THE EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE

Different substances affect the body in different ways, but all psychoactive drugs have chemical effects in the brain. The short-term effects that occur in drug users depend on the amount used, the potency or purity of the drug, and whether it is mixed with any other mind-altering substances. Drugs can affect a person’s thinking, mood, energy level, and perception.2 They may impair motor functioning, interfere with decision-making and problem-solving, and reduce inhibition, as well as cause a host of physical health problems.

Some of the more common substances of abuse include alcohol, hallucinogens, opiates, barbiturates, and inhalants, each of which produce their own unique short-term effects.

ALCOHOL

A few factors impact the speed at which alcohol’s effects are felt. If someone consumes alcohol on an empty stomach, he or she will feel the effects far quicker than someone drinking after a large meal. Weight and body composition also affect alcohol metabolism and intoxication levels.

Some common short-term effects of alcohol include:

• Mood swings.
• Impaired judgment.
• Coordination issues.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Memory problems.
• Slurred speech.
• Uncontrolled eye movements.
• Stupor.
• Coma.

Low levels of intoxication are likely to result in increased sociability and euphoria, while higher levels of consumption can result in sedation and dangerously low pulse and breathing rate. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can result in blackouts, or amnesia for the events that occurred while intoxicated.

HALLUCINOGENS

Hallucinogens, such as DMT, LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and peyote (mescaline), may all differ slightly in short-term effects and intensity of intoxication, but overall, they elicit many of the same mind-altering side effects.

Possible short-term effects of hallucinogens include:

• Hallucinations.
• Synesthesia, or mixing of senses.
• Intensified perceptions.
• Significant anxiety or depression.
• Increased heart rate.
• Heart palpitations.
• Dilated pupils.
• Blurred vision.
• Excessive sweating.
• Tremors.
• Paranoia.
• Impaired judgment.
• Impaired motor control.

Hallucinogen intoxication is commonly referred to as a “trip,” and a negative experience is called a “bad trip.” Tripping on a hallucinogen may increase the risk of suicide, although it is rare.

OPIATES

Using opiates, such as heroin or prescription painkillers, like Vicodin, Percocet, and OxyContin, can be particularly dangerous because it often leads to respiratory depression. Heroin is usually injected or snorted (and sometimes smoked), while opiate painkillers are most often taken orally, yet may also be crushed and snorted, or mixed with liquid solution and injected.

Some side effects typical of opiates include:

• Euphoria followed by apathy.
• Dysphoria, or unease.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Pinpoint pupils.
• Itching skin.
• Inattention to the environment.
• Slowed thinking and movements.
• Attention problems.
• Memory impairments.
• Drowsiness.
• Slurred speech.
• Coma.

Drowsiness experienced by an opiate user is often called “being on the nod.” The decreased breathing rate caused by opiate intoxication can result in oxygen deficiency and overdose.

BARBITURATES

Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital, are prescription sedatives that depress the central nervous system and induce sleep or reduce anxiety. They have largely been replaced by benzodiazepines, due to the severe side effects and risk of dependence associated with barbiturate use. Users may take more pills than prescribed or inject the drug to achieve increased euphoria or pleasure.

Barbiturate abuse can result in the following short-term effects:

• Mood swings.
• Poor judgment.
• Cognitive dysfunction.
• Confusion.
• Drowsiness.
• Sedation.
• Slurred speech.
• Trouble with coordination.
• Unsteady gait.
• Uncontrolled eye movements.
• Stupor.
• Coma.

Barbiturate’s short-term effects can resemble those of alcohol intoxication, particularly the blackouts or episodes of amnesia. Further, barbiturate abuse increases the risk of suicidal ideation or attempts.

INHALANTS

Inhalants are everyday household products, such as cleaning fluids, spray paint, glue, and markers. Users typically inhale the chemicals in through the mouth or nose, either directly or from a soaked rag. Sometimes individuals inhale the chemical from a plastic bag or balloon. These drugs are often abused by children or adolescents because they are so easily accessible. The short-term effects of inhalants are short-lived, only lasting a few minutes. The possible side effects of inhalant abuse include

• Euphoria.
• Apathy.
• Lethargy.
• Poor judgment.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Hallucinations.
• Delusions.
• Blurred vision.
• Slurred speech.
• Impaired coordination.
• Muscle weakness.
• Slowed or delayed reflexes.
• Slow movement and thought.
• Tremors.
• Stupor.
• Coma.

Even short-term use of inhalants can have fatal consequences, though. People who inhale from a closed container, such as a plastic bag, may experience unconsciousness, coma, and death. There is also a condition called “sudden sniffing death” that may occur shortly after inhalant use that is likely due to resulting irregular heartbeats or a heart attack.

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