effects. Persons who use large amounts of amphetamines over a long period of time can develop an amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. These symptoms usually disappear when drug use ceases.
E. Narcotics
1. Include such substances as heroin, morphine, opium and codeine as well as methadone, meperidine (Demerol), hydro-morphine (Dilaudin) and such drugs as Percocet, Percodan, Darvon, Talwin, etc. 2. Narcotics initially produce a feeling of euphoria that often is followed by drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. Users also may experience constricted pupils, watery eyes and itching. An overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma and possibly death. Tolerance to narcotic develops rapidly and dependence is likely. The use of contaminated syringes may result in disease such as AIDS, endocarditis and hepatitis. Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn or addicted infants who experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
D. Depressants
1. Include such drugs as barbiturates, methqualone (Quaaludes), and tranquilizers such as Valium, Libruim, Equanil, Mil-town, etc. 2. The effects of depressants are in many ways similar to the effects of alcohol. Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles, but somewhat larger doses can cause slurred speech, staggering gait and altered perception. Very large doses can cause respiratory depression, coma and death. The combination of depressants and alcohol can multiply the effects of the drugs, thereby multiplying the risks. The use of depressants can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Regular use over time may result in a tolerance to the drug, leading the user to increase the quantity consumed. When regular users suddenly stop taking large doses, they may develop with- drawal symptoms ranging from restlessness, insomnia and anxiety or convulsions and death. Babies born to mothers who abuse depres- sants during pregnancy may be physically dependent on the drugs and show withdrawal symptoms shortly after they are born. Birth defects and behavioral problems also may result
F. Hallucinogens
1. Include (“PCP”), lysergic acid diethylamide (“LSD”), mescaline, peyote and psiocybin. 2. Phencyclidine “PCP” interrupts the phencycidine functions of the neocortex, the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. Because the drug blocks pain receptors, violent PCP episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries. The effects of PCP vary, but users frequently report a sense of distance and derangement. Time and body movements are slowed down. Muscular coordination worsens and senses are dulled.
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2022-23 College Catalog and Student Handbook
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