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The following list describes some of the health hazards that are associated with alcohol and other drug use. This listing includes substances, both legal and illegal, that are most commonly found on college campuses.
Stimulants
Drugs classified as stimulants speed up central nervous system activity. Excess use causes dizziness, anxiety, impaired coordination, sleeplessness, and hallucinations. Prescription drugs in this category include Ritalin and Adderall, which, when mixed with alcohol, can cause serious health consequences, including death.
- Amphetamines (Benzedrine, Dexedrine, methedrine, diet pills, and MDMA): Effects include rushed and careless behavior, euphoria, increased alertness, talkativeness, stimulated heart rate, increased adrenaline, insomnia, and restlessness. Common complications can include nervousness, paranoia, hallucinations, dizziness, tremors, decreased mental ability, sexual impotence, seizures, and death from an overdose.
- Cocaine (cocaine powder, crack, and freebased cocaine): Effects include brief euphoria, increased energy and sense of power, restlessness, surface anesthesia, and suppressed appetite. Common complications include tremors, nasal bleeding, inflammation and perforation, loss of brain function, toxic psychosis, seizures, depression (particularly afterward), confusion, and death from an overdose (heart or respiratory failure) or impure supply.
- Nicotine (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, dip, chew, and snuff): Affects the central nervous system almost immediately. When smoked, nicotine travels through the bloodstream twice as quickly as injected heroin, reaching the brain within seconds. Tobacco, both smoked and smokeless, is the leading cause of cancers of the cheeks, gums, palate, tongue, lungs, and lips. For YHC’s policy on nicotine use, see the section entitled Vaping, Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products.
Depressants
Drugs classified as depressants slow down the central nervous system, reduces heart rate, and blood pressure. Even small doses can produce depression, drowsiness, and irrational behavior.
- Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor, and some medications for coughs, colds, and congestion): Absorbed into the bloodstream and transmitted to all parts of the body, most significantly affecting the brain. It is classified as a psychoactive drug because of its effects on the mind and behavior. Small to moderate doses reduce physical coordination, mental alertness, cause staggering, slurred speech, and slow reaction time. Larger doses can cause mood swings, memory blackouts, unconsciousness and even death. Common complications include dehydration, hangover, long-term heart, brain, circulatory and liver damage, and cancer. Overdose and/or mixing with other depressants can cause respiratory failure.
- Narcotics/Opiates (heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, opium, codeine, methadone, and Demerol): Depresses blood pressure and breathing, elevates pulse, relaxes muscles and reduces pain. They also produce euphoria, nausea, drowsiness, and slurred speech. Common complications include respiratory and circulatory depression, dizziness, vomiting, sweating, dry mouth, lowered libido, and complications from injection.
- Cannabis (marijuana, hashish, hashish oil and tetrahydrocannabinol/THC): Effects include higher blood pressure, heightened senses, distorted perception, impaired memory and psychomotor skills, euphoria, increased heart rate and appetite, and dilated pupils. Common complications include possible lung damage, reduced sperm count and sperm mobility, changes in ovulation cycles, and damage from impure doses.
- Tranquilizers (Valium, Librium, Rohypnol (roofies) and Thorazine): Immediate effects include relief of tension, anxiety, and drowsiness. Complications and long-term effects can include a hangover, menstrual irregularities, destruction of blood cells, jaundice, and coma. It is especially dangerous when used with alcohol.
Other Drugs
- Hallucinogens (LSD, Ketamine, PCP, psilocybin, MDA, mescaline (peyote), DMT, SIP, and ecstasy): Produce auditory and visual hallucinations, and a distorted perception of time and space. Hallucinogens elevate blood pressure, dilate pupils, and cause dizziness. Common complications include depression, paranoia, physical exhaustion after use, psychosis (freaking out), exaggerated body distortion, fear of death, and flashbacks.
- Anabolic Steroids (HGH and steroids): Many of these drugs are synthetic copies of the male hormone, testosterone. Regular use can cause acne, sexual impotence, and damage to the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Users may also experience psychosis, delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations.
- Synthetic Cannabis (synthetic, marijuana, K2, Spice, and Incenses): The product is generally made up of various herbs sprayed with synthetic chemicals causing effects similar, but not identical, to marijuana. Official Code of Georgia Section 16-13-25 now classifies these substances in the same Schedule I controlled substance category as heroin and LSD.
- Inhalants (nitrous oxide, chlorohydrocarbons (used in aerosol sprays), hydrocarbons (found in gasoline, glue, and paint thinner), and amyl nitrate): Immediate effects include nausea, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, and sneezing. Excessive use can cause pressure behind the eyes, headache, vomiting, and sometimes blackouts. Long-term use can damage kidneys, bone marrow, and the brain.
Treatment and Educational Programming
Underage consumption of alcohol and all use of drugs are prohibited at YHC not simply because they are in violation of the law, but because of the demonstrated health risks associated with their use. Young Harris College is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information regarding dangerous substances, as well as the risks and potential consequences of their use. For students seeking assistance with suspected drug or alcohol problems, the office of Student Counseling Services is available for initial dialogue and assistance in defining the extent of any problem. If a substance abuse problem is determined to exist, referrals may be made to a local or state alcohol and drug service or other certified rehabilitation program. Treatment and educational programs are regulated by Title 26 Chapter 5 of the Official Code of Georgia.
The complete Official Code of Georgia, including laws and penalties, can be found at: http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode/default.asp.
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