Transcript Psychoactive Drugs

Underline the answers to the following
questions while reading the article.
1. Is there any way to predict the effects felt
from using marijuana?
2. What can substances sold as marijuana
often be mixed with?
3. What are some examples of how people who
smoke marijuana regularly can have
changes in personality?
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Marijuana ranks first, followed in order by cocaine,
hallucinogens, and heroin. Alcohol remains by far
the most popular drug among college students.
However, the vast majority of college students
(80%) report no drug use in the previous month.
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B. Nicotine. Valium is also addictive, LSD and
marijuana less so. Nicotine is believed to be
the most highly addictive psychoactive drug.
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A. This figure is even lower for drugs that are
difficult to obtain or manufacture. Street
drugs may be sold in unsafe dosages and are
typically mixed or cut with cheaper and often
more hazardous substances.
Changes in Brain chemistry occur
 Dependent on route of administration
 Ingested
 Injected
 Inhaled
 The quicker the drug reaches the brain the
more likely the user is to become dependent.
 Once a drug reaches the brain, it acts on one or
more neurotransmitters, either increasing or
decreasing their concentration and actions.
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Dependence – when the person feels they
need the drug
◦ can be physical and/or psychological
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Tolerance – when the person needs more
and more to get the same effect
Most widely used illegal drug in the
U.S.
 Marijuana is derived from the
Cannabis Sativa plant
 Other names include:

◦ Pot, grass, sinsemilla, blunts, mota, yerba,
grifa ,Aunt Mary, Boom, Chronic (marijuana
alone or marijuana with crack), Dope ganja,
Gangster, Hash, Herb, Kif, Mary Jane, Pot,
Reefer, Sinsemilla, Skunk, Weed
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THC (tetrahydrocannabinal) is the main active
ingredient in the marijuana plant
◦ THC is the principal mind-altering ingredient
◦ THC travels through the bloodstream to all cells in the
body and is stored in the fat cells of the body
especially around the lungs, the brain, and the
reproductive organs
◦ The strength of marijuana has increased to 10 times
the amount of THC since the 1960’s.
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There are over 400 chemicals in marijuana
that break down into over 2,000 chemicals
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Marijuana can be smoked or
ingested
Smoking provides a direct route
to the brain and effects can be
felt in minutes
◦ Can reach their peak in 10 to 30
minutes but can linger for 2 to 3
hours
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THC is fat -soluble
◦ This means it can be stored in the
body for long periods of time
◦ Marijuana can be measured in the
body up to 30 days after use
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Marijuana contains 50 – 100% more tar than
cigarettes
◦ 1 marijuana cigarette = 14 tobacco cigarettes
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Marijuana cigarettes contain more
carcinogens than tobacco cigarettes
People who smoke both marijuana and
tobacco dramatically increase their risk of
lung diseases.
Exposure to Second-hand smoke on a
regular basis can be stored in the fat cells
and can be tested positive as a user.
In low doses the effects are strongly influenced by
the user’s expectations and past experiences
▶ Changes include:
▶
o Euphoria – “high”
o Mood changes
o Impaired short-term memory (forgetfulness)
o Altered sense of time and space
o Reduced concentration and ability to learn
o Lack of balance, coordination and reaction time
▶
Other Effects include:
o Dilated blood vessels in the eyes (blood-shot eyes)
o Hunger and thirst
o Increased heart rate
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Respiratory damage
◦ Chronic bronchitis and asthma
◦ Emphysema
Cancer growth
Learning problems
Impairment of attention and memory
Depression
Decreased testosterone levels
◦ Decreased sperm count and increased sperm abnormalities
 Especially harmful during puberty
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Disrupts the ovulation and menstrual cycle
Increase anxiety, panic and paranoia
Tolerance and Dependence develops
Withdrawal from Marijuana includes:
▶Anger
▶Aggression
▶Irritability
▶Nervousness
▶Restlessness
▶Sleep difficulties
▶Decreased appetite or weight loss
Withdrawal can last up to 12 to 15 months.
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Cocaine is a drug extracted
from the Cocoa plant
Other names include:
◦ Coke, Flake, Snow, Crack, Coca,
Blanca, Perico, Nieve, SodaCot
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It is sold illegally in 3 forms:
◦ Powder
◦ Crack
◦ Paste
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Cocaine often diluted ("cut") with a variety
of substances, the most common being
sugars and local anesthetics.
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This is done to stretch the amount of the product and
increase profits for dealers.
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Cocaine is a Central Nervous System
Stimulant
◦ Caffeine, amphetamines, nicotine, and ephedrine are also
CNS stimulants
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Methods of Use:
◦ Snorted in the nose
 Absorbed through nasal passages (reaches the brain in 23 minutes)
◦ Injected into the veins
 Using needles (reaches the brain in 20 seconds)
◦ Processed and Smoked , also called “Freebased”
 Produces a shorter and more intense high
 “Crack” is cocaine already in a smokeable form (reaches the
brain in 10 seconds) and produces the most intense “high” or
“rush” followed by a “crash”
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Intense but short-lived “high”, replaced by
irritability, anxiety, slight depression
Cocaine Effects speed up the activity of the
nervous and muscular system including:
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Heart rate increases and irregular heart beat
High blood pressure
Blood vessels constrict
Pupils and bronchial tubes dilate
Increased muscular tension
Increased motor activity
Loss of appetite
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“Crash” characterized by:
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Agitation
Fatigue
Withdrawal
Sudden death from excessive CNS stimulation can occur
resulting in respiratory paralysis
Overdose can cause:
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Depression
Convulsions
Blood clots
Heart attack
Stroke
Use during pregnancy
o Rapidly passes from mother’s blood stream to placenta of the baby
o Increased risk for all types of problems
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Crack is highly addictive
It is common to be addicted to crack after
only one use.
◦ This is because crack produces a short but intense
high. Smoking it provides a more direct route to
the brain.
◦ The high is followed by a severe “crash”.
◦ The high is so short-lived and the “crash” is so low
the user takes another hit.
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Cheapest form of cocaine to buy
Effect of cocaine on brain chemistry
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All Rights Reserved.
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Heroin is an Opioid drug
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Other Opioid drugs include:
◦ It can be natural or synthetic (man-made) processed
from morphine
◦ Morphine is a naturally occurring substance extracted
from poppy plants.
◦ It is a Narcotic
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Opium
Morphine
Methadone
Codeine
Hydrocodone
Oxycodone (Oxycontin)
Meperidine
Fentanyl
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Methods of Administration
 Injection
 Snorting
 Sniffing
 Smoking
Street names: Diamorphine, Horse, Smack,
Black Tar, Chiva, Negra (black tar)
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Relieve pain
Drowsiness
Euphoria – “High,” an exaggerated feeling
of well-being
In small doses can be used for pain relief
and cough suppression
Reduces anxiety
Lethargy (“out of it”)
Apathy (don’t care)
Inability to concentrate
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Symptoms of
Overdose include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Constriction of pupils
Respiratory depression
and coma
◦ Death
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Withdrawal
symptoms include:
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Cramps
Chills
Sweating
Nausea
Tremors
Irritability
Feelings of panic
* A 2006 study reported that
overdoses from opioid
painkillers kill more people
than overdoses from either
cocaine or heroin.
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Methamphetamines (uppers)
Names of Drugs include:
Benzedrine, Dexedrine, Methedrine
“Speed”, “Crank”, “meth”, “crystal meth”
Ritalin- used for ADHD
Ephedrine - OTC dietary supplement; banned in
2006
◦ Caffeine
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All Rights Reserved.
Chapter Nine
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Can be injected or smoked.
Street names include:
◦ Crank, Ice, Crystal, Krystal Meth, Speed
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"Ice" is the crystallized form of meth
◦ Generally smoked
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In all its forms, methamphetamine is highly
addictive and toxic.
The onset of meth effects is about the same
as cocaine, but last longer.
 Meth remains in the central nervous system
longer than cocaine
▶ Effects Include:
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Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Increased alertness and excitation
Euphoria
Insomnia
Loss of appetite.
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Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that
resembles schizophrenia characterized by:
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Paranoia
Picking at the skin
Preoccupation with one's thoughts
Auditory and visual hallucinations
These effects can last for months and even
years
Violent and erratic behavior is often seen
among chronic users.
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Names of Drugs include:
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LSD
Mescaline
DMT
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Ketamine
PCP (angel dust)
Certain mushrooms
GHB
Some of these drugs are referred to as
“Club Drugs” because of their regular use
in clubs and being mixed with alcohol
©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies.
All Rights Reserved.
Chapter Nine
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Altered state of consciousness
Altered perceptions, feelings and thoughts
Altered sense of time
Visual disturbances
Mood changes
Distorted body perception
Dilated pupils
Dizziness
Weakness
Nausea
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Synesthia – feelings of
depersonalization and other
alterations in the perceived
relationship between the self and
reality
Flashbacks – perceptual
distortions and bizarre thoughts
that occur after the drug has been
eliminated from the body
Problems with Proprioception –
sensation of body position and
movement
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Forms include:
◦ Impregnated paper typically imprinted with colorful
graphic designs
◦ Tablets (microdots)
◦ Thin squares of gelatin (window panes)
◦ In sugar cubes
◦ Liquid form (rare)
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Street Names include:
◦ Acid, Microdol, Sunshine, Boomers
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During the first hour after ingestion, users may
experience visual changes with extreme changes in
mood, commonly called a “trip.”
LSD users experience a “hallucination” which the user
experiences:
◦ Impaired depth and time perception
◦ Distorted perception of the shape and size of objects,
movements, colors, sound, touch and the user's own body
image
◦ Ability to make sound judgments and see common dangers
is impaired, making the user susceptible to personal injury
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It is possible for users to suffer acute anxiety and
depression. Flashbacks have been reported days,
and even months, after taking the last dose.
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Also known as “Special K”
Fast acting anesthetic - used on both humans and animals
Methods of abuse:
◦ Orally
◦ Snorted
 If snorted or taken orally effects are evident in 10-15 minutes.
◦ Injected intravenously
 Effects can be felt immediately
◦ Can be sprinkled on marijuana or tobacco and smoked
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Can act as a depressant or a hallucinogen
Effects include:
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Hallucinations
Vertigo (dizziness)
Slurred speech
Slow reaction time
Euphoria
Overdose can produce amnesia and coma
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Other names include:
◦ Ecstasy, XTC, Adam; MDA Love Drug; MDEA (Eve); MBDB,
hug, beans
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Ecstasy is a synthetic drug that produces both
stimulation and hallucination effects.
◦ The majority of MDMA is produced in laboratories in
Europe and then smuggled into the United States.
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It produces nerve cell damage that can result in
psychiatric disturbances and long-term cognitive
impairments.
MDMA is usually distributed in tablet form and
ingested
◦ Many of these tablets are imprinted with designs or
commercial logos.
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The effects of MDMA are felt within 30-45
minutes, peaking at 60-90 minutes, and last 4-6
hours.
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It is associated with increased energy, sensual
arousal and enhanced tactile sensations.
Effects include:
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Heightened senses
Teeth grinding
Dehydration
Muscle tension
Tremors
Blurred vision
Increased body temperature which can result in
organ failure and death.
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Other names include:
◦ Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid
Ecstasy, Liquid X, Sodium Oxybate, Xyrem™
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There are three kinds of GHB abusers:
◦ those who take the drug to get high
◦ those who use it in bodybuilding
◦ those who commit sexual assault after drugging
their victims.
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Frequently taken with alcohol and is often
found at bars, parties, nightclubs, raves and
gyms.
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Effects Include:
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GHB is often called the "date-rape" drug.
◦ Slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior
without the odor of alcohol, impaired memory of
events
◦ Interacts with alcohol
◦ Frequently used in combination with Ecstasy to
counter over-stimulation
◦ Because of its effect on memory, GHB causes users
to forget many details surrounding a sexual assault.
◦ GHB is quickly eliminated from a user's system, and
it is sometimes hard to confirm its presence during
rape investigations
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Other names include:
◦ poppers, rush, snappers, whippets, kick,
bang and amys
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Methods of use
◦ Sniffing
◦ Snorting
◦ “Bagging”
◦ “Huffing”
Types of Inhalants Include:
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Difficult to control because of:
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◦ Common household products such as
glue, lighter fluid, cleaning fluids, and
paint
◦ Ease of availability
◦ Low cost
◦ Legal substances to purchase or possess
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Low doses may cause users to feel
stimulated
◦ Users can also experience headaches, nausea, loss of
motor coordination, slurred speech
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High doses cause users to feel:
◦ Less inhibited and less in control
◦ Loss of consciousness
◦ Heart failure and death
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Long-term use can lead to:
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Damage to the nervous system
Hearing loss
Increased risk of cancer
Damage to the liver, kidneys and bone marrow
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Drugs include:
◦ Oxycontin
◦ Xanax
◦ Ritalin
◦ Valium
◦ Adderall
◦ Vicodin
◦ Fentanyl
◦ Ultram
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What are steroids?
◦ Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs derived from
hormones, primarily testosterone.
◦ Anabolic steroids are considered Ergogenic drugs
which are drugs used to enhance athletic
performance.
◦ Anabolic steroids are designed to diminish the
androgenic effects of testosterone while amplifying
the anabolic effects.
 Increased anabolic effects produce muscle growth.
 Decreased androgenic effects produce diminished
expression of sexual characteristics.
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Anabolic steroids mimic the
effects of the male sexual
hormone, testosterone.
Anabolic steroids work only in
conjunction with physical
training and a high-protein,
high-calorie diet.
Use of steroids can produce a
significant increase in lean
muscle mass, strength and
muscle endurance.
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Weight lifters and body builders to produce
gains for competitions
Specific athletes requiring strength such as
football players, throwing events in track and
field (shot-put, discus, hammer throw) and
baseball players.
Specific athletes requiring speed such as
swimmers and running events in track and
field (sprinters).
People who just want to get larger muscles
for self-gratification.
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Increase in muscle mass
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Acne
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Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
Trembling
Swelling of the feet and ankles
Bad breath
Reduction in HDL (good cholesterol)
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular damage
Liver damage and cancers
Aching joints
Increased chance of injury to tendons
Increase in aggression and temper “Roid Rage”
*Many of these effects are irreversible.
Because of the decrease androgenic effects of
testosterone in Anabolic steroids, several sexual side
effects are possible:
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For Males:
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Shrinking of the testicles
Reduced sperm count
Impotence
Baldness
Difficulty in urinating
Development of breasts
Enlarged prostate
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For Females:
◦ Growth of facial hair
◦ Changes in menstruation
◦ Enlargement of the
clitoris
◦ Deepened voice
◦ Breast reduction
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Cocaine affects dopamine, a neurotransmitter thought
to play a key role in the process of reinforcement
When a neurotransmitter is released by one neuron to
signal another neuron, its level or concentration is
controlled in part by the reuptake or resorption of the
neurotransmitter by the releasing neuron.
Cocaine inhibits the resorption of dopamine, thereby
increasing the concentration of dopamine in the
synapse and lengthening the time of its action.
The euphoria produced by cocaine is thought to be a
result of its effect on dopamine.
Heroin, nicotine, alcohol, and amphetamines also affect
dopamine levels through their effects on the brain.
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Central Nervous System Depressants
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Slow down the overall activity of the CNS
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Sedative-hypnotics
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Barbiturates, Tranquilizers (Sedatives) for antianxiety
◦
Reduce anxiety and cause mood changes, impaired muscular coordination, slurring of
speech, and drowsiness or sleep

Sedation - Death
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Types
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Effects
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Effects on the body
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Medical uses
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From use to abuse
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Mental functioning is affected, drowsiness in small doses but some become more active
◦
Insomnia, anxiety, control seizures, calming in combination with anesthetics before
operations
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Rohypnol “Roofies” and other club drugs, alcohol
Intoxicated people on depressants cannot function well including mental confusion,
obstinate, irritable, abusive
Long term can lead to general poor health, brain damage, impaired ability to reason
and make judgments
Overdosing
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Slows respiration and may stop entirely
Rohypnol is 10 times more potent than valium and can be fatal if combined with
alcohol
GHB is often produced in varying degrees of purity, responsible for poisoning and
death
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