Active ingredient content

Active ingredient content can vary greatly on the illicit market and is a central overdose risk factor. It can only be reliably determined through laboratory analysis or drug checking.

Addiction / dependence

Addiction is a chronic disorder in which substance use continues despite negative consequences. Typical signs include craving, loss of control, tolerance and withdrawal. Causes include neurobiological changes in the reward system – not simply a lack of willpower.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a sedating, disinhibiting neurotoxin. It impairs reaction time, judgement and coordination – and, despite being legal, is one of the substances with the greatest health burden.

Major risks include alcohol poisoning, accidents, violence and chronic damage to the liver, heart, nervous system and mental health. Polydrug use with depressants such as benzodiazepines, opioids or GHB/GBL is especially dangerous.

Amphetamine

Amphetamine is a stimulant (“upper”) that increases dopamine and noradrenaline. It increases alertness and drive, but can also cause restlessness, anxiety, rapid heartbeat and insomnia. Sleep deprivation is a key risk driver.

Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is a traditional plant brew containing, among other substances, DMT plus MAO inhibitors. Experiences can be emotionally intense and psychologically demanding. Risks increase with mental health vulnerabilities and unstable life phases.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (“benzos”) are sedative medicines acting on the GABA system, for example diazepam, lorazepam and alprazolam. They can be medically useful, but carry a high risk of dependence and withdrawal.

Polydrug use with alcohol, opioids or GHB/GBL is particularly dangerous and can cause respiratory depression, blackouts and emergencies.

Binge drinking

Very rapid drinking of large amounts of alcohol. High acute danger: poisoning, unconsciousness, choking risk and hypothermia. See: Alcohol.

Blackout

A blackout is a memory gap during intoxication, most often with alcohol and intensified by depressants. People may appear to function, but do not store memories.

Blotter

Blotters are small paper carriers that are often infused with LSD. Dosage can vary. See the main article: LSD.

Bong

A bong enables very large amounts of smoke to be inhaled in a short time. This can create high THC peaks and often more anxiety or panic than slower forms of consumption. See Cannabis.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist, often used in substitution treatment. It can reduce withdrawal and craving, but remains risky when combined with benzodiazepines or alcohol.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a legal stimulant. In usual amounts it is often well tolerated, but high doses can cause restlessness, rapid heartbeat and anxiety. High-dose powders and shots are riskier.

Cannabis

Cannabis includes flowers (marijuana), resin (hashish) and concentrates. The main psychoactive compound is THC. Effects range from relaxation to anxiety and panic, especially with high THC levels.

Risks include impaired driving ability, concentration problems, dependence with regular use and psychological crises in vulnerable individuals. Early use increases risks.

Ceremonial drugs

Ayahuasca, peyote or iboga are used in rituals and contain powerful psychoactive substances. Risks include psychological overwhelm, cardiovascular stress and dangerous interactions, for example with medicines.

FAQ

• Is ayahuasca legal? Legal status varies greatly.
• Can it cause dependence? Physical dependence is unlikely; psychological dependence is rare.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a strong stimulant with a short duration of action; frequent redosing is typical. Risks include heart rhythm disturbances, anxiety, aggression, psychosis and high psychological dependence potential.

Codeine

Codeine is an opioid used in some cough and pain medicines. Part of it is converted to morphine in the body. Misuse carries a risk of respiratory depression and dependence, especially with polydrug use.

Counter-dependence

Describes a very rigid, sometimes fear-driven rejection of all psychoactive substances after a personal history of dependence. It can stabilise, but may also create social strain.

Crack

Crack is a smokeable form of cocaine with a very rapid, intense onset and short duration. This promotes binge use and strong craving.

Diazepam

Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine. Main risks are sedation, dependence and polydrug use. See the main article: Benzodiazepines.

DMT (dimethyltryptamine)

DMT is a powerful hallucinogen with a very rapid onset and short duration, typically minutes. Trips can be extremely intense and psychologically overwhelming.

Dope

“Dope” is an unspecific slang term for drugs. Meaning depends on context, so it is important to clarify which substance is meant.

Downers

“Downers” is a collective term for depressant substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids and GHB/GBL. The main danger is respiratory depression, especially with polydrug use.

Duration of effect

Duration of effect depends on route of administration, dose, metabolism and purity. Long duration can promote exhaustion, sleep deprivation and psychological overwhelm; redosing increases risk.

E-cigarette

E-cigarettes vaporise liquids, often containing nicotine. They are sometimes misused for THC oils or synthetic cannabinoids; black-market products can cause severe lung injury.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

MDMA has stimulant and empathogenic effects, often increasing feelings of closeness and empathy. Risks include overheating, cardiovascular stress, comedown phases and adulterants such as PMA or cathinones.

Effect

Effect describes the physical or psychological effects of a substance. It depends on dose, route of administration, individual sensitivity, purity and set and setting.

Euphoria

Euphoria is an intense feeling of well-being and a key driver of repeated use and addiction. Depending on the substance, a strong crash can follow.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid, much stronger than morphine. Even very small amounts can cause respiratory arrest. Illicit adulteration of other drugs greatly increases overdose risk.

Flashback

Flashbacks are the spontaneous re-experiencing of trip elements, usually after hallucinogens. Persistent visual disturbances are sometimes referred to as HPPD.

FreD (early intervention)

FreD is an early intervention programme for adolescents and young adults after first noticed substance use: counselling, education and reflection before risky patterns become entrenched.

Freebasing

Freebasing is the smoking of cocaine in base form – an extremely rapid kick with high risk of heart problems, psychosis and dependence.

Galanteriestoffe

A historical term, rarely used today in older texts. It is unspecific; in practice, the concrete substance should always be named.

GHB / GBL

GHB/GBL are strongly sedating substances with a very narrow dose range. Even slight overdoses can lead to unconsciousness, respiratory depression and coma.

Grinder

Accessory used to break up cannabis. Hygiene and material quality matter more than “effect”.

H-curve

Model for the effect curve of heroin, with a rapid rush, short duration and redosing risk. See: Heroin.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens alter perception, thinking and emotions, for example LSD, psilocybin, DMT and mescaline. Risks include anxiety, panic, psychological crises and, rarely, HPPD. Set and setting are central.

Hashish

Pressed cannabis resin, often with higher THC content than flowers. See the main article: Cannabis.

Heroin

Heroin is a highly potent opioid with very high dependence potential. The main danger is overdose through respiratory depression, especially with fluctuating purity and adulterants such as fentanyl.

Ibogaine

Ibogaine is being discussed experimentally in addiction treatment, but can cause serious side effects such as cardiac arrhythmias. Without medical monitoring it is high-risk.

ICE (crystalline methamphetamine)

ICE is a highly pure form of methamphetamine with a long duration of action. Major risks include sleep deprivation, cardiovascular emergencies, psychosis and rapid physical or psychological decline.

Indication

The medical reason for using a medicine. Without an indication, the risk of side effects, dependence and misuse increases.

Inhalation

Inhalation, smoking or vaporising leads to a very rapid onset, but also increases the risk of overdose, panic and lung damage – especially with crack, meth/ICE, synthetic cannabinoids and black-market THC oils.

Joint

A joint is a cannabis cigarette, often mixed with tobacco. Risks increase through nicotine dependence and imprecise dosing. See: Cannabis.

Junkie

A derogatory term that stigmatises and can make access to help more difficult. More neutral: “person with opioid dependence”. See: Heroin.

Youth protection law

Regulates the distribution and sale of alcohol, nicotine and other substances to minors. Details vary by country or canton.

Ketamine

Dissociative anaesthetic. Risks include falls and accidents due to loss of coordination, nausea, disorientation and bladder damage with frequent use (“ketamine bladder”).

Legal highs

“Legal highs” is a colloquial term for NPS (new psychoactive substances). They are not automatically legal or safe; composition and potency often change constantly.

Long-term effects

Long-term effects are persistent physical, psychological or social harms caused by chronic use. Type and severity depend strongly on the substance, duration and age at first use; early onset means higher risk.

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)

LSD is an extremely potent hallucinogen in the microgram range with a long duration, often 8–12 hours. Risks include anxiety and panic (“bad trip”), psychological overwhelm, flashbacks and HPPD.

Magic mushrooms

Magic mushrooms contain the active compound psilocybin. For effects, risks and detection, see Psilocybin.

Main effect

The primary intended effect of a substance, such as euphoria, relaxation or alertness. It varies greatly depending on dose, route of administration, individual sensitivity and setting.

MDMA (Ecstasy)

MDMA has empathogenic, stimulant and euphoric effects. Typical effects include increased empathy, closeness and energy. The effect is mainly caused by strong serotonin and dopamine release.

Risks include overheating, cardiovascular stress, anxiety and depressive mood after use. Adulterants are common, for example PMA/PMMA, and can greatly increase overdose risk.

FAQ

• How long does MDMA work? Usually 3–6 hours.
• Can MDMA trigger depression? Yes, especially with frequent use.

Methadone

Methadone is a synthetic opioid with a long half-life, mainly used in substitution therapy. It prevents withdrawal symptoms, reduces craving and stabilises daily life.

Risks include respiratory depression, tiredness, constipation, hormonal changes and dependence. Polydrug use with benzodiazepines or alcohol is particularly dangerous. Substitution works best together with psychosocial support.

FAQ

• Can methadone cause a high? In therapeutic dosing, usually hardly.
• How long does methadone work? Often 24–36 hours.

Naloxone

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioids such as heroin, fentanyl and methadone. It is used in opioid overdoses and can save lives.

Its effect often lasts for a shorter time than many opioids, so multiple doses may be needed. Naloxone is not addictive and has no intoxicating effect.

FAQ

• Can naloxone cause harm? It works specifically at opioid receptors.
• Why may several doses be needed? Because many opioids last longer than naloxone.

Nasal use

With nasal use (“snorting”), a substance is absorbed through the nasal mucosa. The effect often starts quickly.

Risks include mucosal damage, inflammation, nosebleeds and infections. Sharing tubes increases the risk of hepatitis and other infections.

Nicotine

Nicotine is a powerful stimulant from tobacco that causes dependence very quickly. Effects begin within seconds and can feel both stimulating and calming.

Risks include cardiovascular strain, respiratory disease especially through smoking, withdrawal symptoms and strong craving. E-cigarettes reduce some harmful substances but are not risk-free.

FAQ

• Does nicotine cause dependence quickly? Yes, often within a few weeks.
• Is vaping safer than smoking? Fewer toxic combustion products, but still addictive.

NPS – new psychoactive substances

NPS are synthetic substances developed to imitate the effects of established drugs or bypass drug laws. They may imitate cannabis, cocaine or MDMA, but are often stronger and more unpredictable.

Risks are substantial: rapid heartbeat, psychosis, seizures, kidney failure and severe poisoning occur more often than with established substances. Composition and dosage change constantly.

FAQ

• Why are NPS so dangerous? Unclear composition and high potency.
• Can NPS be tested? Partly – many new compounds are difficult to detect.

Opiates / opioids

Opiates/opioids bind to opioid receptors and have analgesic, calming and sometimes euphoric effects. Examples include morphine, heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and methadone.

The main risk is respiratory depression with high overdose danger, plus strong dependence. Polydrug use with alcohol or benzodiazepines is especially dangerous.

FAQ

• Are opiates and opioids the same? Opiates are natural; opioids can be natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic.
• Why are they so dangerous? Because of respiratory depression and high dependence potential.

Opium

Opium is the dried latex of the opium poppy and contains natural opiates such as morphine. Effects and risks are similar to other opioids, but concentration varies greatly.

FAQ

• Is opium “natural”? Yes – but natural does not mean safe.
• Can opium cause dependence? Yes, very quickly.

Overdose

An overdose occurs when the body absorbs more of a substance than it can process. Symptoms vary: respiratory arrest with opioids, seizures with NPS, unconsciousness with alcohol and extreme overheating with stimulants or MDMA.

Main risk factors are purity fluctuations, polydrug use and use after breaks with tolerance loss. Opioid overdoses can partly be reversed with naloxone.

FAQ

• How do you recognise an overdose? Breathing problems, unconsciousness, blue lips or seizures.
• Can it be prevented? Avoid polydrug use, dose cautiously and use drug checking where available.

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a strong prescription opioid used for severe pain. Misuse can lead to dependence and overdose.

Alcohol and benzodiazepines are particularly risky combinations. Overdose can be life-threatening even in medical use if rules are ignored.

FAQ

• Is oxycodone stronger than morphine? Often yes.
• Can it be taken safely? Only under medical supervision and without polydrug use.

Pep (amphetamine)

“Pep” is a scene term for amphetamine. Risks include sleep deprivation, heart strain, anxiety, aggression, teeth grinding and psychotic episodes, especially with high doses or little sleep.

FAQ

• Is pep the same as speed? Often yes – both usually refer to amphetamine, often adulterated.
• Can pep trigger psychosis? Yes, especially with high doses and sleep deprivation.

PMA / PMMA

PMA/PMMA are sometimes sold as MDMA substitutes. They have a delayed onset, so redosing too early is a common cause of overdose. Risks include severe overheating, seizures, breathing problems and death.

FAQ

• Why so dangerous? Delayed onset plus high overheating risk.
• Can PMA be recognised? Reliably only via drug checking or laboratory testing.

Polydrug use

Polydrug use is the simultaneous or close-in-time use of different substances. Combinations can intensify, weaken or unpredictably change effects. Many emergencies are caused by polydrug use, often unintentionally.

Combinations of depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines and GHB, as well as opiates/opioids plus benzodiazepines or alcohol, are especially dangerous. Risks range from respiratory depression to severe psychological crises.

Psilocybin (magic mushrooms)

Psilocybin is a psychedelic active compound in magic mushrooms. It causes altered perception, visual effects and strong emotional amplification. Effects usually last 4–8 hours and depend strongly on set and setting.

Risks include anxiety, disorientation, psychological crises and, rarely, persistent perception changes. Therapeutic potential is being researched, but only under professional supervision.

FAQ

• Are magic mushrooms legal? Legal status varies by country.
• Can psilocybin cause dependence? Not physically; psychological dependence is rare.

Psychosis

Psychosis is a severe state involving loss of contact with reality, such as hallucinations, delusions or intense anxiety. Triggers can include substances such as stimulants, high-potency cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids and sleep deprivation.

Q (in progress)

This letter will be expanded later.

Recreational drug

“Recreational drugs” are mostly used in party or social contexts, such as alcohol, cannabis, MDMA, cocaine or ketamine. “Recreational” does not mean harmless – polydrug use and overdoses are frequent causes of emergencies.

Redosing

Redosing means taking another dose when the effect wears off, often with stimulants, MDMA and GHB/GBL. It is a frequent trigger of emergencies because it creates concentration peaks and poor decisions.

Redosing is particularly risky with delayed onset, such as edibles or PMA/PMMA, or unclear purity.

FAQ

• Why is redosing so dangerous? Because it can create uncontrolled substance peaks.
• Which substances are especially affected? MDMA, GHB/GBL, cocaine, speed and meth.

R (in progress)

This letter will be expanded later.

Sedation

Sedation is the depressant effect on the central nervous system, for example from alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids or GHB. Main risks are respiratory depression, falls and unconsciousness, especially with polydrug use.

Side effect

Side effects are unwanted effects in addition to the main effect, such as nausea, anxiety, insomnia or rapid heartbeat. Intensity depends on dose, individual sensitivity and polydrug use.

Smoking cannabis

Colloquial expression for smoking cannabis. See the main article: Cannabis.

Snorting

Snorting means nasal use. For risks and hygiene, see Nasal use.

Speed (amphetamine)

Speed is usually amphetamine or an amphetamine mixture. Risks include rapid heartbeat, sleep deprivation, anxiety, aggression, overheating and psychotic episodes. Adulterants make effects unpredictable.

FAQ

• Is speed the same as pep? Often yes.
• Can speed trigger psychosis? Yes, especially with high doses and sleep deprivation.

Substitution treatment

Substitution treatment is the medically controlled provision of opioids such as methadone or buprenorphine for stabilisation and risk reduction. It is most effective when combined with counselling or therapy.

Synthetic cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids such as “Spice” or “K2” bind to THC receptors, but often act much more strongly and unpredictably. Formulations change frequently and the risk of severe poisoning is high.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Modern strains can have very high THC levels, increasing both effects and risks.

Risks include concentration problems, panic attacks, psychotic episodes, loss of driving ability and dependence. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable.

FAQ

• Can THC cause dependence? Yes, especially with regular use.
• How long does THC work? Smoking: 1–3 hours; edibles can last much longer.

Tolerance

Tolerance is the body adapting so that more of a substance is needed for the same effect. After breaks, tolerance falls and previous doses can become dangerous.

Tolerance break / tolerance loss

Tolerance loss refers to a sudden loss of tolerance after a break, therapy, prison or illness. It is especially dangerous with opioids, benzodiazepines and GHB/GBL.

Trip

A trip describes the psychedelic experience, for example with LSD or psilocybin. Risks include anxiety, panic, overwhelm, flashbacks and rarely HPPD; set and setting are crucial.

Uppers (stimulants)

“Uppers” are stimulating substances such as amphetamine, cocaine, meth and MDMA. Risks include heart strain, overheating, sleep deprivation, anxiety and craving; combining them with alcohol or downers is often risky.

Urine test

Urine tests detect substance use through metabolites. Detection windows vary greatly depending on substance, frequency of use and metabolism.

V (in progress)

This letter will be expanded later.

Weed

Colloquial term for marijuana (cannabis flowers). See the main article: Cannabis.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal refers to symptoms when stopping addictive substances. Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening and requires medical supervision.

Xanax (alprazolam)

Xanax is a benzodiazepine. Misuse carries high dependence and overdose risk, especially with alcohol or opioids.

FAQ

• Is Xanax a strong medicine? Yes – fast-acting and potent.
• Can Xanax cause dependence? Yes, especially with regular use.

XTC (Ecstasy)

XTC usually refers to ecstasy tablets that often contain MDMA, but may also contain adulterants or other substances. Main information: MDMA.

Yaba

Yaba contains methamphetamine plus caffeine, has strong stimulant effects and a very high dependence potential. Risks include overheating, heart strain, anxiety, aggression and psychosis.

FAQ

• Is Yaba the same as meth? It contains meth plus caffeine.
• Why so dangerous? High potency plus strong craving.

Yohimbine

Plant-derived compound from yohimbe bark. It can have stimulant effects, but higher doses may cause strong side effects such as anxiety, high blood pressure, restlessness and panic.

FAQ

• Is yohimbine legal? Legal status varies by country.
• Can it trigger anxiety? Yes, especially at higher doses.

Ypsilon (slang)

Rare scene term for an unknown or new substance. Risk is extremely high because composition and dose are unclear; drug checking is advisable where available.

Z-drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone, zaleplon)

Sleeping medicines with sedative effects and risks similar to benzodiazepines, including dependence, memory gaps and falls. Polydrug use with alcohol or opioids is particularly dangerous.

FAQ

• Can Z-drugs cause dependence? Yes, often faster than expected.
• Can they be taken safely? Only short-term and under medical supervision.

Zauberpilze (German term for magic mushrooms)

“Zauberpilze” is the German term for magic mushrooms containing psilocybin. Main information: see Psilocybin and Magic mushrooms.