The following information about drugs of abuse and their health risks is from Drugs of Abuse: A DEA Resource Guide published by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Visit the DEA website to learn more.
| Drug Name | Effects | Penalties |
| Alcohol (Beer, wine, liquor, malt liquor) | High blood pressure
Addiction Heart disease Stroke Liver disease Digestive problems Cancer of breast, mouth, throat, liver, and colon Dementia Depression and Anxiety |
Texas law defines penalties for anyone convicted of the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances. Read about the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. |
| Cocaine/Crack (Blow, bump, C, Candy, Charlie, flake, rock, snow) | Severe consequences impacting heart, respiratory, nervous and digestive system
Addiction and fatal |
Penalties for violations are based on the classification of the drug or other substance and/or sometimes specified by drug name, i.e., marijuana. A substance doesn’t have to be listed as a controlled substance to be treated as a substance for criminal prosecution. |
| Opiates (Heroin, Morphine, Opium, Codeine, Vicodin) | Increased risk of choking
Low blood pressure Potential for breathing to stop and/or coma Hepatitis HIV Addiction and fatal overdose |
Penalties may include fines up to $10 million and/or up to life in prison. |
| Sedatives and Anti-anxiety (Valium, Quaalude, reds, phennies) | Memory problems
Addiction Low blood pressure Slowed breathing; leading to coma or death |
|
| Amphetamines (Benzedrine, Dexedrine, speed, crystal, crank) | Various harmful and long lasting effects to the brain and vital organs
Addiction Heart problems Seizures |
See more on federal drug trafficking penalties. |
| Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD Peyote, magic mushrooms, ecstasy, mescaline, psilocybin) | Unpredictable effects
Possible visual auditory, and tactile hallucinations Flashbacks and perception disorders |
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| Marijuana & Hashish (Blunt, dope, ganja, pot, reefer, skunk, weed, joint) | Short-term memory impairment
Decreased coordination Increased heart rate and risk of psychosis to those who are vulnerable |
Misdemeanor convictions for workplace and campus drug violations can result in a fine, community service, or incarceration of up to a year. |