Cocaine
See also: coke, dust, toot, snow, blow, sneeze, powder, lines, nose candy
Method of ingestion: sniffing or snorting, injecting and smoking (including free-base and crack cocaine)
Why people take it: Immediate euphoric effects include hyper-stimulation, reduced fatigue and mental clarity. The faster the absorption, the more intense, but shorter, the high.
Why they shouldn't: Some users of cocaine report feelings of restlessness, irritability and anxiety. A tolerance to the high may develop, and many addicts report that they try but fail to achieve as much pleasure as they did from their first exposure. Prolonged cocaine snorting can result in ulceration of the mucous membrane of the nose and can damage the nasal septum enough to cause it to collapse. Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of cardiac arrest or seizures followed by respiratory arrest.
Bottom line: Crack is indubitably wack, and it's expensive. For those looking to destroy brain cells effectively but cheaply, don't expect to saddle up at a bathroom counter with Tara Reid anytime soon.
Methamphetamine
See also: speed, meth, chalk
Method of ingestion: orally, snorting, injection, smoking
Why people take it: Immediately after smoking or injecting meth, the user experiences an intense sensation, called a "rush" or "flash," that lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable. Oral or intranasal use produces euphoria - a high, but not a rush.
Why they shouldn't: Meth can result in irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia and aggressiveness. Hyperthermia and convulsions can occur and are deadly. Other effects include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, extreme weight loss, cardiovascular collapse and death.
Bottom line: Frequent meth use is associated with hair loss and other signs of advanced aging - sexy, right? Methamphetamine is also highly habit forming; scientists insist there is no such thing as "casual" meth use. Truly, meth is a very efficient way to mess up one's life.
OxyContin
See also: oxy, oxycotton, oxy 80s, hillbilly heroin
Method of ingestion: Orally, snorting
Why people take it: Chewing or crushing this prescription drug foils its time-release protection, enabling the user to experience a rapid and intense euphoria that does not occur when taken as prescribed. Once the pills are crushed, users typically inject, inhale or take them orally, often with other pills, marijuana or alcohol.
Why they shouldn't: It can cause high temperature, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, severe itchiness and confusion. OxyContin takes over the brain's normal pleasure and motivational systems, thereby overriding all other motivations and drives. Users reportedly go "doctor shopping," feign illnesses and steal from pharmacies to obtain the drug.
Bottom line: OxyContin is the abused drug of choice for Rush Limbaugh. Isn't that reason enough not to do it?
Heroin
See also: Harry Jones, heavy stuff, Mexican Black Tar, Mister Brownstone, schmack, tecata, Sweet Jesus
Method of ingestion: injection, snorting or smoking
Why people take it: A surge of euphoria or "rush" accompanied by a warm flushing of the skin, a dry mouth and heavy extremities. Also: an alternately wakeful and drowsy state ("on the nod"), alluring "heroin chic" look.
Why they shouldn't: Collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, cellulites and liver disease can result. Usage can also result in spontaneous abortion, infectious diseases and death.
Pesky withdrawal symptoms: Drug craving, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps (ergo "cold turkey"), and kicking movements (ergo "kicking the habit").
Bottom line: Despite the curious appeal of "spontaneous abortion," the needle should mostly be left to Calvin Klein models.
Inhalants (huffing)
See also: paint thinners or removers, degreasers, dry-cleaning fluids, gasoline, glue, spray paints, correction fluids, felt-tip-marker fluid
Method of ingestion: inhalation
Why people take it: Nearly all abused inhalants produce short-term effects similar to anesthetics, which act to slow down the body's functions. When inhaled via the nose or mouth into the lungs in sufficient concentrations, inhalants can cause intoxicating effects. Intoxication usually lasts only a few minutes. Successive inhalations make the user feel less inhibited and less in control.
Why they shouldn't: hearing loss, limb spasms, brain damage, bone marrow damage, death. Sniffing highly concentrated amounts of the chemicals in solvents or aerosol sprays can directly induce heart failure and death within minutes of a session of prolonged use. This syndrome, known as "sudden sniffing death," can result from a single session of inhalant use by an otherwise healthy young person.
Bottom line: If intoxication is up your alley, steer clear of the Pine Sol and head for the keg.
