Drug Groups and Their Effects

Amphetamine (AMP)

eg. ADHD medication, Pseudoephedrine, Speed, Ecstasy

Amphetamine is often self-administered by nasal inhalation or oral ingestion. High doses lead to enhanced stimulation of the central nervous system and induce euphoria, alertness, reduced appetite, and a sense of increased energy and power. Cardiovascular responses to Amphetamines include increased blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias. More acute responses produce anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and psychotic behaviour.

Methamphetamine (MET)

eg. Ice, Crystal, Meth

Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant chemically related to amphetamine but with greater central nervous system stimulation properties. The drug is often self-administered by intravenous injection, smoking or oral ingestion.

Cocaine (COC)

eg. Coke, Crack

Cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant and a local anaesthetic derived from the coca plant (erythroxylum coca). The drug is often self-administered by nasal inhalation, intravenous injection and free-base smoking.

Marijuana (THC)

eg. Hash, Joints, Pot, Grass

THC (∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). When smoked or orally administered, THC produces euphoric effects. Users have impaired short term memory and slowed learning. They may also experience transient episodes of confusion and anxiety. Long-term, relatively heavy use may be associated with behavioural disorders. The peak effect of marijuana administered by smoking occurs in 20-30 minutes and the duration is 90-120 minutes after one cigarette.

Opiates (OPI)

eg. Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone, Heroin, Dope

Opiate refers to any drug that is derived from the opium poppy, including the natural products, morphine and codeine, and the semi-synthetic drugs such as heroin. Prescription opioid analgesics comprise a large group of substances which control pain by depressing the central nervous system.

Benzodiazepines (BZO)

eg. Diazepam, Temazepam

Benzodiazepines are medications that are frequently prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. Because they are safer and more effective, Benzodiazepines have replaced barbiturates in the treatment of both anxiety and insomnia. Benzodiazepines are also used as sedatives before some surgical and medical procedures, and for the treatment of seizure disorders and alcohol withdrawal.