76 | STEVENS STUDENT HANDBOOK Rohypnol (“Roofie“) — Rohypnol is a strong sedative (flunitrazepam), commonly referred to as the “date rape” drug, causes extreme drowsiness, and can cause deep sedation and amnesia. This drug is particularly dangerous, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, because of its sedative effects. It may have a paradoxical effect and cause aggression in some users. GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) — GHB is also referred to as a “date rape” drug. It is a central nervous system depressant that produces intoxication, followed by deep sedation. GHB can cause nausea, vomiting, delusions, depression, seizures, loss of consciousness, and coma. When combined with alcohol or other drugs, the potential for deadly overdose increases dramatically. Stimulants — Caffeine is the most widely used stimulant and can be found in coffee, tea, soda and cold medications. Amphetamines are known as “speed and uppers.” Stimulants increase awareness, keep people awake and depress the appetite. Short-term effects include elevated blood pressure, nervousness and hyperactivity. Long-term effects include insomnia, malnutrition and acute psychosis. Tobacco — Tobacco contains nicotine, another central nervous system stimulant. Use of tobacco can cause heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema and other diseases. Use of tobacco by pregnant women is linked to higher incidence of stillborn and premature infants and low birth weights in infants. Some studies indicate that the children of people who smoke while pregnant have an increased risk for developing conduct disorders. Depressants — Downers and depressants include Quaaludes, barbiturates and tranquilizers. These drugs reduce anxiety, induce sleep, and promote relaxation. Used together, they can be extremely dangerous and can suppress the central nervous system enough to cause death. Downers cause slowed response time, loss of rational judgment, decreased coordination and loss of motor skills. Driving skills are seriously affected. Tolerance and physical dependence often develop. Hallucinogens — Hallucinogens include LSD, mescaline and PCP. They promote dream-like perceptions and panic reactions that produce horrifying perceptions. PCP is particularly dangerous and can cause a person to become violent to her/himself and others. Narcotic Analgesics — These drugs include opium, morphine, heroin and codeine. They relieve pain without the loss of consciousness. Narcotics can cause physical dependence to develop over a short period of time. Too much of a narcotic can cause a person to stop breathing. Intravenous narcotic use is associated with increased risk of AIDS and hepatitis. Inhalants — The immediate negative effects of inhalants include nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination and loss of appetite. Solvents and aerosol sprays also decrease heart rate and respiration and impair judgment. Long-term use can result in permanent damage to the nervous system. High concentration of inhalants can cause disorientation, violent behavior, unconsciousness or death. Steroids — Steroids are drugs that resemble the male sex hormone testosterone. Popular since the 1950s, steroids have been used by athletes and body builders to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance. Taken in high doses, steroids can cause psychological dependence, increased anger, aggression and depression, and will stunt growth in adolescents who have not attained full height. Males may experience nipple and breast growth, shrunken testicles and baldness.
