NyE Communities Coalition
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Club Drugs  
Brief Description:
Typically used by teenagers and young adults at bars, clubs, concerts, and parties. The most
common club drugs include Ecstasy (MDMA), GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine, methamphetamine,
and acid (LSD).


Street Names:
XTC, X (MDMA); Special K, Vitamin K (ketamine); liquid ecstasy, soap (GHB); roofies
(Rohypnol).

Effects:
Chronic use of MDMA may lead to changes in brain function. GHB abuse can cause coma
and seizures. High doses of ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, and other problems.
Mixed with alcohol, Rohypnol can incapacitate users and cause amnesia.  
NIDA Club Drugs InfoFacts (En Espanol)



Cocaine/ Crack
Brief Description:
A powerfully addictive drug that is snorted, sniffed, injected, or smoked. Crack is cocaine that
has been processed from cocaine hydrochloride to a free base for smoking.  

Street Names:
Coke, snow, flake, blow, and many others.  

Effects:
A powerfully addictive drug, cocaine usually makes the user feel euphoric and energetic.
Common health effects include heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, and seizures. Large
amounts can cause bizarre and violent behavior. In rare cases, sudden death can occur on
the first use of cocaine or unexpectedly thereafter.  
NIDA Cocaine InfoFacts (En Espanol)



Ecstasy
Brief Description:
A drug that has stimulant and psychodelic properties. It is taken orally as a capsule or tablet.

Street Names:
XTC, X, Adam, hug, beans, love drug.  

Effects:
Short-term effects include feelings of mental stimulation, emotional warmth, enhanced
sensory perception, and increased physical energy. Adverse health effects can include
nausea, chills, sweating, teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision.  
NIDA Ecstacy InfoFacts (En Espanol)



Hallucinogens
Brief Description:
One of the strongest mood-changing drugs. It is sold as tablets, capsules, liquid, or on
absorbent paper.

Street Names:
Acid, blotter, and many others.

Effects:
Unpredictable psychological effects. With large enough doses, users experience delusions
and visual hallucinations. Physical effects include increased body temperature, heart rate,
and blood pressure; sleeplessness; and loss of appetite.  
NIDA Hallucinogens InfoFacts (En Espanol)



Heroin
Brief Description:
An addictive drug that is processed from morphine and usually appears as a white or brown
powder.

Street Names:
Smack, H, ska, junk, and many others.

Effects:
Short-term effects include a surge of euphoria followed by alternately wakeful and drowsy
states and cloudy mental functioning. Associated with fatal overdose and- particularly in
users who inject the drug-infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
NIDA Heroin InfoFacts (En Espanol)



Inhalants
Brief Description:
Breathable chemical vapors that users intentionally inhale because of the chemicals'
mind-altering effects. The substances inhaled are often common household products that
contain volatile solvents or aerosols.  

Street Names:
Whippets, poppers, snappers.

Effects:
Most inhalants produce a rapid high that resembles alcohol intoxication. If sufficient amounts
are inhaled, nearly all solvents and gases produce a loss of sensation, and even
unconsciousness.  
NIDA Inhalants InfoFacts (En Espanol)



Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
Brief Description:
Mostly synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. Some people,
especially athletes, abuse anabolic steroids to enhance performance and appearance. Abuse
of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health problems, some of which are irreversible.

Effects:
Major effects of steroid abuse can occur due to hormone imbalances in the
body. In males, adverse effects may include shrinking of the testicles and
breast development. In females, adverse effects may include growth of facial
hair, menstrual changes, and deepened voice. In teenagers, growth may be
halted prematurely and permanently. Other adverse effects can include severe acne, high
blood pressure and jaundice. In some rare cases liver and kidney tumors or even cancer may
develop.  
NIDA Steroid InfoFacts (En Espanol)
For Information on drugs not listed, please visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Other Drugs