Sample Listing of Health Impact of Various Controlled Substances

Substance Physical
Dependence		 Psychological
Dependence		 Possible Effects Effects of Overdose Withdrawal
Heroin High High Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea Slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, possible death Yawning, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, panic, cramps, nausea, runny nose, chills and sweating, watery eyes
Morphine High High
Codeine Moderate Moderate
Methadone High High
Other Narcotics:  Percodan, Darvon, Talwin, Percocet, Opium, Demerol High-Low High-Low
Barbiturates:  Amytal, Nembutal, Phenobarbital, Pentobarbital High-Moderate High-Moderate Slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior without odor of alcohol Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, possible death Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, delirium, convulsions, possible death
Benzodiazepines: Ativan, Diazepam, Librium, Xanax, Valium, Tranxene, Versed, Halcion Low Low
Methaqualone Moderate Moderate
GHB    
Rohypnol    
Other Depressants Moderate Moderate
Cocaine Possible High Increased alertness, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, euphoria, excitation, insomnia Agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation
Amphetamine Possible High
Methamphetamine Possible High
Ritalin Possible High
Other Stimulants Possible High
Marijuana Unknown Moderate Euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite, disorientation Fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis Occasional reports of insomnia, hyperactivity, decreased appetite
THC, Marinol Unknown Moderate
Hashish Unknown Moderate
Hashish Oil Unknown Moderate
LSD None Unknown Illusions and hallucinations, altered perception of time and distance Longer, more intense "trip" episodes, psychosis, possible death Unknown
Mescaline and Peyote None Unknown
Psilocybin mushrooms None Unknown
Ecstasy (MDMA) Unknown Unknown
Phencyclidine (PCP) Unknown High
Ketamine Unknown Unknown
Other Hallucinogens None Unknown
Testosterone Unknown Unknown Virilization, testicular atrophy, acne, edema, gynecomastia, aggressive behavior Unknown Possible depression

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