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:
- 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