What effect could different drugs have on your mental health?
If you think that dabbling in recreational drugs isn't affecting your mental health.
Then read on.
Alcohol Alcohol is legal but it is the most toxic of the commonly-used drugs. Moderate use is not usually a problem. The long-term effects listed below are associated with drinking a lot over a long period of time. These effects will go away if you stop drinking.
"I never drink when feeling even a little low as I think the alcohol enhanced my feelings and led to me feeling even worse."
If you think you may be addicted to alcohol and want to give up:
get advice and information
seek medical help if possible – it can be dangerous to stop drinking suddenly
Type of drug: depressant Short-term effects
feeling relaxed and more sociable
feeling subdued, so that you drink more in order to recreate the pleasant effects
large amounts – uninhibited behaviour or aggression
Long-term effects
memory loss
difficulty thinking clearly
difficulty problem-solving
poor concentration
addiction
Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
anxiety
delirium (confusion, disorientation, hallucinations)
Amphetamines; (crystal meth) Amphetamines are a group of drugs which vary in how powerful they are and how they are classified legally. The effects of crystal meth are similar to crack cocaine but they last longer. If you have experience of a mental health problem, you are more likely to experience negative effects. Type of drug: stimulant Short-term effects
increased attention and alertness
reduced tiredness
increased energy and confidence
Long-term effects
agitation
confusion
aggression
psychosis; paranoia
Withdrawal symptoms
anxiety
depression
tiredness
irritability
Anabolic steroids These are taken to increase muscle bulk and enhance sporting performance. They are slow to act, and do not cause an immediate buzz like other stimulants. They are class C drugs, legally available only from a pharmacist on prescription. Their use is banned by many sporting organisations. The short- and long-term mental health effects of steroids will disappear if you stop taking them. However, the symptoms of dependency may continue.
Type of drug: stimulant Short- and long-term effects
increased energy
excitement
competitiveness
aggression
dramatic mood swings
confusion
sleeping problems
depression
paranoia
Dependency symptoms
extreme tiredness
depression
Benzodiazepines These are prescribed for anxiety and as sleeping pills. It is illegal to take them without a prescription written for you. You might use them:
to increase the effects of similar drugs, such as alcohol or opiates
to counteract the effects of stimulants, such as ecstasy or amphetamines, or
to help with stopping smoking
Benzodiazepines can be very addictive, and coming off them can be very difficult.
Type of drug: depressant Short-term effects
negative effects:
agitation
aggression
hostility
positive effects:
reduced tension and anxiety
clear thinking
feeling calm and relaxed
Dependency symptoms
sleeping problems
anxiety
irritability
heightened awareness
For a list of withdrawal symptoms see our full benzodiazepines section.
Buprenorphine and methadone are both prescription drugs that are used to treat heroin addiction. Buprenorphine (trade name Temgesic) is less sedating than methadone, and so may be preferable if you are working or if you drive. Type of drug: opium-related painkiller Short- and long-term effects
depression
loss of libido
hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms
feelings of detachment
Cannabis (marijuana, hemp, hashish, grass, skunk) People take cannabis as a way of relaxing and getting high. The effects you experience will largely depend on:
whether you are used to taking the drug
how much you take
the type of cannabis you use
your genes
If you have experience of anxiety and depression, you are more likely to experience negative side effects. Type of drug: stimulant, depressant and hallucinogen Short-term effects
feeling relaxed
talkative
finding things very funny and laughing a lot
feeling excited by the things you see, hear and feel
hunger
High doses may cause:
distorted perceptions
forgetfulness
distress and confusion
psychotic experiences (hallucinations or other unshared perceptions)
Long-term effects
long-lasting symptoms of psychosis, that may be diagnosed as schizophrenia
depression in later life, if you use it a lot as a teenager Cannabis psychosis Whether or not you get psychotic effects when using cannabis depends on a gene which codes for a chemical called COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase, a brain enzyme). There are two versions of this gene, one of which is associated with a much greater chance of getting psychotic effects than the other. You are more likely to have psychotic experiences if:
you use cannabis such as skunk, which has a high level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the component of cannabis that is hallucinogenic)
you have two copies of the version of the COMT gene, which makes you more susceptible to psychotic experiences
Cocaine, crack cocaine
Cocaine comes in two forms:
cocaine powder, which is snorted
crack cocaine, which is smoked
Both forms may be injected. Cocaine is notoriously impure, and often contains other substances. Type of drug: stimulant Short-term effects
feeling wide awake
full of energy
feeling confident
High doses may cause:
hallucinations and delusions
depression
suicidal thoughts
Long-term effects
depression
anxiety
panic attacks
paranoia
irreversible brain damage
worsening of pre-existing mental health problems
repetitive movements
Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
loss of energy
psychosis
depression
akathisia (a feeling of intense restlessness)
Cocaine is extremely addictive, and it is very difficult to stop taking it. If you have a mental health problem, cocaine can make this worse.
Ecstasy (MDMA) Ecstasy tablets are notoriously impure, and often contain substances other than MDMA. Although ecstasy is a stimulant, it has different effects from other stimulants (such as amphetamines) as it causes feelings of empathy rather than euphoria. It is very dangerous to take ecstasy at the same time as MAOI antidepressants.
Type of drug: stimulant Short-term effects
feeling happy and relaxed
feelings of empathy, openness and caring
Long-term effects
depression, which does not respond to antidepressants
loss of confidence
anxiety
confusion
agitation and teeth clenching
panic attacks after repeated use
hallucinations and paranoia after repeated high doses
GHB – gammahydroxybutyrate (GBH) GHB is an anaesthetic liquid, which may be mixed with solvents or caustic soda. As it is very sedating, it has been associated with sexual assaults. It is dangerous, potentially causing seizures, coma and death. It is very dangerous to take GHB with alcohol. Type of drug: depressant Short-term effects
loss of inhibitions
calmness
sedation
confusion
Long-term effects
the above effects can last for up to seven hours
Heroin (diamorphine)
Heroin is a painkiller, prescribed as diamorphine. The main effects are pain relief and euphoria but also depression.
It is very addictive, and leads many people to crime to fund their use of it.
The main problems with heroin arise because it is very addictive. Many drug treatment programmes are geared to helping people who are addicted to heroin and other opioid drugs.
Naltrexone (Nalorex) is a prescribed drug that eliminates the positive experiences associated with opioid use. If you are being treated for heroin addiction, naltrexone may be prescribed to help you stay off it.
Type of drug: opium-related painkiller/depressant
Short-term effects
rush of pleasure followed by calm, warm, dreamy contentment
drowsiness
talkativeness
loss of appetite
insomnia
lethargy
Long-term effects
loss of appetite
apathy
neglect of personal safety and hygiene
generalised pain when the level of drug in your system drops
Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
a craving that can lead to serious social problems including crime
severe physical withdrawal symptoms
tolerance of the drug, meaning you need to take more of it to achieve the same effect
Ketamine (Special K) Ketamine is an anaesthetic that is mainly used in animals. It is similar to PCP. It has antidepressant effects and is being researched for use in treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.
Type of drug: hallucinogen Short-term effects
poor concentration
changed perception of surroundings – things not 'looking right' or 'feeling right'
feeling out of touch with reality and your surroundings
delusions
paranoia
dream-like states
nightmares
feeling you have no thoughts
a 'bad trip' may make you violent, suicidal or likely to harm yourself
Long-term effects
difficulty thinking clearly
depression
panic attacks
anxiety
Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
tiredness
depression
Khat Khat is a green, leafy plant that has been chewed in East Africa for thousands of years. The effects are similar to amphetamine but less strong. Khat was made a class C drug in 2014, meaning that it is illegal to possess or supply to others. It is used socially in much of east Africa, in much the same way that alcohol is used in the UK. Like alcohol, it becomes a problem with overuse.
Type of drug: stimulant Short-term effects
feeling elated and energetic
not being able to sleep
loss of appetite
relaxation
feeling sociable
hearing voices (associated with high doses)
paranoia (associated with high doses)
Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
tiredness
depression
anxiety
irritability
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide, acid) LSD is a synthetic drug that was first made in the 1940s. It causes random and sometimes frightening effects, known as a 'bad trip', which may be delayed. As LSD causes you to hallucinate and lose touch with your surroundings, it can cause you to do dangerous things (such as attempting to fly, for example). In some cases, people have died due to dangerous behaviour as a result of taking LSD. Type of drug: hallucinogen Short-term effects
detachment from surroundings
altered sense of space and time
hallucinations
feelings of insight, mysticism and spirituality
feeling that you can fly
anxiety (associated with a bad trip)
feeling panicky (associated with a bad trip)
Long-term effects
likely to worsen existing symptoms of schizophrenia
flashbacks of bad trips, when you feel you are re-living them
Mephedrone (meow meow) Mephedrone is similar to amphetamines, ecstasy and the active ingredients of khat. Do not confuse mephedrone with methadone. Type of drug: stimulant Short-term effects
alertness, confidence, talkativeness
agitation
anxiety
hallucinations (hearing and seeing things, and strange touch sensations)
paranoid delusions (even if taking antipsychotic medication)
depression
suicidal feelings "The effects of this drug [mephedrone] were at the beginning the most enjoyable. My problem with this became very detrimental to my mental wellbeing, leading to psychosis and becoming a danger to myself."
Nicotine (tobacco) You would not normally experience mental health effects from using nicotine. However, it is extremely addictive, and stopping nicotine can cause negative effects. If you are taking part in a smoking cessation programme, you may be offered a medication such as bupropion (Zyban), varenicline (Champix) or a benzodiazepine to help cope with the withdrawal effects and reduce dependency. Type of drug: stimulant Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
irritability
restlessness
depression
Phencyclidine (PCP) PCP is an anaesthetic, mainly used in animals. It is similar to ketamine. The symptoms you experience from taking PCP may be confused with schizophrenia. PCP can make you feel good but may also make you panicky, paranoid and low. Some people have died as a result of injuries they caused themselves after taking it. Type of drug: hallucinogen Short-term effects
poor concentration
changed perception of surroundings – things not 'looking right' or 'feeling right'
feeling out of touch with reality and your surroundings
hallucinations
delusions
paranoia
dream-like states
nightmares
feeling that you have no thoughts
feeling violent (associated with a 'bad trip')
feeling suicidal or wanting to self-harm (associated with a 'bad trip')
psychosis
Long-term effects
depression
Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
depression
Pregabalin Pregabalin is a prescription-only medication used for anxiety, neuropathic pain and epilepsy. See our full pregabalin listing for further details. Type of drug: depressant Short-term effects
calmness
relaxation
happiness and excitement
sleeping problems
hallucinations
panic attacks
agitation
Dependency and withdrawal symptoms
anxiety
depression
difficulty sleeping
nausea
pain
seizures
sweating
Psilocybin/psilocyn (magic mushrooms) The effects of magic mushrooms are similar to LSD. If you have mental health problems, magic mushrooms may make them worse.
Type of drug: hallucinogen Short-term effects
hallucinations, which could be pleasant or frightening
feeling disconnected from your surroundings and out of control
Long-term effects
flashbacks (if you had a 'bad trip')
Solvents Solvents, glues, gases and aerosols can affect the heartbeat and cause death. Repeated sniffing can cause a hangover effect, making you pale, very tired, forgetful and unable to concentrate. They are used mainly by (a small percentage of) young people, usually only for a short period. It is illegal to sell glues and solvents to young people under 18 if you suspect they may be using them to sniff.
Type of drug: depressant Short-term effects
feelings similar to getting drunk
dizziness
feeling unreal
euphoria
loss of inhibition
mood swings
pseudo-hallucinations (hallucinations that you know are not real)
depression
aggression
Dependence
rare
If you or someone you know needs help please contact National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline. It will automatically direct you to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in your state or territory. These local alcohol and other drug telephone services offer support, information, counselling and referral to services. Phone: 1800 250 015
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