Common Types of Drugs

Cannabinoids – causes slow thinking and reaction time, impaired balance, impaired memory and learning, increased heart rate

• Hashish, Marijuana
  

Depressants – causes reduced anxiety, lowered inhibitions, slowed pulse and breathing, fatigue, loss in memory, and impaired coordination

• Barbiturates, GHB, Methanqualone, Alcohol, Xanax, Valium
  

Hallucinogens – causes altered states of perception and feeling, decreased ability to move, memory loss, flashbacks

• LSD (acid), Mescaline, Psilocybin
  

Opioids – causes drowsiness, nausea, pain relief, confusion, sedation, unconsciousness, coma

• Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Opium
  

Stimulants – causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, feelings of exhilaration, increased alertness, weight loss, heart failure

• Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Nicotine, Ritalin, Adderall
  

Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are falsely believed to be safer than illicit drugs. Misuse of these medications can cause serious health effects, addiction and death. Many people benefit from these drugs when used properly, but when abused they can become very addictive and dangerous.

Types of prescription drugs that are abused:

• Opioids – prescribed for pain relief
• CNS depressants – prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems
• Stimulants – prescribed for ADHD, sleep disorder narcolepsy, or obesity

The misuse of prescription drugs is a growing trend on most college campuses. 19.8% of UC students reported using prescription drugs not prescribed to them and the prescription medications abused most by UC students are stimulants and pain killers.