Alcohol
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
Liquor, Spirits, Beer, Wine,
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Depressant Intoxicant
CHEMICAL NAME
ethyl-alcohol
DESCRIPTION
Alcohol is one of the most common strong psychoactives used by the human race. It has a long history of use and its intoxicating effects are well-studied and documented. Alcohol is a colorless liquid produced by fermenting cereals such as corn, rice, and barley. Alcohol, which produces a sedative effect, induces depression and is one of the oldest and most common drugs of abuse. Nationally, nearly 40% of admissions to mental hospitals and 50% of arrests are alcohol-related.
EFFECTS
- relaxation
- flushed skin
- talkativeness
- slurred speech
- analgesia (kills pain)
- drowsiness, sleepiness
- decreased coordination
- reduced impulse control
- dizziness and confusion
- mood lift, happiness, giddiness
- coma and death at extreme doses
- nystagmus, difficulty focusing eyes
- mild visual distortions at high doses
- blackouts and memory loss at high doses
- lowered inhibitions / reduced social anxiety
- tolerance with repeated use within a few days
- “beer goggles” — others appear more attractive
- brain and liver damage (cirrhosis) with heavy use
- emotional volatility (anger, violence, sadness, etc)
- changed (often increased) response to sexual stimuli
- nausea, vomiting (vomiting while unconscious can kill)
- frequent urination (more with beer or wine), diuretic effect
- fetal damage in pregnant women at high dose or frequency
- hangover, lasting 12-36 hours, from mild to severe after heavy use
- lowered inhibitions and increased confusion can lead to unwanted and negative sexual encounters (date rape)
- changed aesthetic appreciation: normally beautiful things can seem ugly, things normally seen as ugly judged beautiful
Marijuana
COMMON NAMES
Cannabus, Marihuana, Pot, Weed, Grass, Mary Jane, Dope, Grass, Doobie, Bud, Ganja, Hashish, Hash, Bhang, Doesha, Doobage, Sweet Green, Dank, Sensamillya, Budda, Budage
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Intoxicant, Stimulant, Psychedelic, Depressant
DESCRIPTION
Cannabis, a fast-growing bushy annual with dense sticky flowers, produces the psychoactive THC. It is the most widely used illegal psychoactive and has a long history of medicinal, recreational, and industrial use. The fibrous stalks of the plant are used to produce clothing and rope. Cannabis grows wild in many of the tropic and temperate areas of the world. It is cultivated both indoors and out for the production of its flowering tops. The most commonly used form of cannabis are the leaves and flowering tops (buds) which may be either smoked or eaten. It also comes in a more concentrated resinous form called hashish, and as a sticky black liquid called hash oil. There are three distinct species of cannabis: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The cannabis plant has been used both medicinally and recreationally for thousands of years. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that the use of cannabis spread from China and the Middle East to the population of Europe and then to America in the middle of the century. Cannabis was made illegal in the U.S. in 1937 and has continued to be a popular recreational substance since that time.
EFFECTS
When smoked, the effects of cannabis begin almost immediately. When eaten the effects can take 1 to 2 hours to manifest, based primarily on how much food is in the stomach. The effects of smoked cannabis peak after about 20 minutes and last for 1-2 hours. When eaten, the effects will peak more slowly and primary effects may last for 3-4 hours. The primary effects sought by those using cannabis recreationally are:
- giggling
- euphoria
- relaxation
- talkativeness
- increased appetite
- a sense of well-being
- changes in perception
- sense of time is altered
- increased appreciation of music
- mild to intense closed-eye visual
- subtle changes in thought and expression
- mild enhancement of senses (smell, taste, hearing)
- attention span and memory are frequently affected
- thought processes and mental perception may be significantly altered
How to identify marijuana addiction: http://www.freedomtreatmentcenter.com/marijuana-addiction-identification/
Cocaine & Crack
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
Coke, Crack, Blow, Snow, Nose Candy, Dust, White Lady, Toot, Llello, Rock
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Euphoric Stimulant
CHEMICAL NAME
benzoylmethyl ecgonine
DESCRIPTION
Cocaine is a common stimulant derived from the Erythroxylum coca plant. It is best known for its massive popularity in powdered and freebase (crack) forms.Cocaine is a naturally derived CNS (central nervous system) stimulant extracted and refined from the Coca plant grown primarily in the Andean region of South America. Cocaine is typically a white-ish powder with a bitter, numbing taste. It is most often insufflated (snorted), though it can also be injected and used orally.
While powder cocaine can be smoked to some effect (despite common belief otherwise), it is a very inefficient method of ingestion. Because of the high temperatures present when smoking, powder cocaine tends to burn rather than vaporizing. For this reason, freebase cocaine, also known as crack in its street form, is created from powder cocaine for smoking. Freebase cocaine vaporizes at smoking temperatures providing more effect with less material, as well as faster onset and a more intense high than powder cocaine.Coca leaf chewing has been practiced for thousands of years. Cocaine was first isolated from the Erythroxylon coca plant around 1850. Medicinal use of Cocaine increased through the late 19th century and recreational use started to become a known problem in the early 20th century. Recreational use was banned in the United States in 1914.
EFFECTS
Cocaine is both a central nervous system stimulant and a topical anaesthetic. It is found in the leaves of the Erthroxylum coca plant. The traditional method of coca use is to “chew” the leaves (the leaves are actually not chewed so much as sucked, producing a mild stimulation. Outside of South America it is generally used in its more refined and extracted forms: either powder cocaine, or freebase cocaine which produce much stronger effects than “chewing” the leaves. The term “Crack” is alternately used to refer to street quality freebase cocaine, or to refer to the product of a particular manufacturing process which uses sodium bicarbonate rather than a flammable solvent. Powdered cocaine is generally insufflated (snorted) and crack / freebase cocaine is generally smoked. Smoking freebase cocaine causes a strong, short-lived peak of about 3-5 minutes, while snorting cocaine provides a lower high with major effects lasting closer to 15 – 30 minutes. Insufflation of any substance can lead to damaging the cartiledge and mucosa in the nose, eventually leading to a hole in the septum (the soft structure separating the nostils). If injected, cocaine use can lead to a wide variety of problems including life-threatening infections, shared needle-related blood diseases, etc. It can decrease seizure threshold and is associated with seizures, strokes, and heart attacks in susceptible individuals. People with latent congenital heart defects, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems are at higher risk of dangerous reactions and heart failure with the recreational use of cocaine. Although the withdrawal from heavy cocaine/crack use is not as debilitating as the withdrawal from opiates or benzodiazepines, it is still usually quite unpleasant.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS:
Varies with dose and the tolerance of the user.
- fear
- paranoia
- insomnia
- irritability
- wakefulness
- restlessness
- hallucinations
- increases energy
- decreases fatigue
- elevates the mood
- increased irritability
- Increases alertness
- increases concentration
- increases athletic performance
- mild to high degree of euphoria
- may exhibit a pattern of psychosis
- confused and disorganized behavior
- Varies with dose and the tolerance of the user
- may become extremely antisocial and aggressive
PHYSICAL EFFECTS:
- sweating
- blood pressure
- body temperature
- dilates the pupils
- Increases heart rate
- decreased sleep and appetite
- Increases speed of respiration
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS:
Although cocaine does not cause dangerous physical addiction, discontinuing regular use can lead to a wide varieties of very unpleasant withdrawal and craving symptoms, including:
- apathy
- hunger
- shaking
- paranoia
- dizziness
- irritability
- depression
- feeling cold
- suicidal ideation
- loss of sex drive
- insomnia or excessive sleep
- intense cravings for more cocaine
OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS:
- stroke
- agitation
- hostility
- convulsions
- heart attack
- hallucinations
- possible death
- high body tempertature (hyperthermia)
LONG-TERM USE:
Heavy, regular use of cocaine is known to cause:
- anxiety
- paranoia
- insomnia
- irritability
- weight loss
- restlessness
- hyperexcitability
- a variety of other less acute psychological symptoms
Methamphetamine
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
Meth, Speed, Crystal, Glass, Crank, Tweak, Yaba, Desoxyn, Tina, Ice, Shards, Dope, Crystal Meth, That Crazy Girl
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Euphoric Stimulant
CHEMICAL NAME
d-N-methylamphetamine
DESCRIPTION
Methamphetamine is a strong physical and mental stimulant found in both prescription and street forms. It is very easy to produce which has contributed to its widespread use. Meth is commonly used as a recreational drug. It is legally prescribed for treatment of ADD/ADHD under the brand name Desoxyn, for both children and adults. On the street it is most commonly found in cyrstal form (see the picture below), but also can be found as an odorless, white or off-white, bitter-tasting powder, though it is also found in pills and capsules. It is most frequently snorted, but is also used orally, smoked, and injected. Methamphetamine production is a relatively simple process, especially when compared to many other recreational drugs. It is frequently reported on in the media when home meth-producing labs are busted or blow up due to the dangerous chemicals used to make it.
EFFECTS
When meth is first used, the effects feel somewhat more like Ecstasy (MDMA) than a simple stimulant including a sense
of euphoria, openness, and intellectual expansion. There is a mild psychedelic component as the new user feels they see the world a little differently. The sensation of ‘mind-expansion’ and openness quickly fade after the first few uses and physical and mental stimulation dominate the experiential effects. As with other psychoactives, different routes of use have different profiles of effects. Methamphetamine ingestion tends to lack rushing, and has less euphoric effects, which tends to cause far less of a feeling of wanting to do it again than the other methods. Smoking and injecting methamphetamine are associated with stronger, more euphoric effects and these are most associated with
addictive/compulsive user patterns. Users of large amounts of amphetamines over a extended period of time can develop an amphetamine psychosis, which is a mental disorder similar to paranoid schizophrenia. This psychosis is manifested by hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Bizarre, sometime violent, behavior is exhibited by those with amphetamine psychosis. Symptoms tend to disappear within a few weeks after drug use stops.
Noticeable Effects
- euphoria
- sweating
- weight loss
- aggressiveness
- excessive talking
- increased sexuality
- shortness of breath
- itching, welts on skin
- moodiness & irritability
- disturbed sleep patterns
- decreased need for sleep
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- anxiousness & nervousness
- reduced enjoyment of eating
- increased energy and alertness
- aggressive and violent behavior
- loss of interest in sex, over time
- panic, suspiciousness & paranoia
- excessive excitation, hyperactivity
- severe depression, suicidal tendencies
- visual & auditory hallucinations (hearing voices)
- tightened jaw muscles, grinding teeth (trismus and bruxia)
- false sense of confidence and power (delusions of grandeur)
- loss of appetite (anorexia), leading to poor nutrition and weight loss with heavy use
- involuntary body movements (uncontrollable movement and/or twitches of fingers, facial & body muscles, lip-smaking, tongue protrusion, grimacing, etc.)
Effects of Repeated Use
- stroke
- liver damage
- possible brain damage
- lowered resistance to illnesses
- fatal kidney and lung disorders
- permanent psychological problems
Heroin
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
Dope, Junk, Smack, H, Big H, Boy, Capital H, China white, Chiva, Dead on arrival, Diesel, Dope, Eighth, Good H, Hell dust, Horse,, Mexican horse, Mud, Poppy, Smack, Thunder, Train, White junk
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
CHEMICAL NAME
DESCRIPTION
EFFECTS
- nausea
- sedation
- vomiting
- slow gait
- dizziness
- analgesia
- blackouts
- relaxation
- dry mouth
- constipation
- droopy eyelids
- heavy extremities
- constricted pupils
- feeling of well-being
- impaired night vision
- warm flushing of the skin
- slowed and slurred speech
- feeling a surge of euphoria (”rush”)
Long-term effects of heroin:
- cellulites
- abscesses
- liver disease
- collapsed veins
- effects on respiration
- Pulmonary complications
- various types of pneumonia
- infection of the heart lining and valves
- clogged blood vessels that lead to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain
L.S.D.
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
Acid, L, Tabs, Blotter, Doses, Trips, Window Panes, Sugar Cubes, Dosing, Gel Tabs, Microdots, 10 Strips, A Sheet, A Vial
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Psychedelic
CHEMICAL NAME
d-lysergic acid diethylamide
DESCRIPTION
LSD is widely known and the most researched psychedelic. It is the standard against which all other psychedelics are compared. It is active at extremely low doses and is most commonly available on blotter or in liquid form. LSD is one of the most commonly used ‘psychedelic’ or ‘hallucinogenic’ substance. It comes in a variety of forms, but is virtually always taken orally. Today, LSD is most commonly found in the form of small squares of paper called blotter (full sheets of paper are decorated with artwork or designs, perforated, then soaked in liquid LSD solution and dried). Other forms include, pills, gelatin sheets or shapes (pyramids, cubes, etc), liquid, sugar cubes dosed with liquid lsd, and powder. Blotter is most common because it is easily produced, easily concealable and the format allows for few adulterant chemicals. LSD was first synthesized in 1938 and discovered to be psychoactive in 1943. It became popular in the ’60’s and was made illegal to possess in 1968. It has been widely available on the black market since that time.
EFFECTS
- nausea
- anxiety
- mood lift
- flashbacks
- pupil dilation
- megalomania
- difficulty focusing
- dizziness, confusion
- tension, jaw tension
- increased perspiration
- paranoia, fear, and panic
- slight increase in heart rate
- closed and open eye visuals
- change in perception of time
- unusual thoughts and speech
- increase in energy (stimulation)
- slight increase in body temperature
- unwanted and overwhelming feelings
- increase in associative & creative thinking
- profound life-changing spiritual experiences
- unwanted life-changing spiritual experiences
- increased awareness & appreciation of music
- increased awareness of senses. (eating, drinking, smell)
- over-awareness & over-sensitization to music and noise
- general change in consciousness (as with most psychoactives)
- unusual body sensations (facial flushing, chills, goosebumps, body energy)
- increased salivation and mucus production (causes coughing in some people)
- quickly changing emotions (happiness, fear, giddiness, anxiety, anger, joy, irritation
MDMA
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
Ecstasy, E, X, XTC, Rolls, Beans, Adam, Love Drug
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Euphoric Empathogen; Stimulant; Phenethylamine
CHEMICAL NAME
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
DESCRIPTION
MDMA is one of the most popular recreational psychoactives, most commonly sold in the form of “ecstasy” tablets. It is known for its empathogenic, euphoric, and stimulant effects, and has also been used in psychotherapy. Ecstasy tablets are notoriously impure, often containing chemicals other than MDMA. MDMA is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that is chemically similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline. It produces an energizing effect as well as feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, and distortions in time perception and tactile experiences. MDMA has gained popularity over the past 20 years because of its ability to produce strong feelings of comfort, empathy, and connection to others. MDMA was first synthesized in the 1890s and later patented by Merck pharmaceuticals on December 24, 1912, but it wasn’t until the mid 1970s that articles related to its psychoactivity began showing up in scholarly journals. In the late ’70s and early ’80s MDMA was used as a psychotherapeutic tool and also started to become available on the street. Its growing popularity led to it being made illegal in the United States in 1985 and its popularity has continued to increase since then.
EFFECTS
- forgiveness
- ego softening
- muscle tension
- visual distortion
- extreme mood lift
- nausea and vomiting
- possible liver toxicity (rare)
- urge to hug and kiss people
- feelings of love and empathy
- sensations bright and intense
- increase in energy (stimulation)
- neurotically based fear dissolution
- restlessness, nervousness, shivering
- possible neurotoxicity (controversial)
- increased willingness to communicate
- mild visual hallucinations (uncommon)
- change in body temperature regulation
- rapid, involuntary eye jiggling (nystagmus)
- hyponatremia (don’t drink too much water)
- profound life-changing spiritual experiences
- mild depression and fatigue for up to a week
- increased awareness & appreciation of music
- hangover the next day, lasting days to weeks
- severe depression and/or fatigue (uncommon)
- short-term memory scramble or loss & confusion
- erectile disfunction and difficulty reaching orgasm
- headaches, dizziness, loss of balance, and vertigo
- inappropriate and/or unintended emotional bonding
- upwellings of unexpected emotion, emotional lability
- strong desire to do or want more when coming down
- increased awareness of senses. (eating, drinking, smell)
- increase in body temperature, hyperthermia, dehydration
- sadness on coming down, sense of loss or immediate nostalgia
- tendency to say things you might feel uncomfortable about later
- post-trip Crash – unpleasantly harsh comedown from the peak effect
- difficulty concentrating & problems with activities requiring linear focus
- moderately increased heart rate and blood pressure (increases with dose)
- possible strong urge to repeat the experience, though not physically addictive
- mild to extreme jaw clenching (trisma), tongue and cheek chewing, and teeth grinding (bruxia)
- feelings of comfort, belonging, and closeness to others
- possible psychological crisis requiring hospitalization (psychotic episodes, severe panic attacks, etc) (rare)
- small risk of death. Approximately 2 per 100,000 users have extreme negative reactions resulting in death. (rare)
Oxycodone
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
Percocet (w/acetaminophen), Percodan (w/aspirin), Oxycontin (time-release), Roxicodone
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Analgesic
CHEMICAL NAME
(5a)-4,5-epoxy-14-hydroxy-3-methoxy-17- methylmorphinan-6-one
DESCRIPTION
Oxycodone is an semi-synthetic opioid analgesic, used primarily in the treatment of pain. It saw a significant increase in recreational use when the higher-dose time-release form OxyContin was introduced in 1995. Oxycodone preparations may contain analgesics such as acetaminophen, which can be toxic to the liver in high doses. Oxycodone even if taken only in prescribed amounts, can cause physical and psychological dependence when taken for a long time.
EFFECTS
- nausea
- anxiety
- dyspnea
- hiccups
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- euphoria
- pruritus
- headache
- dry mouth
- dizziness
- nervousness
- diaphoresis
- constipation
- abdominal pain
- lightheadedness
- loss of appetite
- dimness in vision due to miosis
Withdrawal related side effects
There is a high risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms if a patient discontinues oxycodone abruptly. Therefore therapy should be gradually discontinued rather than abruptly discontinued. Drug abusers are at even higher risk of severe withdrawal symptoms as they tend to use higher than prescribed doses. The symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal are the same as for other opiate based pain killers and may include the following symptoms.
- Fevers
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain
- Flu like symptoms
GHB
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
G, Sodium Oxybate, Blue Nitro, Xyrem, GBL, Georgia Home Boy, Goop, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Scoop, Somatomax
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Depressant Intoxicant
CHEMICAL NAME
gamma-hydroxybutyrate
DESCRIPTION
GHB is a sedative used as a sleep-aid, a recreational intoxicant or as a supplement by body-builders. It is known for its ability to induce a short (several hours) coma-like sleep at high doses. A number of GHB-related deaths in combination with its addiction potential led to it being made illegal in 1999. GHB’s dose/response curve is similar to that of alcohol. GHB affects the release of dopamine in the brain, usually causing effects ranging from relaxation to sleep at low doses. At higher doses, users fall unconscious and are temporarily unable to be awakened (coma). It may also dangerously depress breathing.
EFFECTS
The effects of GHB at recreational doses are physically quite similar to those of alcohol. At lower doses effects include:
- nausea
- mood lift
- dizziness
- relaxation
- grogginess
- slurring of speech
- decreased motor skills
- positive mood changes
- difficulty focusing the eyes
- reduction of social inhibitions
- other effects similar to mild alcohol intoxication
- increased appreciation of music, dancing, and talking
The line between high recreational dose and overdose can be a narrow one. At the overdose level, individuals may experience:
- vomiting
- disorientation
- unconsciousness
- extreme dizziness
- extreme grogginess (nodding in and out of consciousness)
During higher overdoses (poisonings), users may experience:
- vomiting
- convulsions
- unconsciousness
- potentially depressed breathing
Ketamine
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
K, Special K, Cat Tranquilizer, Blind Squid, Breakfast Cereal, Cat Valium, Date Rape Drug, Green, Keller, Keller’s Day, Ket, Ketaject, Ketalar, Kit Kat, New Ecstasy, Psychedelic Heroin, Purple, Special la coke, Super Acid, Super-C, Super-K, Vitamin K, Vit K, K-Train
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Dissociative Anaesthetic; Psychedelic
CHEMICAL NAME
2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(methylamino)-cyclohexanone
DESCRIPTION
Ketamine is a dissociative psychedelic used medically as a veterinary and human anesthetic. The user feels its hallucinogenic effects and experiences impaired perception. Ketamine commonly elicits an out-of-body or near-death experience; it can render the user comatose. A well-known effect of Ketamine at higher-range doses is the “K-hole”, where the user is removed from reality and set adrift in an introspective dream-like world, often involving complete dissociation, immersive visuals and out-of-body experiences. At higher doses, the user can be incapacitated and unresponsive, or uncoordinated and erratic, appearing unwell to the uninitiated eye. Nausea and vomiting may also be present. While Ketamine is not known to be physically addictive, prolonged use could be tolerance-building as well as leading to psychological dependency. Ketamine can be injected, snorted and taken oraly; snorting is the most common method of use.
EFFECTS
- Nausea
- Rapture
- Vomiting
- Euphoria
- Boredom
- Slurred speech
- Increase in energy
- Analgesia, numbness
- Increase in heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of time perception
- Out-of-body experience
- Confusion, disorientation
- Sense of calm and serenity
- Shifts in perception of reality
- Dissociation of mind from body
- Meaningful spiritual experiences
- Risk of psychological dependency
- Pleasant mental and/or body high
- Nasal discomfort upon insufflation
- Ataxia (loss of motor coordination)
- Severe dissociation, depersonalisation
- Severe confusion, disorganised thinking
- Open- and closed-eye visuals (common)
- Paranoia and egocentrism (with regular use)
- Discomfort, pain or numbness at injection site
- Distortion or loss of sensory perceptions (common)
- Frightening or untimely distortion or loss of sensory perception
- Enhanced sense of connection with the world (beings or objects)
- “K-hole”; intense mind-body dissociation, out-of-body experiences, highly realistic visuals
- Susceptibility to accidents (from uncoordination and change in perception of body and time)
- Depression of heart rate and respiration (risk increases with increased dose or when combined with depressants)
DMT
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
DMT, Dimitri, Divine Moments of Truth, Businessman’s Trip
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Psychedelic Tryptamine
CHEMICAL NAME
N,N-dimethyltryptamine
DESCRIPTION
DMT is a powerful, visual psychedelic which produces short-acting effects when smoked. It is used orally in combination with an MAOI. It is naturally produced in the human brain and by many plants. DMT is a psychoactive chemical in the tryptamine family, which causes intense visuals and strong psychedelic mental effects when smoked, injected, snorted, or when swallowed. When smoked, DMT generally reaches full effects within 10-60 seconds of inhalation. The main effects of DMT last approximately 5-20 minutes when smoked, with a period of 1-2 hours before fully returning to some what normal in most peoples case.
EFFECTS
- short duration
- overwhelming fear
- immersive experiences
- slight stomach discomfort
- radical perspective shifting
- overly-intense experiences
- hard on the lungs to smoke
- change in perception of time
- auditory hallucination (buzzing)
- powerful “rushing” of sensation
- difficulty integrating experiences
- profound life-changing spiritual experiences
- intense open eye visuals and kaleidoscope patterning
- color shifting (for example red green and gold coloring to the whole world)
- fast onset and intensity can lead to problems if not prepared (dropped pipe, knocking things over, falling)
Psilocybin
BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION
Family: Strophariaceae
Genus: Psilocybe
Species: cubensis, cyanescens, semilanceata, to many to name
Genus: Panaeolus
Species: campanulatus, subbalteatus, to many to name
COMMON NAMES
Shrooms, Magic Mushrooms, Sacred Mushrooms, teonanácatl, mushies, shrooms, boomers, psilocybes, cubes, liberty caps
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Psychedelic
DESCRIPTION
There are more than 180 species of mushrooms which contain the psychedelics psilocybin or psilocin. They have a long history of use in Mexico and are currently one of the most popular and commonly available natural psychedelics. The effects of their ingestion resemble a shorter acting LSD trip, producing significant physical, visual, and perceptual changes. Nearly all of the psilocybin containing mushrooms are small brown or tan mushrooms easily mistakable for any number of non-psychoactive, inedible, or poisonous mushrooms in the wild. This makes them somewhat difficult, and potentially hazardous, to identify. The primary distinguishable feature of most psilocybin containing mushrooms is that they bruise blue when handled. Psilocybin containing mushrooms grow wild across the United States and in many countries around the world. There are also several species which are easily cultivated with a fairly simple and inexpensive setup. Most recreationally used mushrooms are cultivated rather than picked wild.
HISTORY
Psilocybe mushrooms have been used for thousands of years by Native Americans in Central and South America. The first European record of their use showed up in the 16th century writings of a Spanish priest who wrote about the Aztec’s use of both mushrooms and peyote. In 1957, Wasson became the first in modern times to document and publish a description of his own experience (Life Magazine). The active ingredient of the mushrooms, psilocybin, was soon isolated and by the mid 60’s mushrooms were being both studied and used recreationally. In 1968 possession of psilocybin mushrooms was made illegal in the United States
EFFECTS
- pupil dilation
- mood lift, euphoria
- sensation of insight
- dizziness, confusion
- sleepiness, lethargy
- memories come to life
- mild to severe anxiety
- intense feelings of fear
- time perception alteration
- intense feelings of wonder
- giggling, laughter, giddiness
- life changing spiritual experience
- feeling more emotionally sensitive
- lights seem brighter, sensitivity to light
- increased detection of motion in peripheral vision
- starring and rainbow patterns around pinpoint lights
- closed-eye visuals (common at medium or stronger dose)
- time seems to pass more slowly (minutes seem to take hours)
- general change in consciousness (as with many psychoactives)
- paradoxical feeling of a normalcy and deep alteration of psyche
- creative, philosophical or deep thinking : ideas flow more easily
- can precipitate or exacerbate latent or existing mental disorders
- lightheadedness or fainting (in cases of lowered blood pressure)
- boring tasks or entertainment can become more interesting or funny
- sensation of energy or buzzing in the nevous system/peripheral limbs
- may interrupt cluster sequences in those suffering from cluster headaches
- nausea, gas, gastrointestinal discomfort, especially when dry mushrooms eaten raw
- headache, usually as effects wear off, sometimes beginning the next day, lasting for up to 24 hours
- working memory disruption (reduced ability to do tasks requiring current remembering and attention)
Methadone
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
Methadose, Dolophine, Juice
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Opioid, Analgesic
CHEMICAL NAME
6-dimethylamino-4,4-diphenyl-3-heptanone
DESCRIPTION
Methadone is a opioid (a synthetic opiate) that is most commonly used as a maintenance treatment for heroin and opiate addiction. Methadone is usually available as a liquid – linctus or methadone mixture – which should be swallowed. Tablets and injectable ampoules are sometimes prescribed, and like many other medicines some of these prescribed drugs are diverted and become available illegally. Methadone is not an innocent substance; ‘one’s methadone maintenance dose is another’s poison’. People taking methadone should not drive a car or operate machinery.
EFFECTS
Some of these methadone effects are easily mistaken as withdrawal symptoms or as other medical conditions. A regular user of opiates develops a certain tolerance. Therefore, it is possible that a tolerant person can function normally with dosages which can be fatal to a non-tolerant person. Methadone magnifies the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants, such as antihistamines, cold medicines, sedatives, tranquilizers, other prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, barbiturates, seizure medications, muscle relaxants, and certain anesthetics including some dental anesthetics. Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants should not be taken or consumed while methadone is being taken. Intentional or accidental overdose of methadone can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or death.
Methadone Effects
- Abdominal pain (cramps) may occur.
- Sweating is often increased, especially at night.
- Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may occur.
- Skin rashes and itching are experienced by some people.
- Sedation (for example, drowsiness, especially soon after a dose).
- Fluid retention causing swelling or ‘puffiness’ of the hands or feet.
- Constipation is quite common. Drink plenty of water and eat more fruit, vegetables, wholemeal and bran products.
- Lowered sex drive is experienced with the use of any opioid, including methadone and heroin. However, this may settle down.
- Aching muscles and joints may be experienced, even when the dose of methadone is adequate. Some people report rheumatism-type aches and pains at various times.
- Tooth decay Methadone, like all opioids, reduces production of saliva. Saliva contains antibacterial agents which help prevent deterioration of teeth and gums. Poor or irregular diet and inadequate dental care also contribute to tooth decay. Regular brushing and chewing sugar-free gum can prevent tooth decay.
- Changes to periods (menstruation) Many women have irregular periods when they use heroin or other opiates. For some women, their menstrual cycle returns to normal during methadone treatment, whereas others continue to have irregular periods while on methadone. When starting a methadone program, it is important to think about contraception, as you may start having periods again, and be at risk of getting pregnant.
Other Potential Complications Due to Methadone’s Effects Include:
- tears
- tremors
- diarrhea
- yawning
- sedation
- sweating
- dizziness
- tooth decay
- constipation
- goose bumps
- fluid retention
- pinpoint pupils
- loss of appetite
- irregular periods
- nausea/vomiting
- difficulty sleeping
- lowered sex drive
- heart palpitations
- shallow breathing
- abdominal cramps
- back and joint aches
- cravings for the drug
- poor blood circulation
- feeling physically weak
- skin rashes and itching
- drowsiness/nodding off
- aching muscles and joints
- muscle spasm and jerking
- problems with sexual functioning
- loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting
- high temperature but feeling cold
- below normal drop in body temperature
- slow blood pulse, lowered blood pressure
- irritability/aggression/feelings of uneasiness
- sweating (clients should drink at least two liters of water per day to avoid dehydration)
What are the symptoms of methadone overdose?
Body as a whole
-
Muscle spasticity
Respiratory
-
Difficulty breathing
-
Slow, shallow and labored breathing
-
Stopped breathing (sometimes fatal within 2-4 hours)
Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
-
Pinpoint pupils
-
Bluish skin
-
Bluish fingernails and lips
Gastrointestinal
-
Spasms of the stomach and/or intestinal tract
-
Constipation
Heart and blood vessels
- Weak pulse
-
Low blood pressure
Nervous system
-
Drowsiness
-
Disorientation
-
Coma
Links: Common Types of Addiction Treatment
Hydromorphone
COMMON & BRAND NAMES
Dilaudid, Hydrostat, Palladone
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Analgesic, Antitussive
CHEMICAL NAME
4,5-epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one
DESCRIPTION
Hydromorphone is an opiate, narcotic analgesic, used primarily in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of morphine.
EFFECTS
The major hazards of DILAUDID ORAL LIQUID and DILAUDID 8 mg TABLETS include respiratory depression and apnea. To a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock and cardiac arrest have occurred. The most frequently observed adverse effects are light-headedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing, dysphoria, euphoria, dry mouth, and pruritus. These effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in those not experiencing severe pain.
Less Frequently Observed Adverse Reactions:
General and CNS: Weakness, headache, agitation, tremor, uncoordinated muscle movements, alterations of mood (nervousness, apprehension, depression, floating feelings, dreams), muscle rigidity, paresthesia, muscle tremor, blurred vision, nystagmus, diplopia and miosis, transient hallucinations and disorientation, visual disturbances, insomnia, increased intracranial pressure
Cardiovascular: Flushing of the face, chills, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, faintness, syncope, hypotension, hypertension.
Respiratory: Bronchospasm and laryngospasm
Gastrointestinal: Constipation, biliary tract spasm, ileus, anorexia, diarrhea, cramps, taste alteration
Genitourinary: Urinary retention or hesitancy, antidiuretic effects
Dermatologic: Urticaria, other skin rashes, diaphoresis.
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