The Truth About Drugs
Brittaney Arbuthnott
Honours Psychology
Department of Applied Human Science
University of Guelph
May 9, 2008
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Table of Content
Introduction
7
Cannabinoids
8
Hallucinogens and Dissociative Drugs
11
Stimulants
16
Depressants
22
Opiods
24
Canadian Trends
26
Conclusion
27
Acknowledgements
29
References
30
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Table of Figures
Table 1: Brain regions affected by marijuana use and functions impaired with the
associated region
10
Figure 1: Structure of Serotonin and Selected Hallucinogens
12
Figure 2: Serotonin Present in the Cerebral Cortex Neurons
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Figure 3: Cocaine in the Brain
19
Figure 4: Recovery of Brain Dopamine Transporters in Chronic Methamphetamine
Abusers
21
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Summary
This report, The Truth About Drugs, is directed towards teenagers and young
adults. It may serve as a wake-up call to those who have chosen to enter the drug
subculture, and an eye opener to those who thankfully remain on the outside. It may also
serve a purpose for educators by familiarizing them with drug subculture jargon,
identifying the physiological, emotional and psychological manifestations of a variety of
drugs the young people they interact with on a daily basis may experiment with. This
report strikes to the seriousness and severity of drug abuse in today’s society.
It identifies a host of street drugs and prescription narcotics, from cannabis to
heroin, depressants to stimulants. The report speaks to their appearance as powders,
liquids, leaves, pills, and tar-like substances, as well as the various methods of
consumption, including smoking, inhaling, swallowing and injecting.
The startling message of this report is the devastation it causes and life altering
side effects and complications that can arise when abused. It speaks to physiological
damage ranging from sweating to death, emotional damage ranging from low self esteem
to rage, and psychological trauma ranging from feelings of inadequacy to serious
disorders, some of which may result in institutionalization.
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Drug abuse is a serious problem. It is not limited to the young or old, the rich or
the poor. It is not restricted to certain cultures or nationalities, to women or to men. It is a
problem for all of us, even if we have never even experimented. It is paramount that
parents and educators understand the importance of discussing drug use with their
children and students, developing an open relationship where children can feel
comfortable speaking openly and honestly to the issues, where they can intelligently
discuss the devastating consequences of drug use, and identify those who are at risk so
that they can obtain appropriate help and support.
INTRODUCTION
Drug use has become more common with teens and young adults. As well, there
are many new drugs and drug combinations being used in today’s society. The drugs
have become more affordable while at the same time, more potent and addictive.
Many adolescences are free spirits and looking for a good time. They do not
believe anything bad could happen to them. Others give in to peer pressure, have low
self esteem, or “hang out with the wrong crowd”. Many are unsupervised and have
access to large amounts of cash. They choose to do drugs for a variety of reasons; to
experiment, to fit in with friends, to rebel, or to simply have a good time. Drugs affect
people differently depending on their body size and type, what they have eaten that day,
how much of the substance they took, as well as a variety of other factors.
Much of the information in this report deals with long time users or addicts,
defined as individuals whose drug use and drug seeking behaviours become obsessive
and out of control. These individuals are unable to stop these behaviours despite
consequences they are clearly aware of. The body of these individuals develops a
tolerance and dependence, with users needing a larger amount of the drug more often.
Regular users often develop withdrawal symptoms when the frequency or amount of drug
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is reduced or eliminated (NIDA, 2005).
This report is directed towards teens and young adults as well as youth educators.
It could be used as a teaching tool or to create an educational pamphlet. Well informed
teens may make better choices promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing life
threatening situations. This report will clarify what each drug is, what it does to the body,
and hopefully make future or current users reconsider their decisions.
CANNABINOIDS
Marijuana
Marijuana, commonly referred to as pot, Mary Jane, weed, grass, and many
others, is the most popular drug among Americans, with 45% of American students
experimenting with it at least once before graduating high school. There are a variety of
reasons why individuals choose to experiment with marijuana, the most common being
peer pressure. Individuals also choose to use marijuana to fit in with their crowd, because
they hear about it on the television and the radio, they think it will make their problems in
life go away, or they are just plain curious.
Since the 1970’s the potency of marijuana has increased significantly. It is often
referred to as a gateway drug as teens experiment with marijuana and gradually move to
stronger, more powerful, addicting drugs. It is not uncommon for marijuana to be mixed
with other drugs. Crack or cocaine are the most common drug of choice for individuals to
add to a marijuana cigarette, with a joint dipped in PCP being the next most common
additive (NIDA, 2008). This is often done by the manufacture since crack, cocaine, and
PCP are very addictive, causing the user to become addicted, keeping a steady income for
the supplier.
Marijuana, coming from the hemp plant, looks like a small dried up plant, having
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a stem, leaves, flower and seeds. It is often shredded and stuffed into cigarettes or cigars,
called a joint or blunt. The stem and seeds can be eaten or smoked (SixWise.com). The
main active ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC in short.
Hashish and hashish oil are stronger, more potent types of marijuana which often
come in different forms, but have the same effects on the user. Hashish itself comes in
the form of a black or brown square or ball, which is also smoked or eaten. Hashish oil, a
thick looking fluid that can be in any color ranging from clear to black, is often combined
with marijuana when smoked (SixWise.com).
Individuals who use marijuana often have difficulties learning, remembering, and
thinking clearly because of the mind altering effects of THC. They may experience
distorted perception and lose their normal sense of co-ordination. Many users become
thirsty and hungry, often referred to as “the munchies”. Some individuals feel anxiety,
panic, and have an increased heart rate (SixWise.com). Smoking marijuana can induce
psychosis and worsen the condition of schizophrenics (NIDA, 2008). For some
individuals, smoking marijuana becomes psychologically addictive, often causing issues
at work and school (SixWise.com). Marijuana affects many different parts of the brain as
can be seen in Table 1 (NIDA, 2005).
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Table 1
Brain regions affected by marijuana use and functions impaired with the associated
region.
Brain Region
Functions Associated With Region
Cerebellum
Body movement coordination
Hippocampus
Learning and memory
Cerebral cortex, especially cingulate, frontal,
and parietal regions
Nucleus accumbens
Higher cognitive functions
Basal ganglia: Substantia nigra pars reticulate,
Entopeduncular nucleus, Globus pallidus,
Putamen
Movement control
Reward
Brain regions in which cannabinoid receptors are moderately concentrated
Hypothalamus
Body housekeeping functions (body
temperature
regulation, salt and water balance, reproductive
function)
Amygdala
Emotional response, fear
Spinal cord Peripheral sensation, including
pain
Brain stem
Sleep and arousal, temperature regulation,
motor control
Central gray
Analgesia
Nucleus of the solitary tract
Visceral sensation, nausea and vomiting
In most users, marijuana can be detected via a urine sample several days after use,
however in chronic users, traces can be detected for up to weeks after use. Once brought
into the lungs and passed in to the blood stream, THC is absorbed by the fatty tissues
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throughout the body. This is what allows for detection several days after use. It is not
yet known if smoking marijuana causes cancer since many users are tobacco smokers as
well; however studies have shown that marijuana is just as bad, if not worse than tobacco
because of the chemicals added to it. Marijuana smokers were also shown to have more
sick days than tobacco smokers with the main reason for their absence being respiratory
illness (NIDA, 2008).
According to Health Canada, 44.5% of Canadians have used marijuana at least
once in their life, 14% being current users within the past year. Males were also more
likely to use marijuana in the past year with 50.1% of users being male and 39.2% being
female. Teens and young adults were the most prone to experimenting with the drug,
with 70% of those aged 18 and 24 admitting to trying marijuana at least once, compared
to 10% of those aged over 45. Research shows that those who have never been married
are more likely to have used or become current users of marijuana with 57.5% having
never been married, 35.2% being previously married and 40.9% currently married or
living with their partner. It was also shown that those with higher levels of education and
job status were more likely to use marijuana, perhaps because of their financial situation,
availability, and work stress (Canadian Addiction Survey, 2004).
HALLUCINOGENS AND DISSOCIATIVE DRUGS
Hallucinogens and dissociative drugs have been around for thousands of years,
originally being made from plants, although not nearly as powerful as human
manufactured forms. Originally made in natural form, drugs such as mescaline,
psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and ibogaine quickly became popular for spiritual,
religious, and social gatherings. Due to environmental restrictions such as changing
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seasons, long term weather conditions such as drought, and poor soil, these plants were
not always available (NIDA, 2001).
Hallucinogens
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, developed in 1938 by Albert Hoffmann, is known as
LSD (NIDA, 2001). It is one of the most common and powerful drugs from the
hallucinogen family (NIDA, 2008). LSD, popular in the 1960s in the era of “the
hippies,” quickly became the most operationally manufactured hallucinogen (NIDA,
2001). Lysergic Acid Diethylamide is also know as acid, microdot, white lightening,
blue heaven, or sugar cubes, and comes in the form of tablets, paper, gelatine, or liquid
(SixWise.com). Individuals who use LSD experience distorted perceptions, as it is a
hallucinogen (SixWise.com). LSD inhibits the functions of the neurotransmitter
serotonin, in the brain and spinal cord resulting in altered behaviour, regulatory, and
perceptual bodily systems. As can be seen in Figure 1 below, originally harvested from
plants, these natural growing drugs were similar to LSD because the neurotransmitter,
serotonin, is inhibited during use (NIDA, 2001).
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Figure 1
Individuals experiencing undesirable effects are said to be having a “trip,” or “bad
trip” for those who experience extreme effects (NIDA, 2001). LSD can take anywhere
from 30 to 90 minutes to be felt in the body. The side effects, or undesirable feelings that
LSD might cause are nausea, flashbacks, inability to sleep, lack of appetite, restlessness,
shaking, and quite obviously, hallucinations, when taken in a large enough dose (NIDA,
2008). Physiological effects include increases in blood pressure, body temperature and
heart rate (SixWise.com). As with any drug, the effects LSD has on an individual depend
on a wide variety of factors, including how much of the drug is taken, what the individual
expects to happen, and the environment in which the drug was taken. LSD makes the user
unpredictable and takes them on an emotional rollercoaster, with users often feeling
multiple emotions. Individuals sometimes panic when the effects are more extreme than
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anticipated, with paranoia having the ability to last for up to about 12 hours (NIDA,
2008). These users experience feelings of insanity, fear of death, and loss of bodily
control. LSD can also cause synesthesia, which is when individuals cross over their
senses, hearing colors and seeing sounds (NIDA, 2001). Because of these effects on the
user, LSD has the to ability to cause or enhance mental disabilities such as depression,
psychosis, or even schizophrenia, which can last years after discontinued use (NIDA,
2008). There is no treatment for extensive flashbacks which also can last years after use
(NIDA, 2001). LSD is not physically addictive with users often reducing or quitting use
voluntarily. However, like many other drugs, users have a tendency to build up a
tolerance, which proves to be very dangerous, given the unpredictability of the drug
(NIDA, 2008). Interestingly, users build up a tolerance to LSD and other similar drugs
included in the hallucinogen family but not to others such as cannabinoids, stimulants and
depressants, which do not interfere with serotonin functions in the brain. Tolerance levels
also diminish if a user quits or stops using the drug, even only for a couple of days
(NIDA, 2001).
Dissociative Drugs
There are two main drugs which fall in to the dissociative drugs category,
phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine, which were originally developed for the purpose of
general anaesthetic (NIDA, 2001). There are also agents available in over the counter
medications that, in large doses, can have similar effects to those of PCP and ketamine
(NIDA, 2008). Dissosiative drugs have similar effects to that of the hallucinogen LSD,
with individuals experiencing distorted forms of perception. PCP and ketamine are
different from a hallucinogen in the sense that individuals do not experience
hallucinations, only the mind altering effects such as distorted feelings of attachment
from the environment and body. This is why drugs such as PCP and ketamine are
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referred to as “dissociative drugs”. Whereas hallucinogens disrupt the normal functions
of serotonin, dissociative drugs disrupt the neurotransmitter, glutamate. Glutamate
functions to regulate pain perception, environmental responses, learning and memory.
Dissociative drugs can interfere with dopamine, which is what normally enhances
feelings of euphoria (NIDA, 2001).
Phencyclidine (PCP)
PCP is another drug known for causing distorted thoughts and hallucinations
(NIDA, 2001). It is often referred to as angel dust, boat, dummy dust, love boat, peace,
supergrass, and zombie. It comes in powder, liquid or pill form and can be ingested,
injected or smoked (SixWise.com). In doses of PCP under 5 milligrams, users
experience increased breathing, blood pressure, heart rate and internal temperature. In
doses over ten milligrams users experience more drastic physiological changes as well as
drunken like symptoms such as nausea, blurry vision, disorientation, dizziness, and
impaired pain awareness. PCP can also cause uncomfortable muscle contractions and
become more serious, causing bone fractures, kidney damage or failure. At extreme
levels, PCP causes seizure like convulsions, hyperthermia and coma, which can result in
death. Along with these side effects, users can also become very confused, aggressive
and even suicidal (NIDA, 2001).
Originally developed as an intravenous anaesthetic for animals in the 1950s, PCP
was never medically approved for human use because of the after effects of the drug. It
became a particularly unpopular illegal drug in the form of injection because of the long
delay between injection and the onset of the effects, violent behaviour, and
unpredictability of individuals. It was later introduced in powder form and became more
popular again, since it could be smoked and the effects could be felt immediately, with a
high lasting several hours or even days. PCP inhibits the functioning of NMDA, receptors
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for the neurotransmitter glutamate. PCP experiences can differ from one time to another.
For example, an individual may feel great the first time and experience hallucinations,
fear and paranoia the second. This is just one of the many reasons why PCP is an
unpredictable, unsafe drug. Unlike pervious drugs mentioned, PCP becomes physically
addictive after long term or repeated use with withdrawal symptoms lasting up to a year
after use (NIDA, 2001).
Ketamine
Ketamine, also known as pump, cat valium, green, jet, K, special K, vitamin K, or
many other street names, is similar to PCP, but is not as powerful or potent. The effects
are not as extreme and last a shorter period of time. Ketamine was originally developed
as an anaesthetic in 1963 in place of the unpopular PCP. It is currently used as a human
and animal anaesthetic, and hence gets its street names from this. Because it is an
odourless, tasteless anaesthetic, ketamine is often a drug of choice to slip into drinks at a
bar as a “date rape drug,” since it is difficult to detect in drinks and makes victims
extremely vulnerable. Users often experience a sense of euphoria and out of body
experiences with a good high. With a bad high however, individuals become scared
when experiencing near complete loss of sensory abilities, and fear they are near death,
similar to a bad trip with LSD. This bad trip is called the “K-hole” (NIDA, 2001).
STIMULANTS
Ecstasy
Ecstasy, originally developed in Germany in the 1900s, was used in the
manufacturing of medication. In the United States in the 1970s, some medical
practitioners used the drug as a psychotherapy treatment, even though it was never
approved of by the government’s Food and Drug Administration Act. In 1985, the drug
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was listed on the Drug Enforcement Administration list as a drug with no therapeutic
benefits. Ecstasy originally started out as popular drug for white people in their late teens
or early adulthood, however research shows it is becoming more popular among African
Americans and Hispanics as well. There is also a large community of homosexual and
bisexual men who report using ecstasy when going out to bars and clubs for the evening.
This is alarming as ecstasy and other drugs in this situation often lead to risky behaviours
and poor choices such as unprotected sex, leading to increased susceptibility to HIV and
other sexually transmitted diseases (NIDA, 2006). Rates for ecstasy use in Canada were
2.9% in 2002, but quickly rose to 4.1% by 2004 (Canadian Addiction Survey, 2004).
Ecstasy is a stimulant taken in the form of a pill, but also has a similar chemical
make up to that of a hallucinogen (NIDA, 2008). Street names for ecstasy include XTC,
X, Adam, hugs, bean, and love drug (SixWise.com). A typical high for an ecstasy user
lasts anywhere between 3 to 6 hours. It is not uncommon for the user to then repeat use
once the effects of the first dose begin to wear off (NIDA, 2006). Users experience some
hallucinations, sensitivity to touch, feelings of empathy, and impaired memory and
learning abilities, all of which are non life threatening. Life threatening side effects
include hyperthermia, kidney, liver, and heart complications (SixWise.com). Ecstasy
activates the neurotransmitter serotonin, inhibiting communication between other
neurons, which has proven to have long term effects on non human mammals as can be
seen in Figure 2 (NIDA, 2006). This is important because serotonin helps in the regular
functioning of mood and pain regulation, sleep, and sexual activity (NIDA, 2008).
Figure 2
Serotonin Present in Cerebral Cortex Neurons
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Ecstasy also has the ability to activate other neurotransmitters such as norephinephrine,
believed to cause an increase in heat rate and blood pressure, as well as dopamine (NIDA,
2006). Ecstasy is considered to be an addictive drug with those in withdrawal
experiencing fatigue, depressive thoughts, and lack of appetite and concentration. As
with any drug, the actual contents and make up are often unknown to the user. Ecstasy is
unsafe for human consumption and when combined with other drugs such as marijuana,
PCP, alcohol or caffeine, ecstasy can be extremely dangerous, increasing the risk of
physical damage to the body (NIDA, 2008). Currently, there are no treatments available
specifically for ecstasy abuse alone, however there are behavioural treatment programs
available to help addicts change their behaviour and coping skills (NIDA, 2006).
Cocaine/Crack
Cocaine, also known as coke, snow, flake, or blow, is one of the most powerful,
addictive stimulants used by doctors and on the street (NIDA, 2004). It is said to be the
drug of the 1980s and 1990s because of its recent widespread popularity, however it has
been used by humans for thousands of years. In 1994 cocaine use had increased from
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3.5% in 1989 to 3.8%. By 2004, rates had skyrocketed to 10.6% (Canadian Addiction
Survey, 2004).
Cocaine comes in many forms and can be snorted, inhaled, or injected, with the
high coming faster depending on method of use. The faster the absorption into the body,
the faster the high. Crack is another form of cocaine that has been processed for the use
of smoking, but has the same effects on humans. Regardless of the form of cocaine, the
effects can be devastating. Depending on the way cocaine is administered into the body,
side effects associated with that form occur such as nosebleeds and loss of smell when
snorting, allergic reactions or HIV when injected, or gangrene of the bowels due to
restricted blood flow. Cocaine is popular because of the feelings of happiness,
excitement and exhilaration it causes. It has these effects because it limits the removal of
dopamine in the brain, causing an accumulation and therefore, continuous stimulation as
shown in Figure 3 (NIDA, 2008). This is where the good feelings come from.
Figure 3
Cocaine in the brain — In the normal communication process,
dopamine is released by a neuron into the synapse, where it
can bind with dopamine receptors on neighboring neurons.
Normally, dopamine is then recycled back into the
transmitting neuron by a specialized protein called the
dopamine transporter. If cocaine is present, it attaches to the
dopamine transporter and blocks the normal recycling
process, resulting in a buildup of dopamine in the synapse,
which
contributes to the pleasurable effects of cocaine.
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Cocaine is also relatively cheap to produce and buy. Each time cocaine is used, a larger
dose will be needed the next time to achieve the same high (NIDA, 2004). Non life
threatening side effects of cocaine use consist of dilated pupils, constricting blood
vessels, irritability, and anxiety, which leads to an increase in blood pressure, heart rate
and internal temperature. However, because cocaine is such a powerful drug, it can
quickly become dangerous, causing heart attacks, strokes, or even death. With repeated
use, individuals who use cocaine become more susceptible to the effects of the drug’s
ability to have sedative or convulsive effects on the body. This is perhaps why such
serious effects can occur after only using a small dose of cocaine. Also, when combined
with alcohol, cocaine has an even more, potentially lethal effect on the body because
when combined, the liver creates a new compound, cocaethylene, which enhances the
high of the cocaine, further increasing the risk of spontaneous death. An excessive
amount of cocaine in a short period of time also has the ability to cause psychotic like
systems, with individuals becoming paranoid, hearing voices, and loosing touch with the
external world. Treatment specifically for cocaine abuse is currently a topic of research
for the National Institute on Drug Abuse, with drug addiction programs receiving more
clients seeking help for cocaine use then alcohol abuse! The National Institute on Drug
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Abuse is currently looking for a medication to block the effects of cocaine to the brain, as
well as reduce or eliminate the powerful withdrawal effects (NIDA, 2008).
Amphetamines/ Methamphetamines
Methamphetamines are another powerful stimulant affecting the central nervous
system. Street names for methamphetamines include speed, meth, chalk, ice crystal, and
glass. It can be snorted, smoked, ingested or injected. Interestingly, often the method of
use varies depends on the geographic location. Depending on the method of use, the high
begins and lasts different lengths of time; with smoking and injecting intravenously being
the quickest. Methamphetamine was originally developed from the drug amphetamine
and was used for medicinal purposes. Amphetamine and methamphetamine are
chemically very similar and affect the same neurotransmitter dopamine. However
amphetamine is not as powerful, potent, or long lasting as an equal dose of
methamphetamine. Both amphetamine and methamphetamine are considered to be a
“binge and crash” drug since highs are intense at first and then wear off, which often
results in reuse shortly after in an attempt to maintain the high. Some individuals choose
to go on a “run”, which is when users go days with no sleep or food and continue to
abuse the drug throughout this time. Methamphetamine is known for increasing energy
levels and talkativeness while decreasing appetite. In low doses it is medically approved
for prescription use for those suffering from sleep disorders or attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, ADHD (NIDA, 2006). In small amounts, methamphetamine
inhibits dopamine absorption, however levels of dopamine released increase, further
leading to a built up in the synapse, causing damage to the nerve terminals. The built up
and release of dopamine is what is believed to cause the feelings of euphoria, but also is
thought to cause serious, irreversible damage to the nerve terminals in the brain as shown
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in Figure 4.
Figure 4
Recovery of Brain Dopamine Transporters in Chronic
Methamphetamine (METH) Abusers
As with other stimulants previously mentioned, amphetamine and methamphetamine
cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and internal body temperature. They can
also cause an irregular heartbeat, seizure-like convulsions, and untreated, can lead to
death. Addicted, chronic users may experience feelings of anxiety, an inability to sleep,
mood swings, confusion and violent behaviour. Chronic users can also experience
psychological disturbances such as excessive paranoia, hallucinations both visual and
auditory, and delusions, feeling things that aren’t really there. These symptoms can last
months or even years even after a period of abstinence. It is not uncommon for
symptoms to undergo spontaneous recovery and reappear after being absent, or for stress
to cause a reoccurrence of psychotic episodes. Unfortunately there is no current
treatment for amphetamine or methamphetamine users to alleviate withdrawal symptoms
or restore and repair any brain damage (NIDA, 2006).
DEPRESSANTS
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Depressants have a similar effect on the body to that of alcohol. When taken in moderate
amounts, depressants can produce states of relaxation, however in larger doses,
depressants can cause distorted perception, and difficulty speaking or walking normally.
Extreme doses can lead to respiratory troubles, coma or even death. Combining alcohol
and other depressants further increases the risk of bodily harm. Operating a motor vehicle
while under the influence of depressants can be extremely dangerous, not only
jeopardizing the user, but everyone else on the road. There are three groups of
depressants: barbiturates, methaqualone, and tranquilizers (ADA, 2000).
Barbiturates
Barbiturates, also called downers, barbs, blue devils, yellow jacket and others are
one of the many types of depressants (SixWise.com). Barbiturates, commonly in the
form of colourful pills, tablets, and sometimes liquid, are prescribed for humans for a
variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include insomnia, anxiety, and seizure
disorders. Barbiturates are abused when used for non medical reasons or to eliminate the
effects of other drugs, such as stimulants. After prolonged use, long term effects such as
chronic fatigue, decreased speaking ability and coordination, impaired vision, dizziness,
reduction in reflex speed, sexual drive, irregular menstrual cycles, and respiratory
disorders may occur (ADA, 2000). Barbiturates are especially dangerous when mixed
with alcohol, increasing the chances of harming the body (SixWise.com).
Methaqualone
Methaqualone, originally developed as a prescription drug for anxiety reduction
and as a sleeping pill, is now one of the most commonly abused drugs (ADA, 2000).
Street names for methaqualone include quaaludes, ludes, and sopors and come in the
form of tablets or capsules (SixWise.com). Barbiturates and methaqualone have the same
effects on the body, causing both physical and psychological damage. Methaqualone can
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also cause extreme euphoria in large doses, leading some users to experience drunkenlike effects. More serious respiratory complications such as an increased heart rate,
shaking, and stiffening muscles can occur, often leading to panic. Methaqualone can be
extremely dangerous, with overdose causing restlessness, hallucinations, confusion,
seizures, coma and even death (ADA, 2000).
Tranquilizers
Tranquilizers, drugs which affect the central nervous system, are often known by
the names valium, librium, miltown, serax, equanil and tranxene (SixWise.com). These
pills are only available through prescription for patients experiencing anxiety, trouble
sleeping, and muscle spasms. In low doses, tranquilizers cause lethargy and happiness,
however in large doses, tranquilizers generate difficulties thinking and remembering, and
effect the emotional state of the individual. Because tranquilizers essentially take over
muscular control, users experience difficulty speaking, seeing, walking and controlling
coordination. Sometimes users experience hallucinations, inability to sleep, nightmares
and excessive anger (ADA, 2000). Tranquilizers have a tendency to build up in bodily
tissues after a period of use. It is not uncommon for individuals to build up a tolerance to
these drugs, with users needing larger doses more often. As with many drugs, when
mixed with alcohol serious effects such as coma or death may occur (SixWise.com).
OPIOIDS
Opiates are commonly used as a prescription drug because of their effects as an
anaesthetic and pain reliever. These prescription drugs, such as morphine, codeine, and
oxycodone, are called prescription narcotics. Morphine is often given as a pain reliever
for serious pain before and after surgery, whereas codeine is used for mild pain with non
invasive procedures. Some of these drugs can even be used to treat coughs or diarrhea.
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Opioids have pain relieving abilities because they attach to a protein called an opioid
receptor. These opioid receptors, found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal
tract, attach to the opioids to block pain receptors. The side effects of these pain relievers
consist of drowsiness, nausea and constipation. If given a larger dose by a medical
physician, a patient’s respiratory system my slow down as well. Sometimes patients
experience feelings of euphoria because the drug affects areas of the brain associated with
pleasure. Individuals who abuse opioids enhance these feelings by administering the
drug using a different method than recommended by their medical physician, such as
snorting or injecting. If taken properly, opioids can be beneficial for short term use in
humans, rarely becoming addictive. When taken for longer periods of time however,
opioids may become addictive. Withdrawal symptoms seem to have the opposite effects
intended for the drug and consist of restlessness or an inability to sit still, bone and
muscle pain, inability to sleep, vomiting, sweating, goose bumps, and muscle
contractions causing involuntary movements, often in the legs. Taking one large dose is
serious enough to cause severe respiratory depression leading to death. Opioids should
not be taken with alcohol or any other medication without permission from a doctor or
pharmacist (NIDA, 2005).
Heroin
Heroin, originally developed as an analgesic in 1969, is the most powerfully
addicting drug in the opiate family. It is the most commonly abused opiate and has not
been approved for medical use (NIDA, 2000). In 2004, the Canadian Addiction Survey
reported an increase in use in the category of drugs including LSD, speed and heroin.
Rates increased from 5.9% in 1994, to 13.2% by 2004 (Canadian Addiction Survey,
2004). Heroin is manufactured from the medically approved opioid morphine and comes
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in the form of a white or brown powder or a sticky black substance called “black tar
heroin”. Although heroin is becoming more popular in pure form, it is sometimes cut
with other drugs or substances. This puts users at extreme risk not only for HIV or other
blood related diseases from sharing paraphernalia, but for overdose or death since they
often are unaware of the drugs contents. Heroin can be injected or ingested, both of which
are highly addictive, with abusers using about 4 times a day on average. The most
common method is intravenous injection because it provides the fastest and most
powerful onset of euphoria. Once in the body the brain converts the heroin to morphine
and therefore heroin has the same effects as the above opiates. The interval between
injection or ingestion and the intense rush of pleasurable sensations depends on the
amount of drug injected and the speed at which it enters the brain and binds to the opiate
receptors. Heroin has the tendency to give the user a flush color to the skin, dry mouth, a
feeling of having heavy limbs, nausea, and excessive itching. After the effects of heroin
wear off, the users bodily systems such as the central nervous system, circulatory system,
and respiratory system tend to slow down. Unfortunately, because heroin is such a
powerful drug, those addicted often change their purpose in life to drug seeking, and lose
their jobs, friends and families. As with any drug, physical dependence is more likely to
occur when used in larger doses. Heroin addicts are prone to experiencing withdrawal
symptoms even a few hours after their last hit. Peak time for withdrawal occurs between
24 and 48 hours and lasts about a week before tapering off. Although extremely
uncomfortable, heroin withdrawal is not lethal to healthy adults, however it can have
detrimental effects on a fetus. Because heroin is usually injected, heavy users may
experience scarred arms and veins, collapsed veins, blood, heart, or skin infections, boils
or abscesses on the skin, and liver or kidney disease. Often an addict’s health deteriorates
after prolonged use, putting the individual at an increased risk of catching respiratory
25
illnesses. Luckily there are several heroin treatment programs available. Treatment is
likely to be more successful and easier for the patient when sought early on. The opiates
methadone or buprenorphine are often a popular treatment as it blocks pain receptors and
withdrawal symptoms. There are also a variety of prescription drugs a family doctor can
administer that give the user more privacy and a smaller chance of becoming addicted.
There are a number of behavioural treatment programs available which have proven to be
successful for a variety of drugs addictions (NIDA, 2000).
CANADIAN TRENDS
It is no secret that drugs in today’s society are a major issue. Approximately one
in every six people has used an illegal drug other than marijuana. According to the
Canadian Addiction Survey (2004), of all illicit drugs, excluding marijuana, the most
common drugs of choice were hallucinogens, used by 11.4% of those surveyed. Not far
behind, cocaine was the second most common drug of choice with 10.6% of those
surveyed using it. Speed and ecstasy followed shortly behind with 6.4% and 4.1%
respectively. The prevalence of using inhalants, heroin, steroids, and other drugs taken
intravenously was about 1% of the population. Alarmingly, rates of injectable drugs in
1994 at 1.7 million, increased in ten years to over 4.1 million by 2004! Rates of overall
drug use in Canada have increased from 29% in 1994 to 45% ten years later (Canadian
Addiction Survey, 2004).
Unfortunately, drug use does not only affect ones health. The Canadian
Addiction Survey surveyed individuals over the age of 15 to report the harm drug use had
on a variety of factors in their life such as physical health, friends and family, work, and
legal problems. Physical health was the single most affected area of the drug user’s life,
followed by financial position, friendship, and social life. Interestingly, legal problems
26
were the lowest, perhaps suggesting a need for legislation change (Canadian Addiction
Survey, 2004).
Provincially, illegal drug use, excluding marijuana, remains at a relatively low
level with approximately 3% of the population using these drugs in the past year.
Consistently, drug use levels are lowest in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and
Newfoundland and Labrador. Provinces above the national average in Canada are
Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia (Canadian Addiction Survey, 2004).
CONCLUSION
It is clear from this report that the consequences of drug use can be serious and
life altering. For those current users, there are also many treatments available. The most
common and standard treatment options are behavioural therapies, which focus on
changing anti-social behaviours, and contingency programs which focus on earning
tokens for good behaviour, which can be traded for luxury items such as extra phone
calls, treats or recreation time. There are also community support groups and programs
which help individuals to turn their lives around, find jobs to support themselves, and a
safe community to live in. From a medical perspective there are many research programs
looking to find a drug that alters withdrawal effects while minimizing cravings.
Although it is a very sensitive topic for parents and children, it is an extremely
important one. It is important to for parents to be involved in children’s school work,
extracurricular activities, and social lives with their friends and peers. There are several
drug abuse prevention programs available in the community or school for support or
weekly groups that can be attended by both parent and child.
In summation, the more children and teenagers know about drugs, the better.
Chances are if they are well informed they are less likely to use drugs. It is important to
27
provide this information to children early on and for parents to have an open relationship
when it comes to discussing drug use.
Acknowledgements
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my supervisor, Michelle Edwards,
for such a wonderful co-op experience and allowing me the freedom to explore my
interests.
28
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