Impairs ability to self-regulate and control impulses.  

Weakens ability to resist intense urges or maintain abstinence.  

Slows responses to normal, nondrug stimuli. 

Quickens responses to drug related stimuli.  

Lowers ability to think clearly.  

Some drugs like marijuana permanently lower an individual’s IQ.  

Diminished ability to make wise decisions and judgments. 

Reduced ability to properly process and learn from disappointments or errors.   

Decreased ability to have empathy for others. 

Lessened ability to feel and control emotions and moods. 

Lower interceptive self-awareness. 

Increases sensitivity to stress creating a “vicious” cycle: individuals take drugs to lessen the negative emotions caused by stress, but the drugs make them feel more stressed out, even when they are not actively using.