Substances

Prescription drug misuse is a key concern within the DoD. Some think prescription drugs are safer and less addictive than street drugs. But prescription drugs are only safe for the individuals who actually have prescriptions for them.

It's possible to misuse over-the-counter medications, too.

Like all drug misuse, using prescription drugs for the wrong reasons has serious risks. The dangers of prescription drug misuse can be made worse if you take drugs in a way they weren't intended.

Prescription drugs can include prescribed opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants.
Misuse of prescription drugs can result in the following.

• respiratory depression
• seizures
• decreased heart rate
• high body temperature
• cardiovascular system failure

Alcohol is found in liquor, beer, and wine. Alcohol can result in the following.

• increased risk of injuries due to drowsiness, loss of coordination, visual distortions, and loss of consciousness
• neurologic deficits
• impaired memory
• hypertension
• sexual dysfunction
• liver and heart disease
• fetal damage
• addiction and fatal overdose
• depression

Marijuana and hashish may be smoked or swallowed. Cannabinoids can result in the following.

• slowed reaction time
• impaired learning and memory
• distorted sensory perception
• anxiety, panic attacks and/or psychosis
• impaired balance and coordination
• cough and frequent respiratory infections
• increased heart rate and appetite
• possible mental health decline and addiction

MDMA (methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), flunitrazepam, and GHB include the drugs ecstasy, rohypnol, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate.

MDMA use can result in the following.

• mild hallucinogenic effects
• sweating
• impaired memory
• increased tactile sensitivity
• teeth clenching
• hyperthermia
• lowered inhibition
• muscle cramping
• addiction
• anxiety
• sleep disturbances
• chills
• depression

Flunitrazepam use can result in the following.

• sedation
• memory loss
• confusion
• muscle relaxation
• dizziness
• impaired coordination addiction

GHB use can result in the following.

• drowsiness
• memory loss
• loss of coordination
• nausea
• unconsciousness
• coma
• headache
• seizures
• disorientation

This includes Ketamine, PCP and analogs, salvia divinorum, and dextromethorphan (DXM). Dissociative drugs can result in the following.

• being separate from one’s body and environment
• numbness
• impaired motor function
• memory loss
• anxiety
• nausea
• tremors

Ketamine may also cause analgesia impaired memory, delirium, respiratory depression and arrest, and death.

PCP and analogs may also cause the following.

• analgesia
• psychosis
• aggression
• violence
• slurred speech
• loss of coordination
• hallucination

DXM can also result in slurred speech, confusion, dizziness, and distorted visual perceptions.

This includes LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin. Hallucinogens can result in the following.

• altered states of perception and feeling
• hallucinations
• ·nausea

LSD and mescaline can also cause:

• increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
• loss of appetite
• sweating
• sleeplessness
• ·numbness
• dizziness
• weakness and tremors
• impulsive behavior
• rapid shifts in emotion

LSD may also cause flashbacks and Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder.

Psilocybin can also cause nervousness, paranoia and panic.

Nicotine is found in cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. Nicotine may result in the following.

• increased blood pressure and heart rate
• stroke
• chronic lung disease
• adverse pregnancy outcomes
• cardiovascular disease

Nicotine may also result in the following cancers.

• mouth
• stomach
• bladder
• pharynx
• pancreas
• acute myeloid leukemia
• larynx
• cervix
• esophagus
• kidney

This includes heroin and opium. Opioids can result in the following.

• drowsiness
• feeling of heaviness in the body
• impaired coordination
• slowed or arrested breathing
• dizziness
• constipation
• confusion
• endocarditis
• nausea
• hepatitis
• sedation

This includes cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines. Stimulants can result in the following.

• increased heart rates and blood pressure
• insomnia
• increased body temperature and metabolism
• cardiac or cardiovascular complications
• tremors
• stroke
• reduced appetite
• seizures
• irritability
• addiction
• anxiety, panic, paranoia, violent behavior, and psychosis
• cocaine use may also result in nasal damage from snorting
• weight loss
• methamphetamines may also cause severe dental problems

Other Compounds

This includes anabolic steroids, inhalants, and herbal substances such as salvia divinorum (Spice).

Steroids have no intoxication effects. But they can lead to the following.

• hypertension
• blood clotting and cholesterol changes
• liver cysts
• hostility and aggression
• acne
• premature stoppage of growth in adolescents
• in males – prostate cancer, reduced sperm production, shrunken testicles, and breast enlargement
• in females – menstrual irregularities, development of beard and other masculine characteristics

Inhalants, varying by the chemical, can cause the following.

• loss of inhibition
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• slurred speech
• loss of motor coordination
• wheezing and cramps
• muscle weakness
• depression
• memory impairment
• damage to cardiovascular and nervous systems
• unconsciousness
• sudden death

Salvia divinorum has been found to cause the following.

• hallucinations
• transient experiences that mimic a psychosis
• psychedelic-like changes in visual perception
• mood and body sensations
• emotional swings
• feelings of detachment and a highly modified perception of external reality and the self, leading to a decreased ability to interact with one’s surroundings