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Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD)

Let's Navigate Substances Together!

Below is a comprehensive list of common substances, which include definitions, effects, methods of use, health risks and more. 

  • Common Types: Beer, Wine, Liquor (Vodka, Whiskey, Rum, Tequila, etc.)
  • Street Names: Booze, Hooch, Sauce, Hard Stuff
  • Methods of Use: Drinking (oral consumption), Binge Drinking, Keg Stands, Beer Bongs, Alcohol Enemas (“butt chugging”)
  • Effects: Euphoria, lowered inhibitions, impaired judgment, slowed reflexes
  • Novel & Emerging Uses: Powdered alcohol, combining with energy drinks
  • Health Risks: Alcohol poisoning, liver disease, addiction, blackouts, DUIs
  • Other Facts: BAC levels and their effects on operating motor vehicles, legal drinking age is 21+

For college drinking information visit collegedrinkingprevention.gov

  • Common Types: Marijuana, Hashish, THC concentrates (wax, shatter, oil)
  • Street Names: Weed, Pot, Herb, Grass, 420, Dabs, Bud, Trees, Za 
  • Methods of Use: Smoking (joints, blunts, pipes, bongs), Dabbing, Vaping, Edibles, Tinctures
  • Effects: Relaxation, altered perception, increased appetite, impaired memory, slowed reaction time
  • Novel & Emerging Uses: High-potency THC products, synthetic cannabinoids (Spice, K2)
  • Health Risks: Impaired cognitive function, dependence, increased risk of mental health issues, psychosis, anxiety

For more information on marijuana, visit the following pages: 

drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/marijuana
fresnostate.edu/adminserv/police/documents/MarijuanaOnCSU-Property.pdf
healthcollaborative.org/performing-above-the-high

Interactive Map: https://nida.nih.gov/themes/custom/solstice/interactive/cannabis/ 

  • Common Types: LSD, PCP, Ketamine, Salvia, DMT
  • Street Names: Acid, Angel Dust, Special K, K-hole, Sally D
  • Methods of Use: Ingestion, Smoking, Snorting, Injection
  • Effects: Visual/auditory hallucinations, altered time perception, dissociation
  • Novel & Emerging Uses: Microdosing for mental health treatment
  • Health Risks: Psychosis, HPPD (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder), bad trips
  • Other Facts: Differences between natural and synthetic hallucinogens

  • Common Types: Heroin, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone
  • Street Names: Smack, H, China White, Oxy, Vikes, Percs
  • Methods of Use: Injection, Snorting, Smoking, Oral Pills
  • Effects: Pain relief, euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression
  • Novel & Emerging Uses: Counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl
  • Health Risks: High overdose risk, withdrawal symptoms, addiction
  • Other Facts: Naloxone (Narcan) availability

  • Common Types: Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin), Sleep Aids (Ambien)
  • Street Names: Bars, Bennies, Addys, Zannies
  • Methods of Use: Swallowed, Crushed and Snorted, Injected
  • Effects: Increased focus (stimulants), sedation (benzos), relaxation
  • Novel & Emerging Uses: Study drug misuse, mixing with alcohol for stronger effects
  • Health Risks: Dependence, overdose, cognitive impairment
  • Other Facts: Safe medication disposal, prescription drug monitoring programs: 

drugabuse.gov/drug-topics

drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/prescription-medicines

healthcollaborative.org/lock-it-up-project

  • Common Types: Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms), MDMA (Ecstasy), Ayahuasca
  • Street Names: Shrooms, Molly, X, Aya
  • Methods of Use: Ingested, Brewed as Tea, Snorted (MDMA)
  • Effects: Euphoria, emotional openness, spiritual experiences, hallucinations
  • Novel & Emerging Uses: Psychedelic-assisted therapy, MDMA for PTSD treatment
  • Health Risks: Risk of serotonin syndrome, bad trips, psychological distress
  • Other Facts: Current research on therapeutic uses

  • Common Types: Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Amphetamines (Adderall, Ritalin)
  • Street Names: Coke, Blow, Meth, Crank, Uppers
  • Methods of Use: Snorted, Smoked, Injected, Orally Ingested
  • Effects: Increased energy, alertness, decreased appetite, euphoria
  • Novel & Emerging Uses: Prescription stimulant abuse in college students
  • Health Risks: Increased heart rate, paranoia, dependency, cardiovascular issues
  • Other Facts: Link to increased risk-taking behaviors

  • Common Types: Cigarettes, Cigars, Chewing Tobacco, Snuff
  • Street Names: Cigs, Smokes, Dip, Snus
  • Methods of Use: Smoking, Chewing, Sniffing (Snuff)
  • Effects: Nicotine buzz, relaxation, increased heart rate
  • Novel & Emerging Uses: Heated tobacco products, alternative nicotine delivery systems
  • Health Risks: Cancer, lung disease, cardiovascular issues, addiction
  • Other Facts: FDA regulations on tobacco products

For more information on tobacco, visit the following pages:

  • Common Types: E-cigarettes, Vape Pens, Mods, Pod Systems (JUUL)
  • Street Names: Vapes, E-cigs, Clouds, JUULing
  • Methods of Use: Inhalation (Vaporized Nicotine, CBD or THC)
  • Effects: Stimulant effects (nicotine), relaxation (THC vapes), lung irritation
  • Novel & Emerging Uses: Synthetic nicotine, vitamin-infused vaping
  • Health Risks: Popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans), lung injuries (EVALI), unknown long-term effects
  • Other Facts: FDA regulation, rise in youth vaping