Narcotics

Product names: Heroin, morphine, codeine, Demerol, Percodan

Symptoms of Use: Lethargy, drowsiness, euphoria, nausea, constricted pupils, slowed breathing

Potential Consequences: HIV, heart or respiratory problems, mood swings, high potential for addiction

Route of administration: Ingested or injected

Legal status: Illegal

Drug Facts for the New Millennium

The effects on both the body and brain of marijuana and other drugs are potentially more intense now than in the past because some of the drugs are more potent. For example, because of new growing and harvesting techniques, marijuana is about 275 percent more potent than it was just 10 years ago. It also often is laced with other drugs such as PCP or crack cocaine, sometimes without the users’ knowledge. The environment of the drug culture also is more dangerous today. Studies show that youth who use alcohol or illegal drugs are more likely to be perpetrators or victims of violent crimes.