Marijuana, a Schedule I substance, is the most commonly used illegal drug. It is usually smoked either in cigarette form, in a small metal or ceramic pipe, or through an apparatus known as a “bong”. The chemical known as “THC” (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the active agent in this drug of abuse. It has been reported by the Center on Addiction & Substance Abuse that teenagers regard Marijuana as being easier to obtain than alcohol. A recent national survey (NSDUH) revealed that almost 57% of first-time marijuana users during 2002 received it from someone for free or smoked a friend’s joint.

Cocaine, a Schedule II narcotic, is found in both powder and rock form and is known respectively as “Cocaine” and “Crack”. Crack is processed Cocaine and appears in a crystallized or rock form. Its popularity is largely due to the immediate euphoric “high” and the low cost involved to produce it. Cocaine used in conjunction with alcohol creates a longer duration “high” and is more toxic than either substance used separately. This mixture results in more drug-related deaths than any other chemical combination.

Heroin, a Schedule I drug, is a powder substance varying in color from white to dark brown. Residue from the manufacturing process results in impurities with the final product and is the reason for the color differences. Because Heroin is “cut” with other products, it’s exact strength is unknown by the user and they are, therefore, at great risk for overdose. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) has ranked Heroin as the second most frequently mentioned drug in overall drug-related deaths.

Methamphetamine is a Schedule II drug and has been nicknamed “the poor man’s heroin.” It can be either in a white powder form or in clear rock form similar to rock candy. It is manufactured in clandestine laboratories primarily in Mexico and California. However, smaller “Mom & Pop” labs are operated across the U.S. from barns, hotel rooms and even car trunks. Rural areas experiencing thefts of Anhydrous Ammonia may be victims of meth lab “cooks” collecting chemicals for production.

Prescription drugs are frequently “diverted” for illegal use. Examples are Oxycontin, Vicodin, Xanex, Codeine, Percocet, and Ritalin to name just a few. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the four types of prescription medications most commonly prone to diversion/abuse are: Pain Relievers, Tranquilizers, Stimulants and Sedatives. The DEA has statistics indicating that 30% of the drug abuse problem in the United States involves prescription medications. This abuse comes in the form of such actions as counterfeit prescription pads, theft from someone who has a legal prescription, and even patients deceiving their doctors about symptoms.

Inhalants include a large quantity of household and commercial products. The gas or vapor is inhaled directly from the container or through rags, plastic or paper bags (known as “huffing”) in order to achieve a rapid “high”. Because Inhalants are common products, they are easy to obtain, transport and conceal. They are, therefore, frequently the first substance of abuse. Their effects resemble alcohol intoxication. Prolonged abuse can result in severe damage to major organs including the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. These products are not regulated by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970. Because of this, State legislation has attempted to prohibit their sale to minors.

Steroids are man-made rather than naturally occurring and typically require a prescription to obtain. Their recognized medical use is to treat conditions in which the body produces abnormally low amounts of testosterone. However, illicit varieties can be obtained through gyms, weight and bodybuilding competitions, and mail order operations. Steroids are taken in “cycles” rather than continuously as in most drugs of abuse. Athletes frequently take these drugs in order to build muscle and improve their performance. These compounds are now becoming popular among other segments of society. Withdrawal can result in aggression and extreme mood swings known as “Roid Rage.”

Club drugs (or “designer drugs”) are frequently used at Raves in order to enhance the experience. These drugs include but are not limited to Ecstasy, GHB, LSD, Rohypnol and Ketamine. Raves are all night dance parties primarily attended by teens and young adults. These events are typically held on short notice at warehouses, in fields or in dance clubs. Dancers wear baggie clothing, carry bottled water because of the intense nature of the all-night dancing, and accessorize with such items as glow sticks, candy pacifiers or suckers, plastic jewelry, and outrageously colored hair.

Go to the following websites for detailed information about these and other drugs.