drugs information

Mental Health and Growing Up

    *
      Jameel's story, aged 17

Information about drugs - what parents need to know: information for parents, carers and anyone who works with young people

    * Arabic version
    * Printable version


About this leaflet
This is one in a series of leaflets for parents, teachers and young people entitled Mental Health and Growing Up. The aims of these leaflets are to provide practical, up-to-date information about mental health problems (emotional, behavioural and psychiatric disorders) that can affect children and young people. This leaflet offers practical advice for parents and teachers who are worried that a young person is misusing drugs or alcohol.

Introduction                                  
Who uses drugs?
Many young people smoke, drink alcohol and may try drugs. They may do it for fun, because they are curious, or to be like their friends. Some are experimenting with the feeling of intoxication.

Risks and dangers
Using street drugs or alcohol might make you feel good, but they can damage your health. Here are some of the basic facts:


    * It is dangerous to mix drugs and alcohol. They each may increase the effects of the other substance, e.g. ecstasy and alcohol can lead to dehydration (overheating), and cause coma and death.
    * You cannot know for sure what is in the drug you buy. It might not contain what the dealer says. Some dealers might mix it with other substances or you may get a higher dose of a drug than you are used to, which can be fatal.
    * Serious infections, such as HIV and hepatitis, can be spread by sharing needles or `equipment'.
    * Accidents, arguments and fights are more likely after drinking and drug use.
    * Using drugs can lead to serious mental illness such as psychosis or depression, and to health problems and overdoses.


How do you know if your child is using drugs?
Occasional use can be very difficult to detect. If someone is using on a regular basis, their behaviour often changes. Look for signs such as:


    * unexplained moodiness
    * behaviour that is `out of character'
    * loss of interest in school or friends
    * unexplained loss of clothes or money
    * unusual smells, silver foil.


Remember, none of these guarantees that your child is using drugs.

What can parents do?
In general

    * Pay attention to what your child is doing, including school work, friends and leisure time.
    * Learn about the effects of alcohol and drugs (see www.talktofrank.com/).
    * Listen to what your child says about alcohol and drugs and talk about it with them.
    * Encourage your child to be informed and responsible about drugs and alcohol.
    * Talk to other parents, friends or teachers about drugs - the facts and your fears.


If your child is using
Do...

    * make sure of your facts (www.talktofrank.com)
    * stay calm.


Don't...

    * give up on them
    * get into long debates or arguments when they are drunk, stoned or high
    * blame them - you may lose their confidence.


Where to get help
You can talk in confidence to your general practitioner or practice nurse. They can give information and advice on local support and treatment facilities. Other helpful agencies include:


    * voluntary counselling centres
    * teachers and school nurses
    * youth and community workers
    * drug and alcohol agencies
    * child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)
    * social workers
    * police.


References

    * Carr, A. (ed.) (2000) 'What Works with Children and Adolescents?' - A Critical Review of Psychological Interventions with Children, Adolescents and their Families. London: Brunner-Routledge.
    * Rutter, M. & Taylor, E. (eds) (2002) 'Child and Adolescent Psychiatry' (4th edn). London: Blackwell.
    * Scott, A., Shaw, M. & Joughin, C. (2001) 'Finding the Evidence' - A Gateway to the Literature in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (2nd edn). London: Gaskell.


Sources of further information
    * NHS Direct can provide help and advice on any aspect of drug and alcohol use: Tel. 0845 4647; www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
    * NHS Smoking Helpline 0800 169 0169; www.givingupsmoking.co.uk.
    * Talk to Frank is a free confidential drugs information and advice line. Tel. 0800 776600; e-mail: frank@talktofrank.com; www.talktofrank.com.
      Or you may like to look at these websites:
    * www.addiction.org.uk
    * www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
    * www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
    * www.al-anonuk.org.uk
    * www.drinksense.org
    * www.theantidrug.com
    * The Mental Health and Growing Up series contains 36 leaflets on a range of common mental health problems, including discipline, behavioural problems and conduct disorder, and stimulant medication. To order the pack, contact Book Sales at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 17 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PG; tel. 020 7235 2351, ext. 146; fax 020 7245 1231; e-mail: booksales@rcpsych.ac.uk, or you can download them from this website.



Donation button© [2004] Royal College of Psychiatrists. This leaflet may be downloaded, printed out, photocopied and distributed free of charge as long as the Royal College of Psychiatrists is properly credited and no profit is gained from its use. Permission to reproduce it in any other way must be obtained from the Head of Publications. The College does not allow reposting of its leaflets on other sites, but allows them to be linked to directly.

over the counter drugs

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medicines that may be sold directly to a consumer without a prescription from a healthcare professional, as compared to prescription drugs, which may be sold only to consumers possessing a valid prescription.

In many countries, OTC drugs are selected by a regulatory agency to ensure that they are ingredients that are safe and effective when used without a physician's care. OTC drugs are usually regulated by active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), not final products. By regulating APIs instead of specific drug formulations, governments allow manufacturers freedom to formulate ingredients, or combinations of ingredients, into proprietary mixtures.


The term over-the-counter may be somewhat counter-intuitive, since, in many countries, these drugs are often located on the shelves of stores like any other packaged product. In contrast, prescription drugs are almost always passed over a counter from the pharmacist to the customer.

Some drugs may be legally classified as over-the-counter (i.e., no prescription is required), but may only be dispensed by a pharmacy employee after an assessment of the patient's needs and/or the provision of patient education. In many countries, a number of OTC drugs are available in establishments without a pharmacy, such as general stores, supermarkets, gas stations, etc.

Regulations detailing the establishments where drugs may be sold, who is authorized to dispense them, and whether a prescription is required vary considerably from country to country.
In the United States, the manufacture and sale of OTC substances is regulated by the FDA.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires that all "new drugs" obtain a New Drug Application ("NDA") prior to entering interstate commerce, but the act exempts any drugs generally recognized as safe and effective ("GRAS/E") from this requirement.

In order to deal with the vast number of OTC drugs that were already on the market prior to the requirement that all drugs obtain an NDA, the FDA created the OTC monograph system to review classes of drugs and categorize them as GRAS/E after review by expert panels. This meant that certain classes of OTC drugs were not required to obtain an NDA and could remain on the market if they conformed to the monograph guidelines for doses, labeling, and warnings.

Thus, manufacture must be done either pursuant to an FDA monograph, which specifies types of OTC drugs, active ingredients, and labeling requirements, or pursuant to a New Drug Application (NDA), for products that do not fit within a specific monograph.

Examples of OTC substances approved in the USA are sunscreens, anti-microbial and anti-fungal products, external and internal analgesics such as lidocaine and aspirin, psoriasis and eczema topical treatments, anti-dandruff shampoos containing coal tar, and other topical products with a therapeutic effect.

facts about drugs

Straight Facts About Drugs and Alcohol:








How Can I Tell If a Friend or a Loved One Has a Problem With Alcohol, Marijuana, or Other Illicit Drugs?

Sometimes it is tough to tell. Most people won't walk up to someone they're close to and ask for help. In fact, they will probably do everything possible to deny or hide the problem. But, there are certain warning signs that may indicate that a family member or friend is using drugs and drinking too much alcohol.

If your friend or loved one has one or more of the following signs, he or she may have a problem with drugs or alcohol:

        * Getting high on drugs or getting drunk on a regular basis

        * Lying about things, or the amount of drugs or alcohol they are using

        * Avoiding you and others in order to get high or drunk

        * Giving up activities they used to do such as sports, homework, or hanging out with friends who don't use drugs or drink

        * Having to use more marijuana or other illicit drugs to get the same effects

        * Constantly talking about using drugs or drinking

        * Believing that in order to have fun they need to drink or use marijuana or other drugs

        * Pressuring others to use drugs or drink

        * Getting into trouble with the law

        * Taking risks, including sexual risks and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs

        * Feeling run-down, hopeless, depressed, or even suicidal

        * Suspension from school for an alcohol- or drug-related incident

        * Missing work or poor work performance because of drinking or drug use

Many of the signs, such as sudden changes in mood, difficulty in getting along with others, poor job or school performance, irritability, and depression, might be explained by other causes. Unless you observe drug use or excessive drinking, it can be hard to determine the cause of these problems. Your first step is to contact a qualified alcohol and drug professional in your area who can give you further advice.

How Can I Tell if I Have a Problem with Drugs or Alcohol?

Drug and alcohol problems can affect every one of us regardless of age, sex, race, marital status, place of residence, income level, or lifestyle.

You may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, if:

        * You can't predict whether or not you will use drugs or get drunk.
        * You believe that in order to have fun you need to drink and/or use drugs.
        * You turn to alcohol and/or drugs after a confrontation or argument, or to relieve uncomfortable feelings.
        * You drink more or use more drugs to get the same effect that you got with smaller amounts.
        * You drink and/or use drugs alone.
        * You remember how last night began, but not how it ended, so you're worried you may have a problem.
        * You have trouble at work or in school because of your drinking or drug use.
        * You make promises to yourself or others that you'll stop getting drunk or using drugs.
        * You feel alone, scared, miserable, and depressed.

If you have experienced any of the above problems, take heart, help is available. More than a million Americans like you have taken charge of their lives and are living healthy and drug-free.


How Can I Get Help?

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You can get help for yourself or for a friend or loved one from numerous national, State, and local organizations, treatment centers, referral centers, and hotlines throughout the country. There are various kinds of treatment services and centers. For example, some may involve outpatient counseling, while others may be 3- to 5-week-long inpatient programs.

While you or your friend or loved one may be hesitant to seek help, know that treatment programs offer organized and structured services with individual, group, and family therapy for people with alcohol and drug abuse problems. Research shows that when appropriate treatment is given, and when clients follow their prescribed program, treatment can work. By reducing alcohol and/or drug abuse, treatment reduces costs to society in terms of medical care, law enforcement, and crime. More importantly, treatment can help keep you and your loved ones together.

Remember, some people may go through treatment a number of times before they are in full recovery. Do not give up hope.

Each community has its own resources. Some common referral sources that are often listed in the phone book are:

    * Community Drug Hotlines
    * Local Emergency Health Clinics, or Community Treatment Services
    * City/Local Health Departments
    * Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or Al-Anon/Alateen
    * Hospitals

*For a list of additional resources and organizations, check out the resources list at the end of this document.


HERE ARE THE STRAIGHT FACTS... About Marijuana

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and tends to be the first illegal drug teens use. The physical effects of marijuana use, particularly on developing adolescents, can be acute.

Short-term effects of using marijuana:

    * sleepiness

    * difficulty keeping track of time, impaired or reduced short-term memory

    * reduced ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car

    * increased heart rate

    * potential cardiac dangers for those with preexisting heart disease

    * bloodshot eyes

    * dry mouth and throat

    * decreased social inhibitions

    * paranoia, hallucinations

Long-term effects of using marijuana:

    * enhanced cancer risk

    * decrease in testosterone levels for men; also lower sperm counts and difficulty having children

    * increase in testosterone levels for women; also increased risk of infertility

    * diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure

    * psychological dependence requiring more of the drug to get the same effect

Marijuana blocks the messages going to your brain and alters your perceptions and emotions, vision, hearing, and coordination. A recent study of 1,023 trauma patients admitted to a shock trauma unit found that one-third had marijuana in their blood.
HERE ARE THE STRAIGHT FACTS...   About Cigarette Smoking

Although many people smoke because they believe cigarettes calm their nerves, smoking releases epinephrine, a hormone which creates physiological stress in the smoker, rather than relaxation. The use of tobacco is addictive. Most users develop tolerance for nicotine and need greater amounts to produce a desired effect. Smokers become physically and psychologically dependent and will suffer withdrawal symptoms including: changes in body temperature, heart rate, digestion, muscle tone, and appetite. Psychological symptoms include: irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, nervousness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and cravings for tobacco that can last days, weeks, months, years, or an entire lifetime.

Risks associated with smoking cigarettes:

    * diminished or extinguished sense of smell and taste

    * frequent colds

    * smoker's cough

    * gastric ulcers

    * chronic bronchitis

    * increase in heart rate and blood pressure

    * premature and more abundant face wrinkles

    * emphysema

    * heart disease

    * stroke

    * cancer of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, lungs, pancreas, cervix, uterus, and bladder

Cigarette smoking is perhaps the most devastating preventable cause of disease and premature death.

Smoking is particularly dangerous for teens because their bodies are still developing and changing and the 4,000 chemicals (including 200 known poisons) in cigarette smoke can adversely affect this process.

Cigarettes are highly addictive. One-third of young people who are just "experimenting" end up being addicted by the time they are 20.


HERE ARE THE STRAIGHT FACTS...   About Alcohol

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of problem drinking that results in health consequences, social, problems, or both. However, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, refers to a disease that is characterized by abnormal alcohol-seeking behavior that leads to impaired control over drinking.

Short-term effects of alcohol use include:

    * distorted vision, hearing, and coordination
    * altered perceptions and emotions
    * impaired judgment
    * bad breath; hangovers

Long-term effects of heavy alcohol use include:

    * loss of appetite
    * vitamin deficiencies
    * stomach ailments
    * skin problems
    * sexual impotence
    * liver damage
    * heart and central nervous system damage
    * memory loss

How Do I Know If I, or Someone Close, Has a Drinking Problem?

    * Here are some quick clues:
    * Inability to control drinking--it seems that regardless of what you decide beforehand, you frequently wind up drunk
    * Using alcohol to escape problems
    * A change in personality--turning from Dr. Jekyl to Mr. Hyde
    * A high tolerance level--drinking just about everybody under the table
    * Blackouts--sometimes not remembering what happened while drinking
    * Problems at work or in school as a result of drinking
    * Concern shown by family and friends about drinking

If you have a drinking problem, or if you suspect you have a drinking problem, there are many others out there like you, and there is help available. Talk to school counselor, a friend, or a parent.


HERE ARE THE STRAIGHT FACTS...   About Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug chemically related to amphetamine but with stronger effects on the central nervous system. Street names for the drug include "speed," "meth," and "crank."

Methamphetamine is used in pill form, or in powdered form by snorting or injecting. Crystallized methamphetamine known as "ice," "crystal," or "glass," is a smokable and more powerful form of the drug.

The effects of methamphetamine use include:

    * increased heart rate and blood pressure

    * increased wakefulness; insomnia

    * increased physical activity

    * decreased appetite

    * respiratory problems

    * extreme anorexia

    * hyperthermia, convulsions, and cardiovascular problems, which can lead to death

    * euphoria

    * irritability, confusion, tremors

    * anxiety, paranoia, or violent behavior

    * can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes

Methamphetamine users who inject the drug and share needles are at risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS.

Methamphetamine is an increasingly popular drug at raves (all night dancing parties), and as part of a number of drugs used by college-aged students. Marijuana and alcohol are commonly listed as additional drugs of abuse among methamphetamine treatment admissions. Most of the methamphetamine-related deaths (92%) reported in 1994 involved methamphetamine in combination with at least one other drug, most often alcohol (30%), heroin (23%), or cocaine (21%). Researchers continue to study the long-term effects of methamphetamine use.


HERE ARE THE STRAIGHT FACTS...   About Cocaine and Crack Cocaine

Cocaine is a white powder that comes from the leaves of the South American coca plant. Cocaine is either "snorted" through the nasal passages or injected intravenously. Cocaine belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants, which tend to give a temporary illusion of limitless power and energy that leave the user feeling depressed, edgy, and craving more. Crack is a smokable form of cocaine that has been chemically altered. Cocaine and crack are highly addictive. This addiction can erode physical and mental health and can become so strong that these drugs dominate all aspects of an addict's life.

Physical risks associated with using any amount of cocaine and crack:

    * increases in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature
    * heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory failure
    * hepatitis or AIDS through shared needles
    * brain seizures
    * reduction of the body's ability to resist and combat infection

Psychological risks:

    * violent, erratic, or paranoid behavior
    * hallucinations and "coke bugs"--a sensation of imaginary insects crawling over the skin
    * confusion, anxiety and depression, loss of interest in food or sex
    * "cocaine psychosis"--losing touch with reality, loss of interest in friends, family, sports, hobbies, and other activities

Some users spend hundred or thousands of dollars on cocaine and crack each week and will do anything to support their habit. Many turn to drug selling, prostitution, or other crimes.

Cocaine and crack use has been a contributing factor in a number of drownings, car crashes, falls, burns, and suicides.

Cocaine and crack addicts often become unable to function sexually.

Even first time users may experience seizures or heart attacks, which can be fatal.


HERE ARE THE STRAIGHT FACTS...   About Hallucinogens

Hallucinogenic drugs are substances that distort the perception of objective reality. The most well-known hallucinogens include phencyclidine, otherwise known as PCP, angel dust, or loveboat; lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD or acid; mescaline and peyote; and psilocybin, or "magic" mushrooms. Under the influence of hallucinogens, the senses of direction, distance, and time become disoriented. These drugs can produce unpredictable, erratic, and violent behavior in users that sometimes leads to serious injuries and death. The effect of hallucinogens can last for 12 hours.


LSD produces tolerance, so that users who take the drug repeatedly must take higher and higher doses in order to achieve the same state of intoxication. This is extremely dangerous, given the unpredictability of the drug, and can result in increased risk of convulsions, coma, heart and lung failure, and even death.

Physical risks associated with using hallucinogens:

    * increased heart rate and blood pressure
    * sleeplessness and tremors
    * lack of muscular coordination
    * sparse, mangled, and incoherent speech
    * decreased awareness of touch and pain that can result in self-inflicted injuries
    * convulsions
    * coma; heart and lung failure

Psychological risks associated with using hallucinogens:

    * a sense of distance and estrangement
    * depression, anxiety, and paranoia
    * violent behavior
    * confusion, suspicion, and loss of control
    * flashbacks
    * behavior similar to schizophrenic psychosis
    * catatonic syndrome whereby the user becomes mute, lethargic, disoriented, and makes meaningless repetitive movements

Everyone reacts differently to hallucinogens--there's no way to predict if you can avoid a "bad trip."


HERE ARE THE STRAIGHT FACTS...   About Inhalants

Inhalants refer to substances that are sniffed or huffed to give the user an immediate head rush or high. They include a diverse group of chemicals that are found in consumer products such as aerosols and cleaning solvents. Inhalant use can cause a number of physical and emotional problems, and even one-time use can result in death.

Using inhalants even one time can put you at risk for:

    * sudden death
    * suffocation
    * visual hallucinations and severe mood swings
    * numbness and tingling of the hands and feet

Prolonged use can result in:

    * headache, muscle weakness, abdominal pain
    * decrease or loss of sense of smell
    * nausea and nosebleeds
    * hepatitis
    * violent behaviors
    * irregular heartbeat
    * liver, lung, and kidney impairment
    * irreversible brain damage
    * nervous system damage
    * dangerous chemical imbalances in the body
    * involuntary passing of urine and feces

Short-term effects of inhalants include:

    * heart palpitations
    * breathing difficulty
    * dizziness
    * headaches

Remember, using inhalants, even one time, can kill you. According to medical experts, death can occur in at least five ways:

   1. asphyxia--solvent gases can significantly limit available oxygen in the air, causing breathing to stop;
   2. suffocation--typically seen with inhalant users who use bags;
   3. choking on vomit;
   4. careless behaviors in potentially dangerous settings; and
   5. sudden sniffing death syndrome, presumably from cardiac arrest.

pictures of drugs

Street Drugs

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Mexico are among the nations that have eased the penalties for drug possession and personal use. The cost of incarcerating users has overwhelmed government budgets and the prison system and does not appear to be a deterrent to the drug problem in Latin America.
Colombia, however is going in the opposite direction. A 1994 Constitutional amendment that decriminalized personal use of drugs has been reversed. Apparently, something learned by Colombia hasn't quite caught on in the Southern Hemisphere.

"Molly" has properties similar to the stimulant effects of Ecstasy, but taken in larger doses it promotes hallucinogenic reactions. This poses an even greater risk to young adults who have taken Ecstasy previously and accidentally overdose by trying to achieve the hallucinogenic effects. DEA is currently conducting "Operation X-Out", which is a nationwide initiative to increase education and enforcement operations involving club and predatory drugs.

Drug distributors have invaded the Internet with misinformation regarding the dangers of club and "date rape" drugs that are marketed toward young people. Effective information campaigns are essential to inform young Americans about club drugs such as GHB, Ecstasy, Ketamine and TFMPP, which are promoted by individuals who disguise their deadly effects.

"This is another example of individuals exploiting our young people with dangerous mixtures of chemicals that have the potential for deadly consequences. The DEA working closely with state and local law enforcement agencies, will do everything in our power to protect our children," said Michael A. Braun, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division.

Alcohol
Toxicology Detection: Very quickly, generally within 24 hours
Psychological Effects: Poor judgment, loss of memory, decreased alertness, lack of inhibitions, and blackouts
Chronic use: Hallucinations, permanent neurological impairment due to destruction of brain cells and alteration of brain metabolism
Physical Effects: Loss of motor control and coordination, slurred speech, double vision, low blood pressure, decreased and shallow respiration, coma and death
Chronic use: a host of liver, heart, and other organ diseases; high blood pressure and possible stroke or heart attack
Withdrawal Symptoms: Tremors, sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, high blood pressure, possible hallucinations, convulsions and death. Withdrawal is life-threatening.

Amphetamines
Street Names: Bennies, black beauties, bumble bees, co-pilots, Crank, Cross tops, Crystal meth, Dexies, Footballs, Hearts, Hot Ice, Ice, L.A. glass, Meth, MDMA, Pep pills, Speed, Uppers

Toxicology Detection: 48 to 72 hours 
Psychological Effects: A low dose can cause alertness, euphoria, increased motor performance and energy, as well as irritability, restlessness, and panic. High doses can cause brief psychosis, increased aggressiveness, and antisocial behaviors
Physical Effects: Body becomes ready for "fight or flight"; can cause stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure
Withdrawal Symptoms: Confusion, apathy, irritability, depression, increased appetite and need for sleep

Barbiturates
Street Names: Amytal, Downers, Nembutal, Phenobarbital, Reds, Red birds, Red devils, Seconal, Tuninal, Yellowjackets
Toxicology Detection: Slowly, about half is metabolized within 48 hours
Phenobarbital may be detected 4 weeks later
Psychological Effects: Like alcohol inebriation, but with greater euphoria and disinhibition. Higher doses can lead to memory loss, greater impairment in judgment, paranoia and suicidal ideation
Physical Effects: Sleepiness, slurred speech, decreased respiration, and can lead to death. Tolerance develops quickly, and danger of an overdose, especially when taken with another drug, is significant
Withdrawal Symptoms: Same as those of alcohol. Withdrawal is life-threatening.

Benzodiazepenes
Street Names: Rohypnol, Roofies, Flunitrazepam, Ruffies, Roches, R-2, Valium)
Toxicology Detection: 7 to 30 days
Psychological Effects: Aggressiveness, high energy, increased disinhibition, may be used prior to "slam dancing" or "Date Rape"
Physical Effects: Drowsiness, loss of memory, consciousness, and motor control; headaches, dizziness, and nightmares afterwards
Withdrawal Symptoms: Withdrawal is life-threatening due to risk of seizures

Cocaine
Street Names: Crack

Toxicology Detection: 48 to 72 hours  
Psychological Effects: Varies with dose and tolerance, but increased energy, alertness, and euphoria, as well as irritability and insomnia. High doses can cause psychosis, paranoia, and aggressive and antisocial behavior
Physical Effects: High blood pressure and pulse, increased risk for seizures, strokes, heart attacks, and death
Withdrawal Symptoms: Intense physical cravings, irritability, depression, paranoia, and suicidal ideation, sometimes delusions and hallucinations

LSD
Street Names: Acid, Bartman, Bart Simpson, microdots, gelatin chips, windowpanes/blotter, paper/blotter
Toxicology Detection: 30 hours
Psychological Effects: Hallucinations, distortion of time and space, good trips with pleasant affect, bad trips with paranoia, panic, and agitation
Physical Effects: Subtle changes in body temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, as well as sweating, chills, headache, and nausea
Withdrawal Symptoms: None

Marijuana
Street Names: Hash Oil, Pot, Refer, Weed
Toxicology Detection: Occasional use, 1-3 days: Weekly use, persistently positive test: Heavy use, even 1 month after cessation
Psychological Effects: Mild euphoria and relaxation, impaired motor control and memory, sometimes panic and paranoia. Chronic use may lead to apathy, poor judgment, decreased personal hygiene, and some lasting short-term memory impairments
Physical Effects: Higher blood pressure and pulse, increased appetite (munchies), dry (cotton) mouth, dizziness and nausea. Males have low sperm counts, females have irregular menstrual cycles
Withdrawal Symptoms: Insomnia, loss of appetite and weight, irritability, and rebound in REM sleep

Opiates
Street Names: Codeine, China White, Ddarvon, Darvocet, Demerol, dilaudid, heroin, methadone, Morphine, Percocet, Percodan, Talwin, Vicodin
Toxicology Detection: Sometimes 2 to 4 days
Psychological Effects: Pain relief, sleepiness, euphoria (on the "nod")
Physical Effects: Decreased respiration and motor control, nausea. China White is especially potent

Withdrawal Symptoms: 1 to 3 weeks, physical craving, anxiety, loss of appetite and weight, fatigue, nausea and diarrhea, not life-threatening 

PCP
Street Names: Angel Dust, Hog, Horse tranquilizer, Killerjoints, Peace pill, Sherman Sticks/tanks
Toxicology Detection: Up to 7 days
Psychological Effects: Feelings of being disconnected from reality, visual distortions, increased strength and aggressiveness, may cause brief psychotic episode
Physical Effects: Stupor, muscle rigidity, coma, convulsions
Withdrawal Symptoms: Violence, muscle rigidity, convulsions, coma, psychosis
.

Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is rife in a lot of countries. Billions of dollars are exhausted globally prevent drug use, treating addict, and fighting drug-related crime. though drugs intimidate many society, their effects can also be combat productively. This essay look at a number of the belongings of drug use on civilization, and suggest some solutions to the difficulty.

Drug abuse causes multiple problems for countries and communities. The checkup and psychological effects are very clear. Addicts cannot purpose as normal members of society. They abandon or abuse their families, and finally require luxurious treatment or hospitalization. The second result is on crime. Huge law enforcement capital are needed to fight smuggling and selling. Criminal gangs and mafia underworlds build up with the money from drugs.

However, the danger of drugs can be fought. teaching is the first battle. Children need to be told at home and in school about drugs. People need to be aware of the effects so that they can make avoid this problem. A second approach is to increase police manpower and powers to stop dealers and to enforce the law. However the main target should be the user.

Families and counselors need to talk to children and people at risk. Parents need to look at their children and help them to Jobs are needed to give people a role in society.
In conclusion, although the problem of drugs may seem impossible to eliminate, there are concrete steps that can be taken to weaken the hold of drugs on society. The danger from drugs is too great to ignore.

Ron the Humanitarian:

Drugs and Their Effect on Health and Life
L. Ron Hubbard, the Founder of Scientology, conducted extensive research on the effects of drugs. His original works on the subject date back to 1946. With the massive increase in the use of “recreational drugs” in the late 1960’s he found it necessary to develop technology to help the individual handle drug dependence and overcome the harmful effects of drugs. This web site gives a full survey of the technology he developed and how it is used.

What Scientology Service Helps the Individual Handle Drug Problems?
There is a specific Scientology service that not only helps a person overcome a current drug problem but can also help someone who may have taken drugs months or even years ago, yet is still experiencing unwanted mental, physical and spiritual side effects. What are the lingering effects of past drug use? What is this program and how does it work? These questions are answered here.
Scientology Books on Drugs and their Effect on Life.

In the book WHAT IS SCIENTOLOGY? L. Ron Hubbard writes: “Drugs can apparently change the attitude of a person from his original personality to one secretly harboring hostilities and hatreds he does not permit to show on the surface.” He also points out “While this may not hold true in all cases, it does establish a link between drugs and increasing difficulties with crime, production and the modern breakdown of social and industrial culture.”

You have probably seen examples of this yourself. But what can be done about it? By reading these you will discover how the original personality can be restored and people can overcome the factors in their lives that led them to take drugs in the first place. These web sites explain the mental and spiritual factors of drug abuse.

To say that drug abuse has become a major affliction in society is not an exaggeration; no aspect of life is untouched by this epidemic. Crime and violence are the most obvious byproducts, but amorality, ruined relationships, aborted careers, endangered families and ruined lives are no less serious and just as widespread. Can something be done about it?

Scientology Effective Solutions: Saving Lives from Drugs brochure, as presented here in its online edition, provides you with important information about what churches of Scientology and their members are doing about the drug problem.

This will also introduce you to the most effective solution to drug addiction and dependency – the drug rehabilitation methods developed by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard.
Scientology Effective Solutions: Saving Lives from Drugs also introduces our international drug prevention campaigns that are reducing drug use among the young with community initiatives, lectures and events, and distribution of millions of drug education booklets.

It describes the successful drug rehabilitation program – Narconon – dedicated to saving lives from drugs for more than three decades; now with 143 drug rehabilitation and education centers in 37 countries.