Drug Abuse
Drug Medical Use Short-term Effects Long-term Effects
Alcohol Rarely used Relaxation; euphoria; drowsiness; lack of co-ordination; loss of emotional control. Habituation; liver and brain damage; obesity with excessive use; addiction with prolonged use.
Amphetamines
(Dexedrine)
Relief of depression; reduction of fatigue; occasionally, for treatment of obesity.
Increased alertness; loss of appetite; insomnia; euphoria; large doses can produce hallucinations.
Habituation; irritability; weight loss; mental disturbances.
Antidepressants
(MAO inhibitors)
Treatment of depression
Mental stimulation; elevation of mood; occasionally, trembling, insomnia, confusion and hallucinations. MAO inhibitors may interact adversely with some foods and other drugs.
Dry mouth; blurred vision; fatigue; skin rashes; palpitations; occasionally, jaundice.
Barbiturates
(Amytal; Nembutal; Seconal; phenobarbitone)
Treatment of insomnia; relief of nervous tension and epilepsy.
Intoxication; relaxation; drowsiness; lack of co-ordination; loss of emotional control; relief of anxiety; occasionally, euphoria. An overdose or a combination of barbiturates and alcohol can be fatal.
Habituation; irritability; weight loss; addiction; Severe withdrawl symptoms if the drug is suddenly discontinued.
Cocaine
Anaesthesia of the eyes, ears or nose.
Increased alertness; reduction of fatigue; reduction of appetite; insomnia; euphoria. Large doses may cause hallucinations, convulsions and death.
If sniffed, ulceration of the nose; Malformation of the nose, (i.e. parts of nose disappear). Other long term effects similar to those of amphetamines.
Hallucinogens
(LSD; psilocybin; STP; DMT; mescaline)
Rarely used.
Hallucinations; lack of co-ordination; nausea; dilated pupils; irregular breathing; sometimes anxiety.
May precipitate mental disturbance in susveptible individuals. Occasionally, recurrence of original hallucinatory experience without taking further doses of the drug. May also cause chromosone damage.
Marijuana
Rarely used.
Relaxation; euphoria; alteration of time perception; lack of co-ordination. Large doses may produce hallucinations.
Long term effects have not been definitely established as they vary so much from person to person. Prolonged, heavy use may lead to insomnia and depression on sudden withdrawal.
Narcotics
(Opium; heroin; codeine; pethadine; methadone).
Treatment of severe pain.
Sedation; euphoria; relief of pain; lack of co-ordination; impaired mental functioning.
Constipation; loss of appetite; weight loss; temporary sterility; addiction, causing painful withdrawal symptoms on stopping use of the drug. The use of unsterilized hypodermic needles may cause severe infections.
Nicotine
None.
Mental stimulation; relaxation; relief of tension.
Cancer, particularly of the lungs; Heart and blood vessel disease; bronchitis.
Tranquilisers
(Benxodiazepines; phenothiazenes).
Treatment of anxiety and other mental disorders.
Relaxation; relief of anxiety; general depression of mental functioning.
Drowsiness; dry mouth; blurred vision; skin rashes; tremors; occasionally, jaundice.
Miscellaneous
(Amyl nitrate; antihistamines; toluene and other solvents - "glue sniffing")
None except for antihistamines for allergies and amyl nitrate for angina.
Euphoria; lack of co-ordination; drowsiness; impaired mental functioning.
Variable. Most of these substances can cause liver and kidney damage, and ultimately failure.
Note to Parents: At the very first suspicion of drug use, the parents should consult the family doctor. If the doctor is unable to deal with the problem, he or she can refer the parents to a specialist in drug problems.

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