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Evidence-Based Drug Information

Know What Every
Substance Does
To Your Body

Plain-language, medically reviewed information on over 100 substances — their effects, overdose risks, and how to find real help. Because knowledge saves lives.

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Every Substance, Explained

Select a category to explore individual substances, their street names, effects, overdose signs, and treatment options.

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Opioids Heroin · Fentanyl · Oxycodone · More
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Benzodiazepines Xanax · Valium · Klonopin · More
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Stimulants Cocaine · Meth · Adderall · More
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Synthetic Drugs MDMA · Spice · Bath Salts · More
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Cannabis Marijuana · THC · CBD · Edibles
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Alcohol Ethanol · Withdrawal · AUD
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Hallucinogens LSD · Psilocybin · DMT · More
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Dissociatives Ketamine · PCP · DXM · More
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Depressants GHB · Barbiturates · Sleep Aids
Inhalants Photo
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Inhalants Nitrous · Glue · Aerosols · More
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107K+ Overdose Deaths
Per Year in the US
Our Mission

Built to Inform.
Designed to Save Lives.

SubstanceManual was created because people deserve honest, plain-language information about drugs — free from shame and free of charge. Whether you're curious, concerned about a loved one, or struggling yourself, you'll find straightforward answers here.

Every substance page is written with one goal: give you exactly what you need to stay safer, recognize danger, and find help before it's too late.

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All content is reviewed for accuracy against current clinical research and SAMHSA guidelines.

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We don't moralize. We give you facts so you can make informed decisions.

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Regularly Updated

The drug landscape changes fast. We update substance pages as new risks emerge.

Substance Profiles

These substances are responsible for the highest overdose rates in the US today. Know the signs — it could save a life.

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Opioid

Fentanyl

Extreme

Also known as: China White, Apache, Goodfellas

A synthetic opioid 50–100× more potent than morphine. A dose as small as 2 milligrams — the size of a few grains of salt — can be fatal. Now found laced in counterfeit pills and other drugs without warning.

Overdose Risk Extremely High
DEA Schedule Schedule II
Antidote Naloxone (Narcan)
Routes Injected · Smoked · Pills
Read Full Profile → Overdose Signs
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Stimulant

Methamphetamine

Extreme

Also known as: Meth, Crystal, Ice, Tina, Glass

A powerful CNS stimulant that floods the brain with dopamine. Highly addictive with severe physical and psychological effects including psychosis, cardiovascular damage, and rapid physical deterioration.

Overdose Risk Very High
DEA Schedule Schedule II
Addiction Speed Extremely Fast
Routes Smoked · Injected · Snorted
Read Full Profile → Overdose Signs
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Benzodiazepine

Xanax (Alprazolam)

High

Also known as: Bars, Zannies, Sticks, Planks

One of the most prescribed — and most abused — benzodiazepines. Withdrawal from Xanax can be life-threatening. Counterfeit "bars" are frequently laced with fentanyl, making them especially deadly.

Overdose Risk High (esp. with opioids)
DEA Schedule Schedule IV
Withdrawal Potentially Fatal
Routes Oral · Snorted
Read Full Profile → Overdose Signs
The Reality

Why This Information Matters

107,500+ Drug overdose deaths
in the US per year Source: CDC
~73% Of overdose deaths
involve opioids Source: NIDA
48M+ Americans living with
a substance use disorder Source: SAMHSA
10% Who need treatment
actually receive it Source: SAMHSA
From the Blog

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⚠ Must Read
Opioids

Fentanyl-Laced Pills: How to Recognize Counterfeits Before It's Too Late

Counterfeit M30 pills and fake Xanax bars are killing thousands of Americans who had no idea what they were taking. Here's exactly what to look for, why fentanyl test strips save lives, and what to do if you suspect a pill is fake.

📅 March 8, 2026 · ⏱ 9 min read · Medically Reviewed
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