It seems that as soon as modern medicine gives us an amazing compound or medicine, we find a way to misuse it. Powerful as these pharmaceuticals are, it’s important to truly understand the purpose and potential pitfalls of your medications.
Research and technology have given us an unparalleled range of medical and recreational substances, developed for countless applications. Many of them are highly effective, yet potentially addictive in nature. Add counterfeit versions of these drugs into the mix and things really get complicated. Most of these fake pills are identical to the real thing yet are often laced with toxic or highly addictive and unregulated ingredients.
For teens, this not only raises concerns around prescription and recreational misuse, it places them at greater risk of addiction and overdose, or risky sexual behaviors that lead to HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. If the drug in question didn’t come from doctor’s prescription, don’t take a chance.
This incredibly powerful opioid is effective in treating pain during and after surgery. But it’s also cheap and plentiful enough for drug dealers to cut it with other drugs and significantly extend their supply. Most of it is manufactured in filthy conditions, with none of the extreme care and precision required for blending narcotics.
With a credit card and a pill press, nearly anyone can produce pills that are addictive, deadly, and almost identical to prescribed drugs. Nearly overnight, the drugs people thought they were buying became largely fentanyl, delivering massive profits to dealers and overdoses to their unsuspecting customers.
For those addicted to opioids, finding a drug that can extend the high means getting more for your money. Maybe even being able to sleep all night. A longer-lasting high. Enter tranq, also known as xylazine. This injectable narcotic has horrific side effects, including necrosis at the injection point. It can also be cut with other drugs, but unlike fentanyl, it does not respond to naloxone in the event of an overdose.
Alcohol is the most widely used depressant. It slows down the central nervous system, increasing relaxation and reducing inhibitions.
Amphetamines are prescription medications like Adderall or Ritalin and are prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. These drugs are often used recreationally.
Benzodiazepines are prescribed as sedatives. They can be used to treat anxiety, or as muscle relaxants.
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, and various soft drinks. It stimulates the central nervous system and temporarily combats fatigue.
Depressants are substances that slow down or inhibit brain activity, leading to relaxation, sedation, and reduced central nervous system functioning.
GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) is central nervous system depressant that’s often used recreationally, also known as a "date-rape" drug. A prescription form of GHB called sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is used for treating excessive daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy).
MDMA is also known as ecstasy or molly. It has both stimulant and mild hallucinogenic effects.
Opioids are pain-relieving drugs that can also cause sedation and euphoria. Examples include morphine, heroin, and oxycodone.
Stimulants are substances that increase brain and nervous system activity, resulting in heightened alertness, energy, and excitation.
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