Health effects of drugs

There are health risks linked to the use of drugs and alcohol. These may be caused by one-time use or regular use. There is a risk of overdose with many drugs. Other health risks affecting teens include the following:

• Alcohol. Alcohol overdose, also called alcohol poisoning, impairs the brain's ability to support basic life functions.
• Tobacco. Smoking during the teen years can cause worsening asthma, other breathing problems and poor pregnancy outcomes. Because tobacco products are highly addictive, they increase the lifelong risks of heart disease, cancer and other conditions.
• Electronic cigarettes. Vaping can result in nicotine addiction and increase the risk of cigarette smoking or marijuana use. Toxic chemicals, metals and tiny particles can damage the lungs.
• Inhalants. Household products that are inhaled can damage the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidney.
• Marijuana. The short-term effects of marijuana include challenges with memory, learning, problem-solving, concentration and coordination. Long-term use in teens increases the risk of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and other mental health conditions that cause hallucinations, delusions and paranoia.
• Cocaine. Possible health effects of cocaine use are paranoia, panic attacks, psychosis, heart attack, stroke and seizures.
• Ecstasy. Ecstasy increases the heart rate and blood pressure. It can result in confusion, depression, paranoia, memory problems and other conditions.
• Heroin. Regular use can cause an increased sensitivity to pain and severe breathing problems. There is a high risk of overdose and death.
• Methamphetamines. These drugs increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, mental health conditions that cause delusions and paranoia, poor thinking skills, and tooth decay. There is a high risk of overdose and death.