Cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant. Although healthcare providers occasionally use it as a local anesthetic for medical purposes such as surgery, it is otherwise an illegal controlled substance. Cocaine is the second most trafficked illegal drug in the world.

Other names for cocaine include:

• Blow

• Coke

• Crack

• Rock

• Snow

Dance Safe  
Dance Safe is a harm-reduction web site centered on drugs found in nightclubs and raves. The site offers drug information, a risk assessment, ecstasy testing kits and e-news.

National Institute on Drug Abuse  
NIDA drug pages have research reports, statistics and information on addiction.

The Good Drugs Guide 
This British harm-reduction web site provides extensive information on cocaine, including the basics, dangers, mixing with other drugs and links.

Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that produce mind-altering effects. People who use inhalants breathe in the fumes through their nose or mouth, usually by “sniffing,” “snorting,” “bagging,” or “huffing.” Inhalants fall into four categories:

• Nitrites: room odorizers, video head cleaner, leather cleaner, or liquid aromas.
• Gases: nitrous oxide, ether, chloroform, and gases from household products such as propane tanks, whipped cream dispensers (whippets) and butane lighters.
• Solvents: paint thinners, glues, correction fluid, lighter fluid, electronic contact cleaners, felt-tip marker fluid, dry cleaning fluid and gasoline.
• Aerosols: spray paints, hair or deodorant sprays, aerosol computer cleaning products and vegetable oil sprays.

Although the high that inhalants produce usually lasts just a few minutes, people often try to make it last by continuing to inhale again and again over several hours.

National Inhalant Prevention Coalition  
The FAQ section includes statistics on inhalant use, damage to the body and brain and how to help someone in a crisis. Information is also provided in Spanish.

National Institute of Drug Abuse     
NIDA provides research reports, answers commonly-asked questions and gives related links.

Methamphetamine (meth, speed, chalk, ice, glass) is a highly addictive manufactured stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. It's a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. The drug was originally developed early last century to be used in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Although most methamphetamine is produced in "superlabs" outside of the United States, it is sometimes made with inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients in small, illegal home labs. The process of making methamphetamine takes about 48 hours and can be dangerous. Heating the solution produces toxic fumes and carries the risk of explosion, possibly resulting in burns or other serious health implications, including death. 

National Institute on Drug Abuse 
NIDA drug pages have research reports, statistics and information on addiction.

Frontline: The Meth Epidemic  
Stream this PBS program to learn more about methamphetamine in the United States, including the geographic progression of the epidemic, the drug’s impact on child abuse and neglect, and the regulation of over-the-counter drugs to decrease production. Also included on the web site is additional information on methamphetamine, FAQs, videos, maps, and other interactive features.

Opioids are a class of drug that comes from natural or synthetic ingredients found in the opium poppy plant. Opioids work to reduce and alleviate pain by activating nerve cells in the brain known as opioid receptors that stop pain signals from the brain to the body. Opioids include prescription pain medications and illegal drugs, both of which can become addictive. 

Some examples of prescription opioids include morphine, codeine, oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), fentanyl, methadone, tramadol, and buprenorphine. Oftentimes, opioids are combined with other medications, such as acetaminophen, when prescribed. Illegal opioids include heroin and any prescription opioid that is sold to people without a prescription. 

Other names for opioids include:

• Opiates
• Painkillers
• Narcotics 
• Oxy
• Lean

Sources: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Vertara Health, Johns Hopkins Medicine  

BWell Harm Reduction Page

Prevent Overdose Rhode Island 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Johns Hopkins Medicine

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Cleveland Clinic

Mayo Clinic