All sorts of drugs can be abused. Illicit and prescription drugs exist that can become physically and psychologically addicting. Some drugs are abused for their side effects. For example, a certain drug may cause you to hallucinate and feel better about yourself if you are experiencing excessive personal and financial problems.
Cocaine
Cocaine, also known as crack, is an addicting central nervous system (of the brain and spinal cord) stimulant that can be snorted, smoked or injected. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), snorting involves inhaling cocaine through your nose. Your nasal blood vessels absorb this drug and it passes directly into your systemic blood vessels. Like snorting, injecting and smoking cocaine also allows the drug to reach your blood system directly.
Cocaine is abused because it can cause high energy levels, decrease tiredness and make you mentally alert, says NIDA. Cocaine's other side effects include an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, a high temperature and stomach pain. Nausea, a poor appetite, nosebleeds, a runny nose and anxiety are additional side effects of cocaine. Frequent and excessive cocaine use can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Heroin
Heroin is another drug of abuse that appears as a white or brown powder. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America says that heroin is a depressant medication or "downer" used to reduce your feelings of pain. Heroin can be injected into your muscle (intramuscularly), smoked or mixed with marijuana or cigarettes. Heroin can also be snorted.
Heroin's side effects include a sudden euphoria, warmth, dry mouth and a feeling that your arms or legs are heavy. Drowsiness, droopy eyelids, constipation, slurred speech and trouble walking are some of heroin's other side effects. Chronic heroin use may lead to heart or valve infections, liver problems, pneumonia and clotted blood vessels in the lungs, kidneys, brain and liver.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a narcotic medication that is commonly abused. Typically, your physician prescribes oxycodone to relieve severe pain. Sometimes, you may use it for a long period of time and become addicted to its pain-relieving effects.
DailyMed says that oxycodone's side effects include fever, back pain, chills, and nausea or vomiting. It can also cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, heart failure and low blood pressure. Oxycodone may increase your chances of developing the flu.
