by David Sheff
DISSOCIATIVE DRUGS
NAME
COMMON COMMERCIAL AND STREET NAMES
COMMON FORMS AND WAYS TAKEN
POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS
PCP
Phencyclidine
Angel dust, boat, hog, love boat
White or colored powder, tablet or capsule, clear liquid
Injected, snorted, swallowed, smoked
Hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, memory loss, impaired speech, impaired thinking, psychosis, depression, increased heart rate, dizziness, suicidal thoughts, blurred vision, vomiting, seizures, coma, death
Ketamine
Ketalar CV
Cat tranquilizer, cat valium, special K, vitamin K
Liquid, white powder
Injected, snorted, smoked (powder added to tobacco or marijuana cigarettes), swallowed
Delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression, agitation, impaired thinking, unconsciousness, impaired breathing, hallucinations, altered senses, psychosis, death
Dextromethorphan (DXM)
Found in some cough and cold medications
Dex, triple C, robo, robotripping
Syrup, capsule
Swallowed
Blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, numbness, paranoia, altered visual perceptions, impaired motor skills, impaired breathing, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, confusion, constipation, dizziness, headache
CLUB DRUGS
NAME
COMMON COMMERCIAL AND STREET NAMES
COMMON FORMS AND WAYS TAKEN
POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS
Flunitrazepam
Rohypnol
Circles, forget pill, date rape drug, roofies
Tablet
Swallowed (as a pill or dissolved in a drink), snorted
* Associated with sexual assaults *
Drowsiness, sedation, sleep, amnesia, blackout, decreased anxiety, muscle relaxation, impaired reaction time and motor coordination, impaired mental functioning and judgment, confusion, aggression, excitability, slurred speech, headache, slowed breathing and heart rate
GHB
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate
G, grievous bodily harm, liquid ecstasy
Colorless liquid, white powder
Swallowed (often combined with alcohol or other beverages)
* Associated with sexual assaults *
Impaired breathing, impaired thinking, euphoria, confusion, excited and aggressive behavior, vomiting, loss of muscle control, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, hallucinations, slurred speech, headaches, decreased heart rate, tremors, sweating, sleep, seizures, coma, death
MDMA
Ecstasy, E, Molly, roll, X, XTC, MDMA
Colorful tablets with imprinted logos, capsules, powder, liquid
Swallowed, snorted
Teeth clenching, loss of inhibitions, nausea, chills, sleep problems, blurred vision, faintness, chills or sweating, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, impulsiveness, loss of appetite, less interest in sex, seizures, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, death
OPIOIDS
NAME
COMMON COMMERCIAL AND STREET NAMES
COMMON FORMS AND WAYS TAKEN
POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS
Heroin
Diacetylmorphine
H, horse, junk, smack
White or brownish powder or black sticky substance known as “black tar heroin”
Injected, smoked, snorted
Euphoria, dizziness, dry mouth, vomiting, itching, confusion, nausea, impaired breathing, respiratory failure, heart attack, death
Opium
Laudanum, paregoric
Big O, black stuff, hum
Yellow-brownish sap from the opium poppy
Injected, smoked, snorted
Euphoria, dizziness, dry mouth, vomiting, itching, confusion, nausea, impaired breathing, respiratory failure, heart attack, death
HALLUCINOGENS AND PSYCHEDELICS
NAME
COMMON COMMERCIAL AND STREET NAMES
COMMON FORMS AND WAYS TAKEN
POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS
LSD
Lysergic acid diethylamide
Acid, blotter
Tablet, capsule, clear liquid, small, decorated squares of absorbent paper to which liquid has been added
Swallowed, absorbed through mouth tissues
** Unpredictable **
Hallucinations, perception distortion, mood swings, hyperthermia, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, dizziness, insomnia, sweating, numbness, weakness, tremors, death from behavior associated with the drug
Psilocybin
Magic mushrooms, shrooms
Fresh or dried mushrooms, capsule
Swallowed (chewed or soaked in water and drunk)
Nausea, hallucinations, euphoria, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, anxiety, distorted perceptions, death from behavior associated with the drug
Mescaline
Peyote, buttons, cactus, mesc
Fresh or dried buttons, capsule
Smoked, swallowed (chewed or soaked in water and drunk)
Distorted perceptions, hallucinations, euphoria, nausea, shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, sweating, anxiety, terror, death from behavior associated with the drug
OTHER
NAME
COMMON COMMERCIAL AND STREET NAMES
COMMON FORMS AND WAYS TAKEN
POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS
Synthetic pot
Spice, K2, black mamba
Dried, shredded plant material that looks like potpourri and is sometimes sold as “incense”
Smoked, swallowed (brewed as tea)
** Unpredictable **
Elevated mood, relaxation, agitation, confusion, altered perception, depression, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, vomiting, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, heart attack, death
Inhalants
Poppers, whippets, huff, laughing gas
Paint thinners or removers, degreasers, dry-cleaning fluids, gasoline, lighter fluids, permanent markers, glue, spray paint, hair or deodorant sprays, fabric protector sprays, aerosol computer cleaning products, vegetable oil sprays, butane lighters, propane tanks, refrigerant gases, ether, chloroform, nitrous oxide
Inhaled through the nose or mouth
** Unpredictable **
Slurred speech, euphoria, dizziness, headaches, impaired movement, dizziness, confusion, delirium, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, disinhibition, hallucinations, delusions, drowsiness, unconsciousness, sudden sniffing death due to heart failure (from butane, propane, and other chemicals in aerosols), death from asphyxiation, suffocation, convulsions or seizures, coma, or choking
Bath salts
Cloud 9, stardust, white lightning
White or brown crystalline powder sold in small plastic or foil packages labeled “not for human consumption” and sometimes sold as jewelry cleaner; tablet, capsule, liquid
Swallowed, snorted, injected
** Unpredictable **
Suicidal thoughts, euphoria, increased sociability and sex drive, paranoia, agitation, violent and psychotic behavior, confusion, hallucinations, vomiting, nosebleeds, depression, panic attacks, sweating, increased heart rate, hypertension, kidney failure, death
Anabolic steroids
Anadrol, Oxandrin, Durabolin, Depo-Testosterone, Equiposide
Roids, gear, juice, pumpers
Tablet, capsule, liquid drops, gel, cream, patch, injectable solution
Injected, swallowed, applied to skin
Aggression, headache, fluid retention (hands and feet), oily skin, extreme mood swings, anger (“roid rage”), severe acne, paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, impaired judgment, hair loss, breast growth in males, shrinking of testes, menstrual irregularities
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS—OPIOIDS
NAME
COMMON COMMERCIAL AND STREET N
AMES
COMMON FORMS AND WAYS TAKEN
POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS
Codeine
Various brand names
Captain Cody, schoolboy
Tablet, capsule, liquid
Injected, swallowed
Pain relief, clammy skin, dizziness, impaired coordination, drowsiness, itching, sweating, weakness, nausea, constipation, euphoria, confusion, slowed breathing, decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, unconsciousness, coma, death
Fentanyl
Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze
China girl, dance fever, goodfella, jackpot
Lozenge, sublingual tablet
Swallowed, injected
Methadone
Dolophine, Methadose
Amidon, fizzies (with MDMA: chocolate chip cookies)
Capsule, liquid, tablet
Swallowed, injected
Morphine
Duramorph, Roxanol
M, Miss Emma, monkey, white stuff
Tablet, liquid, capsule, suppository
Injected, swallowed, smoked, rectal
Oxycodone
OxyContin, Percadon, Percocet, Roxicodone
Oxy, oxycotton, hillbilly heroin, percs, roxies
Capsule, liquid, tablet
Swallowed, snorted, injected
Oxymorphone
Opana
Biscuits, blue heaven, blues
Tablet
Swallowed, snorted, injected
Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone
Vicodin, Lartab, Lorcet, and others
Vike, Watson-387
Capsule, liquid, tablet
Swallowed, snorted, injected
Hydromorphone
Dilaudid
D, dillies, footballs, juice, smack
Liquid, suppository
Injected, rectal
Meperidine
Demerol
Demmies, pain killer
Tablet, liquid
Swallowed, snorted, injected
Propoxyphene
Darvon, Darvocet
Tablet, liquid
Swallowed, snorted, injected
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS—SEDATIVES AND TRANQUILIZERS
NAME
COMMON COMMERCIAL AND STREET NAMES
COMMON FORMS AND WAYS TAKEN
POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS
Barbiturates
Phenbarbital, Amytal, Seconal, Nembutal, Pentobarbital, Luminal
Barbs, reds, yellow jackets
Pill, capsule, liquid
Swallowed, injected
Drowsiness, slurred speech, poor judgment, uncertain reflexes, amnesia, unconsciousness, death
Benzodiazepines
Xanax (alprazolam), Librium (chloradizaepoxide), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), Halcion (triazolam)
Downers, sleeping pills, tranks
Pill, capsule, liquid
Swallowed
Sleep medications
Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplan), Ambien (zolpidem)
Mexican Valium, R2, roofinol, rope, rophies
Pill, capsule, liquid
Swallowed
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS—STIMULANTS
NAME
COMMON COMMERCIAL AND STREET NAMES
COMMON FORMS AND WAYS TAKEN
POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS
Amphetamines
Biphetamine, Dexdrine, Adderall
Bennies, black beauties
Pills
Injected, swallowed, snorted, smoked
Depression, euphoria, insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, delusions, increased bloodpressure, increased heart rate, aggression, hostility, stroke, death from behavior associated with the drugs, including cases of suicide
Methylphenidate
Ritalin, Concerta
JIF, Skippy, the smart drug, vitamin R
Pills
Swallowed, snorted, injected
Appendix 2: Resources
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Immediately call 911 for any life-threatening emergency.
OVERDOSE
911
OTHER LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCIES
911
SUICIDE HOTLINES
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
Suicide Prevention Center: 877-727-4746
IMALIVE Hopeline: 800-784-2433
Crisis Textline: www.crisistextline.org
ABUSE HOTLINES
Child help: National Child Abuse hotline: 800-422-4453
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-4673
LGBT SUPPORT
GLBT National Youth Talk line: 800-246-7743
The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: 888-843-4564
POISON CONTROL CENTERS
800-422-4453
800-876-4766
TEEN LINE
Teens helping teens
Peer help with issues including depression, self-harm, child abuse, eating disorders, rape, and sexual assault
Phone: 310-855-4673
Text: 839863
(Some cities and states have their own hotlines. Look online.)
12-STEP MEETINGS FOR TEENAGERS
AL-ANON/ALATEEN
Tel: 888-4AL-ANON / 757-563-1600
www.alanonalateen.org
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS (NACOA)
Tel: 301-468-0985
www.nacoa.org
ORGANIZATIONS
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE (NIDA)
Tel: 301-443-1124
www.drugabuse.gov
www.teens.drugabuse.gov/parents
PARTNERSHIP FOR DRUG-FREE KIDS
Helpline: 855-DRUGFREE
www.drugfree.org
CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
Tel: 240-276-2420
www.prevention.samhsa.gov
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
Tel: 301-443-3860
www.niaaa.nih.gov
PARENTS. THE ANTI-DRUG.
Tel: 800-729-6686
www.theantidrug.com
SUBSTANCE ABUSE & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Tel: 800-662-HELP
www.samhsa.gov
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS (NA)
Tel: 818-773-9999
www.na.org
NAR-ANON
Tel: 310-534-8188
www.nar-anon.org
FAMILIES ANONYMOUS
Tel: 800-736-9805
www.familiesanonymous.org
SMART RECOVERY
Tel: 866-951-5357
www.smartrecovery.org
SMART RECOVERY FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
Tel: 866-951-5357
www.smartrecovery.org/family
PEER COUNSELING
“Schools Explore the Benefits of Peer Counseling” by Evie Blad, Education Week 33, no. 29 (2014): 1 (www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/04/23/29peerconnection.h33.html).
“Building Effective Peer Mentoring Programs Peer Mentoring Programs in Schools” by Michael Garringer and Patti MacRae, Mentoring Research Center, U.S. Department of Education, September 2008 (educationnorthwest.org/sites/default/files/building-effective-peer-mentoring-programs-intro-guide.pdf).
“Peer Leadership Program for Students Boosts a Whole School’s Well-Being,” Independent Ideas (blog), National Association of Independent Schools.
TREATMENT
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ADDICTION PSYCHIATRY
Tel: 401-524-3076
www.aaap.org
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ADDICTION MEDICINE (ASAM)
Tel: 301-656-3920
www.asam.org
FINDING A THERAPIST OR PSYCHIATRIST
www.psychologytoday.com
SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FACILITY LOCATOR
www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
WEBSITES
For support or to learn more:
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
NIDA for Teens
www.teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts
THE BRAIN AND ADDICTION
www.teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/brain-and-addiction
THE TEENAGE BRAIN: VIDEO
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiduiTq1ei8
THE TEENAGE BRAIN: STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
National Institute on Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-teen-brain-still-under-construction/index.shtml
An online search will lead you to websites that can help you understand depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, anger, shyness, eating disorders, ADHD, learning differences, social problems like bullying and cyberbullying, along with a host of other emotional and psychological problems.
