Health effects of drugs

Drug use can result in drug addiction, serious impairment, illness and death. Health risks of commonly used drugs include the following:

• Cocaine — Risk of heart attack, stroke and seizures
• Ecstasy — Risk of liver failure and heart failure
• Inhalants — Risk of damage to heart, lungs, liver and kidneys from long-term use
• Marijuana — Risk of impairment in memory, learning, problem solving and concentration; risk of psychosis — such as schizophrenia, hallucination or paranoia — later in life associated with early and frequent use
• Methamphetamine — Risk of psychotic behaviors from long-term use or high doses
• Opioids — Risk of respiratory distress or death from overdose
• Electronic cigarettes (vaping) — Exposure to harmful substances similar to exposure from cigarette smoking; risk of nicotine dependence