Other Drugs

     Scope of Problem:

In 2006, past month use of illicit drugs other than marijuana was reported by 4.9% of Illinois 8^th grade youths, 8.3% of Illinois 10^th grade youths and 11.6% of U.S. 12^thgrade youths. Those drugs defined as “illicit drugs” include hallucinogens, crack, cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy, Methamphetamine, uppers, and downers.

     Greatest Dangers:

While the specific effects of these drugs vary from substance to substance, all of them have one or more of the following characteristics:

• Most are very addictive.
• Most pose a threat of death or serious injury during use, with the reason for death (respiratory depression, cardiac failure, etc.) varying according to substance.
• Most can impair thought and coping ability, leading to unintentional injuries or violence under the influence.
• Some, particularly LSD, can lead to severe long-term mental problems.
• Long-term use can lead to impairment of various organs, such as kidneys and lungs.

     For More Information:

• http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_other.asp – This site is from the federal agency concerned with drug abuse research.
• http://www.freevibe.com/Drug_Facts/drug_info.asp – Designed for youth, this site lists a number of drugs for which information can be accessed with a single click.
• http://www.drugfreeamerica.org/Drug_Resource/Default.asp?ws=PDFA&vol=1&grp=Drug+Resource&cat=By+Name&top=Drug+Name – This is a drug resource information list from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.
• http://www.educatingvoices.org/Drugs.asp – This is a drug resource information list from “Educating Voices, Inc.”

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