Effects and Symptoms of Adolescent Substance Abuse

Methylene dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or "ecstasy") gives its users a sense of euphoria and exuberance, sensory enhancements and distortions, and feelings of being at peace with the world and emotionally close to others (it is sometimes called the "hug drug"). However, the sense of euphoria often leads its users to ignore bodily distress signals, such as muscle cramping and dehydration; more serious effects include convulsions, impaired heart function, and occasionally death. It is often available at dance clubs ("raves"), where its effects are intensified by music and flashing lights.

Inhalants are attractive to many adolescents because they cause an immediate "high" and are readily available in the form of such household substances as glue, paint thinner, aerosol paint cans, and nail polish remover. These very dangerous substances can cause brain damage and death.

Marijuana delays reaction time, modifies perception, and instills a mild feeling of euphoria, but it can also heighten fears and anxieties. Teens who smoke marijuana may have red eyes, dry mouths, mood changes, loss of interest in former friends and hobbies, and impaired driving.

Methamphetamine ("speed") is a stimulant that gives users a sense of energy, alertness, confidence, and well-being. Overdoses are possible, addiction frequently occurs, and changes to the brain and heart may occur. People who use speed regularly combat psychiatric problems, such as believing that "everyone is out to get me."

Cocaine (including crack, a particular potent form) overstimulate neurons in the brain and gives users a brief sense of intense euphoria; it can also cause tremors, convulsions, vomiting, respiratory problems, and heart failure. Cocaine users may be energetic, talkative, argumentative, and boastful; long-time users may appear anxious and depressed. Crack users are prone to violence and crime.

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a psychedelic drug that gives its users the sensation of being on an exotic journey, or "trip." It is usually swallowed as a chemical on a piece of paper or as a drop of liquid placed on the tongue. It can impair judgment, provoke anxiety, trigger underlying mental problems and, in the case of "bad trips," cause serious distress.

Prescription medications are used by a growing number of adolescents because of their physical effects on the body. Prescription painkillers, such as OxyContin and Vicodin, are potentially addictive narcotics that reduce sensations of discomfort and increase feelings of pleasure and well-being. Anabolic steroids are another type of medication for which there is an illicit market among teenagers. Some adolescents use nonprescribed doses of steroids to increase muscle development, but they also inadvertently experience unwanted side effects and serious health problems.

Sources: G.R. Adams, Gullotta, & Markstrom-Adams, 1994; Atwater, 1996; DanceSafe, 2000a, 2000b; S.S. Feldman & Wood, 1994; L.D. Johnston, O'Malley, & Bachman, 2000; L.D. Johnston, O'Malley, Bachman, & Schulenberg, 2005; Kulberg, 1986; L. Smith, 1994; J.M. Taylor, 1994.