A drug is any chemical which affects the way you think or feel. Some drugs, such as marijuana and ecstasy, are illegal. Others, such as alcohol and cigarettes, are legal for people over a certain age. Using alcohol and other drugs can be tempting for a number of reasons, including:
Some drugs, such as alcohol, are relatively safe when used within responsible limits. Others, such as cigarettes, have no safe level of use. Drugs can also be addictive, which means that the more you use them, the more you need to use in order to get the same effect, and the harder it is to stop or control your use of the drug. Some drugs cause a physical dependency. This means that your body becomes dependent on the presence of the drug, and you can experience severe physical reactions when you stop using it.
There are two types of dependency: physical and psychological. With physical dependency, the body adjusts to the presence of the drug to the point that it requires the substance in order to function normally. When the drug is withdrawn, the body reacts with a range of physical symptoms which vary depending on the drug. Some drugs which can create a physical dependency are:
Psychological dependency refers to a feeling of needing the drug. The person may feel that they can't cope without using the drug. When the drug is withdrawn, they may have cravings for it. They may make attempts to cut down on their use of it, but repeatedly fall back into using it ("relapse").
Alcohol is the product of fermentation - a process in which yeast (a type of fungus) transforms sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Consumption of a moderate amount of alcohol produces a pleasantly euphoric feeling, relaxation and a mild feeling of dizziness. In larger quantities, it can cause vomiting, loss of physical coordination, memory "blackouts", aggressive or risk-taking behaviour, and unconsciousness. Very large overdoses can result in death. Alcohol is toxic to the body, causing the body to try to get rid of it through urination. This can result in dehydration, which is the cause of many of the unpleasant symptoms known as a "hangover".
Drinking to excess - "getting drunk" - can have a range of negative consequences over the short and long terms.
How much alcohol you can drink safely depends on your sex and body weight, but the generally accepted rule is:
A "standard drink" is one that contains 10 grams of alcohol. Typically, this means about:
Cigarettes contain the drug nicotine, which is a stimulant. It is a toxic chemical which is used in many insecticides. In the doses received when smoking, it raises the heart beat, increases alertness and creates a feeling of pleasure. It is widely considered the most addictive drug in terms of the level of dependency it creates in users. Prolonged use of cigarettes is one of the leading causes of ill health. Long term effects include:
For more information on the health effects of smoking when young see http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/research_data/youth/stspta5.htm.
The substance in cannabis leaves and buds that causes intoxication is a drug known as THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), which causes feelings of euphoria and relaxation, and mild sensory hallucinations and alterations . Cannabis is usually smoked, but it can also be eaten. The effect when smoked is rapid, and lasts for around forty-five minutes before tapering off. Cannabis is the most commonly used drug by young people, after alcohol and tobacco.
Although cannabis use does not lead to physical dependency, it can be psychologically addictive. Also, because it is often smoked with tobacco, users can develop a nicotine addiction. Inhalation of smoke from cannabis affects the respiratory system in a similar way to smoking tobacco, and can cause long-term damage and respiratory problems including cancers. Smoking cannabis through a 'bong' is particularly damaging to the lungs because of the concentration and quantity of smoke inhaled and the tendency of users to hold the smoke in their lungs for a long period.
Some users report that cannabis use creates feelings of paranoia and anxiety, particularly with regular use. Use of marijuana has also been linked to the onset of schizophrenia in people susceptible to the disease. Recent research has suggested that it may even be capable of causing schizophrenia, especially if it is smoked at a young age (i.e., during the teenage years). Research has also shown a connection between frequent cannabis use and depression. Cannabis also has effects on short-term memory and motivation. Regular users report a loss of interest in work and study.
Ecstasy (MDMA) is commonly used at rave parties. It is sometimes known as XTC, Adam, Roll or X and comes in the form of tablets, often in different colours with various designs printed on them. Ecstasy is related to amphetamines and is classed as a stimulant, although it also has hallucinogenic properties. It produces feelings of euphoria, self-confidence and reduced inhibition. Users feel an increased sense of empathy and closeness to other people.
There are several risks associated with the use of ecstasy. There have been a number of reported deaths related to the use of ecstasy, mostly caused by dehydration and hyperthermia (over-heating of the body) resulting from dancing in a hot environment for extended periods without sufficient intake of water. Ecstasy can give users a feeling of having greatly increased reserves of energy, and they fail to recognise the physical cues that they are becoming critically dehydrated. The resulting rise of core body temperature can cause seizures and organ failure.
Users of ecstasy often experience a feeling of depression, low energy and anxiety following use. This 'come down' can last for several days or even weeks. There is evidence to suggest that regular use of ecstasy can damage the ability of the brain to produce serotonin, an important neurotransmitter. Low levels of serotonin in the brain are associated with depression. The damage caused by ecstasy to the brain with regular use may be long-lasting or even irreversible, resulting in permanent emotional changes. Regular ecstasy use can also lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and other infections.
It is very difficult to know what a tablet that is sold as ecstasy actually contains. True ecstasy contains the drug MDMA; however, some tablets sold as ecstasy may contain other drugs or combinations of drugs, most commonly speed and/or ketamine (an anaesthetic sometimes used as a recreational drug). Obviously, not knowing what drugs you are taking and how much is dangerous.
Amphetamines are a family of related drugs which act as powerful stimulants, increasing alertness and giving a feeling of power, exhilaration and energy. Speed is often used as a club drug because it gives you the energy to dance for a long time without getting tired. Amphetamines suppress appetite, and were once prescribed as a slimming drug for this reason. They were also once given to air-force pilots to increase alertness and counter fatigue. The drug ritalin, prescribed to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), is also a form of amphetamine. Amphetamines can be taken orally as a tablet, snorted as a powder or injected. Methamphetamine (see below) can also be smoked. The "high" associated with using amphetamines is followed by a low which may last several days. During this time you feel irritable and depressed.
Methamphetamine, also known as "crystal meth" or "ice" is a crystalline form of amphetamine that is particularly powerful and long-lasting in its effects. It is regarded as one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs.
Heroin in its pure form is a white powdery substance that is derived from the sap of the opium poppy. Street heroin varies in purity and is usually "cut" or mixed with other substances such as milk powder, sugar or even substances such as brick dust, which may cause serious harm if injected. Less pure heroin may be brownish white or brown. It can be smoked, injected or, if it is of high purity, snorted. Heroin is closely related to morphine, which is used in hospitals to kill pain. All drugs derived from opium poppies (e.g., morphine, heroin, pethidine) are addictive. The effect of low doses of heroin is to produce a feeling of pleasure, warmth and well-being. At higher doses it causes sleepiness and relaxation. Heroin is a depressant, which slows down the nervous system and other physical functions. Overdoses cause death by suppressing breathing.
Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine is a common drug in the United States, due to its mass production in many countries in South America. It is less common in Australia, where speed tends to be more popular. Pure cocaine is a fine white powder, which may be snorted or injected. So-called freebase cocaine or "crack" is a less pure form of cocaine which is usually smoked, producing an intense, but short lived "rush". Cocaine induces a euphoric high, and increases sociability and energy. However, binge use is followed by a "crash" in which the user feels depressed, anxious and miserable.
www.talktofrank.com
A very helpful and informative site about drugs, aimed at young people.
