IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); Office of the Surgeon General (US)

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); Office of the Surgeon General (US). Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health [Internet]. Washington (DC): US Department of Health and Human Services; 2016 Nov.

Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health [Internet].

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APPENDIX DIMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Appendix D outlines important facts about the following substances:

Sources cited in this Appendix are:

Drug Enforcement Administration's Drug Facts Sheets¹
Inhalant Addiction Treatment's Dangers of Mixing Inhalants with Alcohol and Other Drugs²
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's (NIAAA's) Alcohol's Effects on the Body³
National Institute on Drug Abuse's (NIDA's) Commonly Abused Drugs⁴
NIDA's Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help⁵
National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Library of Medicine's Alcohol Withdrawal⁶
Rohypnol^® Abuse Treatment FAQs⁷
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Keeping Youth Drug Free⁸
SAMHSA's Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality's (CBHSQ's) Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables⁹

The substances that are considered controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) are divided into five schedules. An updated and complete list of the schedules is published annually in Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) §§ 1308.11 through 1308.15.¹⁰ Substances are placed in their respective schedules based on whether they have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, their relative abuse potential, and likelihood of causing dependence when abused. A description of each schedule is listed below.

Schedule I (1): Substances in this schedule have no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse.
Schedule II/IIN (2/2N): Substances in this schedule have a high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
Schedule III/IIIN (3/3N): Substances in this schedule have a potential for abuse less than substances in Schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
Schedule IV (4): Substances in this schedule have a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule III.
Schedule V (5): Substances in this schedule have a low potential for abuse relative to substances listed in Schedule IV and consist primarily of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics.

Alcohol

Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Various	Booze, Juice, Sauce, Brew	Beer, Wine, Liquor/Spirits/Malt Beverages	Ingested by drinking	Not scheduled / Illegal for purchase or use by those under age 21ⁱⁱ
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Injuries and risky behavior, memory and concentration problems, coma, breathing problems, slurred speech, confusion, impaired judgment and motor skills, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, emotional volatility, loss of coordination, visual distortions, impaired memory, changes in mood and behavior, and depression. Impaired judgment can result in inappropriate sexual behavior, sexually transmitted infections, and reduced inhibitions.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Some studies have found benefits associated with moderate alcohol consumption,^iv,^v while other studies do not support a role for moderate alcohol consumption in providing health benefits.^vi,^vii Studies have shown alcohol misuse use can lead to: an inability to control drinking; a high tolerance level; changes in mood and behavior; difficulty thinking clearly; impaired coordination; cardiovascular problems including heart muscle injury, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and high blood pressure; liver problems including steatosis (fatty liver), alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis; pancreatitis; increased risk of various cancers (including of the mouth, esophagus, larynx, pharynx, liver, colon, and rectum); weakened immune system; depression; interference with personal relationships; coma, and death due to alcohol overdose. For breast cancer, even moderate drinking may increase the risk.
Other Health-related Issues	Pregnancy-related: sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
In Combination with Alcohol	N/A
Withdrawal Symptoms	Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually occur within 8 hours after the last drink, but can occur days later. Symptoms usually peak by 24 to 72 hours, but may go on for weeks. Common symptoms include: anxiety or nervousness, depression, fatigue, irritability, jumpiness or shakiness, mood swings, nightmares, and not thinking clearly. Other symptoms may include: clammy skin, enlarged (dilated) pupils, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, pallor, rapid heart rate, sweating, and tremor of the hands or other body parts. A severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens can cause: agitation, fever, hallucinations, seizures, and severe confusion.
Treatment Options^viii
Medications	The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications for treating alcohol dependence, and others are being tested to determine if they are effective. Naltrexone can help people reduce heavy drinking. Acamprosate makes it easier to maintain abstinence. Disulfiram blocks the breakdown (metabolism) of alcohol by the body, causing unpleasant symptoms such as nausea and flushing of the skin. Those unpleasant effects can help some people avoid drinking while taking disulfiram.
Behavioral Therapies	Also known as alcohol counseling, behavioral treatments involve working with a health professional to identify and help change the behaviors that lead to heavy drinking. Behavioral treatments share certain features, which can include: Developing the skills needed to stop or reduce drinking Helping to build a strong social support system Working to set reachable goals Coping with or avoiding the triggers that might cause relapse
Statistics as of 2015^ix
Prevalence	Lifetime: 217 million persons (81.0%) aged 12 or older have used alcohol in their lifetime. Past Year: 176 million persons (65.7%) aged 12 or older have used alcohol in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation^x	17.6

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Most states prohibit possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages by those under age 21, though some make exceptions for possession or consumption in the presence, or with the consent, of family or on private property.
iii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & NIAAA, (n.d.). The uses and possible health effects that are listed are illustrative examples and not exhaustive.
iv: Source: Gepner, et al. (2015).¹²
v: Source: Howard, et al. (2004).¹³
vi: Source: Stockwell, et al. (2016).¹⁴
vii: Source: Fillmore, et al. (2006).¹⁵
viii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ix: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).
x: Average age of initiation (for all substances) is based on respondents aged 12 to 49 years old.

Cocaine

A powerfully addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Cocaine hydrochloride topical solution (anesthetic rarely used in medical procedures)	Cocaine: Blow, Bump, C, Candy, Charlie, Coke, Crack, Flake, Rock, Snow, Toot, Dust Crack cocaine: Crack, Rock, Base, Sugar Block, Rox/Roxanne	White powder, whitish rock crystal	Snorted, smoked, injected, orally, topically	Schedule II / Illegal, except for use in hospital settings (however it's rarely used)
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Narrowed blood vessels; enlarged pupils; increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure; headache; abdominal pain and nausea; euphoria; increased energy, alertness; insomnia; restlessness, irritability, anxiety; erratic and violent behavior, panic attacks, paranoia, psychosis; heart rhythm problems, heart attack; stroke, seizure, coma; and death from cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, or suicide.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Loss of sense of smell, nosebleeds, nasal damage and trouble swallowing from snorting; infection and death of bowel tissue from decreased blood flow; poor nutrition and weight loss from decreased appetite; and severe depression.
Other Health-related Issues	Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared needles. Pregnancy-related: premature delivery, low birth weight, neonatal abstinence syndrome.ⁱⁱⁱ
In Combination with Alcohol	Greater risk of overdose and sudden death than from alcohol or cocaine alone.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Depression, tiredness, increased appetite, insomnia, vivid unpleasant dreams, slowed thinking and movement, restlessness.
Medical Use	Cocaine hydrochloride topical solution is indicated for the introduction of local (topical) anesthesia of accessible mucous membranes of the oral, laryngeal and nasal cavities.
Treatment Options^iv
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat cocaine addiction.
Behavioral Therapies	Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Community reinforcement approach plus vouchers Contingency management, or motivational incentives The Matrix Model 12-Step facilitation therapy
Statistics as of 2015^v
Prevalence	Lifetime: Cocaine: 38.7 million persons (14.5%) aged 12 or older have used cocaine in their lifetime. Crack: 9.0 million persons (3.4%) aged 12 or older have used crack cocaine in their lifetime. Past Year: Cocaine: 4.8 million persons (1.8%) aged 12 or older have used cocaine in the past year. Crack: 833,000 persons (0.3%) aged 12 or older have used crack cocaine in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	Cocaine: 21.5 Crack: 21.3

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) and DEA, (2015).
iii: Neonatal abstinence syndrome is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opioid drugs while in the mother's womb. At birth, the baby is still dependent on the drug. Because the baby is no longer getting the drug after birth, symptoms of withdrawal may occur.¹¹
iv: Source: NIDA, (2016).
v: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid)

A depressant approved for use in the treatment of narcolepsy, a disorder that causes daytime “sleep attacks”.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate or sodium oxybate (Xyrem®)	G, Georgia Home Boy, Goop, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Soap, Scoop	Colorless liquid, white powder	Ingested (often combined with alcohol or other beverages)	Schedule I / Illegal; GHB products such as Xyrem®, are Schedule III substances
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Euphoria, drowsiness, decreased anxiety, confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, excited and aggressive behavior, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, seizures, slowed heart rate and breathing, lower body temperature, coma, and death.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Unknown.
Other Health-related Issues	Sometimes used as a date rape drug.
In Combination with Alcohol	Nausea, problems with breathing, greatly increased depressant effects.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Insomnia, anxiety, tremors, sweating, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and psychosis.
Medical Use	Sodium Osybate (Xyrem^®) is approved for use in the treatment of narcolepsy, a disorder that causes daytime “sleep attacks.”
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	Benzodiazepines
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat GHB addiction.
Statistics as of 2015^iv
Prevalence	Lifetime: 1.2 million persons (0.4%) aged 12 or older have used GHB in their lifetime. Past Year: 136,000 persons (0.1%) aged 12 or older have used GHB in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	Sedatives in general: 28.3

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Sources: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Heroin

An opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the seed pod of the Asian opium poppy plant.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
No commercial uses	Brown sugar, China White, Dope, H, Horse, Junk, Skag, Skunk, Smack, White Horse With OTC cold medicine and antihistamine: Cheese	White or brownish powder, or black sticky substance known as “black tar heroin”	Injected, smoked, snorted	Schedule I / Illegal
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Euphoria; warm flushing of skin; dry mouth; heavy feeling in the hands and feet; clouded thinking, impaired coordination; alternate wakeful and drowsy states; itching; nausea; vomiting; slowed breathing and heart rate; and fatal overdose.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Collapsed veins; abscesses (swollen tissue with pus); infection of the lining and valves in the heart (endocarditis); constipation and stomach cramps; liver or kidney disease; and pneumonia.
Other Health-related Issues	Pregnancy-related: miscarriage, low birth weight, neonatal abstinence syndrome. Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared needles.
In Combination with Alcohol	Dangerous slowdown of heart rate and breathing, coma, and death.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes with goose bumps.
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone.
Behavioral Therapies	Contingency management, or motivational incentives 12-Step facilitation therapy
Statistics as of 2015²³
Prevalence	Lifetime: 5.1 million persons (1.9%) aged 12 or older have used heroin in their lifetime. Heroin needle use: 2.2 million persons (0.8%) Smoked heroin: 2.0 million persons (0.7%) Sniffed or snorted heroin: 3.3 million persons (1.2%) Past Year: 828,000 persons (0.3%) aged 12 or older have used heroin in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	25.4

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Sources: NIDA, (2016).

Inhalants

Solvents, aerosols, and gases found in household products such as spray paints, markers, glues, and cleaning fluids; also nitrites (e.g., amyl nitrite), which are prescription medications for chest pain. Precise categorization of inhalants is difficult, however one classification system lists four general categories of inhalants — volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, and nitrites — based on the forms in which they are often found in household, industrial, and medical products.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Solvents (paint thinners, gasoline, glues, organic solvents, nail polish remover); gases (butane, propane, aerosol propellants), nitrous oxide, hair spray; and nitrites (isoamyl, isobutyl, and cyclohexyl)	Poppers, snappers, whippets, laughing gas	Paint thinners or removers, degreasers, dry-cleaning fluids, gasoline, lighter fluids, correction fluids, permanent markers, electronics cleaners and freeze sprays, glue, spray paint, hair or deodorant sprays, fabric protector sprays, aerosol computer cleaning products, vegetable oil sprays, butane lighters, propane tanks, whipped cream aerosol containers, refrigerant gases, ether, chloroform, halothane, nitrous oxide	Inhaled through the nose or mouth	N/A
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	While symptoms vary by chemical, potential symptoms include: confusion; nausea or vomiting; slurred speech; loss of coordination; euphoria; dizziness; drowsiness; loss of inhibition, lightheadedness, hallucinations/delusions; headaches; 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. Nitrites: Enlarged blood vessels, enhanced sexual pleasure, increased heart rate, brief sensation of heat and excitement, dizziness, and headache.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Liver and kidney damage; damage to cardiovascular and nervous systems; bone marrow damage; nerve damage; and brain damage from lack of oxygen that can cause problems with thinking, movement, vision, and hearing. Nitrites: Increased risk of pneumonia.
Other Health-related Issues	Pregnancy-related: low birth weight, bone problems, delayed behavioral development due to brain problems, altered metabolism and body composition.
In Combination with Alcoholⁱⁱⁱ	Intensifies the toxic effects of inhalants; serious mental impairment can result, leading the user to engage in deadly behavior; and may lead to coma or death. Nitrites: dangerously low blood pressure.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Nausea, loss of appetite, sweating, tics, problems sleeping, and mood changes.
Medical Use^iv	Nitrous oxide only, for anesthesia: amyl nitrate indicated for rapid relief of angina pectoris.
Treatment Options^v
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat inhalant addiction.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat inhalant addiction.
Statistics as of 2015^vi
Prevalence	Lifetime: 25.8 million persons (9.6%) aged 12 or older have used inhalants in their lifetime. Amyl Nitrite, Poppers, Locker Room Odorizers, or Rush: 7.4 million persons (2.8%) Computer Cleaner/Air Duster: 3.0 million persons (1.1 %) Correction Fluid, Degreaser, or Cleaning Fluid: 1.6 million persons (0.6%) Felt-Tip Pens, Felt-Tip Markers, or Magic Markers: 6.8 million persons (2.5 %) Gasoline or Lighter Fluid: 3.2 million persons (1.2%) Glue, Shoe Polish, or Toluene: 3.2 million persons (1.2%) Halothane, Ether, or Other Anesthetics: 809,000 persons (0.3%) Lacquer Thinner or Other Paint Solvents: 1.5 million persons (0.6%) Lighter Gases (Butane, Propane): 767,000 persons (0.3%) Nitrous Oxide or Whippits: 12.4 million persons (4.6%) Spray Paints: 1.9 million persons (0.7%) Other Aerosol Sprays: 1.5 million persons (0.6%) Past Year: 1.8 million persons (0.7%) aged 12 or older have used inhalants in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	17.4

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016).
iii: Source: Inhalant Addiction Treatment, (n.d.).
iv: Source: SAMHSA, (2004).
v: Source: NIDA, (2016).
vi: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Ketamine

A dissociative drug, hallucinogen, which causes the user to feel detached from reality.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Ketalar	Cat Valium, K, Special K, Vitamin K	Liquid, white powder	Injected , snorted, smoked (powder added to tobacco or marijuana cigarettes), ingested	Schedule III / Legal by prescription only
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Problems with attention, learning, and memory; dreamlike states, hallucinations; sedation; confusion and problems speaking; memory loss; stiffening of the muscles and numbness; problems moving, to the point of being immobile; increased blood pressure; nausea; unconsciousness; slowed breathing (respiratory depression) that can lead to death.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Ulcers and pain in the bladder; kidney problems; stomach pain; depression; flashbacks; and poor memory.
Other Health-related Issues	Sometimes used as a date rape drug. Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared needles.
In Combination with Alcohol	Increased risk of adverse effects.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Unknown.
Medical Use	Used as an anesthetic agent.
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to ketamine or other dissociative drugs.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to dissociative drugs.
Statistics as of 2015^iv
Prevalence	Lifetime: 3.0 million persons (1.1%) aged 12 or older have used ketamine in their lifetime. Past Year: Data not collected.
Average Age of Initiation	Hallucinogens in general: 19.6

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)

A hallucinogen manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. LSD is an abbreviation of the scientific name lysergic acid diethylamide.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
No commercial uses	Acid, Blotter, Blue Heaven, Cubes, Microdot, Yellow Sunshine, A, Windowpane	Tablet; capsule; clear liquid; small, decorated squares of absorbent paper that liquid has been added to	Ingested, absorbed through mouth tissues (paper squares)	Schedule I / Illegal
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Rapid mood swings; distortion of a person's ability to recognize reality, think rationally, or communicate with others; raised blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature; dizziness and insomnia; loss of appetite; dry mouth; sweating; numbness; weakness; tremors; enlarged pupils; and impulsive behavior.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Frightening flashbacks (called Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder [HPPD]); ongoing visual disturbances, disorganized thinking, paranoia, mood swings; and prolonged depression.
Other Health-related Issues	Unknown.
In Combination with Alcohol	May decrease the perceived effects of alcohol.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Unknown.
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to LSD or other hallucinogens.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to hallucinogens.
Statistics as of 2015^iv
Prevalence	Lifetime: 25.3 million persons (9.5%) aged 12 or older have used LSD in their lifetime. Past Year: 1.5 million persons (0.6%) aged 12 or older have used LSD in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	19.6

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Marijuana (Cannabis)

Marijuana is Cannabis sativa, a plant with psychoactive properties. The main psychoactive (mind-altering) chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Various brand names in states where the sale of marijuana is legal	Marijuana: Blunt, Bud, Dope, Ganja, Grass, Green, Herb, Joint, Mary Jane, Pot, Reefer, Sinsemilla, Skunk, Smoke, Trees, Weed Hashish: Boom, Gangster, Hash, Hemp, THC	Greenish-gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and/ or flowers; resin (hashish) or sticky, black liquid (hash oil)	Smoked, ingested (mixed in food or brewed as tea)	Schedule I/ Illegalⁱⁱ for both marijuana and THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, which is listed separately from marijuana. Marinol^®, containing THC as synthetically-derived dronabinol, is an FDA-approved drug product, controlled in Schedule III / Legal by prescription only
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Enhanced sensory perception and euphoria followed by drowsiness/relaxation; disinhibition, increased sociability; dry mouth; slowed reaction time; time distortion; impaired balance and coordination; increased heart rate and appetite; decreased blood pressure; problems with learning and memory; heightened imagination, hallucinations and delusions; anxiety; panic attacks; and psychosis.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Mental health problems, chronic cough, frequent respiratory infections, increased risk for cancer, and suppression of the immune system.
Other Health-related Issues	Breathing problems and increased risk of cancer of the head, neck, lungs, and respiratory tract. Youth: Possible loss of IQ points when repeated use begins in adolescence. Pregnancy-related: Babies born with problems with attention, memory, and problem solving.
In Combination with Alcohol	Increased heart rate, blood pressure; further slowing of mental processing and reaction time.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Irritability, trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, anxiety.
Medical Uses	Marino^® is indicated for the treatment of: Anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS; and Nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic treatments.
Treatment Options^iv
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat marijuana addiction.
Behavioral Therapies	Behavioral treatments tested with adolescents Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Contingency management, or motivational incentives Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
Statistics as of 2015^v
Prevalence	Lifetime: 117.9 million persons (44.0%) aged 12 or older have used marijuana in their lifetime. Past Year: 36.0 million persons (13.5%) aged 12 or older have used marijuana in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	19.0

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: As of this writing, 25 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana use, four states have legalized retail marijuana sales, and the District of Columbia has legalized personal use and home cultivation (both medical and recreational). See Chapter 3 - Prevention Programs and Policies for more detail on this issue.
iii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iv: Source: NIDA, (2016).
v: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

MDMA (Ecstasy)

A synthetic, psychoactive drug that has similarities to both the stimulant amphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline. MDMA is an abbreviation of the scientific name 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
No commercial uses	Adam, Clarity, Eve, Lover's Speed, Peace, Uppers, E, X, XTC, Molly	Colorful tablets with imprinted logos, capsules, powder, liquid	Ingested, snorted	Schedule I / Illegal
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Lowered inhibition and coordination; sleep disturbances; enhanced sensory perception; confusion; depression; sleep problems; anxiety; increased heart rate and blood pressure; muscle tension; teeth clenching; increased motor activity, alertness; nausea; blurred vision; faintness; chills or sweating; sharp rise in body temperature leading to liver, kidney, or heart failure and death.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Long-lasting confusion; depression; damage to the serotonin system; problems with attention, memory, and sleep; increased anxiety, impulsiveness, and aggression; loss of appetite; and less interest in sex.
Other Health-related Issues	Unknown.
In Combination with Alcohol	May increase the risk of cell and organ damage.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, and trouble concentrating.
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	There is conflicting evidence about whether MDMA is addictive. There are no FDA-approved medications to treat MDMA addiction.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat potential MDMA addiction.
Statistics as of 2015^iv
Prevalence	Lifetime: 18.3 million persons (6.8%) aged 12 or older have used ecstasy in their lifetime. Past Year: 2.6 million persons (1.0%) aged 12 or older have used ecstasy in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	20.7

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Mescaline (Peyote)

A hallucinogen found in disk-shaped “buttons” in the crown of several cacti, including peyote, and can also be created synthetically.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
No commercial uses	Buttons, Cactus, Mesc, Peyote	Fresh or dried buttons, capsule	Ingested (chewed or soaked in water and drunk) or smoked	Schedule I / Illegal
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Enhanced perception and feeling; hallucinations; euphoria; anxiety; increased body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure; sweating; headaches; and impaired motor coordination.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Unknown.
Other Health-related Issues	Unknown.
In Combination with Alcohol	Unknown.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Unknown.
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to mescaline or other hallucinogens.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to hallucinogens.
Statistics as of 2015^iv
Prevalence	Lifetime: Mescaline: 8.0 million persons (3.0%) aged 12 or older have used mescaline in their lifetime. Peyote: 5.5 million persons (2.0%) aged 12 or older have used peyote in their lifetime. Past Year: 4.7 million persons (1.8%) aged 12 or older have used hallucinogens in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	Hallucinogens in general: 19.6

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Methamphetamine

An extremely addictive stimulant amphetamine drug.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Desoxyn^®	Crank, Chalk, Crystal, Fire, Glass, Go Fast, Ice, Meth, Speed	White powder or pill; crystal meth looks like pieces of glass or shiny blue-white “rocks” of different sizes	Ingested, snorted, smoked, injected	Schedule II / Illegal (except for Desoxyn^® by prescription only)
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Increased wakefulness and physical activity; decreased appetite; hyperthermia; increased breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature; irregular heartbeat; and death from cardiac arrest, stroke, or suicide.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood problems, violent behavior, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, weight loss, severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), memory loss, intense itching leading to skin sores from scratching and high-risk for addiction.
Other Health-related Issues	Sharing needles increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B and C. Pregnancy-related: premature delivery; separation of the placenta from the uterus; low birth weight; lethargy; heart and brain problems.
In Combination with Alcohol	Masks the depressant effect of alcohol, increasing risk of alcohol overdose; may increase blood pressure and jitters.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Depression, anxiety, tiredness.
Medical Uses	Desoxyn^® is indicated for the treatment of: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity Exogenous Obesity
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat methamphetamine addiction.
Behavioral Therapies	Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Contingency management or motivational incentives The Matrix Model 12-Step facilitation therapy
Statistics as of 2015^iv
Prevalence	Lifetime: 14.5 million persons (5.4%) aged 12 or older have used methamphetamine in their lifetime. Methamphetamine needle use: 1.9 million persons (0.7%) Past Year: 1.7 million persons (0.6%) aged 12 or older have used methamphetamine in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	25.8

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Over-the-counter Cough/Cold Medicines (Dextromethorphan or DXM)

Psychoactive when taken in higher-than-recommended amounts.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Various (many brand names include “DM”)	Robotripping, Robo, Triple C	Suspension, capsule	Ingested	Cough medicines with codeine are Schedule V. DXM is not Scheduled and is an over-the-counter medication
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Euphoria; slurred speech; increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature; numbness; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; confusion; hallucinations; paranoia; agitation; altered visual perceptions; loss of coordination, problems with movement; buildup of excess acid in body fluids; liver damage; seizures; and coma.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Unknown.
Other Health-related Issues	Breathing problems, seizures, and increased heart rate may occur from other ingredients in cough/cold medicines.
In Combination with Alcohol	Increased risk of adverse effects.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Unknown.
Medical Useⁱⁱⁱ	Used for cough suppression.
Treatment Options^iv
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to over-the-counter cough/cold medicines.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to over-the-counter cough/cold medicines.
Statistics as of 2015^v
Prevalence	Lifetime: Data not collected. Past Year: Data not collected.
Average Age of Initiation	Stimulants in general: 22.3

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: SAMHSA, (2004).
iv: Source: NIDA, (2016).
v: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

PCP (Phencyclidine)

A dissociative drug developed as an intravenous anesthetic that has been discontinued due to serious adverse effects. Dissociative drugs are hallucinogens that cause the user to feel detached from reality.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
No commercial uses	Angel Dust, Boat, Hog, Love Boat, Peace Pill, Angel Mist	White or colored powder, tablet, or capsule; clear liquid	Injected, snorted, ingested, smoked (powder added to mint, parsley, oregano, or marijuana)	Schedule I, II / Illegal
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, problems thinking, a sense of distance from one's environment, anxiety. Low doses: slight increase in pulse and breathing rate; increased blood pressure and heart rate; shallow breathing; face redness and sweating; numbness of the hands or feet; and loss of coordination. High doses: lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing; nausea; vomiting; blurred vision; flicking up and down of the eyes; drooling; loss of balance; dizziness; violence; suicidal thoughts; seizures, coma, and death.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Memory loss, problems with speech and thinking, depression, psychosis, weight loss, anxiety.
Other Health-related Issues	PCP has been linked to self-injury. Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared needles.
In Combination with Alcohol	Increased risk of coma.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Headaches and sweating.
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to PCP or other dissociative drugs.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to dissociative drugs.
Statistics as of 2015^iv
Prevalence	Lifetime: 6.3 million persons (2.4%) aged 12 or older have used PCP in their lifetime. Past Year: 120,000 persons (<0.1%) aged 12 or older have used PCP in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	15.3

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Prescription Opioids

Pain relievers with an origin similar to that of heroin. Opioids can cause euphoria and are sometimes used nonmedically, leading to overdose deaths.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Codeine (various brand names)	Captain Cody, Cody, Lean, Schoolboy, Sizzurp, Purple Drank With glutethimide: Doors & Fours, Loads, Pancakes and Syrup	Tablet, capsule, liquid	Injected, ingested (often mixed with soda and flavorings)	Schedule II, III, V / Legal by prescription only
Fentanyl (Actiq^®, Duragesic^®, Sublimaze^®)	Apache, China Girl, China White, Dance Fever, Friend, Goodfella, Jackpot, Murder 8, Tango and Cash, TNT	Lozenge, sublingual tablet, film, buccal tablet	Injected, smoked, snorted	Schedule II / Legal by prescription only
Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone (Vicodin^®, Lortab^®, Lorcet^®, and others)	Vike, Watson-387	Capsule, liquid, tablet	Ingested, snorted, injected	Schedule II / Legal by prescription only
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid^®)	D, Dillies, Footballs, Juice, Smack	Liquid, suppository	Injected, rectally inserted	Schedule II / Legal by prescription only
Meperidine (Demerol^®)	Demmies, Pain Killer	Tablet, liquid	Ingested, snorted, injected	Schedule II / Legal by prescription only
Methadone (Dolophine^®)	Amidone, Fizzies With MDMA: Chocolate Chip Cookies	Tablet	Ingested, injected	Schedule II / Legal by prescription only for pain indication
Morphine, various brand names	M, Miss Emma, Monkey, White Stuff	Tablet, liquid, capsule, suppository	Ingested, injected, smoked	Schedule II, III / Legal by prescription only
Oxycodone (OxyContin^®, Percodan^®, Percocet^®, and others)	O.C., Oxycet, Oxycotton, Oxy, Hillbilly Heroin, Percs	Capsule, liquid, tablet	Ingested, snorted, injected	Schedule II / Legal by prescription only
Oxymorphone (Opana^®)	Biscuits, Blue Heaven, Blues, Mrs. O, O Bomb, Octagons, Stop Signs	Tablet	Ingested, snorted, injected	Schedule II / Legal by prescription only
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Pain relief, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, altered judgment and decision making, sedation, euphoria, confusion, clammy skin, muscle weakness, slowed breathing, lowered heart rate and blood pressure, coma, heart failure, and death. For oxycodone specifically: Pain relief, sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, papillary constriction, and cough suppression. For fentanyl specifically: Fentanyl is about 100 times more potent than morphine as an analgesic and results in frequent overdoses.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Heart or respiratory problems. Extended or chronic use of oxycodone containing acetaminophen may cause severe liver damage. Abuse of opioid medications can lead to psychological dependence.
Other Health-related Issues	Pregnancy-related: Miscarriage, low birth weight, neonatal abstinence syndrome. Older adults: higher risk of accidental misuse or abuse because many older adults have multiple prescriptions, increasing the risk of drug-drug interactions, and breakdown of drugs slows with age; also, many older adults are treated with prescription medications for pain. Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared needles.
In Combination with Alcohol	Dangerous slowing of heart rate and breathing leading to coma or death.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Restlessness, anxiety, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps, and muscle tremors.
Medical Useⁱⁱⁱ	Used for pain relief. Methadone is also used to treat opioid use disorders.
Treatment Options^iv
Medications	Methadone Buprenorphine Naltrexone (oral and extended-release injectable)
Behavioral Therapies	Behavioral therapies that have helped treat addiction to heroin may be useful in treating prescription opioid addiction.
Statistics as of 2015^v
Prevalence	Lifetime: 36 million persons (13.6%) aged 12 or older have misused pain relievers in their lifetime. Past Year: 12.5 million persons (4.7 %) aged 12 or older have misused pain relievers in the past year. OxyContin^®: 1.7 million persons (0.7%) aged 12 or older have used OxyContin^® non-medically in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	Prescription Opioids: 25.8

i: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: SAMHSA, (2004).
iv: Source: NIDA, (2016).
v: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Prescription Sedatives (Tranquilizers, Depressants)

Medications that slow brain activity, which makes them useful for treating anxiety and sleep problems.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Barbiturates: pentobarbital (Nembutal^®), phenobarbital (Luminal^®)	Barbs, Phennies, Red Birds, Reds, Tooies, Yellow Jackets, Yellows	Pill, capsule, liquid	Ingested, injected	Schedule II, III, IV / Legal by prescription only
Benzodiazepines: alprazolam (Xanax^®), chlorodiazepoxide (Limbitrol^®), diazepam (Valium^®), lorazepam (Ativan^®), triazolam (Halicon^®)	Candy, Downers, Sleeping Pills, Tranks	Pill, capsule, liquid	Ingested, snorted	Schedule IV / Legal by prescription only
Sleep Medications: eszopiclone (Lunesta^®), zaleplon (Sonata^®), zolpidem (Ambien^®)	Forget-me Pill, Mexican Valium, R2, Roche, Roofies, Roofinol, Rope, Rophies	Pill, capsule, liquid	Ingested, snorted	Schedule IV / Legal by prescription only
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Drowsiness, sedation; slurred speech; poor concentration, confusion, dizziness; clammy skin; impaired judgment, coordination and memory; reduced anxiety; lowered blood pressure; slowed breathing and central nervous system; coma, and death.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Increased risk of respiratory distress.
Other Health-related Issues	Sleep medications are sometimes used as date rape drugs. Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared needles.
In Combination with Alcohol	Dangerous slowdown of heart rate and breathing, coma, and death.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Must be discussed with a health care professional; barbiturate withdrawal can cause a serious abstinence syndrome that may even include seizures.
Medical Useⁱⁱⁱ	For tranquilization, sedation, and sleep.
Treatment Options^iv
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to prescription sedatives; lowering the dose over time must be done with the help of a health care professional.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to prescription sedatives.
Statistics as of 2015^v
Prevalence	Lifetime: Data not collected. Past Year: 1.5 million persons (0.6%) aged 12 or older have misused sedatives in the past year. 6.1 million persons (2.3%) aged 12 or older have misused tranquilizers in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	Sedatives: 28.3 Tranquilizers: 25.9

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: SAMHSA, (2004).
iv: Source: NIDA, (2016).
v: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Prescription Stimulants

Medications that increase alertness, attention, energy, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Amphetamine (Adderall^®, Benzedrine^®)	Bennies, Black Beauties, Crosses, Hearts, LA Turnaround, Speed, Truck Drivers, Uppers	Tablet, capsule	Ingested, snorted, smoked, injected	Schedule II / Legal by prescription only
Methylphenidate (Concerta^®, Ritalin^®)	JIF, MPH, R-ball, Skippy, The Smart Drug, Vitamin R	Liquid, tablet, chewable tablet, capsule	Ingested, snorted, smoked, injected, chewed	Schedule II / Legal by prescription only
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Increased alertness, attention, energy; euphoria; insomnia, wakefulness; increased blood pressure and body temperature, metabolism, and heart rate; narrowed blood vessels; increased blood sugar; agitation; opened-up breathing passages; and violent and erratic behavior. High doses: dangerously high body temperature and irregular heartbeat; seizures; and death from heart failure or suicide. For amphetamines specifically: Paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with one's own thoughts, and auditory and visual hallucinations.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Heart problems, psychosis, anger, paranoia, addiction, and chronic sleep problems.
Other Health-related Issues	Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared needles.
In Combination with Alcohol	Masks the depressant action of alcohol, increasing risk of alcohol overdose; may increase blood pressure and jitters.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Depression, tiredness, and sleep problems.
Medical Useⁱⁱⁱ	For narcolepsy, obesity, and hyperkinesis.
Treatment Options^iv
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat stimulant addiction.
Behavioral Therapies	Behavioral therapies that have helped treat addiction to cocaine or methamphetamine may be useful in treating prescription stimulant addiction.
Statistics as of 2015^v
Prevalence	Lifetime: Data not collected. Past Year: 5.3 million (2.0%) aged 12 or older have misused stimulants in the past year.
Average Age of Initiation	Stimulants in general: 22.3

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: SAMHSA, (2004).
iv: Source: NIDA, (2016).
v: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Psilocybin

A hallucinogen in certain types of mushrooms that grow in parts of South America, Mexico, and the United States.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
No commercial uses	Little Smoke, Magic Mushrooms, Purple Passion, Shrooms	Fresh or dried mushrooms with long, slender stems topped by caps with dark gills	Ingested (eaten, brewed as tea, or added to other foods)	Schedule I / Illegal
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Hallucinations, altered perception of time, inability to tell fantasy from reality, panic, muscle relaxation or weakness, loss of coordination, enlarged pupils, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Risk of flashbacks, psychosis, and memory problems.
Other Health-related Issues	Risk of poisoning if a poisonous mushroom is accidentally used.
In Combination with Alcohol	May decrease the perceived effects of alcohol.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Unknown.
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	It is not known whether psilocybin is addictive. There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to psilocybin or other hallucinogens.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if psilocybin is addictive and whether behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to this or other hallucinogens.
Statistics as of 2014^iv
Prevalence	Lifetime: 22.8 million persons (8.5%) aged 12 or older have used psilocybin in their lifetime. Past Year: Data not collected.
Average Age of Initiation	Hallucinogens in general: 19.6

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Rohypnol^® (Flunitrazepam)

A benzodiazepine chemically similar to prescription sedatives such as Valium^® and Xanax^®. Teens and young adults tend to abuse this drug at bars, nightclubs, concerts, and parties. It has been used to commit sexual assaults due to its ability to sedate and incapacitate unsuspecting victims.¹
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Flunitrazepam, Rohypnol^®	Circles, Date Rape Drug, Forget Pill, Forget-Me Pill, La Rocha, Lunch Money, Mexican Valium, Mind Eraser, Pingus, R2, Reynolds, Rib, Roach, Roach 2, Roaches, Roachies, Roapies, Rochas Dos, Roofies, Rope, Rophies, Row-Shay, Ruffies, Trip-and-Fall, Wolfies	Tablet	Ingested (as a pill or as dissolved in a drink), snorted	Schedule IV / Rohypnol^® is not approved for medical use in the United States; it is available as a prescription sleep aid in other countries
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	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.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effectsⁱⁱⁱ	Physical and psychological dependence; cardiovascular collapse; and death
Other Health-related Issues	Sometimes used as a date rape drug.
In Combination with Alcohol	Exaggerated intoxication, severe sedation, unconsciousness, and slowed heart rate and breathing, which can lead to death.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Headache; muscle pain; extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion, irritability; numbness and tingling of hands or feet; hallucinations, delirium, convulsions, seizures, or shock.
Treatment Options^iv
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to Rohypnol® or other prescription sedatives.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to Rohypnol® or other prescription sedatives.
Statistics as of 2015^v
Prevalence	Lifetime: Data not collected. Past Year: Data not collected.
Average Age of Initiation	Sedatives in general: 23.4

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: Rohypnol Abuse Treatment, (n.d.).
iv: Source: NIDA, (2016).
v: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Salvia

A dissociative drug (Salvia divinorum) that is an herb in the mint family native to southern Mexico. Dissociative drugs are hallucinogens that cause the user to feel detached from reality.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Sold legally in most states as Salvia divinorum	Magic mint, Maria Pastora, Sally-D, Shepherdess's Herb, Diviner's Sage	Fresh or dried leaves	Smoked, chewed, or brewed as tea	Not scheduled; labeled drug of concern by DEA / Illegal in some states
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Short-lived but intense hallucinations; loss of coordination, dizziness, slurred speech; altered visual perception, mood, body sensations; mood swings, feelings of detachment from one's body; sweating; uncontrollable laughter; and paranoia.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Unknown.
Other Health-related Issues	Unknown.
In Combination with Alcohol	Unknown.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Unknown.
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	It is not known whether salvia is addictive. There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to salvia or other dissociative drugs.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if salvia is addictive, but behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to dissociative drugs.
Statistics as of 2015^iv
Prevalence	Lifetime: 5.1 million persons (1.9%) aged 12 or older have used salvia in their lifetime. Past Year: Data not collected.
Average Age of Initiation	Hallucinogens in general: 19.6

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Steroids (Anabolic)

Man-made substances used to treat conditions caused by low levels of steroid hormones in the body and abused to enhance athletic and sexual performance and physical appearance.ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
Nandrolone (Oxandrin^®), oxandrolone (Anadrol^®), oxymetholone (Winstrol^®), stanozolol (Durabolin^®), testosterone cypionate (Depo-testosterone^®)	Juice, Gym Candy, Pumpers, Roids	Tablet, capsule, liquid drops, gel, cream, patch, injectable solution	Injected, ingested, applied to skin	Schedule III / Legal by prescription only
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Headache, acne, fluid retention (especially in the hands and feet), oily skin, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and infection at the injection site.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Kidney damage or failure; liver damage; high blood pressure, enlarged heart, or changes in cholesterol leading to increased risk of stroke or heart attack, even in young people; hostility and aggression; extreme mood swings; anger (“roid rage”); paranoid jealousy; extreme irritability; delusions; impaired judgment.
Other Health-related Issues	Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared needles. Males: shrunken testicles, lowered sperm count, infertility, baldness, development of breasts, increased risk for prostate cancer. Females: facial hair, male-pattern baldness, menstrual cycle changes, enlargement of the clitoris, deepened voice. Adolescents: stunted growth.
In Combination with Alcohol	Increased risk of violent behavior.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Mood swings; tiredness; restlessness; loss of appetite; insomnia; lowered sex drive; depression, sometimes leading to suicide attempts.
Medical Use	Used to treat conditions caused by low levels of steroid hormones in the body.
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	Hormone therapy
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat steroid addiction.
Statistics as of 2015^iv
Prevalence	Data not collected.
Average Age of Initiation	Data not collected.

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Synthetic Cannabinoids (“K2”/“Spice”)

A wide variety of herbal mixtures containing man-made cannabinoid chemicals related to THC in marijuana but often much stronger and more dangerous. Sometimes misleadingly called “synthetic marijuana” and marketed as a “natural,” “safe,” legal alternative to marijuana.¹
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
No commercial uses	K2, Spice, Black Mamba, Bliss, Bombay Blue, Fake Weed, Fire, Genie, Moon Rocks, Skunk, Smacked, Yucatan, Zohai	Dried, shredded plant material that looks like potpourri and is sometimes sold as “incense”	Smoked, ingested (brewed as tea)	Schedule I
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Increased heart rate and blood pressure; vomiting; agitation; confusion; hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia; euphoria, relaxation; headache; numbness and tingling; reduced blood supply to the heart; heart attack; and seizures.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Kidney damage and psychosis.
Other Health-related Issues	Use of synthetic cannabinoids has led to an increase in emergency department visits in certain areas.
In Combination with Alcohol	Unknown.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Headaches, anxiety, depression, irritability.
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat K2/Spice addiction.
Behavioral Therapies	More research is needed to determine if behavioral therapies can be used to treat synthetic cannabinoid addiction.
Statistics as of 2015^iv
Prevalence	Data not collected.
Average Age of Initiation	Data not collected.

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

Synthetic Cathinones (“Bath Salts”)

An emerging family of drugs containing one or more synthetic chemicals related to cathinone, a stimulant found naturally in the khat plant. Examples of such chemicals include mephedrone, methylone, and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV).ⁱ
Common Commercial Names	Street Names	Common Forms	Common Ways Taken	DEA Schedule / Legal Status
No commercial names for “bath salts”	Bloom, Cloud Nine, Cosmic Blast, Ivory Wave, Lunar Wave, Scarface, Vanilla Sky, White Lightning MDPV and mephedrone: Meow meow, MCAT, drone, plant feeder, bubbles, bliss, blue silk, cloud nine, energy-1, ivory wave, lunar wave, ocean burst, pure ivory, purple wave, red dove, snow leopard, stardust, vanilla sky, white dove, white night, and 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	Ingested, snorted, injected, ingested, smoked	Schedule I
Uses & Possible Health Effectsⁱⁱ
Short-term Symptoms of Use	Increased heart rate and blood pressure; euphoria; increased sociability and sex drive; paranoia, agitation, and hallucinations; psychotic and violent behavior; nosebleeds; sweating; headaches; teeth grinding; nausea, vomiting; insomnia; irritability; dizziness; depression; suicidal thoughts; panic attacks; reduced motor control; and cloudy thinking.
Long-term Consequences of Use and Health Effects	Breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, kidney failure, psychosis, and death.
Other Health-related Issues	Risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from injecting with shared needles.
In Combination with Alcohol	Unknown.
Withdrawal Symptoms	Depression, anxiety, problems sleeping, tremors, paranoia.
Treatment Optionsⁱⁱⁱ
Medications	There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to bath salts.
Behavioral Therapies	Behavioral treatments geared to teens Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Contingency management, or motivational incentives Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
Statistics as of 2015^iv
Prevalence	Data not collected.
Average Age of Initiation	Data not collected.

i: Source: NIDA, (2016).
ii: Sources: NIDA, (2016) & DEA, (2015).
iii: Source: NIDA, (2016).
iv: Source: CBHSQ, (2016).

References

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2.: Inhalant Addiction Treatment. Dangers of mixing inhalants with alcohol and other drugs. [June 10, 2016]. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.inhalantaddictiontreatment.com/dangers-of-mixing-inhalants-with-alcohol-and-other-drugs.
3.: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol's effects on the body. [June 12, 2016]. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body.
4.: National Institute on Drug Abuse. Commonly abused drugs. 2016. [June 10, 2016]. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/commonly_abused_drugs_final_04202016.pdf.
5.: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Treatment for alcohol problems: Finding and getting help. Rockville, MD: National Institutes of Health; 2014. (NIH Publication No. 14–7974 )
6.: U.S. National Library of Medicine. Alcohol withdrawal. 2015. [June 12, 2016]. Retrieved from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000764.htm.
7.: Rohypnol Abuse Treatment. Does Rohypnol abuse have permanent side effects? [June 10, 2016]. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://rohypnolabusetreatment.com/does-rohypnol-abuse-have-permanent-side-effects.
8.: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Keeping youth drug free. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention; 2004. (DHHS Publication No (SMA)-3772)
9.: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed tables. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; 2016.
10.: U.S. Department of Justice. Title 21 code of federal regulations: Part 1308 — Schedules of controlled substances. [June 27, 2016]. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/cfr/2108cfrt.htm.
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12.: Gepner Y, Golan R, Harman-Boehm I, Henkin Y, Schwarzfuchs D, Shelef I, Shai I. Effects of initiating moderate alcohol intake on cardiometabolic risk in adults with type 2 diabetes: A 2-year randomized, controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2015;163:569–579. [PubMed: 26458258]
13.: Howard AA, Arnsten JH, Gourevitch MN. Effect of alcohol consumption on diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004;140(3):211–219. [PubMed: 14757619]
14.: Stockwell T, Zhao J, Panwar S, Roemer A, Naimi T, Chikritzhs T. Do “moderate” drinkers have reduced mortality risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis of alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. 2016;77(2):185–198. [PMC free article: PMC4803651] [PubMed: 26997174]
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Bookshelf ID: NBK424847

Contents