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DRUGS
WHAT ARE DRUGS?
If you were to ask yourself, "what exactly are drugs and
which ones are harmful?" it is possible you would say,
Marijuana, Heroin and Ecstasy, and that these drugs could
kill you. This is a narrow perception of what drugs there
are and the effect they have on our society. Any
substance which changes the way your body and mind
works can be classified as a drug.
There are many other types of drugs which are commonly used and which you
may have used yourself at one time or another. Many drugs such as nicotine,
caffeine, pain killers and alcohol,
can cause serious damage to your health. We often don't classify these
substances in the same way as other drugs, they are often called habits
because they are legal and because they have been accepted in our society. In
reality they are all drugs.
HEROIN
Heroin 'smack', 'skag', 'hammer', 'h'' or 'horse' is usually manufactured from
morphine or codeine by a chemical process and can be a much stronger drug.
Heroin found on the street is usually in powder form.
Depending on purity and how it was refined the Heroin can be many different
colours. white powder is generally more refined than brown or pink `rocks'
which appear like a lumpy powder.
Immediate Effects
Heroin is a depressant drug, and causes the central
nervous system to slow down.
Some of Heroin's immediate effects include: sleepiness,
shallow breathing, itching, vomiting or a feeling of nausea, the pupils of the
eyes dilate (become smaller).
With large doses of Heroin, the pupils of the eye narrow to pinpoints, the skin
feels cold to the touch, central nervous system function and breathing will
slow down to a very dangerous level, the person can easily fall into a coma and
die.
The heroin that is found on the street is more than likely mixed with other
substances to reduce the strength of the Heroin. Many users suffer an
accidental overdose or die because there is no way of knowing the strength or
purity of the street Heroin.
The major problem with heroin use is the way it is used. Heroin is usually
injected and the sharing of injecting equipment such as needles and syringes,
tourniquets,filters and spoons, greatly increases the chance of contracting
infections such as Hepatitis B and C, HIV (AIDS) and blood poisoning.
Effects of long term use.
People who regularly use Heroin over a long period of time may experience
serious health problems such as . . .
Hepatitis B and C, abscesses, tetanus, damaged or collapsed veins, chest,
bronchial and heart problems, severe loss of appetite,constipation,
malnutrition, pneumonia. In woman constant use can lead to infertility and
irregular menstruation, in men it can lead to impotence.
MARIJUANA
The drug marijuana is the dried flower clusters, stems and leaves of the
Indian hemp plant (cannabis sativa).
It is otherwise known as "weed", "Maryjane", "ganja", "pot", "tea" as well as a
number of other slang names.
Though most of the immediate and long-term effects of marijuana have been
stated, scientists are still doing studies on the drug in order to detect any
other harmful effects that it might possibly contain. Though marijuana is an
extremely addictive narcotic, there are many victims who have recovered
from the addictive use of the drug and have since remained abstinent.
Mental Illness
Mental effects caused by marijuana can include anxiety leading to panic,
flashbacks, depression, paranoia, feelings of aggression, delusions, confusion,
delirium, hallucinations induced by toxic psychosis, psychotic disorder
(insanity), insecurity and depersonalisation.
Recent research has indicated a strong link between the heavy use of
marijuana and depression. The effects of habitual use was higher in young
women. Daily users of Marijuana ran seven times the risk of suffering anxiety
and depression.
In the more severe psychiatric cases, users may have to be admitted to a
hospital emergency room.
The 1997 National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) study of 200
long-term marijuana users in Australia found 40% had been prescribed
medication for a psychological problem, had consulted mental health
professionals or had been admitted to a psychiatric hospitals.
* Drug paraphernalia such as bongs and pipes, cigarette papers, seeds, plastic
bags and small tins.
* A strong smoky pungent smell on the persons clothing.
* Wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times, use of eye-drops, bloodshot
eyes.
* Loss of interest in activities such school, sport.
* A noticeable change for the worse in the persons behaviour and general
attitude, achievements at school or work.
* Bursts of anger and hostility, sudden mood swings.
* Rebellious behaviour
* Withdrawal from friends, isolation, secretive behaviour.
* Unexplained disappearance of valuables or money from the home.
* Short-term memory loss, short attention span, difficulty concentrating.