Youth Leadership Training
Drug Information
Workshops
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 1
Introduction
Youth Leadership Training - Drug Information Workshops
An important component to being an effective, confident leader and facilitator within the Youth Truth
Matters Project is taking the time to learn the facts on the illicit drugs which exist within your community.
One of the objectives of the Youth Truth Matters Project is for youth to develop the ability to be champions
and messengers for other youth about the dangers of illicit drugs. To accomplish the Youth Leaders will
need to know the facts on illicit drugs. These mini presentations were designed to educate Youth Leaders
and not designed for classroom presentations.
Within this section you will find a number for small information based power points which are to be used to
educate current and new leaders on a variety of drugs. It is important to note that information surrounding
certain drugs, particularly those that are newer (ie. Bath Salts), will likely change over time as more
research is conducted. It is advisable to do a little extra digging before presenting the material to ensure the
information is up to date.
Youth Leader Drug Workshops found in this section are:
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2
Bath Salts
Ecstasy/ MDMA
Cocaine/Crack
Salvia
Heroin
Methamphitamine
K2/SPICE
LSD/ Acid
Over The Counter (OCT) Drugs
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
Objective:
To educate Youth Leaders on the facts and other information surrounding illicit drugs through a series of
power point presentations.
Materials:
Computer and speakers
Power Point Workshops (Flash Drive)
Facilitator Notes (Flash Drive)
Time Frame: 20-30 minutes
Process:
1. Print copy of corresponding facilitator notes to the drug power point you have selected to present.
2. Familiarize yourself with the material on the power point as well as the facilitator notes.
3. Present Power Point
Things for the Facilitator to Consider:
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Be sure the material is current if presenting material on newer illicit drugs.
When presenting it is important to first read the material on the power point before delivering the
information from the facilitator notes.
Practice the presentation to know exactly how long the presentation may take.
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 3
BATH SALTS
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
BATH SALTS
Facilitators Notes:
Slide #3:
It has been reported that the effects are 10x more intense then Cocaine. Because of the newness
of “Bath Salts” there is limited and often sometimes conflicting information surrounding the side
effects. The euphoric sensation the users feel from this drug seems to outweigh the often times
negative side effects.
Slide #4:
“Bath Salts” are a designer drug created by street chemists, thus making it difficult to know what
chemicals are contained in any given batch.
Slide #5:
So what does this mean? Putting MDPV the list will put it in the same category as heroin and
cocaine, and regulating it will make possessing, trafficking, importing, exporting and producing
MDPV illegal.
Slide #6:
MDPV acts as a stimulant and can have similar effects as amphetamines. MVPD has been
reported to have cocaine like effect on the brain where as it acts as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor.
Slide #7:
The salt- or sugar-like clumps are marketed online or in retail outlets as "plant food" or "bath salt”
with to avoid regulation and drug control laws.
Another important loop hole in the marketing is labelling them not for human consumption which by
passes a many number of regulation.
Slide #8:
Unlike other street drugs “Bath Salts” can be purchased at local Head Shops and other such stores
that sell drug paraphernalia. In Fact one can purchase “Bath Salts” from the comfort of your own
home with the simple click of a button.
There is no real danger or seediness around obtaining this drug, as one would expect to do with
other illicit drugs. No having to meet and rub elbows with real active and often dangerous criminals.
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 5
Slide #9:
In the U.S. currently only a handful of states ban the sale of “Bath Salts”. The DEA has put a ban
on the sale of the sale or possession of the three chemicals for a year while they investigate.
Slide #10:
It has been stated that there is currently no screening for “Bath Salts”, that unless a user tells you
they have taken them then there is no way of testing due to the synthetic nature of the drug and is
undetectable with routine urine and blood drug tests. Tests that detect both MDPV and
mephedrone are reported to be costly, and the time frame to detect is limited to approximately 48
to 72 hours.
Slide #11:
In comparison to other stimulants such as cocaine “Bath Salts” are more affordable as well.
Slide #12:
Recent media reports the use of “Bath Salts” have been linked to very scary behaviours such as
cannibalism, extreme violence, murder and in some cases suicide.
Slide #13:
What is consistently reported that coming down from “Bath Salts” is worse than many other drugs
(excluding heroin) which usually leads to re-dosing. Re-dosing just leads to perpetuating the cycle.
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
COCAINE
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 7
COCAINE
Facilitators Notes:
Slide #3:
It was and still is used in religious ceremonies and used to combat debilitating effects of high
altitudes. It is not uncommon to find children on the side of the road cultivating coca plants.
Slide #4:
It was cocaine’s euphoric and energizing effects on the consumer that was mostly responsible for
skyrocketing Coca-Cola into its place as the most popular soft drink in history.
Many professionals also indorsed cocaine’s believed benefits. Sigmund Freud early in his career
broadly promoted cocaine as a safe and useful tonic that could cure depression and sexual
impotence.
Slide #5:
As one can see there are a variety of names out there for cocaine. The most common being
“Blow”.
Slide #6:
Cocaine trafficking is one of the most dangerous and leading drug threat in the US. It is the second
most trafficked illegal drug in the world. The sign of the scorpion used on these bricks indicate the
gang/lab in which the cocaine has come from. It takes 500 kilos of the coca leaves to produce 1
kilo of cocaine.
Slide #7:
Athletic performance may also be enhanced in sports where acute attention and endurance is
required. Anxiety, paranoia and restlessness are also frequent. With excessive dosage, tremors,
convulsions and increased body temperature are observed.
Slide #8:
A sharp object such as a razor blade or Stanley knife blade is often used for cutting the cocaine as
fine as possible.
When it reaches the nasal passages the coke is rapidly adsorbed into the blood vessels usually 3090 sec. When using this method the peak is in 15-30 minutes and wears off in about 45 min. Often
users believe this is the safer method of use in terms of lowering the risk of transmitting diseases
(which is often associated with injection) however, one can still be at risk through sharing the
funnel object used since blood vessels can bleed in the nasal passages.
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
Slide #9:
Injection/Intravenous: This method is the least common. Although the drug enters the blood
stream more rapidly and more intense, is also quite short lived. The high only lasting 15 minutes.
There is a higher risk of over dose with this method making it the most dangerous.
Smoking: Inhaling cocaine as smoke or vapors does speed up absorption due to the richness of
blood vessels in the mouth and does offer lower health risk then injection.
Slide #10:
When crack cocaine is dry it is then broken down into “rocks”. Crack is usually heated and
smoked. “Crack” refers to the crackling sound heard when it is heated. It’s approx. 75-90% pure
cocaine. The high is similar to that of cocaine, yet slightly more intense but not lasting as long. The
high from crack cocaine can last from 5 – 10 minutes, whereas with powder cocaine 15- 20
minutes. Crack cocaine is also cheaper than powder cocaine. All of these variables contribute to
the higher addiction potential for addiction.
Slide #11:
Short Terms Effects: The intense feelings of euphoria have been compared to the intensity of
sexual orgasm and pleasure. So intense that it has been reported that some users unable to
control the intense feelings tend to ejaculate without any physical stimulation.
Slide #12:
The hallucinations in which users experience the so called cocaine bugs crawling on or just
underneath the skin is known as formication. Some patients have been known to try and use
cigarettes to burn the “bugs” off. As represented in the image dig and scratch themselves
repeatedly.
Between 53% and 65% of chronic coke users develop a drug induced psychosis very similar to
schizophrenia. “Coke Paranoia” episodes can last a few hours to a few days once the user has
stopped taking cocaine.
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 9
ECSTACY (MDMA)
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
ECSTASY or MDMA
Facilitators Notes:
Slide# 1: Title
Slide #2:
Ecstasy is usually referred to as a “designer drug”- this refers to the fact that the drug is produced
by various street chemists and is made up of two or more drugs. It is not a pure drug. Ecstasy’s
chemical structure is similar to meth.
Slide #3:
However when tested some pills have no illegal drug content whatsoever. There have been
rumours of pills containing MDMA can be cut with anything from LSD to caffeine means users can
never be sure of what they're getting.
In a study of 315 Tablets it was found that 16% were pure MDMA, 67% contained MDMA with a
side product and the remainder were various other drugs mixed to make a “ecstasy cocktail”.
Slide #4:
These pictures are set to show the difference between the ecstasy and its pure form of MDMA.
Slide #5:
The typical user’s high begins with little rushes of exhilaration, with tingling sensation and
sometimes sweating. Often these feelings are accompanied by feelings of nausea and
disorientation. Some find their stomach starts churning. Others experience a mild panic, especially
if they're unfamiliar with the drug. These negative effects are usually short lived. One hit can last up
7-8hrs. When the high begins to fade it is usually followed by a period of extreme fatigue.
Slides #6:
MDMA resurfaced in the 60’s some physiatrists began to use it in their therapy practices as an aid
for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It also helped with general feelings of anxiety and
depression
There was not a big spot light on “E” during the 60’s or 70’S because it had been pushed out by
LSD which was more potent.
Ecstasy was not classified as an illegal drug until 1985. Until then the drug was legal to produce
and distribute.
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 11
Slide #7:
MDMA can induce a sense of euphoria, an illusion of a heightened sense of intimacy with others,
and diminished anxiety. Often referred to as the “hug drug” or “love drug”.
The potential danger of hyperthermia is all the greater for clubbers, the relaxing effect allows them
to dance for a long time without feeling tired. But in doing so they are pushing their body
temperatures up further often without proper hydration.
Slide #8: Short Term con’t.
At higher doses, MDMA can produce physical effects resembling amphetamine, including fast or
pounding heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, restlessness. MDMA overdose can also occur - the
symptoms can include high blood pressure, faintness, panic attacks, and in severe cases, a loss of
consciousness, and seizures.
It has also been reported that there is a reduced interest in and pleasure from sex have been
observed in regular MDMA users.
Slide #9: Long Term con’t.
People who use ecstasy often may lose weight and develop chronic exhaustion, fatigue, and
muscle aches. This is due largely to the fact that user often doesn’t realise the limits that ecstasy
can push one’s body. There is a real disconnect between that the body perceives and what is
actually occurring.
They often have trouble sleeping and may be anxious and depressed.
Some people develop flashbacks, delusions, hallucinations, and psychotic symptoms that last after
the effects of ecstasy have worn off.
Slide #10:
It is possible to develop an addiction to the effects that Ecstasy/MDMA has on the users life. That
the drug will take on an important role in his/her life. Like many other drugs, more is needed to
recreate the previous high, a tolerance is created. However, it is very rare that one can develop a
PHYSICAL dependency on ecstasy.
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
Heroin
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 13
HEROIN
Facilitator Notes:
Slide #1: Title
Slide #2: Street Names
Slide #3: The poppy plants pod produces and milky white sap that is refined to produce morphine, which is
used medically. Opium is further refined to create heroin, which is a highly addictive drug that many user
find impossible to overcome. The withdrawal of heroin use is quite unpleasant and often painful for a
habitual user.
Slide #4: During the 1850 the addiction to opium had escalated to very major problem. To combat the
problem morphine was developed and seen as a solution. However, morphine soon became an even
bigger problem. 1898 heroin was developed by the Bayer Company which is the makers of Aspirin! It was
developed and marketed as a treatment for tuberculosis as well as an aid in combating the addiction to
morphine. How heroin got its name was from the testers who reported that they felt Heroic when using it!
Slide #5: The most popular method of use for heroin is to injecting it into the user’s veins. Most users who
start out with other methods such as snorting or smoking quickly abandon many of their initial fears of the
possible health risks associated with intravenous use largely because of the immediate and intense rush it
provides.
Slide #6: Cooking heroin to make it liquefied is a process by which the user would dissolve heroin in a
spoon with water or glucose and water. It I then heated until boiling, drawn back into a syringe. It is injected
while it is still warm.
Slide #7: Smoking also known as chasing the dragon is another popular way that people abuse heroin.
The opiates are absorbed through the lungs by inhaling the vapour through a funnel. People believed that
if they smoked or snorted heroin then they wouldn’t become addicted and that it is less dangerous.
Although many deaths are related to intravenous use, it is possible to die from smoking heroin. It is
reported that 80% of heroin is destroyed by the heat of smoke. This is why many users move on to
intravenous use when the tolerance to smoking has been reached.
Slide #8: Insufflation or snorting is quite common and is similar to the way that one would use cocaine.
This method is one of the more popular next to injection and is also based on the myth that one will not
become addicted. No matter the method of use heroin is highly addictive even after just one use. Even
though the first high could feel horrible, many somehow feel drawn to it again. One user described it as
“clinging to you as an obsessed lover”.
Slide #9: Booting is referred to an attempt to inject an opiate tablet that was meant for oral consumption.
They cannot inactivate the fillers that are used in the making of such drugs. This can create intensive
scaring at the point of injection. It is not uncommon to find many additives in street grade heroin. Heroin in
the most pure form is white. It is the additives that may change the colouring.
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
Street heroin can be “cut” with various poisons that cannot fully dissolve when cooked. This can pose many
dangers to the user by clogging blood vessels that led to important and vital organs. The potency of street
grade heroin is also an unknown variable which puts the user at higher risk of overdose.
Slide #10: Heroin takes a high toll on the user’s physical appearance. Heroin suppresses the appetite and
weakens the body’s immune system thus a typical abuser is left looking sickly and thin.
Slide #11: Heroin Addicts tend to increase their daily dosage level 100% over time. They do this to try and
recreate or to chase their initial rush. Over time the brain begins to stop creating its natural endorphins.
Eventually they hit a “threshold effect” where the user is no longer getting high. They are just taking them to
function.
Slide #12: The initial and euphoric rush of heroin is short lived. The intense high only last for a few minutes
and can often be accompanied shortly after by some not so pleasant and dangerous side effects. Heroin
accounts for half of all drug related deaths. Even though there are many mental and physical side effects to
heroin use there are also financial and emotional ones. When user is in the throes of a full blown addiction
the only thing that matters to the user is the next fix and alienating themselves from their past life for their
new life with heroin at its centre focus. The addiction to heroin as with many addictions puts the user in
financial distress and well as a risky and dangerous lifestyle. A typical Heroin is estimated to spend
between $300- 400 /wk. on the drug.
Slide #13: The longer the addiction continues the more destructive long-term effects of heroin use become.
As mentioned before concerning the importance of the drug in the user’s life as the degree of the heroin
addiction increases, behaviors such as lying, cheating, stealing, missing work, financial problems, and legal
issues all emerge in the user’s life as well unfortunately as those in the abusers life. With all of these
obvious negative side effects why continue to use? The withdrawal phase from heroin is scary and painful
and the user often succumbs to the craving and need for the drug and relapse rate is high.
Slide #14: Common heroin withdrawal symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, a runny nose,
goose bumps, sweating, tears, insomnia, aches and pains in the muscles and joints, extreme restlessness,
yawning, abdominal cramps, dilated pupils, and overall flu-like symptoms. Many individuals also experience
psychological symptoms including anxiety and depression, with severe cravings for the drug. Heroin
withdrawal can also cause muscle spasms in the legs which causes the person to kick (“kicking the habit”).
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and the user may feel and believe they are
going to die but are not life threatening.
Slide #15: Overdose on heroin is a very real concern and even a great risk with intravenous users.
Overdose can happen very quickly beginning with respiratory depression, reduced consciousness, pinpoint
pupils, with death occurring from respiratory arrest. Death usually occurs 5-10 minutes after intravenous
use. There is often a very little window for someone to receive medical attention. The picture used on this
slide is an illustration of the quality of life one woman now has from being saved from an overdose of
heroin.
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 15
K2/Spice
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
K2 SPICE
Facilitator Notes:
Slide #1: Title
Slide #2:
Street Names, K2 can often be purchased with different blends called Standard, Blonde, Citron,
Summit, and Blue. Some packages can come with different flavours as well.
Slide #3:
K2 /Spice are a relatively new drug on the market emerging in 2002, gaining popularity in US and
Canada in 2009. K2 is an herbal blend of herbs and spices that is sprayed with synthetic
psychoactive chemical of which the active ingredient is JWH-018. This chemicals compound is
reported to have the same effects as THC (which is the main ingredient in cannabis). However, it
has been discovered that JWH-018 and its cousins are much more intense then THC.
Slide #4:
Like “Bath Salts” manufactures of K2 are able to find a way around the legalities that controlled
drugs have buy marketing these products as not for human consumption. On many of the labels of
K2 list incense and potpourri as its contents. Unlike cannabis, the new drugs have never been
tested in humans. Not only have synthetic cannabinoids not been tested, nearly all were created
for experimental use in animals and cell cultures. This makes human usage even more dangerous.
Even the creator of the chemical compound JW-018 has open warned against its usages. Like
other designer drugs there is no way of telling how much or what other chemical compounds are
being used.
Slide #5:
The method of use for K2/Spice is found to be similar to marijuana use. It can be mixed with
tobacco and rolled in papers. The price point is similar approximately 30-40 dollars for a 3 gram
bag. Often when purchasing via the internet the higher the quantity, the lower the price. Much like
when one would buy illicit drugs from a street dealer.
Slide #6:
Although K2/Spice is called “fake pot”, there is nothing fake about its effects. Many users have
reported the effects to be much more intense with K2. Some other effects that have been reported
include a loss of control, lack of pain response, increased agitation, pale skin, seizures, vomiting,
profuse sweating, and uncontrolled / spastic body movements. There are a number of articles that
have blamed severe depression and suicide to the use of K2/Spice.
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 17
Slide #7:
There is no known standard urine drug test currently for K2/ Spice. It is possible to test for the
compounds through blood tests; however this test must be administered before the effect wear off.
This legal high is made even more attractive to those individuals that undergo drug testing for their
jobs. There will likely be no test for this drug until it is deemed illegal. There has been movement in
the US towards banning the substance however I does not seem as though Canada is following
their lead.
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
LSD
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 19
LSD
Facilitators Notes:
Slide #1:
Title and image of LSD blotters one the most common forms of LSD distribution
Slide#2:
Street names of LSD. The most common being ACID
Slide #3:
It is made from lysergic acid which was an accidentally discovered compound from a dangerous
ergot fungus that grows on rye and other grains.
The fungus is so strong that to ingest grain products containing the fungus could result in
vasoconstriction (blood vessels constricting) that it has been known to cause auto amputation.
Slide #4:
It is very potent- pure LSD the size of a small pill is enough for approximately 3,000 doses. On the
street LSD can be sold as a powder in capsules or tablets.
Slide #5:
The most common form of LSD, are called “blotters" or "blotter acid"- small squares of absorbent
paper that are soaked with LSD.
Each small square contains one individual dose of LSD.
Slide#6:
Blotters are often printed with colourful illustrations or cartoon characters. Blotters are often printed
with colourful illustrations or cartoon characters.
Slide #7:
LSD crystals are dissolved into liquid which can be sold in small breath freshener droppers or
applied to sugar cubes, gelatin squares ("window panes"), gum, candy, cookies or even postage
stamps
This can pose many dangers for young children who might not understand that their beloved
gummy bear is in fact now laced with LSD. Also in marketing LSD this way also appeals to a
younger market.
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
Slide #8:
LSD diffuses into all tissues of the body including the brain. The effects of LSD are felt gradually
within 30-60 minutes after the “hit”, peak within 2 to 4 hours and gradually diminish within 10-12
hours. The first 4 hours are often referred to as a "trip". There is no control over the experience the
user has once taken. If the user has a bad trip they have to ride it out, there is no way to come out.
Slide #9:
A diagram to illustrate some of the possible physical side effects.
LSD users also experience loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth and tremors. The effects of
LSD are unpredictable, there are a number of variables that can affect how a person will react;
such as amount taken, mood and personality and surroundings.
Slide #10:
An individual’s ability to make sensible choices and to be aware of danger is significantly impaired.
For instance a user may believe that they can fly and jump off a roof. Some users believe that they
can hear colours and see sounds. Even a person’s ability to touch can be impaired, making
something that otherwise common into something frightening. LSD can cause extreme panic in
fear if the user has a bad trip.
Slide#11:
In some rarer cases, flashbacks have lasted longer, but are generally short-lived and mild
compared to the actual LSD "trip". Flashbacks can incorporate both positive and negative aspects
of LSD trips, and are typically elicited by triggers such as alcohol or cannabis use, stress, caffeine,
or sleepiness
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 21
METHAMPHETAMINE
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
METHAMPHETAMIN - Facilitator Notes:
Slide #1: Title and common street names.
Slide #2:
Methamphetamine increases wakefulness and physical activity, produces rapid heart rate, irregular
heartbeat, and increased blood pressure and body temperature. The user experiences and intense
rush or “flash” that only last a few minutes. However, with Crystal Meth the rush can last for as long
as 20 minutes.
Slide #3:
As this image illustrates that meth replaces normal functioning dopamine transmitters in the user’s
brain. The meth creates and false since of happiness and over all wellbeing. After a period of detox
the dopamine transmitters do begin to replenish however there is long term damage.
Slide #4:
As with the intravenous use of any drug, if a group of users share a common needle without proper
sterilization procedures, blood-borne diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis, can be transmitted.
Slide #5:
Intravenous users risk developing pulmonary embolism (PE), a blockage of the main artery of the
lung or one of its branches, and commonly develop skin rashes (also known as "speed bumps") or
infections at the site of injection.
Slide #6:
Methamphetamine usually comes in powdered form and can be compressed into a tablet to be
taken orally, or snorted (much like cocaine). Crystal meth is a product that is found in clear chunky
crystals through the re-crystallization of methamphetamine. Thus making inhalation one of the
more popular methods of use for meth.
Slide #7:
Meth can also be smoked off aluminium foil, which is heated underneath by a flame much like
heroin. This method is also known as "chasing the white dragon“. Crystal Meth is has a higher level
of purity and its high can last up to 12 hours.
Slide #8:
Because meth is a stimulant the user tend to think they can do anything, thus pushing their bodies
at times beyond its limits. Continued use and its effect of decrease in feeling of hunger can have
severe adverse effects on the user’s outward appearance through extreme and dramatic weight
loss.
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 23
Slide #9:
Many users suffer varying degrees of brain damage, which include memory gaps. The damage to
the brain is comparable to those who suffer with Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and epilepsy to those
who recover.
Slide #10:
"Meth mouth” name used for tooth decay/ rotting attributed to heavy meth use. According to the
American Dental Association, meth mouth "is probably caused by a combination of drug-induced
psychological and physiological changes resulting in dry mouth, long term poor oral hygiene,
increased consumption of sugared soft drinks, and teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)."
Slide #11:
While Crystal Meth withdrawal symptoms can be very intense, they are generally psychological in
nature. The addict going through the withdrawal process will experience symptoms of anxiety,
agitation, extreme violence, paranoia, sleeplessness, and intense cravings for the drug. It is
possible that it is the user’s lack of energy, extreme depression and inability to experience pleasure
(because meth has replaced the rains ability to produce dopamine) that the user believes the only
way to feel better is to return to the drug. It is not uncommon for a long time user to become
suicidal when detoxing.
Slide #12:
Methamphetamines is a synthetic man made drug. These dangerous chemicals are commonly
used in “cooking meth”. Meth can be made in a variety of locations from a one bottle meth lab to a
whole house.
Slide #13:
Image illustrating various ingredients that can be found in meth production.
Slide #14:
Due to the dangerous materials used to “cook” meth, meth labs are highly explosive. There is very
little room for error in the production of meth and often the “cooks” are themselves users which
lends to very costly mistakes. Meth labs are prone to explode and sometimes can cost people their
lives and endanger those who live around it. The number of Methamphetamine labs seized in
Canada increased by 925% between 1998 and 2003. Police rely heavily on the public to report
their suspicion of a meth lab in their neighbourhood.
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS
OCT
Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops 25
Over the Counter Drugs - OCT
Facilitators Notes:
Slide #1: Title
Slide #2:
OTC’s are safe for general consumption if taken exactly as prescribed by the packaging. These
medications are readily and easily accessed by minors.
OTC’s are not limited to various medications used to treat colds, headaches, sinuses, sleeping aids
and diet pills. OTC can and do include mouth wash and hand sanitizer.
Slide #3: Street Names for OTC
Slide #4:
DXM has been used in cough syrups and some cold medications since the 1970’s. It is the primary
ingredient used for cough suppressants replacing codeine.
DXM is found in more than 120 non-prescription cough and cold medications.
Cough and Cold tablets contain more DXM then liquid syrups.
Slide #5:
OTC abuse with teens and tweens is mainly due to the fact that medications containing DXM are
legal, readily available (without a prescription) and inexpensive.
The tablets and gel caps are making it easier for teens to carry the drugs around with them so that
they can abuse easier throughout the day while keeping it concealed.
Slide #6:
Because drinking large volumes of cough syrup causes vomiting, the drug is being extracted from
cough syrups and sold on the Internet in a tablet that can be swallowed or a powder that can be
snorted. There are also internet sites that provide you with tips and dosing calculators that help
users figure out how much they’ll need to take for their weight to get the best buzz.
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Slide #7:
At the doses recommended for treating coughs (1/6 to 1/3 ounce of medication, containing 15
mg to 30 mg dextromethorphan), the drug is safe and effective. At much higher doses (4 or more
ounces), dextromethorphan produces effects similar to those of PCP and ketamine.
Slide #8:
This is done to expel the other ingredients in the medicine that produce unwanted effects, while still
getting the high they are seeking.
Slide #9:
Short and Long Term Side Effects:
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Impaired vision, speech and judgment
Confusion
Lack of motor coordination
Hypothermia
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Disorientation and/or loss of consciousness
Cerebral hemorrhages
Seizures and/or permanent brain damage
In some cases death!
Slide #10:
However, it is possible to become addicted to DXM. As like with most addiction there is a process
of withdrawal.
Slide #11:
DXM is not the only over-the-counter drug that teenagers are abusing. The list also includes diet
pills, sleep aids, a motion sickness medication, pain relievers and antihistamines.
Slide #12:
A number of teenage girls and boys can feel a lot of peer pressure to look a certain way and the
often rapid weight loss offered through diet pills can be very appealing.
Slide #13:
These are just some of the dangerous and addictive substances found in diet pills. Herbal,
sometimes referred to as “natural” weight loss products, can be just as dangerous as diet pills.
All of these substances act as stimulants to the central nervous system and much like speed, can
have serious and potentially fatal side effects.
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Slide #14:
Just about every grocery store, pharmacy, convenience store and health food store carries these
highly addictive diet pills.. The risk of using these pills is that it can also lead to eating disorders like
Anorxia, Bulimia and Compulsive Overeating.
Slide #15:
Just a few more side effects to list:
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Vomiting
Anxiety
Irritability
Insomnia
Loss of libido
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
Paranoia
Menstrual irregularities
Death
Slide# 16: Motion Sickness Medication
Slide #17:
Extreme drowsiness can be a problem and it can lead to Narcolepsy, which is characterized by
short sleep episodes and sudden and abrupt weakness in the arms and legs. Sleep aids can also
exert a stimulant effect that disrupts the teen’s regular sleep pattern.
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SALVIA DIVINORUM
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SALVIA DIVINORUM
Facilitator Notes:
Slide #1:
Title – As one can see the salvia plant looks very similar to many other garden plants.
Slide#2:
A list complied of a few of the most common names for Salvia.
Slide# 3:
Mazatec Shamans use the hallucinogenic attributes of Salvia D. to induce visions and enter a high
state of consciousness during healing ceremonies and rituals. This practice is still being used
today. There are many websites devoted to promoting the high state of being that come from using
Salvia D.
Slide #4:
Salvia D is a perennial herb in the mint family that resembles sage. There are a number of garden
centres that one could find a member of the Salvia family. However, Salvia D. is the only one that
possesses the active component of Salvinorin A.
Slide#5:
The federal government says products containing salvia divinorum and its active ingredient,
salvinorin A, are considered natural health products and, as such, must be authorized by Health
Canada before they can be sold. However, our government and law enforcement seem to do little
concerning enforcing the sale and distribution of Salvia D.
Slide #6:
When chewed, the leaf mass and juices are maintained within the cheek area with absorption
occurring across the lining of the mouth. Effects first begin to manifest themselves within 5 to 10
minutes.
Dried leaves, as well as extract-enhanced leaves (which have been enriched with Salvinorin A) are
also smoked. Smoking pure Salvinorin A, at a dose of 200-500 micrograms, results in the effects
appearing within 30 seconds and lasts about 30 minutes. This is much more potent then chewing.
Slide #7:
Salvia is sold as seeds, plant cuttings, whole plants, fresh and dried leaves, extract-enhanced
leaves of various strengths (e.g., 5x, 10x, 20x, 30x), and liquid extracts. It is not uncommon to find
Salvia products being sold in local shops (e.g., head shops and tobacco shops).
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Youth Truth Matters - Youth Leaders Drug Education Workshops
Slide #8:
These images are to help create a visual image of how Salvia is marketed just like any other
product that one might find in a health food store.
Slide #9:
The truth is Salvia is rather affordable when compared to quantity of another drug for the price.
Slide#10:
The effects of salvia are short lived. The hallucinogenic effects of Salvia can last anywhere from 15
minutes and in fewer cases up to one hour. Were user goes through a ‘psychedelic’ experience.
High doses of the drug can cause unconsciousness and short term memory loss.
In most cases the user has no control over the effects that the drug will have on them. Making
Salvia a very big gamble.
Slide #11:
Psychedelic experiences can normally include closed and open eye visualizations, time distortion,
social dissociation, altered thought patterns, altered behaviour, dreamlike/childlike states,
increased in sensations, changes in body temperature, senses of fear or panic, increased
perspiration, introspection, feelings of presences outside the norm as well as feeling like one has
traveled ‘somewhere’ else.
Slide #12:
Salvia has been sold as a Natural Food Product and as such it has to be regulated by Health
Canada which it has not, therefore making it illegal!
Slide #13:
Most websites suggest that the user use Salvia in a safe place with people you know and at least
one person who is not on it to monitor the situation. They are referred to as “The Sitter”.
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