms
- Over-the-Counter
- Prescription Drugs
- Rohypnol
- Salvia
- Spice
- Steroids
- Tobacco & Nicotine
- Xanax
Benzos
If you haven’t been diagnosed and aren’t taking these drugs under a doctor’s supervision, abuse can lead to dangerous side effects. If you’re momentarily feeling stressed or overwhelmed, there are better solutions.
AKA
Xanies, Sticks, Bars, BenZ
What is it?
Benzodiazepines (“Benzos”), like brand-name medications Valium and Xanax, are among the most commonly prescribed depressants in the US. They are most frequently used to treat anxiety and tension.
The Risks
Side effects can include impaired motor skills, drowsiness, fatigue, depression, impaired memory and cognitive function, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. And because depressants work by slowing the brain’s activity, they can diminish heartbeat and respiration to dangerously low levels. This is especially true when depressants are combined with alcohol or OTC medications. It’s a combination that can become lethal.1
Long-Term Effects
Depressants are highly addictive drugs, and when chronic users or abusers stop taking them, they can experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia and muscle tremors. In fact, going “cold turkey” off of some depressants can have life-threatening consequences, like seizures, convulsions and, in rare instances, death.2
The Bottom Line
Depressant drugs can make you depressed, confused and irritable. And addiction increases your chances of more dangerous outcomes, like overdose, slowed breathing and heart rate, and even death.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Prescription Drug Abuse.
Retrieved March 2016.
View Source [↩] - National Institute on Drug Abuse. Prescription Drug Abuse.
Retrieved March 2016.
View Source [↩]
