Drugs

Most young people today see occasional drug use in the same way as their parents see alcohol – as part of normal life and the “just say no” approach implies that  young people are incapable of making decisions about drugs.  I think the best we can do is give reliable, accurate information and hope that a responsible attitude is taken.  They do harm the mind and body, there is no doubt about that and below, I have listed a few of the more common drugs and their side effects.

Heroin (H, Brown, Gravy)

A depressant drug that numbs the brain and body and kills pain.  It’s highly addictive. Comes in three forms: brown (which should never be injected), China white, and pharmaceutical heroin, which can easily cause overdose.  Brown is sometimes dissolved in vinegar or lemon juice and can cause sight problems if injected. Sores and open wounds can develop with heavy heroin use. On withdrawal, addicts suffer craving, panic attacks, cramps, nausea and diarrhea.

Cocaine (Charlie, Toot, Snow)

A powerful stimulant that brings on feelings of euphoria and wellbeing.  It’s highly addictive. Long-term users may become psychotic. Snorting can burn a hole in your nostrils. Injecting cocaine is highly dangerous because there is a real risk of overdosing. Mixing it with heroin (speedballing) is also very dangerous. Most street cocaine comes as a powder that is “cut” with glucose, lactose or even anaesthetics. Cocaine content may be as low as 30%.

Cannabis (Grass, Draw, Spliff)

Often exaggerates the way a person already feels. Users become talkative and think that have a greater “insight” into the world. They often find everything hilarious. Some long-term heavy users may get panic attacks, exaggerated mood swings and feelings of persecution. Mixing cannabis with speed or ecstasy can make you seriously dehydrated and cause other severe problems such as heart attacks. There are three forms: herbal, resin and hash oil.

Acid (LSD) (Tabs, Trips, Blotters)

An extraordinarily powerful, mind-altering drug, causing hallucinations.  Acid is unpredictable and should never be taken on the spur of the moment. If you are feeling down, you are more likely to have a “bad trip”. There’s virtually no risk of physical side effects and it’s not addictive, but the mental effects can be very serious.  It can unlock a mental illness of which you weren’t aware, which can lead you to become depressed, paranoid or even needing psychiatric treatment. Bad trips can cause terrifying, uncontrollable flashbacks. Acid is almost always soaked in small squares of blotting paper. The average amount in an acid tab is around 50 micrograms – enough to induce a fairly mild trip – but could contain as much as 250 micrograms, enough to cause the equivalent of a nervous breakdown.

Ecstasy (E, Adam, Disco biscuits)

Releases mood-altering chemicals, such as serotonin and L-dopa, which generate feelings of love and friendliness. It’s also hallucinogenic. Ecstasy can cause the body to overheat, resulting in potentially fatal heatstroke. It can also interrupt blood flow in the brain, leading to a stroke, and cause fatal kidney and liver failure. Tablets come in different designs, often with logos on them. Ecstasy may be “cut” with talcum powder or ketamine (a horse tranquillizer), giving horrible side effects.

Amphetamine (Speed, Whizz, Billy)

A stimulant that makes you more energetic and alert. Users become very talkative and can stay awake for hours. You can still be “wired” 12 hours after taking the drug. It can cause heatstroke and may also lead to a heart attack. Liver and kidney failure can occur if you mix it with alcohol. Injecting it is highly dangerous as the heart can’t take the shock. Speed is less dangerous  when it is swallowed.

Crack (Rock, Wash, Cloud)

According to users the intensity of the hit can’t be exaggerated. It comes within seconds but is short-lived. It can give an intense euphoria and an energy surge with an incredible sense of wellbeing and power. It’s higly addictive. After the hit, users will often feel weak, tired, paranoid and depressed. The comedown can last for days. Crack use can lead to severe psychological problems. Uses can become psychotic, delusional and violent. Combining crack with any other drug is potentially lethal. Crack is cocaine that has been processed and can be 80-100% pure, which makes it much more dangerous.  It is generally smoked.