Alcohol

Common Forms

Isopropyl, methyl, and ethyl (only one cansumable by humans).

How It's Used

Disinfectants

Solvents

Beverages

Fuels

Classification

Regulation

In all US states, you must be 21 in
order to purchase alcohol. Criminal
offense to make false statements. Some
states vary on possession and consumption.

How it Works

Slows down the chemicals and pathways
pathways that brain cells use to
send messages

Effects

Alters mood, slows reflexes, affects balance, memory, brain shrinkage, drowsiness, and liver damage

Concerns

Drinking and driving

High blood pressure

Heart Disease

Liver disease

Cancer

Routes of Administration

Oral

Common Forms

Sativa

Indica

Hybrid

How It's Used

Medical

Classification

Regulation

Recreational Use States:
Washington, Oregon, California,
Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan,
Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine

Medical Use States:
Montana, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico,
North Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Delaware

How It Works

THC's chemical structure is similar
to the brain chemical anandamine,
which allows the body to accept it.

Affects brain areas that influence
pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration
movement, coordination, and sensory/time
perception.

Effects

Pain relief

Increased Appetite

Concerns

Addiction

Psychiatric Disorders

Routes of Administration

Oral

Transdermal

Inhalation

Sublingual

Common Forms

Energy Drinks

Coffee

How It's Used

Alertness

Wakefulness

Classification

Stimulant

Regulation

Caffeine is currently not regulated. Recognized as "safe", but it is quite addictive, especially when it comes to coffee and energy drinks.

How It Works

Fools adenosine receptors, and binds to them. Causes drowsiness by slowing nerve cell activity

Effects

Can cause agitation

Concerns

Routes of Administration

Common Forms

Cigarettes

Cigars

Pipe Tobacco

Chewing Tobacco

Snuff

How It's Used

Affects behavior, mood, and emotions (ex. anxiety

Linked to social activities and usage during work breaks

Regulation

The FDA has the ability to regulate tobacco products

Most states require users to be 18, while some require them to be 21

How It Works

Nicotine acts in the brain by stimulating the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and dopamine.

Effects

Gives similar feelings to caffeine

Reduces appetite

Classification

Concerns

Nicotine inside tobacco is highly addictive

Smoking is the number one cause for lung cancer

Routes of Administration

Chewing

Smoking

Snorting

Classification

Common Forms

Crystalline Powder

Crystal Meth

Pills

Meth Base

How It's Used

This is a drug that people can snort, smoke, orally take, or inject and causes a false sense of happiness and well-being.

Regulation

An illegal drug in the same class as cocaine and other harmful street drugs.

Illegal, but used by many people of all ages

How It Works

It is a dangerous and very potent chemical that first acts as a stimulant and uses the body's resources.

Effects

Memory loss

Aggression

Heart and Brain damage

Psychotic behavior

Concerns

Addiction

Destroys the body

Routes of Administration

Injection

Oral

Common Forms

Propane tanks

Whipped cream aerosols

Chloroform

How It's Used

Medical Anesthetics

Classification

Regulation

Mostly used in dentistry, nitrous oxide and oxygen, when used correctly, are safe and effective for managing pain.

How It Works

Enters the bloodstream through the lungs, and triggers the release of the body's natural opioids, endorphins, and dopamine.

Effects

Feelings of euphoria

Relaxation

Calmness

Dizziness

Laughter

Concerns

Long term exposure can lead to infertility, short term effects include dizziness, unconsciousness, and even death.

Routes of Administration

Inhalation

Common Forms

Heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine

How It's Used

Medically, opioids are primarily used for pain relief, including anesthesia.

Regulation

Opioids need to be properly prescribed to patients. That is the only way they can receive them. Possession without a prescription is illegal.

How It Works

These drugs bind to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body. Restrict pain messages from being sent to the brain.

Classification

Pain medication

Concerns

Because opioids can cause physical dependence and addiction, it is difficult to prescribe them properly, which later translates into improper pain management.

Effects

They also cause side effects, such as drowsiness, trouble concentrating, nausea, and constipation.

Routes of Administration

Intramascular

Intravenous

Subcutaneous

Psychedelics

Common Forms

LSD

MDMA

Psilocybin

PCP

DMT

Peyote

How It's Used

Rituals/Religious reasons

Boredom relief

Classification

Hallucinogen

Regulation

Oregon has determined that it is currently a schedule one drug (there is no medical value)

How It Works

Alters a person's perception, mood, and other mental processes.

Effects

Visual disturbance

Disorganized thinking

Paranoia

Mood changes

HCPP

Concerns

Toxicity and Overdose

Self harms caused by changes in perception

Are one of the most "safest" drugs

Routes of Administration

Sublingual

Snorting

Held in cheek