Health Risks

Here is a listing of drugs of abuse and their health risks.

Drug Name	Effects
Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor, malt liquor)	High blood pressure Heart disease Stroke Liver disease Digestive problems Cancer of breast, mouth, throat, liver and colon Dementia Depression and anxiety
Marijuana and Hashish (blunt, dope, ganja, pot, reefer, skunk, weed, joint)	Short-‐term memory impairment Learning, mental health decline Decreased ability to focus and coordination Increased heart rate and risk of psychosis to those who are vulnerable
Cocaine/Crack (blow, bump, C, candy, Charlie, flake, rock, snow)	Severe consequences impacting heart, respiratory, nervous and digestive systems.
Opiates (heroin, morphine, opium, codeine, Vicodin)	Increased risk of choking Low blood pressure Potential for breathing to stop and/or coma Hepatitis HIV Addiction and fatal overdose
Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD, peyote, magic mushrooms, ecstasy, mescaline, psilocybin)	Unpredictable effects Possible visual, auditory and tactile hallucinations Flashbacks and perception disorders
Amphetamines (Benzedrine, Dexedrine, speed, crystal, crank)	Various harmful and long-lasting effects to the brain Heart problems Seizures
Sedatives and Antianxiety (Valium, Quaalude)	Memory problems Low blood pressure Slowed breathing; may also cause coma or death

Misdemeanor convictions for workplace and campus drug violations can result in a fine, community service, and incarceration of up to a year.
Penalties for violations are based on the classification of the drug or other substances and/or sometimes specified by drug name, ex. marijuana. A substance doesn't have to be listed as a controlled substance to be treated as a substance for criminal prosecution.
Penalties may include fines up to $10 million and/or up-to life in prison.
Federal drug trafficking penalties

Top

Welcome to the Northern Virginia Community College Website