DRUG ABUSE
The National Cancer Institute defines drug abuse as the use of illegal or prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than the purposes for which they are intended to be used or in large quantities.
Common signs and symptoms of drug addiction:
Amphetamines (speed or whiz)
Amphetamine is a synthetic stimulant. It comes in powder form and is usually white, yellow, gray, or pink. It is snorted or ingested, and it takes effect after about half an hour. It has various products, including:
Feelings of awakening
Vigilance
Confidence increased
Sociality
Physical or mental activity
But just as the body's energy levels are low, the user is prone to anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and dizziness.
Users can develop tolerance with increased use of amphetamines, the back is primarily emotional, but users may experience a mild physical back, including feelings of depression, lethargy, and extreme hunger.
Amphetamine is illegal and is currently a Class B drug in Jersey.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are prescription-only drugs under the Medicines Act. They can be misused and bought illegally on the black market.
They are usually prescribed for the short-term treatment of anxiety and sleep problems. Tolerance does not develop substantially when taken in low doses, but when people use large amounts, their patience can proliferate, and dosage increases are a risk.
Withdrawal symptoms can last from several days to several weeks, and in some extreme cases, months.
These withdrawal symptoms include:
1) Worry
2) insomnia
3) panic
4) nightmares
5) impersonation
6) increased sensory awareness
7)depression
8)risk of seizures with sudden withdrawal
Benzodiazepines are illegal unless a GP prescribes them, and they are currently a class C drug in Jersey.
Cannabis
Cannabis is commonly smoked along with tobacco. It is available in resin, dried and cut leaves, and - less typically - oil. The main active compound in cannabis is THC.
The effects of the drug are varied and include:
excitement
Laughter
vivid feelings
imagination and hallucinations
constant thoughts
Madness
These effects will vary depending on the individual, the environment, and the strength and amount of the drug used.
Cannabis is illegal and is currently a category B drug in Jersey.
Cocaine (Charlie, coke, snow)
Cocaine is usually found as a white crystalline powder and is generally inhaled but is sometimes made into a solution and injected.
The effects of cocaine are similar to those of amphetamines and cracks in that they are in the form of physical and mental stimulation. When the cocaine is snorted, the effect is almost immediate and peaks and fades within 15 - 30 minutes. This often results in users repeating their usage approximately every 20 minutes to maintain the desired effect.
The snorting of cocaine can lead to mucosal contraction and eventually perforation of the nasal septum.
Cocaine is illegal and is currently a class A drug in Jersey.
Crack (base, rocks, crystal)
Crack is similar to cocaine, although the effects are even more extreme. They take effect immediately and last for about 10 minutes.
Crack is usually smoked, and this can produce particularly aggressive and paranoid behaviors. Crack is highly addictive, although reports that crack is instantly addictive are false.
People experience feelings of:
- wellbeing
- exhilaration
- increased confidence
- loss of appetite
- indifference to pain and fatigue
- hallucinations
- paranoia
In rare cases, users have died from an overdose. Heavy and regular use can cause feelings of nausea, restlessness, insomnia, over-excitability, and weight loss.
Crack is illegal and is currently a class A drug in Jersey.
Ecstasy (XTC, Adam & Eve, doves, pills)
Ecstasy mainly comes in tablet form but can come in capsules or powder. The tablets can come in several different colors and often display a logo. It is usually swallowed but is sometimes snorted; its effects are experienced after 20 - 60 minutes and can last for 3 - 6 hours. The chemical name for pure ecstasy is MDMA.
Ecstasy acts on the central nervous system and increases brain activity. The pupils become dilated, the jaw tightens, and there is often brief nausea, sweating, dry mouth, and throat. The blood pressure and heart rate increase, and sweating is standard.
Users report a mild euphoric and hallucinogenic effect, loss of anger, empathy with other people, and an enhanced sense of communication.
Ecstasy affects the body's temperature regulation; excessive dancing can lead to overheating and dehydration - and in some cases, death. It is recommended that users take small, regular sips of water but no more than a pint of water an hour as deaths have also been related to users taking in too much water, which is very dangerous to the body.
Ecstasy is illegal and is currently a class A drug in Jersey.
Heroin (scag, smack, gear)
Heroin is one of a group of drugs called opiates that are derived from the opium poppy. It usually comes as an off-white or brown powder. Several synthetic opiates are also manufactured for medical use and are open to abuse due to their similar effects to heroin; these include:
- dihydrocodeine (Df118)
- codeine
- tramadol
- pethidine
- diaconal
Methadone and Subutex are prescribed as substitute drugs in the treatment of heroin addiction.
Heroin is usually smoked ('chasing the dragon'), snorted, or prepared for injection. Heroin is a powerful pain killer and has euphoric qualities. The combined effects make heroin a very effective escapist drug.
Effects include:
- sense of wellbeing
- feeling warm and content
- drowsy and untroubled
- sense of calm
- feeling of pleasure
- absence of worry, anxiety, or pain
At higher doses, the user may become heavily sedated, be sleepy, unable to talk, and appear to fall asleep for a few minutes at a time. This is referred to as 'touching or 'nodding.'
There is an unpleasant period of withdrawal (often called “cold turkey”). These symptoms may begin within 6 to 24 hours of discontinuation and last for weeks or even months after.
Symptoms include:
- sweating
- malaise
- anxiety
- depression
- a general feeling of heaviness
- excessive yawning or sneezing
- insomnia
- cold sweats
- chills
- severe muscle and bone aches
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- cramps
- fever
Heroin remains one of the most problematic illicit substances in the UK.
All opiates, unless prescribed, are illegal and are currently Class A drugs in Jersey.
You must be logged in to post a comment.