Other Drugs

Stimulants are a type of drug that increases blood pressure, heart rate, and energy and makes the user more alert. Some stimulants may be prescribed for a few health conditions, including Attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and depression. Learn more about stimulants at the Go Ask Alice! Cocaine and Other Stimulants archives. 

Inhalants are chemicals breathed in from common sources including glue, markers, cleaners, and spray cans for the psychoactive effects. They are often not considered “drugs” because this is not the intended use of the product. Inhalants can be both depressants and stimulants. Using inhalants can lead to short-term health issues such as nausea and vomiting, or more long-term concerns including damage to the nervous system and kidney and liver damage. Learn more about inhalants at the Go Ask Alice! LSD, Inhalants, and Hallucinogens archives. 

Hallucinogens are chemicals found in plants (including certain mushrooms) that produce a mind-altering (psychoactive) effect. These drugs come in pills and liquids, and sometimes the plant itself is eaten. Hallucinogens distort reality and can lead to severe mood swings. However, it's difficult to say exactly what happens when someone uses a hallucinogen because they can affect people very differently. Learn more about hallucinogens at the Go Ask Alice! LSD, Inhalants, and Other Hallucinogens archives. 

Opioids are a type of drug that is produced from or mimics the effects of the opium poppy plant. They can include illegal drugs like heroin, synthetic drugs like fentanyl, and prescription pain relievers like oxycodone, codeine, and morphine. Opioids act on the central nervous system by blocking the pain signals between the body and the brain. If a person uses an opioid for a long period of time, they can develop tolerance or dependence. Learn more about opioids at the Go Ask Alice! Prescription, Opioids, and Over-the-Counter Medications archives. 

Prescription drugs are medications prescribed by a health care provider for a specific individual to use. Over-the-counter drugs are legal drugs available without a prescription. Both types of medications are intended to be used to treat health issues. However, sometimes they are used improperly, or they are used by someone who did not receive the prescription. This can lead to many different adverse health issues. Learn more about prescription and over-the-counter drugs at the Go Ask Alice! Prescription, Opioids, and Over-the-Counter Medications archives. 

Sedatives are substances that slow down the activity of the brain. They are typically prescribed to help with anxiety or sleeping issues. Some sedatives may be addictive or lead to other health issues. Learn more about sedatives at the Go Ask Alice! Alcohol & Other Depressants archives. 

Tobacco is found in many different forms, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, and chewing tobacco. All forms of tobacco contain nicotine, a highly addictive stimulant. It is absorbed into the bloodstream when tobacco or nicotine products are chewed, inhaled, or smoked. More than half of Columbia students reported never using tobacco products (Data from Columbia University Morningside ACHA-NCHA, Spring 2019). Learn more about tobacco at the Go Ask Alice! Tobacco, E-Cigarettes, and Nicotine archives. 

If you’re interested in quitting nicotine, check out our Nicotine Cessation program. 

Columbia Health follows the guidelines and policies set forth in the University Smoking Policy. All students, faculty, and staff are expected to comply with this policy.