NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES

 Also often referred to as "Legal Highs", "New Drugs",

"Designer Drugs". Originally, NPS were known as
substances sold via Head Shops in Ireland. However,
since this time, more new substances have emerged
in Europe and can often appear in traditional drugs
without a person knowing

DISSOCIATIVE DRUGS
 Dissociative are a form of psychedelic drug that alter
perception. As with any drug, the effects are dose
dependent. They distorted perceptions and feelings of
disconnection / detachment from the environment
and self. The word dissociative means detached from
reality. Examples: Ketamine and nitrous oxide
DEPRESSANTS
 Also known as 'Sedatives'. Substance that
depresses the central nervous system (CNS),
resulting in calmness, relaxation, reduction of
anxiety, sleepiness, and slowed breathing.
Examples, GHB and benzodiazepines

STIMULANTS
 Are drugs that make people feel more
awake, alert and energetic. Cocaine and
amphetamines are stimulants.
 PSYCHEDLICS
 Also sometimes known as 'Hallucinogenic' type drugs.
They be divided into further categories: psychedelics,
dissociative, and deliriants. These can cause
subjective changes in perception, thought, emotion
and consciousness. Some may have other properties
such as stimulation such as 2 CB. Examples of
psychedelics: LSD, Mushrooms

OPIOIDS
 Opioids encompass naturally occurring opium poppy
derivatives, such as morphine and codeine, and semi-
synthetic opiates like heroin and methadone. They are classed
as narcotic analgesics - meaning they decrease pain reaction
and sensation. Opioids can produce intense euphoria in a
person and a sense of well-being. Side effects include
sedation, respiratory depression, severe withdrawal,
development of tolerance and dependence issues.

.
OVER THE COUNTER PAINKILLERS

 Non-opiate based over-the-counter

medicines used for mild to moderate pain
relief, flu and other symptoms. Prolonged
use can lead to dependence.

SOLVENTS
 When inhaled, solvents have a similar
effect to alcohol. They make people feel
uninhibited, euphoric and dizzy. incl: gas
lighter refills, aerosols etc.

.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is among the most used drugs, plays a large role in many societies and cultures around the world,1 and
greatly impacts public health.2,3 More people over age 12 have used alcohol in the past year than any other drug or
tobacco product, and alcohol use disorder is the most common type of substance use disorder.4

SYNTHETIC CATHINONES
Synthetic cathinones are a class of lab-made stimulants chemically related to substances found in the khat plant.
Khat is a shrub grown in East Africa and southern Arabia that some people consume for its stimulant effects. Illicit
synthetic cathinones are more commonly known as “bath salts.” People may ingest illicit synthetic cathinones
intentionally—sometimes as cheaper or more accessible alternatives to other drugs—or unintentionally, as
contaminants in other drugs. Some synthetic cathinones, such as bupropion, are medicines approved to treat
specific conditions or are being investigated as potential treatments for substance use disorders.
COCAINE
Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America.
Although health care providers can use it for valid medical purposes, such as local anesthesia for some surgeries,
cocaine is an illegal drug. As a street drug, cocaine looks like a fine, white, crystal powder. Street dealers often mix
it with things like cornstarch, talcum powder, or flour to increase profits. They may also mix it with other drugs such
as the stimulant amphetamine. Learn about the health effects of cocaine and read the Research Report

HEROINS
Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance taken from the seed pod of the various opium
poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. Heroin can be a white or brown powder,
or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Learn about the health effects of heroin and read the
Research Report.
INHALANTS
Although other substances that are misused can be inhaled, the term inhalants refers to the various substances
that people typically take only by inhaling. These substances include solvents (liquids that become gas at room
temperature), aerosol sprays, gases, and nitrites (prescription medicines for chest pain). Learn about the health
effects of inhalants and read the Research Report.

MARIJUANA
Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The plant
contains the mind-altering chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other related compounds. Extracts can
also be made from the cannabis plant. Read the DrugFacts.

MDMA (ECSTASY/MOLLY)
3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of
surrounding objects and conditions). It is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, producing
feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception. Learn about
the health effects of MDMA and read the Research Report.
METHAMPHETAMINE
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug usually used as a white, bitter-tasting powder or a pill. Crystal
methamphetamine is a form of the drug that looks like glass fragments or shiny, bluish-white rocks. It is chemically
similar to amphetamine (a drug used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] and narcolepsy, a sleep
disorder). Learn about the health effects of methamphetamine and read the Research Report.

OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC)
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those that can be sold directly to people without a prescription. OTC
medicines treat a variety of illnesses and their symptoms, including pain, coughs and colds, diarrhea, constipation,
acne, and others. Some OTC medicines have active ingredients with the potential for misuse at higher-than-
recommended dosages. Learn about the health effects of OTC medicines Dextromethorphan
(DMX) and Loperamide and read the DrugFacts on Over-the-Counter Medicines.
STEROIDS
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are the best-studied class of appearance and performance enhancing drugs (APEDs).
APEDs are used to improve appearance by building muscle mass or to enhance athletic performance.Although
anabolic steroids and other APEDs may directly and indirectly have effects on a person’s mood, they do not typically
produce a euphoric high. However, people who use these substances may develop a substance use disorder, defined
as continued use despite adverse consequences.
Anabolic steroids can cause severe, long-lasting, and in some cases, irreversible damage. They can lead to early
heart attacks, strokes, liver tumors, kidney failure, and psychiatric problems. In addition, stopping steroid use can
cause depression, often leading to resumption of use.

TOBACCO AND VAPING

Tobacco and vaping devices contain nicotine, an ingredient that can lead to addiction, which is why so many people
who smoke or vape find it difficult to quit. Both tobacco and vaping devices contain other harmful
chemicals; burning tobacco can create these chemicals and vaping devices turn chemicals and flavorings into mist
that combines with synthetic nicotine. Learn about the health effects of tobacco/nicotine and read the Research
Report.