Resources

Your Guide to Understanding Drugs & Their Effects

How Can Drugs Affect ME ?

Alters how your body and mind work, impacting your study habits.

Create problems with family, friends, school and work.

Puts you at risk of sexual assaults, which often occur when a person i under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drug use is illegal! The consequences can lead to jail or prison.

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Types of Drugs and Their Effects

Rohypnol (the date rape drug or "forget me pill"): Produces a drunk, relaxed feeling that lasts 2-8 hours.

Ecstasy (MDMA): Effects last 4-6 hours and puts users at risk for dehydration and hyperthermia.

Ketamine (Special K): Looks like cocaine, a white powder substance that also comes in liquid form. Produces a catatonic effect, leading to impaired judgement and coordination.

GHB (Liquid Ecstasy): Odorless and colorless; often combined with alcohol, the sedative effects can result in a coma.

Cocaine & Crack (Coke, blow, rock, or base): Effects last 5-30 minutes and create feelings of depression when they wear down.

Marijuana (Pot, weed, herb, ganja): Long-term effects include memory loss and learning difficulties.

Heroin (Smack, dope, junk, brown sugar, thunder, big H, horse): Effects last about 15 minutes, followed by several hours of being drowsy; dangers of shooting up include Hepatitis C, collapsed veins, HIV and AIDS.

Inhalants (Huff, rush, poppers): Cause headaches, hallucinations, violent behavior, and loss of control of bladder and bowels.

Drug Assistance Resources

  • National Helpline

    The National Helpline by SAMHSA is a free and confidential service that provides referrals and information for those dealing with substance abuse issues. Available 24/7, it offers support in both English and Spanish.

  • SAMHSA Website Search Tool

    The SAMHSA Website Search Tool allows users to find comprehensive resources and information about substance abuse, including treatment options and support services.

  • Alcohol Specific Help

    This resource provides detailed information about government-funded alcohol treatment programs, helping individuals find the right support for overcoming alcohol addiction.

  • Find Treatment Website

    The Find Treatment website offers a directory of treatment facilities across the United States, helping individuals locate nearby support for substance use disorders.

  • Help for Veterans

    The VA provides specialized resources and treatment options for veterans dealing with substance use problems, ensuring they receive the care they need.

  • DEA's Recovery Resources

    The DEA’s Recovery Resources page offers information and support for individuals in recovery from substance abuse, including treatment options and educational materials.

  • Teachers Aid/Lesson Plans for Primary Drug Education

    This resource provides teachers with lesson plans and educational materials to teach students about the effects of alcohol on the brain, promoting early drug education.

  • "One Pill Kills" State of Texas' HHS Site for Substance Abuse

    The Texas HHS “One Pill Kills” initiative offers crucial information about the dangers of fentanyl and other substances, aiming to prevent overdoses and save lives.

  • National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)

    NCADD provides resources, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by alcoholism and drug dependence, promoting prevention, treatment, and recovery.

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse

    NIDA offers extensive research-based information on drug use and addiction, providing valuable resources for education, prevention, and treatment.

Mental Health Awareness Resources

Mental health is a crucial aspect to address in discussions about drug abuse. It’s important to understand that drug users and abusers have a disorder that should not be stigmatized. We should celebrate the gains made by those in recovery. While drug abuse is not a mental illness, mental illness can sometimes lead to drug abuse and vice versa. Addiction is a disease, not a failing.

Now is a perfect time to focus on this vital topic. Here are some valuable resources to help you understand and support mental health:

  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month

    Join the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Learn about events, activities, and resources available to support mental health initiatives.

  • SAMHSA Blog: It's Okay Not to Be Okay

    This blog post offers tips and resources to help individuals during Mental Health Awareness Month, emphasizing that it’s okay to seek help and take care of your mental well-being.

  • Mental Health America: Mental Health Month

    Mental Health America provides extensive resources and information for Mental Health Month, promoting awareness and the understanding of mental health issues.

  • Kids Mental Health Foundation

    This non-profit organization focuses on the mental health of children, offering resources and support for kids and their families to promote mental well-being from an early age.

  • National Institute of Mental Health

    The National Institute of Mental Health provides research-based information on mental health disorders, treatment options, and ongoing research to improve mental health care.