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Alcohol is a depressant drug that can slow down the parts of the brain that affect thinking, behaviour, breathing and heart rate.

Cannabis is a psychoactive drug that is used for non-medical (e.g. recreational) and medical purposes.

Cannabis contains several chemical compounds called cannabinoids that affect the brain and the body’s central nervous system.

CAMH Mental Illness & Addiction Index: Cannabis

Get Cannabis Clarity

Fatigue is the state of feeling very tired, weary or sleepy resulting from insufficient sleep, prolonged mental or physical work, or extended periods of stress or anxiety. Research has shown that the number of hours awake can be similar to blood alcohol levels:

• 17 hours awake is equivalent to a blood alcohol content of 0.05
• 21 hours awake is equivalent to a BAC of 0.08 (legal limit in Canada)

Insomnia is difficulty getting enough sleep or trouble sleeping without interruption. Insomnia of any kind can keep you from feeling rested and refreshed during the day.

Drugs.com Health Guide: Insomnia

Caffeine is a stimulant that speeds up the central nervous system. It stimulates the brain, elevates the mood and postpones fatigue. “[T]he world’s most popular drug” (CAMH)

Codeine is an opioid pain medication, sometimes called a narcotic. Codeine is used to treat mild to moderately severe pain (e.g. Tylenol 3).

Opioids are a family of drugs that are usually prescribed to relieve pain, control coughs and diarrhea and treat addiction to other opioids.

Prescribed for relief of symptoms of anxiety (e.g. panic attacks, fear, worry) and for insomnia.

“[T]he most widely prescribed psychoactive drugs in the world” (CAMH)

CAMH Mental Illness & Addiction Index: Benzodiazepines

Drugs.com Health Guide: Diphenhydramine

Drugs.com Health Guide: Doxylamine succinate

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that speed up the central nervous system. These drugs can cause addiction if they are misused.

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that can make people feel more alert and energetic. Cocaine can also make people feel euphoric, or “high.” ​

​Heroin is an illegal opioid that is dangerous and highly addictive.

CAMH Mental Illness & Addiction Index: Heroin