Health Effects of Drugs and Alcohol

Washington and Lee University Office of General Counsel Code of Policies Alcohol, Drugs and Safety Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Notice to Workplace Health Effects of Drugs and Alcohol
General Counsel
Drug Type Dependence Possible Effects Effects of Overdose Withdrawal Syndrome
Alcohol High Impaired memory, slurred speech, drunken behavior, slow onset vitamin deficiency, organ damage Vomiting, respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, possible death Trembling, anxiety, insomnia, vitamin deficiency, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions
Cannabis
(e.g. marijuana, marijuana concentrates, hashish, hashish oil)		 Moderate Euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite, disorientation Fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis Insomnia, hyperactivity, decreased appetite
Narcotics
(e.g. heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl)		 High Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea Slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, possible death Watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, panic, cramps, nausea, chills and sweating
Depressants
(e.g. GHB, Roofies, Xanax, other benzodiazepines, barbiturates)		 Moderate Slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior without odor of alcohol, impaired memory of events, interacts with alcohol Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, possible death Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, delirium, convulsions, possible death
Stimulants
(e.g. cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate)		 High Increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite Agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation
Hallucinogens
(e.g. LSD, PCP, ecstasy, ketamine, peyote, mushrooms)		 Moderate - High Heightened senses, teeth grinding, dehydration, illusions and hallucinations, altered perception of time and distance Increased body temperature, electrolyte imbalance, cardiac arrest, unable direct movement, feel pain, or remember Muscle aches, drowsiness, depression, acne
Designer Drugs
Synthetic cathinones (e.g. bath salt)		 Unknown Similar to cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy) Rapid heartbeat, hypertension, hyperthermia, teeth grinding, sweating, headaches, seizures, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, possible death Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation
Designer Drugs
Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g. K2, spice)		 Unknown Similar to marijuana, THC Paranoia, psychosis, agitation, hallucinations, possible death from heart attack or kidney failure Similar to cannabis
Designer Drugs
Synthetic opioids, narcotics		 High Similar to narcotics Slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, possible death Similar to narcotics
Other Drugs of Concern
Dextromethorphan (e.g. DXM)		 High Euphoria, visual and auditory hallucinations Over-excitability, lethargy, loss of coordination, slurred speech, sweating, hypertension, involuntary spasmodic movement of the eyeballs, possible death, especially when taken with antidepressants, alcohol Unknown
Inhalants
(e.g. Whippets, nitrous oxide)		 Low - High Flushing, hypotension, headache, impaired memory, slurred speech, drunken behavior, slow onset vitamin deficiency, organ damage Methemoglobinemia, vomiting, respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, possible death Agitation, trembling, anxiety, insomnia, vitamin deficiency, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions
Anabolic Steroids
(e.g. testosterone, body building drugs)		 Unknown Virilization, edema, testicular atrophy, breast enlargement, acne, aggressive behavior Unknown Possible depression



Adapted from U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration "Drugs of Abuse” Resource Guide