Thursday, December 6, 2007

THE FAMILY GUIDE TO DRUGS AND DRUG ABUSE

THE FAMILY GUIDE TO DRUGS AND DRUG ABUSE

If you're a parent or young adult, you know there's a drug

problem on this planet. Whether it's alcohol; the most abused

drug, or crack cocaine; one of the most psychologically

addictive and dangerous drugs, the problem affects us all.

Federal studies show that over 70 million people in U.S.

households have used illegal drugs! Drugs are responsible for

a great number of the crimes committed today! Thefts,

burglaries, robberies and murders a recommitted for the sole

purpose of financing drug habits!

This report is presented only as a source of general

information. Nothing in this report is to be considered as

legal or medical advice! Consult with legal and medical

professionals for the best advice on topics covered in this

report. Parents are encouraged to add their own views and

suggestions to each topic. This report is not intended to

replace a parent's instructions to their children.

Alcohol is the most abused of all drugs! It is believed that

almost three quarters of the U.S. population uses alcohol to

some extent.

Alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly and affects the

judgement and behavior of the user. It affects coordination

and response time.

Thousands of teenagers are killed each year in alcohol-related

traffic accidents!

Marijuana is the most abused of all the illegal drugs. It is

normally smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes, pipes, and other

suitable devices. It is also ingested by mixing in food and

drink.

Marijuana is a mind-altering drug that causes a state of

intoxication. It can affect thinking and judgement and can

cause anxiety attacks.

Marijuana use can cause tissue damage, panic attacks,

bronchitis, and changes in male hormones. It has more cancer

causing chemicals than tobacco!

Marijuana is made from the leaves and flowering tops of the

canabis sativa plant, which are harvested and dried. The

mind-altering component of Marijuana is called THC, for short.

The higher the THC content, the more potent the Marijuana.

Hashish is a resin that is extracted from the marijuana plant,

and is normally smoked.

Cocaine is a white powder that is snorted, sniffed, swallowed,

smoked, and injected. The most common method is sniffing or

snorting.

Cocaine may be found packaged in baggies, vials, and similar

containers. It is frequently layed out in "lines" on a smooth

surface to be inhaled into the nose with a small tube or straw.

Cocaine use may cause runny nose, paranoia, depression,

irritability, violent behavior, headaches, and trouble sleeping.

Crack is a dangerous and deadly form of cocaine. It appears on

the street as small white, brown, or tan pellets, rocks, or

chips. It is inhaled through a pipe or similar device and is 5

to 10 times more potent than cocaine that is snorted through

the nose.

Crack provides a quick, intense, but short-lived "high", and

then results in a need for more of the drug.

Some of the effects of crack use are weight loss, hyperactivity,

hoarseness and heart attack. Crack can addict the user faster

than any other drug!

Inhalants such as gasoline, glue, spray paints, rubber cement,

and other chemicals can cause a "high" when inhaled. They can

also cause permanent damage to the nervous system, liver,

kidneys, and can lead to various psychological problems.

Some athletes inject anabolic steroids in order to improve their

physical ability and appearance. Steroid use can cause liver

damage, testicle atrophy, aggressive behavior, high cholesterol,

high risk for heart attack, enlarged prostate, baldness,

depression, and other problems.

- Appears intoxicated or drunk

- Wears sunglasses to hide red eyes

- Starts using incense or other deodorizers

- The smell of Marijuana (some say it smells like burnt rope)

- Presence of drug paraphernalia

- Mood swings

- Failing or dropping grades in school

- Reports of skipping or dropping classes

- Missing complete days in school

- Pays less attention to responsibilities

- Always needing money

- Arrests or tickets for vehicle incidents

- Selling personal items

- Valuables missing from the home

- Spending more time away from home

- Wants more privacy

There are many things that could be considered signs of drug use

and abuse. Some could indicate medical or other problems. Get

all the facts. Consult a professional.

Aids is a disease that attacks the body's immune system. As the

disease progresses, the body becomes unable to fight off

diseases such as cancer, pneumonia, and tuberculosis the way a

healthy body can. The major avenues of infection with the AIDS

virus are sharing needles used to inject drugs, intimate sexual

relations, and receiving AIDS contaminated blood, or allowing

AIDS contaminated blood or body fluids to enter your bloodstream.

There have been no reported cases of the AIDS virus being

transmitted by shaking hands, hugging, or from toilet seats.

However, using alcohol or other drugs can ruin your judgement

about activities that lead to AIDS!

The number of street gangs and the incidence of violence

involving them is definitely on the rise. If you live in a

large city, you know this already. If you live in a smaller or

medium size city, you have probably read about it or are

beginning to experience the problem locally.

Gangs probably formed out of the feeling for a need to band

together for protection against other groups with conflicting

interests or intentions.

It is generally believed that gangs are made up of members of

society who fit a certain mold. People who join gangs are

usually "followers" who are not able to get respect without

their "gang identity". They probably had no one in their lives

to provide a positive influence on them. They were probably

left home alone a lot due to various circumstances. They may

have been involved in minor crimes and possibly drug use. They

lack any feeling of importance or power. They have no real

self-esteem. They feel there is no excitement in their lives.

Gang-related graffiti is one sure sign of the presence of or the

impending emergence of gang activity in your area. Gangs mark

their turf with gang symbols which can be found on building

walls, fences, sidewalks, and on just about anything else in the

neighborhood. These gang symbols and other markings can contain

very complicated codes.

- Some gangs and/or members are very well armed.

- Change in attitude about society, authority, etc.

- Riding around in cars filled with people.

- School work suffering and class attendance dropping.

- Gang graffiti near or at your home.

- Use of alcohol or drugs.

- Being secretive about their activities.

- Wearing a different style of clothing and hanging out with

others who dress the same.

- Strange or threatening phone calls, possibly from rival gang

members, to your home.

Tips

Drugs do absolutely NOTHING for you! Those who use or sell

drugs will end up with nothing but a sick, broken body, a police

record, no real job, or DEAD! You can do better than that!

Graduating from high school can make it possible for you to earn

several hundred thousand dollars MORE during your working life

than someone who only finished the eighth grade or dropped out

of high school.

Are you thinking of being a teacher, airline pilot, nurse,

doctor, lawyer, psychologist, dentist, veterinarian, optometrist,

or fighter pilot? Don't even think about dropping out. These are

all college graduates.

Many jobs that only required a high school diploma a few years

ago are now going to people with a college background. With so

many people looking for work, employers can now pick from only

the best.

Don't pick up hypodermic needles or syringes you see on the

ground or in the trash. They can carry viruses that cause

diseases including hepatitis and AIDS.

Check with your police agency about Law Enforcement Exploring.

You'll have a great time and you'll learn a lot, too. If your

agency doesn't have a post ask them to start one.

Some drugs can kill you the first time you try them!

Be very alert around strangers. The sad truth is that there are

people in the world who will hurt you for no reason. Be aware

of where you are and who is around you at all times.

Your mom and dad said it. Your teacher said it. Now here it is

again: NEVER GET INTO A CAR WITH A STRANGER! You may

never be seen again! Run away from anyone who tries to get you into

a car. Scream, yell, and RUN!

You come home from school and find the door to your house open.

No one is supposed to be at home. STOP right there and go to a

responsible neighbor's house, the nearest pay phone, or other

location designated by your parents, and call the police! Do

not go into the house! Do not walk around the house to check

other windows and doors! If you walk in on a burglar, you could

be injured, kidnapped, or killed! Let the police check the

house!

Never tell strangers, in person or over the phone, how many

people are in your family, when your mom and dad go to work or

come home, or anything else that will let someone know when it's

a good time to break into your home.

Always wear a seatbelt when travelling in a car. Many accidents

can injure or kill you, and many will make you crack the

windshield with your face and make you ugly for the rest of your

life! Or paralyzed!

Don't let your friends talk you into doing something dangerous

or against the law. Don't ruin your day or your life on a dare.

Stop and think... then decide.

Don't play with guns! Don't hang around someone else who is

playing with a gun. Get away as fast as you can and tell your

parents! Bullets can travel over a mile, and through walls, and

injure or kill you!

Don't use steroids! You don't need them. Steroids can't

replace a hard workout!

Don't drink. When you drink it's hard to make the right

decisions.

Addictive

The property of a drug that can cause a psychological or

physical dependence.

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A fatal disease that

attacks and destroys the body's immune system. This disease

makes the body unable to fight off infections and other disease.

As the condition progresses and the body becomes weaker,

diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis and pneumonia take hold

and cause the death of the victim. AIDS is found frequently in

people who have shared needles with other people while injecting

intravenous drugs.

Angel Dust

Another name for the hallucinogen PCP.

Atom Bomb

A name for the mixture of heroin and marijuana.

Barbiturates

A class of depressants often prescribed by doctors to help

people sleep. Barbiturates are taken orally and are sold on the

illegal drug market. Phenobarbital is a widely known

barbiturate.

Clandestine (clandestine laboratories)

Describes secret, or hidden, laboratories where illegal drugs

are manufactured.

Cocaine

Made from the leaf of the coca plant that is grown in South

America. It stimulates the nervous system and has mind-altering

effects. Cocaine can constrict the blood vessels which causes

the heart to strain in order to do its work. Repeated cocaine

use can cause a psychological dependence that becomes the most

important thing in the user's life. Cocaine use during

pregnancy can cause miscarriages and even stillbirth.

Colors

The colored insignia, flags, bandanas, or other items that

indicate specific gang or club affiliation.

Crack

A very dangerous form of cocaine that is sometimes called "rock"

because it resembles small rock or stone chips, rock salt,

soapchips or crystals. It is white or tan in color. It is

normally smoked. Crack use can cause a very high heart rate and

possible heart attack. This can happen even with the first use!

It causes a very strong "high" and then a very devastating

"crash"!

Crank

A name given to the mixture of cocaine and heroin that is

usually injected. Since the arrival of crack, this name also

applies to the mixture of crack and the smokable form of heroin.

These mixtures are also known as "speedball".

Depressants

Drugs that cause a relaxing, intoxicating effect. Often called

tranquilizers. Some common types are Tuinal, Seconal, Miltown,

Librium, Valium, and Chloral Hydrate.

DWI

Driving while intoxicated. This is the charge filed against a

person arrested for drunk driving. In many states a driver is

presumed to be intoxicated to a degree where he is a danger to

himself or others when his blood alcohol level is 0.10% or more.

Some states call the offense DUI, or "driving under the

influence". Some states have a separate charge for driving

under the influence of drugs, or DUID. Some states make no

distinction.

Dusted

Under the influence of PCP.

Dusting

Adding PCP or other drugs to marijuana.

Ecstasy

The most popular of the "designer drugs". It is sometimes taken

as an aphrodisiac, but its effects can be the opposite of what

the user intended or expected. This drug can cause blurred

vision, blood pressure changes, and even brain damage.

Euphoria

A feeling of well-being. In this presentation it is used to

describe an effect of a particular drug.

Freebasing

A term used to describe the smoking of cocaine after its active

ingredient has been separated from its salt base. It is usually

smoked in water-filled pipes. Heat applied to the bowl causes

the "freebase" to vaporize. There is a risk of fire during this

process due to the dangerous chemicals that must be used.

Goofball

A term for the mixture of cocaine and heroin.

Hallucination

An imagined seeing of visions or hearing of sounds.

Hallucinogens PCP LSD

As the name implies, hallucinogens cause the user to experience

hallucinations. All the person's senses may become distorted

and totally unreliable and unpredictable. They may lose all

sense of reality.

Hashish

A dark brown, but sometimes green or black, resin that is

derived from the marijuana plant. Hashish is smoked in pipes or

similardevices. Hashish oil is usually smoked by putting it on

regular cigarettes or marijuana cigarettes.

Herb and Al

A name for marijuana and alcohol.

Hyperactivity

Abnormally high level of activity.

Hypodermic Needle/Syringe

The syringe is a hollow barrel containing a plunger inside. It

is tipped with a hollow needle. It is used to inject drugs

under the skin. Hypodermic means "under the skin".

Ice

A very dangerous, crystallized form of methamphetamine. It is

believed that ICE originated in Hawaii. It looks like rock

candy or rock salt. ICE is made into its solid or crystallized

form by cooking it. ICE can be even more dangerous and

addictive than cocaine or crack. ICE is virtually odorless when

smoked.

Illicit (illicit drug use - illicit drugs)

Used in this presentation to describe the illegal use of

prescription drugs or the use of illegal drugs.

Inhalants

Chemicals that are introduced into the body by breathing

or inhaling them. Common inhalants are spray paints, glue, felt

markers, polishes, and gasoline. These are legal, easily

obtained items, but contains poisons that cause a "high" when

purposely inhaled in concentrated amounts. Spray paints (gold

and silver are popular) are sprayed into paper or plastic sacks.

The sack is then placed over the mouth and nose and the

concentrated fumes inhaled. The chemicals can also be poured or

sprayed onto rags and held against the face. The effects range

from lightheadedness to intoxication to coma. "Sniffing"

("huffing") causes brain damage (usually irreversible)! It also

damages other vital organs such asthe liver, kidneys, and lungs.

Intoxication

Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other chemical.

Being drunk.

Intravenous

Injected or introduced directly into the vein.

Junkie

A person who is addicted to drugs.

Mescaline

A white, crystalline substance derived from the tops of a

species of cactus. It can cause hallucinations.

Methamphetamines

The most popular stimulant. Sometimes called "speed", "uppers",

"crank", or "crystal". Methamphetamines are taken due to their

effect of causing increased alertness and euphoria. An overdose

can cause a stroke or heart attack.

Nicotine

A very poisonous chemical found in tobacco.

Opium

A poisonous and addictive chemical derived from the poppy plant.

Morphine and codeine are derived from it.

Paraphernalia (drug)

Equipment or apparatus used to assist in the smoking or

injection of drugs. Syringes, needles, roach clips, spoons,

etc.

Paranoia

A mental condition describing a feeling of persecution. This

condition is brought on by the use of certain drugs.

PCP (Phencyclidine)

Considered to be the most dangerous of the hallucinogens. PCP

has many different street names including, angel dust and

supergrass. PCP was first produced as an anesthetic, but is now

made only in clandestine labs.

Roach Clip

Any device used to hold the short butt (roach) of a marijuana

cigarette. Small "alligator" clips are very common.

Speed

See "Methamphetamine".

Speedball

A term used for the mixture of cocaine and heroin. Since the

arrival of crack, the term now more frequently applies to the

mixture of crack and heroin in its smokable form.

Steroids

Drugs used to enhance physical ability, strength, and appearance

of the user. It is generally thought that the hazards

associated with steroid use far outweigh any possible benefit.

Stimulants

A class of drugs that causes an increase in energy, alertness,

and possibly activity. Some examples are Benzedrine, Preludin,

Fastin, Ritlan and amphetamines. Continued use of stimulants

can cause weight loss, mood changes, tremors, and palpitations.

Tragic Magic

A term for the mixture of PCP and crack.

Zoom

A mixture of PCP and marijuana.

If you have a friend who is using drugs of any type, talk to him

or her and let them know you care about what may happen to their

life because of their actions. Don't just point your finger at

them and talk down to them. Really show them you care and are

willing to help them get the help they need. But remember not

to let yourself be caught in suspicious places or circumstances

with someone who may have drugs on them. It is possible that

you could be arrested, depending on the situation, if you are

with someone who is caught with drugs!

If your friend does not listen to you, ask your parents for

advice on how to handle the situation. Your parents can be your

best source of guidance if you give them a chance.

Your friend may need medical attention or counselling for the

problem. You can also get information and advice from your

school, religious, or professional substance abuse counselors.

National Federation of Parents For A Drug-Free Youth 8730

Georgia Ave, Suite 200 Silver Springs,MD 20910

Cocaine Hotline 1-800-262-2463

Referral 1-800-544-5437

Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Help Line

ADCARE Hospital

107 Lincoln

Worcester, MA 01605

1-800-252-6465

National Clearinghouse For Drug/Alcohol Abuse Information

P.O. Box 2345

Rockville, MD 20851

1-800-729-6686

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