Chemical Dependency                                         To Home Page

Chemical dependency disorders affect a staggering proportion of the population of the U. S. and other Western nations.  Recent data from the National Institute of Mental Health indicate that nearly 20% (about 48 million people) of the general population  qualified for a substance use diagnosis at some point during their lifetime (Regier et al., 1990).  The same researchers found that persons suffering from psychiatric disorders who come for mental health treatment had twice the risk of having a drinking problem, and four times the risk of having a drug problem compared to the general population.  Nearly a third (29%) of persons seeking mental health treatment will also suffer from a substance use problem at some point in their life.

(Links)

Drug Abuse

Alcoholism

Cocaine 

Heroin 

Methamphetamines 

Club Drugs 

Marijuana

How Can I Tell If A Friend or a Loved One Has a Problem With Alcohol, Marijuana, or Other Illicit Drugs?

Sometimes it is tough to tell. Most people won't walk up to someone they're close to and ask for help. In fact, they will probably do everything possible to deny or hide the problem. But, there are certain warning signs that may indicate that a family member or friend is using drugs and drinking too much alcohol.

Many of the signs, such as sudden changes in mood, difficulty in getting along with others, poor job or school performance, irritability, and depression, might be explained by other causes. Unless you observe drug use or excessive drinking, it can be hard to determine the cause of these problems. Your first step is to contact a qualified alcohol and drug professional in your area who can give you further advice.

How Can I Tell If I Have a Problem With Alcohol or Drugs?

Drug and alcohol problems can affect every one of us regardless of age, sex, race, marital status, place of residence, income level, or lifestyle.

You may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, if:

You can't predict whether or not you will use drugs or get drunk.

You believe that in order to have fun you need to drink and/or use drugs.

You turn to alcohol and/or drugs after a confrontation or argument, or to relieve uncomfortable feelings.

You drink more or use more drugs to get the same effect that you got with smaller amounts.

You drink and/or use drugs alone.

You remember how last night began, but not how it ended, so you're worried you may have a problem.

You have trouble at work or in school because of your drinking or drug use.

You make promises to yourself or others that you'll stop getting drunk or using drugs.

 

You feel alone, scared, miserable, and depressed.

How Can I Get Help?

You can get help for yourself or for a friend or loved one from numerous national, State, and local organizations, treatment centers, referral centers, and hotlines throughout the country. There are various kinds of treatment services and centers. For example, some may involve outpatient counseling, while others may be 3- to 5-week-long inpatient programs.

While you or your friend or loved one may be hesitant to seek help, know that treatment programs offer organized and structured services with individual, group, and family therapy for people with alcohol and drug abuse problems. Research shows that when appropriate treatment is given, and when clients follow their prescribed program, treatment can work. By reducing alcohol and/or drug abuse, treatment reduces costs to society in terms of medical care, law enforcement, and crime. More importantly, treatment can help keep you and your loved ones together.

Remember, some people may go through treatment a number of times before they are in full recovery. Do not give up hope.

Each community has its own resources. Some common referral sources that are often listed in the phone book are:

Community Drug Hotlines

Local Emergency Health Clinics, or Community Treatment Services

City/Local Health Departments

Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or Al-Anon/Alateen

Hospitals

Drugs of Abuse:

 

Narcotics	Ice
Depressants	Cannabis
Stimulants	Marijuana
Cocaine	Alcohol
Crack	Steroids
Inhalants	Hallucinogens

Categories	Descriptions	Effects
Symptoms of Overdose	Withdrawal Symptoms	Indications of Misuse

---

Drug Categories for
Substances of Abuse

To assist you in locating substances in this document, the following cross reference by category is provided.

Narcotics	Alfentanil	Stimulants	Amphetamine
	Cocaine*		Benzedrine
	Codeine		Benzphetamine
	Crack Cocaine*		Butyl Nitrite
	Fentanyl		Dextroamphetamine
	Heroin		Methamphetamine
	Hydromorphone		Methylphenidate
	Ice		Phenmetrazine
	Meperidine
	Methadone	Hallucinogens	Bufotenine
	Morphine		LSD
	Nalorphine		MDA
	Opium		MDEA
	Oxycodone		MDMA
	Propoxyphene		Mescaline
			MMDA
Depressants	Amobarbital		Phencyclidine
	Benzodiazepine		Psilocybin
	Chloral Hydrate
	Chlordiazepoxide	Cannabis	Lorazepam
	Diazepam		Marijuana
	Glutethimide		Tetrahydrocannabinol
	Meprobamate
	Methaqualone	Alcohol	Ethyl Alcohol
	Nitrous Oxide
	Pentobarbital	Steroids	Dianabol
	Phenobarbital		Nandrolone
	Secobarbital

*Cocaine, while classified under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as a narcotic, is also discussed as a stimulant.

 

Narcotics

---

Drug	Dependence	How Used	Duration
	Physical/Psychological		(hours)

---

Opium	High/High	Oral, smoked	3-6
Morphine	High/High	Oral, smoked, injected	3-6
Codeine	Mod./Mod.	Oral, injected	3-6
Heroin	High/High	Smoked, injected, sniffed	3-6
Hydromorphone	High/High	Oral, injected	3-6
Meperidine	High/High	Oral, injected	3-6
Methadone	High/High	Oral, injected	12-24

---

What are Narcotics?

Drugs used medicinally to relieve pain High potential for abuse Cause relaxation with an immediate "rush" Initial unpleasant effects - restlessness, nausea

Possible Effects

Euphoria Drowsiness, respiratory depression Constricted (pin-point) pupils

Symptoms of Overdose

Slow, shallow breathing, clammy skin Convulsions, coma, possible death

Withdrawal Syndrome

Watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, cramps Loss of appetite, irritability, nausea Tremors, panic, chills, sweating

Indications of Possible Misuse

Scars (tracks) caused by injections Constricted (pin-point) pupils Loss of appetite Sniffles, watery eyes, cough, nausea Lethargy, drowsiness, nodding Syringes, bent spoons, needles, etc.

Depressants

---

Drug	Dependence	How Used	Duration
	Physical/Psychological		(hours)

---

Barbiturates	High/mod.	Oral	1-16
Methaqualone	High/High	Oral	4-8
Tranquilizers	High/High	Oral	4-8
Chloral Hydrate	Mod./Mod.	Oral	5-8
Glutethimide	High/Mod.	Oral	4-8

---

What are Depressants?

Drugs used medicinally to relieve anxiety, irritability, tension High potential for abuse, development of tolerance Produce state of intoxication similar to that of alcohol Combined with alcohol, increase effects, multiply risks

Possible Effects

Sensory alteration, anxiety reduction, intoxication Small amounts cause calmness, relaxed muscles Larger amounts cause slurred speech, impaired judgment, loss of motor coordination Very large doses may cause respiratory depression, coma, death Newborn babies of abusers may show dependence, withdrawal symptoms, behavioral problems, birth defects

Symptoms of Overdose

Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils Weak and rapid pulse, coma, death

Withdrawal Syndrome

Anxiety, insomnia, muscle tremors, loss of appetite Abrupt cessation or reduced high dose may cause convulsions, delirium, death

Indications of Possible Misuse

Behavior similar to alcohol intoxication (without odor of alcohol on breath) Staggering, stumbling, lack of coordination, slurred speech Falling asleep while at work, difficulty concentrating Dilated pupils

Stimulants

---

Drug	Dependence	How Used	Duration
	Physical/Psychological		(hours)

---

Cocaine*	Possible/High	Sniffed, smoked injected	1-2
Amphetamines	Possible/High	Oral, injected	2-4
Methamphetamine	Possible/High	Oral, injected	2-4
Phenmetrazine	Possible/High	Oral, injected	2-4
Methylphenidate	Possible/Mod.	Oral, injected	2-4
Other Stimulants	Possible/High	Oral, injected	2-4
Ice	High/High	Smoked, oral injec., inhaled	4-14

---

What are Stimulants?

Drugs used to increase alertness, relieve fatigue, feel stronger and more decisive; used for euphoric effects or to counteract the "down" felling of tranquilizers or alcohol

Possible Effects

Increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils and decreased appetite; high doses may cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, loss of coordination, collapse; may cause perspiration, blurred vision, dizziness, a feeling of restlessness, anxiety, delusions

Symptoms of Overdose

Agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death

Withdrawal Syndrome

Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation

Indications of Possible Misuse

Excessive activity, talkativeness, irritability, argumentativeness or nervousness Increased blood pressure or pulse rate, dilated pupils Long periods without sleeping or eating Euphoria

Cocaine

*Cocaine, while classified under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as a narcotic, is also discussed as a stimulant.

Also known as:
Coke, Dust, Snow, Flake, Blow, Girl

You probably know why cocaine is abused -

• Carefree Feeling
• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• In control

But did you know that -

• A cocaine "high" lasts only about 5 to 20 minutes.
• Cocaine use may cause severe "mood swings" and irritability.
• You need more and more cocaine each time you want a "high.
• Cocaine increases your blood pressure and heart rate -
  particularly dangerous if you have a heart condition.
• One use can cause death!
• Possession and use are illegal and can result in fines and arrest.

 

Crack

Also known as:
"Crack cocaine", Freebase rocks, Rock

You probably know why crack is abused -

• Quick high
• Power
• Euphoria

But did you know that -

• Crack is almost instantly addictive.
• One use could cause a fatal heart attack.
• Repeated use may cause insomnia, hallucinations, seizures, paranoia.
• The euphoric effects of crack last only a few minutes.
• Crack possession and use are illegal in all fifty states.
• There are more hospitalizations per year resulting from crack and
  cocaine use than any other illicit substance.

Ice

Also known as:
Meth, Crystal, Crank, Methamphetamine

You probably know why ice is abused -

• Temporary mood elevation
• Exhilaration (high)
• Increased mental alertness
• Upper-increase wakefulness

But did you know that -

• Ice is extremely addictive - sometimes with just one use!
• Ice can cause convulsions, heart irregularities, high blood pressure, depression, restlessness, tremors, severe fatigue.
• An overdose can cause coma and death
• When you stop using ice you may experience a deep depression.
• Ice causes a very jittery high, along with anxiety, insomnia, sometimes paranoia.

 

Inhalants

Some of the substances that are abused:

• Butyl nitrite
• Amyl nitrite (Gas in aerosol cans)
• Gasoline and Toluene vapors (Correction fluid, glue, marking pens)

You probably know why inhalants are abused -

• Cheap High
• Quick buzz
• Fun

But did you know that inhalants may cause -

• Loss of muscle control
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• Excessive secretions from the nose and watery eyes
• Brain damage and damage to lung cells

Hallucinogens

---

Drug	Dependence	How Used	Duration
	Physical/Psychological		(hours)

---

PCP Angel Dust Loveboat	Unknown/High	Smoked, oral,	Up to days injected
LSD Acid Green/Red Dragon	None/Unknown	Oral	8-12 hrs.
Mescaline, Peyote	None/Unknown	Oral, injected	8-12 hrs.
Psilocybin	None/Unknown	Oral, injected, smoked, sniffed	Variable
Designer Drugs* Ecstacy - PCE	Unknown/Unknown	Oral, injected, smoked	Variable

---

What are Hallucinogens?

Drugs that produce behavioral changes that are often multiple and dramatic No known medical use, but some block sensation to pain and use may result in self-inflicted injuries "Designer Drugs", made to imitate certain illegal drugs, are often many times stronger than drugs they imitate

Possible Effects

Rapidly changing feelings, immediately and long after use Chronic use may cause persistent problems, depression, violent behavior, anxiety, distorted perception of time Large doses may cause convulsions, coma, heart/lung failure, ruptured blood vessels in the brain May cause hallucinations, illusions, dizziness, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, loss of control Delayed effects - "flashbacks" may occur long after use Designer drugs - one use may cause irreversible brain damage

Symptoms of Overdose

Longer, more intense "trip" episodes, psychosis, coma, death

Withdrawal Syndrome

No known withdrawal syndrome

Indications of Possible Misuse

Extreme changes in behavior and mood; person may sit or recline in a trance-like state; person may appear fearful Chills, irregular breathing, sweating, trembling hands Changes in sense of light, hearing, touch, smell, and time Increase in blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar

*Phencyclidine analogs, Amphetamine variants

---

Hallucinogens

Types:

• LSD (Acid, Red/Green Dragon
• Ecstacy (designer drug)
• PCP (Angel Dust, Loveboat)
• PCP & Cocaine (Beam me up Scottie)
• Mescaline
• Psilocybin

You probably know why hallucinogens are abused -

• Fun
• Stimulation or depression
• Behavioral changes

But did you know that

• One use of LSD or PCP can cause multiple and dramatic behavioral changes.
• Large doses of hallucinogens may cause convulsions, ruptured blood vessels in the brain and irreversible brain damage.
• Many hallucinogens cause unpleasant and potentially dangerous "flashbacks," long after the drug was used.
• Most hallucinogens cause "hallucinations," i.e., changes in perception of time, smell, touch, etc.

 

Cannabis

---

Drug	Dependence	How Used	Duration
	Physical/Psychological		(hours)

---

Marijuana	Unknown/Moderate	Smoked, oral pot, grass	2-4
Tetrahydro- cannabinol	Unknown/Moderate	Smoked, oral	2-4
Hashish	Unknown/Moderate	Smoked, oral	2-4
Hashish Oil	Unknown/Moderate	Smoked, oral	2-4

---

What is Cannabis?

Hemp plant from which marijuana and hashish are produced; Hashish consists of resinous secretions of the cannabis plant; Marijuana is a tobacco-like substance

Possible Effects

Euphoria followed by relaxation; loss of appetite; impaired memory, concentration, knowledge retention; loss of coordination; more vivid sense of taste, sight, smell, hearing; stronger doses cause fluctuating emotions, fragmentary thoughts, disoriented behavior, psychosis; may cause irritation to lungs, respiratory system; may cause cancer

Symptoms of Overdose

Fatigue, lack of coordination, paranoia, psychosis

Withdrawal Syndrome

Insomnia, hyperactivity, sometimes decreased appetite

Indications of Possible Misuse

Animated behavior, loud talking, followed by sleepiness Dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes Distortions in perception; hallucinations Distortions in depth and time perception; loss of coordination

 

Marijuana

Also known as:
Pot, Grass, Joints, Roaches, Reefer, Weed, Mary Jane

You probably know why marijuana is abused--

• Relaxation
• Euphoria

But did you know that-

• Marijuana may cause impaired short-term memory, a shortened attention span and delayed reflexes.
• During pregnancy, marijuana may cause birth defects.
• Marijuana may cause a fast heart rate and pulse.
• Repeated use of marijuana may cause breathing problems.
• Possession of marijuana is illegal in all fifty states.
• Marijuana may cause relaxed inhibitions, disoriented behavior.

 

 

Alcohol

---

Drug	Dependence	How Used	Duration
	Physical/Psychological		(hours)

---

Ethyl Alcohol	Possible/Possible	Oral	1-4
Ethanol	Possible/Possible	Oral	1-4

---

What is Alcohol?

Liquid distilled product of fermented fruits, grains and vegetables Used as solvent, antiseptic and sedative Moderate potential for abuse

Possible Effects

Intoxication Sensory alteration Anxiety reduction

Symptoms of Overdose

Staggering Odor of alcohol on breath Loss of coordination Slurred speech, dilated pupils Fetal alcohol syndrome (in babies) Nerve and liver damage

Withdrawal Syndrome

Sweating Tremors Altered perception Psychosis, fear, auditory hallucinations

Indications of Possible Misuse

Confusion, disorientation, loss of motor nerve control Convulsions, shock, shallow respiration Involuntary defecation, drowsiness Respiratory depression and possible death

---

Alcohol

Also known as:
Booze, Juice, Brew, Vino, Sauce

You probably know why alcohol is abused--

• Relaxation
• Sociability
• Cheap High

But did you know that-

• Alcohol is a depressant that decreases the responses of the central nervous system.
• Excessive drinking can cause liver damage and psychotic behavior.
• As little as two beers or drinks can impair coordination and thinking.
• Alcohol is often used by substance abusers to enhance the effects of other drugs.
• Alcohol continues to be the most frequently abused substance among young adults.

 

 

Steroids

---

Drug	Dependence	How Used	Duration
	Physical/Psychological		(hours)

---

Dianabol	Possible/Possible	Oral	days - wks
Nandrolone	Possible/Possible	Oral	days - wks

---

What are Steroids?

Synthetic compounds available legally and illegally Drugs that are closely related to the male sex hormone, testosterone Moderate potential for abuse, particularly among young males

Possible Effects

Increase in body weight Increase in muscle strength Enhance athletic performance Increase physical endurance

Symptoms of Overdose

Quick weight and muscle gains Extremely aggressive behavior or "Roid rage" Severe skin rashes Impotence, withered testicles In females, development of irreversible masculine traits

Withdrawal Syndrome

Significant weight loss Depression Behavioral changes Trembling

Indications of Possible Misuse

Increased combativeness and aggressiveness Jaundice Purple or red spots on body; unexplained darkness of skin Persistent unpleasant breath odor Swelling of feet or lower legs

---

Steroids

Three types of steroids:

• Anabolic (male hormone)- steroids most frequently abused
• Cortical
• Estrogenic (female hormone)

You probably know why steroids are abused--

• Increase strength
• Increase muscle size
• Help muscles recover

But did you know that abuse of steroids may cause-

• Severe acne, rashes, stunted growth
• Sexual function problems
• Women to take on masculine traits, develop hairiness
• Behavioral changes, aggressiveness ("roid rages")
• Long-term effects, such as cholesterol increases, heart disease, liver tumors, cancer, cataracts and death

U.S. Department of Labor,
"America in Jeopardy: The Young Employee and Drugs in the Workplace."
Appendix A & B

---

 

Substance Abuse  - Links 

 

• Addiction Research Foundation (ARF) - University of Toronto ****
• Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse ****
• National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information ****
• National Institute of Drug Abuse ****
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ****
• Web of Addictions ****

   

• American Psychological Association Division of Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse ***
• Cocaine Anonymous ***
• Connecticut Clearinghouse - Information on Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs ***
• HabitSmart - Addictions ***
• Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention ***
• Indiana Prevention Resource Center - Indiana University ***
• Join Together Online ***
• National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC) ***
• Virginia Addiction Technology Transfer Center ***
• Addiction Resource Guide **
• Drug-Related Network Resources *
• Marijuana Anonymous *

 

• Yahoo's Substance Abuse Links

 

Alcohol Dependence

• Alcoholics Anonymous ****
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
• AL-Anon & ALATEEN WWW site ***
• Another Empty Bottle - For the friends, family, and alcoholics ***
• Online AA Resources ***
• Alcoholism - About.com **
• Yahoo's Alcoholism Links

Nicotine Dependence

• QuitNet - Resource to Quit Smoking ***
• NicNet: Nicotine and Tobacco Network **
• TryToStop.org - Massachusetts Department of Public Health *