| |
DRUG FACTS
Alcohol
Cocaine & Crack
Methamphetamines
Opiates & Painkillers
Marijuana
Inhalants
Prescription Drugs
Hallucinogens
Alcohol
When you consume alcohol, 20 percent of it immediately passes
through your stomach walls into the bloodstream. The remaining
80 percent goes to the small intestine where it slowly finds
its way into your blood. The body is designed to eliminate approximately
one half ounce of alcohol per hour. If the average person drinks
more rapidly, the alcohol content in the blood increases and
the intoxicating effects of the drug experienced. Once alcohol
enters the bloodstream, it enters all of your body's organs
within minutes. This is due to the small and simple molecular
structure of alcohol, which allows it to pass easily through
cell membranes. Alcohol in the blood stream adversely affects
the brain, liver, heart, pancreas, sex hormones, kidneys and
lungs.
As more alcohol is ingested, the body builds a tolerance requiring
more alcohol to reach the same effects. When without alcohol,
cravings begin to develop as early withdrawal symptoms start.
The severity of withdrawal usually depends on the amount of
alcohol used and the amount of time it has been abused. Symptoms
can be mild, such as shaking, sweats, nausea, and headache.
More severe and dangerous withdrawal includes DT's, hallucinations,
delirium, seizures, heart attack, and stroke.
Alcohol contributes to 100,000 deaths annually, making it the
third leading cause of preventable mortality in the U.S., after
tobacco and diet/activity patterns.(J McGinnis & W Foege, "Actual
Causes of Death in the United States," Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA), Vol.270, No.18, 11/10/93, p. 2208)
Among 9,484 deaths attributed to non-medical use of other drugs
in 1996, 37% also involved alcohol.(SAMHSA, Annual Medical Examiner
Data 1996, 7/98, p. iii)
back to top
Cocaine & Crack
This substance may be snorted, injected, or smoked. Cocaine
is a powerful central nervous system stimulant, creating a quick,
intense euphoria, accompanied by a decrease in hunger, indifference
to pain and fatigue, and illusions of great physical strength
and mental capacity. Crack is an extremely addicting form of
cocaine that is smoked. Cocaine addiction when in "crack" or
rock form seems to trigger compulsive dependency most rapidly.
Cocaine causes dramatic changes in the way brain cells operate.
As a powerful stimulant, it causes the activity of the brain
to speed up. The result can make the brain inoperative, unable
to send its life supporting messages to the heart and lungs.
A violent seizure and death will follow. Cocaine can also kill
through heart attacks brought on by the extra strain forced
on the heart. Cocaine constricts the blood vessels of the user
placing a tremendous stress on the heart and circulatory system.
Death can also occur by severe irregular heartbeat, a stroke
or a brain seizure. Even first time users can suffer stroke,
heart attack or respiratory failure. Cocaine is a profound producer
of mental depression. Cocaine causes other psychological problems
including:
- Anxiety Attacks
- Intense Irritability
- Acute Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Violent Behavior
- Suicide
Other deaths are caused by suffocation brought on by an unnaturally
deep sleep or unconsciousness resulting from a cocaine binge.
The anesthetized tissues in the back of the throat may block
breathing. Cocaine is often mixed with other drugs, particularly
alcohol, which increases the user's risks dramatically.
Since both use and possession of these drugs are criminal acts,
users face not only addiction but possible imprisonment. When
either product is used with alcohol they pose particular concern
for heart failure and loss of consciousness. Cocaine and crack
have been major factors in auto accidents, deaths by drowning
and suicide. Injected cocaine increases risk of HIV and hepatitis
infections.
back to top
Methamphetamines
Crystal Methamphetamine is easily manufactured in homemade and
unsafe labs. It is a seriously addictive substance and has become
a growing epidemic. A study published by the National Association
of Counties reports "Meth" users as typically 20 to 30 years
old, ranging from college students to blue collar workers. It
affects men and women equally. Crystal Meth is now reported
as the number one drug problem in many counties across the nation.
In addition, it has become a growing problem in gay communities
nationwide and is being linked to a recent rise in HIV infection
rates.
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant affecting the central
nervous system. The user experiences increased wakefulness,
an increase in physical activity, a loss of appetite, and a
feeling of euphoria. The drug may be taken orally, by snorting,
injecting, or smoking. Methamphetamine is known by many street
names, including Meth, Ice, Chalk, Crystal, Tina, Crank, and
Glass.
Long term side effects of use include behavioral changes, insomnia,
and paranoia. Convulsions and death are possible. The drug can
permanently destroy many of the brain's neurotransmitters, resulting
in "holes" in the brain.
Methamphetamine use is increasing drastically. Arrests for use
or production in so called "Meth labs" have greatly risen. In
response, the 12 step group Crystal Meth Anonymous has spread
throughout the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.
back to top
Opiates & Painkillers
Opiates come from the juice in the unripe seedpods of the opium
poppy. These drugs are used medically to relieve pain, coughing
and diarrhea. They also offer an intense euphoric effect for
people seeking a high. Opiates give a brief dream-like sense
of well-being and relaxation. Their use results, very quickly,
in addiction. Heroin accounts for a large percentage of opiate
abuse. However, medicines such as morphine, meperidine, and
cough medicines with codeine are also abused and can lead to
addiction. Side effects of opiates include drowsiness, dizziness,
constipation, euphoria, mood swings and mental confusion. Over
time, opiate users may develop infections of the heart lining
and valves, skin abscesses and congested lungs.
Since heroin enters the brain so rapidly it generates a "rush"
that is particularly appealing and addictive. Euphoria is induced
quickly when injected and mental functions are quickly clouded.
The heart is slowed, breathing diminishes. Heroin's history
is rife with deadly overdoses as the "purity" of the drug is
often unknown and its addictive qualities are so high. Because
needle sharing is so common with users they are very prone to
HIV and hepatitis infections.
After physical dependency sets in the addict requires ever-increased
dosages to attain new highs. If dosages are reduced withdrawal
symptoms result. These may include muscle and joint pain, chills
and uncontrolled leg movements. Such symptoms may last for many
months even under medical treatment.
OxyContin is being abused as a substitute for heroin and addiction
occurs when it is not used as prescribed. The popularity of
OxyContin is growing along with its sometimes fatal consequences when
used with alcohol and other drugs. Presently authorities are
generating widespread warnings about OxyContin addiction and
first time abusers. Over the past several years over 300 persons
have died from OxyContin overdoses, usually in combination with
alcohol.
back to top
Marijuana
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the U.S. It
is considered a "first indicator" or introduction to later substance
abuse. The marijuana smoked in the United States consists of
the dried top level of the flower and dried top leaves of the
plant cannabis sativa. Unlike alcohol, a relatively simple chemical,
marijuana contains over 400 chemicals, 60 of which are unique
to the marijuana plant. Marijuana, when lit, causes an additional
1,600 chemicals to be formed. As the pot smoker inhales, these
chemicals invade every cell of the user's body.
The ingredient that creates the "high" is Delta-9-THC, commonly referred to
as THC. Like alcohol, marijuana is a central nervous system
depressant. Pot, like most other drugs, wears down the motivation
of users. It erodes the will to perform. Ambition is lost. Success
and achievement no longer matter to the chronic marijuana user.
In addition to the unknown short and long term dangers of
so many chemicals entering the user's body, THC has a particular
characteristic that increases its harmfulness. THS is soluble
in fat; THC is not soluble in water. Since our body gets rid
of its waste through a water system using urine, feces, sweat
and blood, THC cannot escape. It stays trapped in the body.
In addition, THC finds it's resting place in fatty parts of
the body. The most sensitive and critical are: the brain, the
lungs, the liver and the reproductive system.
back to top
Inhalants
Inhalants are breathable chemicals that produce mind-altering
vapors. They include amyl and butyl nitrate, solvents such as
glue and lighter fluid and aerosol products. They produce effects
similar to anesthetics. High doses can cause unconsciousness.
Inhalants can cause nausea, lack of coordination, loss of appetite,
decreased heart and breathing rate, and tiredness. Loss of self-control,
violent behavior, losing touch with one's surroundings and unconsciousness
can result from deep breathing of vapors or using a lot over
a short period. Death from use is not unusual. This can be caused
by suffocation, depressed central nervous system response or
aspiration from vomiting. Long-term use can result in weight
loss, nervous system damage, liver, kidney, and blood and bone
damage.
back to top
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs cause a special danger to chemically dependent
people. Often the abused drugs are taken initially for legitimate
medical reasons: for example, to assist in reducing pain from
chronic illness such as arthritis or headaches. Dependence on
prescription drugs can occur over a few weeks or several years.
Denial, because of the nature of the initial use, can be very
high. When the patient attempts to stop using the prescription
drug, the initial problem appears to re-emerge and new problems
are often added. The addictive cycle has begun. Chemically dependent
people in recovery must take responsibility for monitoring the
prescription drugs they use. Any mood-altering drug can lead
to relapse and a return to chemical abuse. Your chemical dependency
must be stated to your physician and pharmacist. Even then,
a careful self-monitoring of prescribed medicines is important.
back to top
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens, or psychedelics affect a person's perceptions,
sensations, thinking and emotions. They include drugs such as
LSD, mescaline, DMT and peyote. They are used in various ways
from tablets to smoking to eating mushrooms. They cause intense
physical and psychological effects on the body and mind. Heavy
users develop brain damage such as impaired memory and attention
span and confusion. Other effects include increased heart rate
and blood pressure, sweating, tremors and sleeplessness. Bad
trips may result in panic, confusion, suspiciousness, and feelings
of helplessness and loss of control. Flashbacks of experiencing
the effects without taking the drug can occur. Mood swings and
sense of time and self can change causing panic. Mental or emotional
problems that were not apparent can be unmasked with use.
Please visit the Partnership for a Drug-Free America's website
at http://www.drugfreeamerica.org
for a complete description of drugs by name, by slang, by image
and paraphernalia.
back to top
|
|
|
|
