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Medical Effects

how substance use

Can affect you

Understanding Substance Use Effects

Substances change how your body and mind work. Some effects are helpful when used as prescribed, but others can be harmful when misused.

It is important to know how substances affect you. Different substances have different effects on the mind and body. Most substances can be categorized as either a depressant or stimulant based on their effects.

Compare the substances and the effects they have on your body and mind below.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DEPRESSANTS AND STIMULANTS

Depressants
Depressants slow down brain activity. This leads to relaxation, sleepiness, and slower body functions. Depressants can come in pills, syrups, and injections to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. 

Alcohol
Alcohol is a widely used depressant. It slows down the central nervous system, increasing relaxation and reducing inhibitions. Alcohol can cause memory loss, decreased anxiety, and low motor coordination. When combined with other substances, it has heightened effects.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are prescribed sedatives for anxiety and muscle relaxation. They slow down the nervous system, causing relaxed mood. Overdose effects of Benzodiazepines are slowed breathing, coma, sedation, and death. Common benzodiazepines are Valium®, Xanax®, Halcion®, Ativan®, and Klonopin®.
Cannabis (marijuana)
Cannabis (marijuana) has both stimulant and depressant effects but is known for its calming properties. Its effects can include pain relief, lower anxiety, lung irritation, worse memory and judgement, and eye redness. Effects of cannabis last for a short period.
GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid)
GHB is a depressant that can be prescribed to treat narcolepsy. Effects of GHB can occur within 15 to 20 minutes of consuming and may include euphoria, drowsiness, confusion, and nausea. Long-term effects of GHB may include hallucinations, extreme anxiety, memory loss, and heart disease.
Opioids
Opioids are pain-relieving substances that block pain signals in the body. They cause sleepiness, relaxation, constipation, confusion, and slowed breathing. Common opioids are morphine and oxycodone.
Tranq
Tranq, also known as xylazine, is a sedative used for horses during injury or surgery to relieve pain. In humans, tranq’s effects are stronger, causing drowsiness, low blood pressure, memory loss, and slow breathing.

Stimulants
Stimulants speed up brain and nervous system activity. When using stimulants, the messages in the body increase to create more alertness, energy, and excitement. Stimulants come in the form of pills, powder, rocks, injections, and are most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD.

Amphetamines
Amphetamines are stimulants that speed up messaging in the brain and body. Effects may include happiness, energy, high heartbeat, large pupils, dry mouth, and low appetite. Common amphetamines are Adderall or Ritalin, prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Caffeine
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, and various soft drinks. It stimulates the central nervous system. Caffeine can cause alertness, restlessness, dizziness, dehydration, and high body temperature.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant. Cocaine can cause dry mouth, reduced appetite, paranoia, alertness, insomnia, and aggression.
MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is also known as ecstasy or molly, has both stimulant and mild hallucinogenic effects. MDMA can also cause increased energy, distortions in time and perception, and feeling of empathy and closeness.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a highly potent synthetic stimulant that can lead to long-lasting and big effects on the central nervous system. Effects may include alertness, more activity, and decreased appetite. It can also cause cardiovascular problems, high heart rate, and hyperthermia.
Nicotine
Nicotine is a natural stimulant found in tobacco products. It leads to increased alertness and elevated mood. Nicotine can also result in high blood pressure, heart rate, and blood flow to the heart, causing a heart attack.

The Dangers

Learn more about the newest dangers in the drug landscape.

Fentanyl
Tranq

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