ALCOHOL is the most commonly abused drug. It
causes thousands of deaths each year from diseases, motor vehicle accidents, and
accidents at work and home. Even moderate use greatly increases the risk of a
motor vehicle or other accident.
COCAINE is an addictive stimulant with
unpredictable effects. It may produce changes in blood pressure, heart and
breathing rates. It may cause coma - or even death. Severe weight loss and liver
damage may result from continued use.
MARIJUANA affects coordination, short-term
memory, visual tracking, and heart rate. Regular use produces changes in the
reproductive system, damage to lungs, and may affect the immune system.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS include stimulants (uppers),
depressants (downers) and some narcotics. Used illegally or improperly, they can
cause physical and mental dependence, heart problems, malnutrition, even coma
and death.
OTHER DRUGS such as Ecstasy, PCP, LSD, heroin,
mescaline, amphetamine and morphine have a wide variety of negative health
effects - from hallucinations and mental confusion to convulsions and death.
COMBINATIONS OF DRUGS make physical and mental
effects unpredictable and often much more severe than if the same drugs were
taken separately. Combining alcohol with depressants, cocaine or marijuana can
be especially dangerous.
