The universal truth about all drugs, from caffeine to crack cocaine – they all leave a mark—both in the immediate and long run.
Some of these side effects disappear as soon as they’re felt. Others can leave an impression for months, years, and even the rest of your life.
EZ Test is a harm minimsation tool. Meaning, using one can make your drug-taking a little safer by making you aware of the purity or contents of the drug you’re taking. They aren’t there to encourage or discourage, only to inform. Hopefully, they’ll help you make a more informed decision that can alleviate some short- and long-term effects below.
Cannabis
Cannabis, or marijuana, is a psychoactive drug used both medically and recreationally around the world. It’s impossible to overdose on cannabis, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t leave an impression.
Short term effects of cannabis:
- Dry mouth
- Paranoia
- Decreased attention span
- Increased heart rate
- Increased appetite
- Dizziness and nausea
Long term effects of cannabis:
- Impaired thinking if consumed from an early age and regularly
- Impaired memory
- Heavy smoking can impact lung function
Cocaine
Cocaine, or coke, is a commonly used and abused recreational drug. It’s incredibly addictive and can be very dangerous if used extensively.
Short term effects of cocaine:
- Increased heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Euphoria shortly followed by a mood dip
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety and paranoia
Long term effects of cocaine:
- Malnutrition and weight loss
- Tooth decay
- Depression
- Liver, kidney, and lung damage
- Permanent damage to the blood vessels in the heart and brain
- Nasal passage damage
MDMA
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly known as ecstasy, E, or molly, is a psychoactive drug primarily used for recreational purposes. The desired effects include altered sensations, increased energy, empathy, as well as pleasure. Because you never know the chemical composition of the E you buy, short and long-term effects can vary from light to fatal.
Short term effects of MDMA:
- Paranoia
- False sense of closeness or affection
- Craving for more
- Clenched jaws and muscles
- Blurred vision
- An inability to relax or sleep
Long term effects of MDMA:
- Permanent kidney damage
- Depression or anxiety
- Impaired memory
- Damage to the parts of the brain the regulate sleep, learning, and emotion
Ketamine
Ketamine is a medication primarily used for starting and maintaining anesthesia. It induces dissociative anesthesia, a trance-like state providing pain relief, sedation, and amnesia. It’s used as a medicinal treatment but also recreationally across the world.
Short term effects of ketamine:
- A feeling of lightness and temporal euphoria
- An inability to stand or walk around
- Disconnection from the body
- Falling into a ‘k-hole,’ which is when ketamine impairs your ability to communicate or move
- A dry mouth or excessive saliva
Long term effects of ketamine:
- Kidney or bladder damage
- Abdominal cramping
- Lack of cognitive thought paths
- Delusion
- Depression and anxiety
- Impairment of memory
- A general sense of apathy
Crystal meth / Ice
Crystal meth (crystal methamphetamine) is a potent, highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. There is no medicinal use for it. It can be smoked, swallowed, or injected—each bringing its own risks.
Short term effects of crystal meth:
- A rapid heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- An increased body temperature
- An inability to sleep
- Paranoia and psychosis-like symptoms
- Loss of appetite
Long term effects of crystal meth:
- Meth severely damages your teeth and gums
- Yellowed and sensitive skin
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Psychosis and delusions
Heroin
Heroin is a powerful opiate usually sold as a powder. It’s incredibly addictive and dangerous in both the short and long term.
Short term effects of heroin:
- A heroin “rush” – the surge of pleasure sent to the brain
- Warm, flushed skin and a dry mouth
- Nausea, vomiting
- Skin allergies and itching
- Clouded mental cognition
- Slowed breathing
Long term effects of heroin:
- Regular heroin use changes the physical structure and physiology of the brain, creating long-term imbalances in neuronal and hormonal systems
- An incredible physical dependence that’s difficult to overcome
- Painful withdrawal symptoms
- An increased chance of HIV/AIDS with repeated needle use.
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