Drug Content

I want to first thank The Lancet for this information.  I probably would have placed certain substances in different places but I will go with this.  This list contains information on the top 5 most dangerous drugs to use based on their: 1.) Physical harm to the user, 2.) Addiction possibility, 3.) How the drug affects those around the user.

Ranked from the least to most dangerous, the five most dangerous substances are:

5. Alcohol (Depressant that slows the function of the central nervous system)
Slang Terms: Booze, Brews, Hard Stuff, Red-Eye, Hooch, Juice

Now, a lot of people will probably laugh at where alcohol is placed in this list, or the fact that it’s even on this list to begin with, but it’s true that alcohol is a dangerous substance and it’s important to know about it.  The legal drinking age in the United States is 21.  In other countries it is lower, even significantly lower.  Every day there are millions of people in the USA who enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly, but there are plenty of abusers out there and a percentage of them are people under the age of 21.

Alcohol is naturally known as “the most abused social drug,” but that’s simply because it’s legal to purchase and easy to obtain.  Alcohol depresses the CNS (Central Nervous System).  This affects how a person acts and alters a person’s state of mind.  Alcohol simply changes a person which in term will turn a person into someone they’re not.  Innocent people can get hurt, as well as the person who is intoxicated.

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, almost 80% of high school students have tried alcohol, which is a very high number.  It has also been officially stated that alcohol is used more frequently than all other illicit drugs combined.  Last, 30% of high school seniors and 25% of tenth graders reported that they have binge drank (drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time) before.

Chronic users of alcohol that suddenly stop will have to go through withdrawal.  Alcohol withdrawal is accompanied by a group of symptoms that are uncomfortable and possibly life-threatening.  Not all people will suffer though alcohol withdrawal, but most people who drink large portions of alcohol for a long time will.  There are mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of withdrawal that range from anxiety and depression to agitation and convulsions.  It’s important to seek medical help if coming off alcohol is hard.

4. Street Methadone (Synthetic opioid, used medically as an analgesic, antitussive and a maintenance anti-addictive for patients interested in coming off of other opioids)
Slang Terms: Amidone, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fizzies, Wafer

Street methadone is medical methadone that is sold or given to someone it was not prescribed for.  It’s also cut or diluted so that drug dealers can make more money, but it also makes the methadone more dangerous- which leads the person using the drug to a possible overdose.  Methadone is a synthetic (man-made) narcotic that is usually used to treat narcotic addiction, as well as to act as a pain killer for severe pain.

Street methadone is a very slow-acting drug, which is why it’s very dangerous.  It can take hours before a person receives the full effects of methadone, and it lasts more than 24 hours.  The thing with methadone is even though it produces a calming euphoria (feeling high), it does not provide a “rush” like heroin does, so people looking for that intense rush will only hurt themselves by overdosing.

Once users are dependent on methadone, the consequences aren’t pleasant.  Chronic users will experience withdrawal symptoms that include, but are not limited to: muscle tremors, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, diarrhea, etc.  Since methadone has a fairly long half-life of 24-36 hours, it will take a while before the withdrawal sets it, which is also another dangerous fact of why this drug is bad news.

3. Barbiturates (Drugs that act as central nervous system depressants, and produce effects such as mild sedation and anesthesia)
Slang Terms: Barbs, Yellow Jackets, Goof Balls, Reds, Blues, Christmas Trees, Amy’s, Rainbows

Barbiturates were first used medically in the early 1900s.  They are prescription sedatives- depressants that slow the central nervous system down, and there are more than 2,500 known synthetic barbiturates.  When barbiturates were popular, there were only about 50 of them that were used for medical purposes, however other purposes were what lead to why they are not prescribed as much anymore.  There are also other drugs that provide similar effects, and aren’t as addicting.

It’s true that barbiturates can be closely compared to alcohol, and many people do refer to them as “alcohol in pill form,” and they can also be injected.  People who do not want to drink alcohol usually take barbiturates to receive the euphoria (feeling high) and relaxation that it provides.  Many people hunt for barbiturates on the streets because many doctors just won’t prescribe them, and it’s very illegal to take them if they are not prescribed to you.  On the street, barbiturates are often used in combination with cocaine, amphetamines, and crystal meth to enhance the high.

Barbiturate tolerance develops very quickly, which means that a higher dose is needed to receive the same feeling as before, which increases the danger of an overdose.  If a user overdoses or takes the medication with alcohol, death is possible due to excessive depression of the respiratory center in the brain.  Long-term users will also suffer through withdrawal that is similar to other opioids, and is also uncomfortable.  Some of the symptoms of barbiturate withdrawal include tremors, sweating, anxiety, irritability, nausea, vomiting, seizures, etc.

2. Cocaine (Potent stimulant that directly affects the brain)
Street Terms: Powder: Blunt, Blow, Candy, Coca, Coke; Smokeable: Crack, Rock, Chalk, Freebase, Love

Cocaine is the most potent stimulant that is also considered to be one of the greatest drug threats to the world due to its violence associated with trafficking and the physical and psychological effects associated with its use.  Cocaine is one of the oldest known drugs and coca leaves (Erythroxylon coca), the source of cocaine, have been ingested for thousands of years.  Most cocaine in the USA is snorted, which produces effects including euphoria (feeling high), relaxation, and an increased sense of well-being, although the effects disappear quickly which leaves the user craving more.

Since users crave more of the drug, that leads to more money being spent- so not only is the user getting hooked, they are also throwing a lot of money towards the dealer.  Cocaine can either be snorted, injected, or smoked.  Snorting cocaine is the slowest route of administration, but lasts the longest.  Smoking cocaine allows extremely high doses of the drug to reach the brain very quickly, which produces an intense and immediate high.  The most intense high comes from injection, which allows the drug to enter the bloodstream immediately.  Upon injection, the cocaine reaches the brain within a couple of seconds, and the intense rush can induce some users to vomit uncontrollably.  While the method of injection provides such an intense rush, this increases the risk of acquiring the AIDs virus, especially if needles are shared.

What makes this drug so dangerous is the fact that it’s so addicting.  People will tell themselves that they will only try it once, but after they have tried it the first time, the next will happen very soon.  Whichever way the drug is administered will result in an intense euphoria, so getting away from cocaine is not easy.  Long-term users will most likely suffer from withdrawal symptoms, but they aren’t as uncomfortable as other drugs.  Primary symptoms may include depression, fatigue, unpleasant dreams, agitation, restless behavior, intense cravings for the drug, etc.

1. Heroin (Highly addictive semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine)
Slang Terms: Junk, Dope, Big H, Horse, Smack, Brown Sugar, Dust

At the number 1 spot, heroin.  Heroin was first synthesized from morphine back in 1874.  It’s amazing that heroin used to be legal back in the early 1900s, but due to the “major social problem” that was caused, as well as its potential for abuse- heroin is now illegal and is the most dangerous drug to use.  As with other opiates, heroin is used for its ability to relieve severe pain, but it is also used recreationally.  Heroin provides an intense high that many people consider to be godlike.  Once the user gets hooked, it can be very hard to come off of heroin.

Heroin can be used in a variety of different ways, depending on the purity of the drug and the user’s preference.  Heroin can either be injected, smoked, or snorted, but there are many different alternatives to the three main ways heroin is administered.  Users tend to mix heroin with marijuana, smoke it in a water pipe or standard pipe, inhale it as smoke through a straw (known as “chasing the dragon”), or snort it as powder.

Heroin’s “godlike” effects include intense euphoria (feeling high), relaxation, warm flushing of the skin, and an increased sense of well-being.  Following the intense euphoria, users tend to nod off (known as “going on the nod,” which is an alternately wakeful and drowsy state), which many people state as being very relaxing.  Long-term users of heroin will suffer through very uncomfortable withdrawal that many users cannot go through without medical assistance.  Withdrawal symptoms may occur as early as a few hours after the last dose, since heroin’s half-life is short.  Some of the symptoms include but are not limited to: extreme drug craving, muscle/bone pain, restlessness, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes w/ goosebumps (”cold-turkey”), kicking movements (”kicking the habit”), etc.

As stated before, the symptoms of heroin withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, and users who quit abruptly (cold turkey) most likely will not be able to go through it without seeking medical help.  Major withdrawal symptoms tend to peak between 48-72 hours and subside after about a week.  Users of prescription opiates taper down to lower doses of the pain-killer before coming off of the drug, and with heroin this is done through a drug rehab program, although another drug is given to the person.  Please seek medical attention if you or someone you know has a heroin addiction.

These 5 substances are listed as the most dangerous to use.  Use this list as an educational guide or a personal guide- print it out if you’d like.

It’s nothing new- a college student pops a Ritalin (methylphenidate) or some other stimulant or cognition-enhancing drug so they could jump start their brains to study for a test or complete a project, but this has lead to bigger problems.  While this has been going on for quite some time, it’s obviously gotten a lot worse.  Let’s discuss stimulants, which are drugs that increase a person’s alertness and awareness, but also will get one high (produce euphoria).

Drugs such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (Amphetamine Salts) are known as “smart drugs,” and over the years the use of these drugs have increased amongst high schoolers who want to pass certain tests, etc.  These drugs are normally prescribed to children, teens and young adults to treat ADD (attention-deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), but I’d have to say that the ratio of students that are prescribed these medications aren’t only taking them for their conditions.

When one takes a stimulant medication, they’ll have extra energy (provided from the drug) to do other activities that they normally wouldn’t do.  For instance, an individual on a stimulant medication will clean their room, but go over it numerous times so that it’s perfect.  This extra boost is due to the increase of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.  While this results in a boost in one’s energy, it also produces euphoria (feeling “high”) and a greater sense of well-being.

There was a survery that focused on three drugs: Ritalin, Provigil, and beta blockers (used to treat cardiac conditions, as well as reduce anxiety).  Ritalin is used by more than 60 percent of people that stated using them for cognitive reasons, while 44 percent used Provigil (modafinil), and some 15 percent said they had used beta blockers.

With these numbers rising every day- I think we can say that caffeine is no longer the main concern in this category.  Just think of all of those A+ students back in middle school and high school…  Makes you think huh?

Citalopram- Half Life: 35 hours; Schedule IV Drug

Celexa (Citalopram) is a prescription antidepressant drug used to treat depression associated with mood disorders.  In certain cases citalopram is used in the treatment of anxiety if other medications do not work.  Citalopram belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  This drug may need to be taken for up to 4 weeks or longer before it starts to work as it differs person to person.

Citalopram is generally well-tolerated in patients taking therapeutic doses ranging from 20 to 60 mg a day.  Regardless of how strong a SSRI is, patients should always be monitored when taking them.  While Citalopram is taken by people of all ages, it is one of the main SSRIs that is given to elderly patients who need them.  Citalopram works by increasing the amount of serotonin (a natural substance in the brain) that helps maintain mental balance.

Investigational studies have found that citalopram significantly reduces the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and premature ejaculation.  There is also evidence that it may even treat post-stroke pathological crying.  There are other medications that treat these conditions- however, if those medications do not work, a doctor may simply prescribe a low dosage to see if citalopram has any effect.

As stated earlier, citalopram is generally well-tolerated by patients taking it, so side effects shouldn’t be too much of a nuisance.  Medications work differently on every person, so there are no guarantees that citalopram will agree with you or not, so contact your doctor if there are any concerns when taking the medication.

Citalopram is listed as a Schedule IV drug of the United States’ Controlled Substances Act which means that even though it has a low potential for abuse, it can be still abused.  Do not stop taking citalopram without consulting your doctor first as the potential for withdrawal symptoms may occur if too much of the drug is taken or if the drug is taken for too long.

Side effects of citalopram cannot be anticipated, but if any develop or change in intensity, be sure to inform your doctor as soon as possible.  Only your doctor can determine whether or not it is safe to continue taking citalopram.  Side effects are as followed:

Nausea; dry mouth, gas; loss of appetite; diarrhea; insomnia; drowsiness; dizziness; trouble concentrating; feeling nervous, restless, or unable to sit still; weight changes; frequent urination; decreased sex drive; impotence; difficulty having an orgasm; dry or watery mouth; yawning; ringing in your ears

If any of these more serious side effects are experienced, be sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible:

Seizures; tremors; muscle stiffness; twitching; shivering; problems with balance and/or coordination; feeling agitated; confusion; excessive sweating; increased heartbeat

Citalopram, just like any other drug can cause withdrawal symptoms.  Citalopram withdrawal symptoms tend to begin within eight hours of the last dose taken and can last anywhere from one to eight weeks.  This highly depends on how much was taken and differs from person to person.  If you or someone you know has stopped using citalopram, the best advice would be to taper slowly rather than stop suddenly.  Antidepressant withdrawal happens to be one of the more uncomfortable types of withdrawal- not that any type of withdrawal is comfortable, but with citalopram, there are many different symptoms that include but are not limited to:

Anxiety; dizziness; headache; fatigue; insomnia; tremors; hallucinations; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; restlessness; blurred vision; muscle/joint pain; tingling sensations; fever; abdominal discomfort; anorexia; agitation; vertigo; excessive sweating; irritability; aggression; insomnia; confusion; nightmares; chills; hot flashes; trouble concentrating; crying spells; thoughts of suicide; lethargy; weakness; flu symptoms

Now a doctor prescribes these types of medications to patients who need them, but there are times where a patient might not quite listen to a doctor when he/she tells them to take it as prescribed.  If one goes overboard, they are going to feel the effects of withdrawal, but even a person that has been taking an antidepressant like citalopram for a period over a couple of years, they will even need to taper off of the drug because they have built up a natural tolerance to the drug.