Words to Know

A

acetaminophen:
Pronounced uh-SEE-tuh-MINN-uh fenn; a non-aspirin pain reliever, such as Tylenol.
acetylcholine:
Pronounced uh-settle-KOH-leen; a neurotransmitter that forms from a substance called choline, which is released by the liver.
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS):
An infectious disease that destroys the body's immune system, leading to illness and death.
active ingredient:
The chemical or substance in a compound known or believed to have a therapeutic, or healing, effect.
adenosine triphosphate (ATP):
An important energy-carrying chemical, created with the assistance of creatine.
adrenaline:
Pronounced uh-DREN-uh-linn; a natural stimulant produced by the human body; also known as epinephrine (epp-ih-NEFF-run).
adverse reactions:
Side effects, or negative health consequences, reported after taking a certain substance.
aerobic exercises:
Exercises performed to increase heart health and stamina, such as jogging, biking, and swimming, usually lasting between twenty minutes and an hour.
aerosol:
Gas used to propel, or shoot out, liquid substances from a pressurized can.
alchemists:
Those who study or practice medieval chemical science aimed at discovering a cure for all illnesses.
alcoholism:
A disease that results in habitual, uncontrolled alcohol abuse; alcoholism can shorten a person's life by damaging the brain, liver, and heart.
alkaloid:
A nitrogen-containing substance found in plants.
Alzheimer's disease:
A brain disease that usually strikes older individuals and results in memory loss, impaired thinking, and personality changes; symptoms worsen over time.
amines:
Organic (or carbon-containing) chemical substances made from ammonia.
amino acids:
Any of a group of chemical compounds that form the basis for proteins.
ammonia:
A strong-smelling colorless gas made of nitrogen and hydrogen; often used as a cleaning agent in its liquid form.
amnesia:
The loss of memory.
amphetamines:
Pronounced am-FETT-uh-meens; stimulant drugs that increase mental alertness, reduce appetite, and help keep users awake.
anabolic agents:
Substances that promote muscle growth.
anaerobic exercise:
Short, strenuous exercises that require sudden bursts of strength, such as weight lifting and batting a baseball.
analgesics:
Pain relievers or the qualities of pain relief.
analogs:
Drugs created in a laboratory, having a slightly different chemical composition than a pharmaceutical, yet having the same effects on the brain as the pharmaceutical.
anemia:
A blood condition that results in the decreased ability of the blood to transport enough oxygen throughout the body.
anesthesiologists:
Medical doctors trained to use medications to sedate a surgery patient.
anesthetic:
A substance used to deaden pain.
angina pectoris:
Pronounced an-JINE-uh peck-TOR-ess; a feeling of suffocation and pain around the heart that occurs when the blood supply to the heart is not adequate.
anhedonia:
Pronounced ann-heh-DOE-nee-uh; the inability to experience pleasure from normally enjoyable life events.
anorectics:
Pronounced ah-nuh-RECK-ticks; diet pills that cause a loss of appetite; they were developed to replace amphetamines.
anorexia:
Pronounced ah-nuh-REK-see-uh; a severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a refusal to eat, a distorted sense of self-image, and excessive weight loss.
antagonist:
Pronounced ann-TAG-uh-nist; a drug that opposes the action of another drug.
anthelmintic:
Pronounced ant-hel-MINN-tick; a substance that helps destroy and expel parasitic worms, especially worms located in the intestines.
antidote:
A remedy to reverse the effects of a poison.
antihistamines:
Drugs that block histamine, a chemical that causes nasal congestion related to allergies.
antioxidant:
A chemical that neutralizes free radicals (chemicals with an unpaired electron) that can damage other cells.
antitussants:
Pronounced an-ty-TUH-sihvs; medicines that quiet coughs.
anxiety:
A feeling of being extremely overwhelmed, restless, fearful, and worried.
anxiety disorders:
A group of mental disorders or conditions characterized in part by extreme restlessness, uncontrollable feelings of fear, excessive worrying, and panic attacks.
aphrodisiac:
Pronounced aff-roh-DEE-zee-ack; a drug or other substance that excites or increases sexual desire.
arthritis:
Painful swelling of joints caused by abnormal bone growth or wear and tear on the joint.
asphyxiation:
Death or unconsciousness caused by one of three things: 1) a lack of adequate oxygen, 2) the inhalation of physically harmful substances, or 3) the obstruction of normal breathing.
asthma:
Pronounced AZ-muh; a lung disorder that interferes with normal breathing.
ataxia:
Pronounced uh-TAKS-ee-uh; loss of control of muscle coordination.
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):
A disorder characterized by impulsive behavior, difficulty concentrating, and hyperactivity that interferes with social and academic functioning.
autism:
Pronounced AW-tizm; a psychological disorder, usually diagnosed in children, that affects emotional development, social interactions, and the ability to communicate effectively.
ayahuasca:
One of several teas of South American origin used in religious ceremonies, known to contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT); also a plant.

B

barbiturates:
Pronounced bar-BIH-chuh-rits; drugs that act as depressants and are used as sedatives or sleeping pills; also referred to as "downers."
bathtub chemists:
Inexperienced and illegal drug makers who concoct homemade drugs; also referred to as "kitchen chemists" or "underground chemists."
behavior modification:
A type of therapy that changes behavior by substituting desired responses for undesired ones.
benzodiazepines:
A type of drug used to treat anxiety.
binge drinking:
Consuming a lot of alcohol in a short period of time.
bipolar disorder:
A psychological disorder that causes alternating periods of depression and extreme elevation of mood.
black market:
The illegal sale or trade of goods; drug dealers are said to carry out their business on the "black market."
boils:
Large pimples that are inflamed and filled with pus.
bone marrow:
Soft tissue in the center of bones where blood cell formation occurs.
bronchitis:
An illness that affects the bronchial tubes in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath and coughing.
bronchodilator:
A drug that relaxes breathing muscles, allowing air to flow more easily through the tubes that lead to the lungs.
bufotenine:
The component of venom from the toad genus Bufo that contains dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
bulimia:
Pronounced bull-EEM-eeh-yuh; an eating disorder that involves long periods of bingeing on food, followed by selfinduced vomiting and abuse of laxatives.

C

cancer:
Out-of-control cell growth leading to tumors in the body's organs or tissues.
cannabinoids:
Chemical compounds found in cannabis plants and in small amounts in the brains of humans and animals.
carbon monoxide:
A poisonous gas with no odor; carbon monoxide is released when cigarettes burn.
carcinogens:
Chemicals that can cause cancer in the body.
cardiovascular illnesses:
Illnesses involving the heart and blood vessels.
carries:
Doses of methadone given to users to take home for another day.
chemotherapy:
A medically supervised regimen of drugs used to kill cancer cells in the body. The drugs have potential side effects including nausea, vomiting, and other reactions.
cholesterol:
Pronounced kuh-LESS-tuhr-ol; an essential substance made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that is found in animal cells and body fluids; in high amounts, it may be deposited in blood vessels, resulting in dangerous blockages of blood flow.
cirrhosis:
Pronounced sir-OH-sis; destruction of the liver, possibly leading to death.
clinical trials:
Scientific experiments that test the effect of a drug in humans.
club drugs:
Mostly synthetic, illegal substances found at raves and nightclubs, including the drugs ecstasy, GHB, ketamine, LSD, methamphetamines, PCP, and Rohypnol.
coca paste:
An impure freebase made from coca leaves and used mainly in South America; coca paste is smoked and is highly addictive.
cocaethylene:
A substance formed by the body when cocaine and alcohol are consumed together; it increases the chances of serious adverse reactions or sudden death from cocaine.
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):
A type of therapy that helps people recognize and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
coma:
A state of unconsciousness from which a person cannot be aroused by noise or other stimuli.
congestive heart failure (CHF):
Inability of the heart to circulate, or pump, the blood throughout the body with sufficient force.
constipation:
An inability to have a bowel movement.
control group:
In a drug test, the group that does not receive the drug being tested.
controlled substance analog:
Any chemical compound that acts on the body the same way a controlled substance does.
coroner:
An official who investigates unexplained deaths.
corticosteroids:
Pronounced kor-tih-koh-STEH-roydz; medications widely prescribed to treat inflammation.
crack cocaine:
A highly addictive, smokable freebase cocaine made by combining powder cocaine with water and sodium bicarbonate.
cravings:
Overwhelming urges to do something, such as take an illegal drug.
Crohn's disease:
A serious disease of the intestines that causes inflammation, along with severe pain, diarrhea, nausea, and sometimes extreme weight loss.
cutting:
Adding other ingredients to a powdered drug to stretch the drug for more sales.
cyanide:
A poisonous chemical compound that shuts down the respiratory system, quickly killing people who have been exposed to it.
cyanosis:
Bluish or purplish skin caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood.

D

decongestant:
A drug that relieves nasal congestion.
dehydration:
An abnormally low amount of fluid in the body.
delirium:
A mental disturbance marked by confusion, hallucinations, and difficulty focusing attention and communicating.
delusions:
False, unshakable beliefs indicating severe mental difficulties; "delusional" refers to the inability to distinguish between what is real and what seems to be real.
dementia:
Pronounced dih-MENN-shuh; a brain disorder that causes a reduction in a person's intellectual functioning, most often affecting memory, concentration, and decision-making skills.
dependent:
When a user has a physical or psychological need to take a certain substance in order to function.
depressants:
Substances that slow down the activity of an organism or one of its parts.
depression:
A mood disorder that causes people to have feelings of hopelessness, loss of pleasure, self-blame, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.
designer drugs:
Harmful and addictive substances that are manufactured illegally in homemade labs.
detoxification:
Often abbreviated as detox; a difficult process by which substance abusers stop taking those substances and rid their bodies of the toxins that accumulated during the time they consumed such substances.
diabetes:
A serious disorder that causes problems with the normal breakdown of sugars in the body.
dietary supplements:
Products including vitamins, herbal extractions, and synthetic amino acids sold for specific uses such as weight loss, muscle building, or prevention of disease.
dilate:
Expand or open up.
dissociation:
A psychological syndrome in which the mind seems detached from the body; sometimes referred to as an "out of body" experience.
dissociative anesthetics:
Pronounced dih-SOH-shee-uh-tiv ANN-ess-THET-iks; drugs that cause users to feel as if their minds are separated from their bodies.
diuretic:
Pronounced die-er-EH-tik; substances that reduce bodily fluids by increasing the production of urine.
divination:
The mystical experience of seeing into the future, witnessing a hidden truth, or gaining a deep insight.
doctor shopping:
A practice in which an individual continually switches physicians so that he or she can get enough of a prescription drug to feed an addiction; this makes it difficult for physicians to track whether the patient has already been prescribed the same drug by another physician.
dopamine:
Pronounced DOPE-uh-meen; a combination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
dysphoria:
Pronounced diss-FOR-ee-yuh; an abnormal feeling of anxiety, discontent, or discomfort; the opposite of euphoria.

E

edema:
Pronounced ih-DEEM-uh; water buildup in the body's tissues that causes swelling.
electrolytes:
Charged atoms such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium that conduct electrical impulses in the body, and therefore are essential in nerve, muscle, and heart function.
elixirs:
Pronounced ih-LIK-suhrs; medicines made of drugs in a sweetened alcohol solution.
emaciated:
Pronounced ee-MASE-ee-ate-ed; very thin and sickly looking.
endocrine system:
The bodily system made of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to control certain bodily functions.
endogenous:
Pronounced en-DAH-juh-nuss; produced within the body.
endorphins:
A group of naturally occurring substances in the body that relieve pain and promote a sense of well-being.
enkephalins:
Pronounced en-KEFF-uh-linz; naturally occurring brain chemicals that produce drowsiness and dull pain.
enzymes:
Substances that speed up chemical reactions in the body.
ephedrine:
Pronounced ih-FEH-drinn; a chemical substance that eases breathing problems.
epilepsy:
A disorder involving the misfiring of electrical impulses in the brain, sometimes resulting in seizures and loss of consciousness.
epinephrine:
Pronounced epp-ih-NEFF-run; a hormone that increases heart rate and breathing; also called adrenaline.
ergot:
Pronounced URH-got; a fungus that grows on grains, particularly rye, and contains lysergic acid, a chemical used to make LSD.
esophagus:
The muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach.
essential amino acid:
An amino acid that is only found in food; amino acids make up proteins.
estrogen:
A hormone responsible for female reproductive traits.
ethanol:
The colorless flammable liquid in alcoholic drinks; ethanol is the substance that gets people drunk.
ether:
A flammable liquid used as an anesthetic.
euphoria:
Pronounced yu-FOR-ee-yuh; a state of extreme happiness and enhanced well-being; the opposite of dysphoria.
expectorant:
A cough remedy used to bring up mucus from the throat or bronchial tubes; expectorants cause users to spit up thick secretions from their clogged breathing passages.

F

fetal alcohol effects (FAE):
The presence of some—but not all—of the symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS):
A pattern of birth defects, learning deficits, and behavioral problems affecting the children of mothers who drank heavily while pregnant.
fix:
A slang term referring to a dose of a drug that the user highly craves or desires.
forensics:
The scientific analysis of physical evidence.
freebase:
Term referring to the three highly addictive forms of cocaine that can be smoked: 1) coca paste, which is made from processed coca leaves, 2) freebase, which is made with powder cocaine, ammonia, and ether, and 3) crack, which is made with powder cocaine and sodium bicarbonate.
fry sticks:
Marijuana cigarettes laced with formaldehyde, a chemical used to keep dead tissues from decaying.

G

general anesthetic:
Anesthetics that cause a loss of sensation in the entire body, rather than just a specific body part, and bring on a loss of consciousness.
glaucoma:
An eye disease that causes increased pressure within the eyeball and can lead to blindness.
glycerin:
A syrupy form of alcohol.
Golden Triangle:
The highlands of Southeast Asia, including parts of Burma, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand, where opium poppies are grown illegally.
gynecomastia:
Pronounced GY-nuh-koh-MASS-tee-uh; the formation of female-type breasts on a male body.

H

hallucinations:
Visions or other perceptions of things that are not really present.
hallucinogen:
A substance that brings on hallucinations, which alter the user's perception of reality.
hangover:
An uncomfortable set of physical symptoms caused by drinking too much alcohol; symptoms include headache, upset stomach, and trembling feelings and are caused by an expansion of blood vessels in the brain.
hashish:
Concentrated, solidified cannabis resin.
heat exhaustion:
A condition that results from physical exertion in extreme heat; symptoms range from clammy and cool skin, tiredness, nausea, weakness, confusion, and vision problems to a possible loss of consciousness.
heat stroke:
A condition resulting from longtime exposure to high temperatures; symptoms include an inability to sweat, a very high body temperature, and, eventually, passing out.
hemp:
Cannabis plant matter used to make fibers.
hepatitis:
A group of viruses that infect the liver and cause damage to that organ.
herniated disk:
A rupture of a spinal disk that puts painful pressure on nerves in the spinal column.
high:
Drug-induced feelings ranging from excitement and joy to extreme grogginess.
hippocampus:
A part of the brain that is involved in learning and memory.
histamines:
Pronounced HISS-tuh-meenz: chemicals released by the body during an allergic reaction; they cause: 1) an increase in gastric secretions, 2) the dilation, or opening up of capillaries, 3) constriction of the muscles around the airway, and 4) a decrease in blood pressure.
hormone:
(from the Greek word hormo, meaning "to set in motion") a chemical messenger that is formed in the body and transported by the blood to a certain target area, where it affects the activity of cells.
hospice:
A special clinic for dying patients where emphasis is placed on comfort and emotional support.
huffing:
Inhaling through the mouth, often from an inhalant-soaked cloth.
hydrocarbon:
A compound containing only two elements: carbon and hydrogen; hydrocarbons are found in petroleum and natural gas.
hydrochloride:
A chemical compound composed of the elements hydrogen and chlorine, often in the form of a crystallized salt.
hyperkalemia:
A dangerous build-up of excess potassium in the body.
hypertension:
Long-term elevation of blood pressure.
hyperthermia:
A dangerous rise in body temperature.
hypogonadism:
Pronounced high-poh-GO-nad-izm; a lack of activity in the male testicles, which can be caused by low testosterone levels.
hypokalemia:
A loss of potassium in the body.
hyponatremia:
Pronounced HY-poh-nuh-TREE-mee-uh; a potentially fatal condition brought on by drinking too much water; can cause swelling of the brain or sodium imbalance in the blood and kidneys.
hypothalamus:
A region of the brain that secretes hormones.
hypoxia:
A dangerous condition brought on by an inadequate amount of oxygen circulating throughout the body.

I

illicit:
Unlawful.
impulsive behavior:
(sometimes called impulsivity) Acting quickly, often without thinking about the consequences of one's actions.
incontinence:
The loss of bladder and/or bowel control.
infertility:
The inability to have children.
inflammation:
A physical reaction to injury, infection, or exposure to an allergen characterized by redness, pain or swelling.
ingest:
To take in for digestion.
inhalant:
A chemical that gives off fumes or vapors that are sniffed, or breathed in.
inhibitions:
Inner thoughts that keep people from engaging in certain activities.
insomnia:
Difficulty falling asleep or an inability to sleep.
intermediaries:
Chemical compounds that are intended for use in the manufacture of more complex substances.
intoxicating:
Causing drunkenness, but not necessarily from alcohol; the loss of physical or mental control due to the use of any drug is termed "intoxication."
intramuscular:
Injected into a muscle.
intravenous:
Injected into a vein.
intubation:
Putting a plastic tube into the lungs through the nose and throat, thus opening the airway of a person unable to breathe independently.

K

kidney:
The body's urine-producing organ.

L

laxatives:
Drugs that help produce bowel movements.
levomethorphan:
A synthetic substance that mimics the behavior of opiates such as heroin, morphine, or codeine; levomethorphan is the parent drug of dextromethorphan.
lipase:
A substance that speeds up the breakdown of fats in the body.
local anesthetic:
A painkiller applied directly to the skin or mucus membranes.
loop of Henle:
The U-shaped part of the nephron (tiny filtering unit of the kidney) where reabsorption processes take place.

M

mania:
A mental disorder characterized by intense anxiety, aggression, and delusions.
menopause:
A hormonal process associated with aging in females that results in an inability to become pregnant; also known as the "change of life."
menstrual cycle:
Commonly referred to as a woman's "period"; the monthly discharge of blood and other secretions from the uterus of nonpregnant females.
metabolism:
The process by which food is converted to energy that the body uses to function.
methylation:
Pronounced meh-thuh-LAY-shun; the process of synthesizing or transforming codeine from morphine.
microgram:
A millionth of a gram; there are 28 grams in 1 ounce.
miscarry:
When a pregnancy ends abruptly because a woman is physically unable to carry the fetus (unborn baby) until it is able to survive on its own.
morphine:
An addictive opiate that is used to kill pain and bring on relaxation and sleep.
mucus:
A secretion released by the body to prevent germs and allergens from entering the bloodstream.
multiple sclerosis:
A progressive illness that affects muscle tissue, leading to pain and inability to control body movements.
muscle dysmorphia:
Pronounced muh-SUL diss-MORE-fee-uh; a mental disorder leading to a desire for larger and larger muscles.
mycologist:
A person who studies mushrooms.

N

narcolepsy:
A sleep disorder characterized by daytime tiredness and sudden attacks of sleep.
narcotic:
A painkiller that may become habit-forming; in a broader sense, any illegally purchased drug.
nausea:
Upset stomach, sometimes with vomiting.
nephrons:
Tiny working units of the kidney; each kidney has more than a million nephrons.
neurological:
Related to the body's nervous system.
neuron:
A cell in the central nervous system that carries nerve impulses.
neurotransmitter:
A substance that helps spread nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another.
nitrite:
A negatively charged molecule of nitrogen and oxygen.
nitroglycerin:
A heavy, oily, highly explosive liquid that—when used in very small doctor-prescribed amounts—relieves the pain of angina pectoris in heart patients.
nitrous oxide:
A gas given to surgical patients to induce sleep.
norepinephrine:
Pronounced nor-epp-ih-NEFF-run; a natural stimulant produced by the human body.
noxious:
Physically harmful.
nurse anesthetist:
(full title is certified registered nurse anesthetist, or CRNA) Nurses who receive special training in the administration of anesthesia.

O

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):
An anxiety disorder that causes people to dwell on unwanted thoughts, act on unusual urges, and perform repetitive rituals such as frequent hand washing.
obstetrician:
A physician specializing in the birthing process.
opiate:
Any drug derived from the opium poppy or synthetically produced to mimic the effects of the opium poppy; opiates tend to decrease restlessness, bring on sleep, and relieve pain.
opioid:
A substance created in a laboratory to mimic the effects of naturally occurring opiates such as heroin and morphine.
opium dens:
Darkly lit establishments, often in the Chinatown section of big cities, where people went to smoke opium; many dens had beds, boards, or sofas upon which people could recline while experiencing the effects of the drug.
organic:
A term used to describe chemical compounds that contain carbon.
osteoporosis:
A loss in bone density resulting in thinned and fragile bones.
ovulation:
The release of an egg from an ovary.

P

panic attacks:
Unexpected episodes of severe anxiety that can cause physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and shaking.
paranoia:
Abnormal feelings of suspicion and fear.
parasitic infections:
Infection with parasites, which are organisms that must live with, in, or on other organisms to survive.
Parkinson's disease:
An incurable nervous disorder that worsens with time and occurs most often after the age of fifty; it is generally caused by a loss of dopamine-producing brain cells; symptoms include overall weakness, partial paralysis of the face, trembling hands, and a slowed, shuffling walk.
passive smoking:
Inhaling smoke from someone else's burning cigarette.
pesticide:
A chemical agent designed to kill insects, plants, or animals that threaten gardens, crops, or farm animals.
phenethylamine:
A type of alkaloid, or nitrogen-containing molecule.
phenylketonuria:
Pronounced fenn-uhl-keet-uh-NORR-ee-yuh; an inherited disorder that interferes with the breakdown of a certain protein called phenylalanine (fenn-uhl-AL-uh-neen). Phenylalanine is found in milk, eggs, and other foods. Without treatment, this protein builds up in the bloodstream and causes brain damage.
phlegm:
Pronounced FLEM; thick, germ-filled mucus secreted by the respiratory system.
phobias:
Extreme and often unexplainable fears of certain objects or situations.
piperazines:
Pronounced pih-PAIR-uh-zeens; chemical compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen that are used medically to destroy worms and other parasites in humans and animals.
placebo:
Pronounced pluh-SEE-boh; a "sugar pill" or "dummy pill" that contains no medicine.
placebo effect:
A psychological effect noted by researchers in which patients' conditions improve if they believe they are taking a medication that will relieve their symptoms.
pneumonia:
A disease of the lung, usually brought on by infection, that causes inflammation of the lung tissue, fluid buildup inside the lungs, lowered oxygen levels in the blood, and difficulty breathing.
postmortem examinations:
Examining the body after death; also called an autopsy.
postpartum depression:
A form of depression that affects more than one in ten new mothers; symptoms include sadness, anxiety, irritability, tiredness, interrupted sleep, a loss of enjoyment or desire to do anything, and guilt over not being able to care properly for their babies.
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
An illness that can occur after experiencing or witnessing life-threatening events, such as serious accidents, violent assaults, or terrorist attacks; symptoms include reliving the experience through nightmares and flashbacks, having problems sleeping, and feeling detached from reality.
potent:
Powerful.
powder cocaine:
(cocaine hydrochloride) an addictive psychoactive substance derived from coca leaves; it is either snorted into the nose or mixed with water and injected into the veins.
premenstrual syndrome:
Symptoms that occur in some women about a week before the start of their monthly period and may include irritability, fatigue, depression, and abdominal bloating.
propellant:
A gas that pushes out the contents of a bottle, can, or cylinder.
prostate:
A male reproductive gland.
pseudoephedrine:
Pronounced SUE-doh-ih-FEH-drinn; a chemical similar to ephedrine that is used to relieve nasal congestion.
psychedelic:
The ability to produce hallucinations or other altered mental states.
psychoactive:
Mind-altering; a psychoactive substance alters the user's mental state or changes one's behavior.
psychological addiction or psychological dependence:
The belief that a person needs to take a certain substance in order to function, whether that person really does or not.
psychosis:
Pronounced sy-KOH-sis; a severe mental disorder that often causes hallucinations and makes it difficult for people to distinguish what is real from what is imagined.
psychostimulant:
Pronounced SY-koh-STIM-yew-lent; a stimulant that acts on the brain.
psychotherapy:
The treatment of emotional problems by a trained therapist using a variety of techniques to improve a patient's outlook on life.
psychotic behavior:
A dangerous loss of contact with reality, sometimes leading to violence against self or others.
psychotropic:
Having an effect on the mind.
pulmonary hypertension:
A life-threatening condition of continuous high blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply the lungs.

Q

quarantined:
Isolated in order to prevent the spread of disease.

R

raves:
Overnight dance parties that typically involve huge crowds of people, loud techno music, and illegal drug use.
receptors:
Group of cells that receive stimuli.
recreational drug use:
Using a drug solely to achieve a high, not to treat a medical condition.
respiratory depression:
A slowed breathing rate; severe cases can cause a person to slip into a coma or even stop breathing entirely.
retina:
A sensory membrane in the eye.
rhabdomyolysis:
Pronounced rabb-doh-my-OLL-uh-sis; destruction of muscle tissue leading to paralysis.
rush:
A feeling of euphoria or extreme happiness and well-being.

S

schizophrenia:
A mental disease characterized by a withdrawal from reality and other intellectual and emotional disturbances.
screw music:
An engineered music inspired by codeine use that uses existing songs but slows them down and makes certain segments repetitive.
secondhand smoke:
The smoke from a cigarette user and breathed in by someone nearby.
sedation:
Drowsiness or lowered levels of activity brought on by a drug.
sedative:
A drug used to treat anxiety and calm people down.
sedative-hypnotic agents:
Drugs that depress or slow down the body.
self-mutilation:
Deliberately cutting or injuring oneself in some way.
senility:
Pronounced suh-NILL-ih-tee; a condition associated with old age; symptoms include a decrease in the ability to think clearly and make decisions.
serotonin:
A combination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen; it is found in the brain, blood, and stomach lining and acts as a neurotransmitter and blood vessel regulator.
shaman:
Spiritual leader who cures the sick and uncovers hidden truths.
sinsemilla:
Literally, "without seeds"; buds from female marijuana plants carrying the highest concentration of THC.
sodium bicarbonate:
A fizzy, liquid, over-the-counter antacid taken by mouth to relieve upset stomachs.
sodium pentathol:
A drug given to surgical patients to induce sleep, usually administered by injection.
solvent:
A substance, usually liquid, that dissolves another substance.
speed:
The street name for amphetamines.
speedball:
A combination of cocaine (a stimulant) and heroin (a depressant); this combination increases the chances of serious adverse reactions and can be more toxic than either drug alone.
steroids:
Drugs that mimic the actions of testosterone, a hormone found in greater quantities in males than in females, and help build muscle mass and strength.
stimulant:
A substance that increases the activity of a living organism or one of its parts.
stroke:
A loss of feeling, consciousness, or movement caused by the breaking or blocking of a blood vessel in the brain.
sudden sniffing death (SSD) syndrome:
Death that occurs very quickly after inhaled fumes take the place of oxygen in the lungs; SSD is most often caused by butane, propane, and aerosol abuse.
suffocate:
Unable to breathe; death caused by a blockage of air to the lungs.
sulfuric acid:
A strong and oily compound made of hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen; it is capable of eating away at other substances.
suppository:
Medicine that is delivered through the anus.
sympathomimetics:
Pronounced SIMM-path-oh-muh-MEH-ticks; medications similar to amphetamines but less powerful and with less potential for addiction.
synapses:
Junctions between two nerve cells where signals pass.
synthetic:
Made in a laboratory.

T

tactile:
Pronounced TAK-tuhl; relating to the sense of touch.
testicular atrophy:
Pronounced tess-TIK-you-lar AH-truh-fee; the shrinking of the male testicles, which sometimes results from overdoses of testosterone or anabolic-androgenic steroids.
testosterone:
Pronounced tess-TOS-tuhr-own; a hormone—found in greater quantities in males than in females—that is responsible for male traits and the male sex drive.
THC:
The main active ingredient in cannabis.
thebaine:
pronounced thee-BAIN; one of the active alkaloids in opium, used to create synthetic painkillers.
theobromine:
Pronounced THEE-uh-BROH-meen; a xanthine found in cacao (kah-KOW) beans (the source of chocolate).
theophylline:
Pronounced thee-AFF-uh-lun; a xanthine found in tea leaves.
thyroid:
An important gland, or group of cells, in the body that secretes chemical messengers called hormones; these hormones control metabolism, the process by which food is converted to energy that the body uses to function.
tics:
Repetitive, involuntary jerky movements, eye blinking, or vocal sounds that patients cannot suppress on their own.
tinctures:
Combinations of an active drug and a liquid alcohol.
tolerance:
A condition in which higher and higher doses of a drug are needed to produce the original effect or high experienced.
toluene:
Pronounced TOL-yuh-ween; a household and industrial solvent common in many inhaled substances, including model airplane glue, spray paint, correction fluid, paint thinners, and paint removers.
Tourette's syndrome:
A severe tic disorder that causes distress and significant impairment to those affected by it.
toxic:
Harmful, poisonous, or capable of causing death.
trafficking:
Making, selling, or distributing a controlled drug.
trance:
A sleep-like state in which important body functions slow down.
tranquilizers:
Drugs such as Valium and Librium that treat anxiety; also called benzodiazepines (pronounced ben-zoh-die-AZ-uhpeens).
traumatic:
Dangerous, life-threatening, and difficult to forget.
trip:
An intense and usually very visual experience produced by an hallucinogenic drug.
tuberculosis:
Pronounced tuh-burk-yuh-LOH-siss; a highly contagious disease of the lungs.
tryptamine compound:
A crystalline compound of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen that is made in plant and animal tissues.

U

ulcers:
The breakdown of mucus membranes, usually in the stomach.

V

vapors:
Gas or fumes that can be irritating or physically harmful when inhaled.
venom:
A liquid poison created by an animal for defense against predators or for killing prey.

W

withdrawal:
The process of gradually cutting back on the amount of a drug being taken until it is discontinued entirely; also the accompanying physiological effects of terminating use of an addictive drug.

X

xanthine:
Pronounced ZAN-thene; a compound found in animal and plant tissue.