Drug abuse: what to look for

Sadly, young people have a variety of drugs from which to choose to alter their moods, escape reality or make themselves fit in better with misguided peers. In far too many cases, what begins as experimentation or casual use progresses to dependence and beyond, with devastating consequences.

Parents need to know what to look for.

Stimulants - commonly nicotine, caffeine, weight loss drugs and cold/allergy remedies -- produce an arousal effect on the nervous system that causes a mood change, as well as a rise in heart rate, blood pressure and muscular tension. Nicotine's soothing effects help make it addictive.

Amphetamines are strong stimulants which affect the central nervous system, creating a sense of energy and alertness. They can increase concentration and reduce fatigue, but can also cause loss of appetite, anxiety and irritability. Taken over a long period, they can create feelings of persecution or suspicion.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug producing a strong, lingering high. Addicts tend to take it more and more frequently and in higher doses. Some medicines have been removed from retailers' shelves because they can be used to manufacture meth.

Cocaine is also a stimulant, causing increased confidence, mood elevation and energy, but also resulting in elevated blood bizarre behavior, hallucinations, convulsions and possible death.

Depressants slow down the central nervous system. Alcohol is a depressant, as are barbiturates. These reduce anxiety and relax muscles but can cause impulsiveness, dramatic mood swings, bizarre thoughts, suicidal behavior, disorientation and slowed mental and physical functioning.

Narcotics, often found by young people in family medicine chests or sold as pain-killing pills in school, can reduce anxiety and pain, but also cause apathy, difficulty in concentration, slowed speech, decreased physical activity and can result in low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, convulsions, coma and death.

Hallucinogens are drugs capable of producing changes in the perceptual process. Marijuana is the most common hallucinogen in widespread use today. Its users often report euphoria and relaxed inhibitions, but its negative effects include disoriented behavior, panic, paranoia, fatigue, and memory difficulties. Studies show that individuals who use marijuana when they feel depressed can end up even more depressed and the drug does have addictive tendencies.

MDMA - also known as "Ecstacy" -- and LSD are hallucinogens that alter a chemical in the brain affecting perception. Ecstacy may bring a decline in memory and performance, and long-term changes in brain chemicals. Its impact can be dangerous or even deadly when combined with alcohol.

LSD produces vivid hallucinations and altering perceptions. It can also result in nausea and chills, quickened pulse, temperature and blood pressure, loss of appetite, insomnia and bizarre, dangerous behavior.

Inhalants consist of fumes that quickly affect the brain and prevent oxygen from reaching the lungs.

"Kids are using household chemicals - taking them to school and inhaling them," explained Gamble. "They're also putting them on their sleeves and inhaling them - things like glue, hairspray, paint thinner, carpet dusters."

The high from these is very brief - sometimes only around 30 seconds - but use can be life-threatening. In some cases, because the feeling is so brief, users will inhale repeatedly, which increases the risk of damage to the brain and nervous system.