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Common
Drugs
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Alcohol
is the most widely used and abused drug in the United States. Alcoholism is
one of the most preventable illnesses. Alcohol is a central nervous system
depressant that slows down body functions such as heart rate and respiration.
Small quantities of alcohol may induce feelings of well-being and relaxation;
but in larger amounts, alcohol can cause intoxication, sedation, unconsciousness,
and even death. When consumed, alcohol goes to the stomach and passes through
to the small intestine, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. When the
blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches .10, the legal limit in most states, the
average drinker will experience blurred vision, slurred speech, poor muscle
coordination, and a lack of rational judgment. A BAC of .40 to .50 will induce
coma. Breathing is likely to stop with a BAC of .60. Alcoholism is a primary,
chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing
its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal.
It is characterized by continuous or periodic impaired control over drinking,
preoccupation with the drug, use of the drug despite adverse consequences,
and distortions in thinking, most notably denial. A drinker is physically
dependent if withdrawal symptoms are experienced when alcohol use is discontinued
abruptly. Symptoms vary but include delirium tremors ("DTs"), cramps,
vomiting, elevated blood pressure, sweating, dilated pupils, sleep problems,
irritability, and convulsions. Most of these symptoms will subside in two
or three days, though irritability and insomnia may last two to three weeks.
Psychological dependence occurs when the drinker becomes so preoccupied with
alcohol that it is difficult to do without it. Short-term memory loss and
blackouts are common among heavy drinkers. A blackout, which is an amnesia-like
period often confused with passing out or losing consciousness, results when
the drinker appears normal and may function normally; however, the person
has no memory of what has taken place. Alcohol acts as an irritant of the
gastrointestinal system and increases the hydrochloric acid production in
the lining of the stomach. Alcohol also causes numerous liver disorders including
fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver. Alcohol is also
associated with heart disease and reproduction and pregnancy problems.
Barbiturates
are synthetic drugs that are classified as sedative hypnotics. Sedative hypnotics
depress or slow down the body's functions. Commonly abused barbiturates are
amobarbital (Amytal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and secobarbital (Seconal).
These drugs account for approximately one-third of all reported drug-related
deaths, including suicides and accidental drug poisonings. One feature remains
common to all barbiturates: there is only a slight difference between a dose
that produces sedation and a dose that may cause death. Using barbiturates
in conjunction with alcohol is especially dangerous; alcohol is a central
nervous system (CNS) depressant so the harmful effects of each are multiplied.
Overdose deaths are more frequent when alcohol and barbiturates are mixed,
whether accidentally or deliberately. The following signs that may indicate
the use of barbiturates: similar to alcohol intoxication with no odor on the
breath, though many users combine alcohol and barbiturates; lethargy; slurred
speech; lack of facial expression or animation; and involvement in activities
such as frequent visits to several physicians to obtain prescriptions to treat
nervousness, insomnia, stress, or tension. Barbiturates produce a feeling
of euphoria, tranquility, and temporary relief from anxiety. Regular and prolonged
use of the drug induces tolerance and withdrawal symptoms range from restlessness,
insomnia, and anxiety to convulsions and death. Individuals abusing barbiturates
frequently underestimate the potential danger because initial effects are
similar to those of alcohol. Tolerance can build easily and the user cannot
always assess how much the body can handle without overdosing. Accidents,
addiction, and death are the most common problems associated with barbiturate
abuse.
Cocaine
is a short-acting, powerful central nervous system stimulant which comes from
the South American coca bush. Cocaine bought on the street is a mixture of
pure cocaine and other substances added to stretch the supply and to increase
the seller's profit. Freebase is a form of cocaine that is smoked. Crack is
a light brown or beige pellet and is often referred to as "rock"
or "ready rock". In some areas it is sold as three inch sticks with
ridges and is referred to as "french fries" or "teeth."
The most dangerous form of smokeable cocaine is coca paste made by using gasoline
or sulfuric acid to extract a smokeable paste. The paste is dried and smoked
in a pipe or crushed into a cigarette. Cocaine may be used in conjunction
with other drugs to produce a variety of effects. "Speedballing"
is the combination of cocaine and heroin in a syringe for injection. "Spaceballing"
is the sprinkling of liquid PCP (phencyclidine) on crack cocaine before smoking.
Cocaine and crack constrict the heart's blood vessels, making it work harder
and faster to move blood through the body. In some users, this stress may
trigger chest pain or a heart attack. Cocaine can also interfere with the
signals controlling the heart pump causing it to beat irregularly and may
even stop beating. Brain seizures are another possibility with use of cocaine
and crack. Some users have even suffered from a stroke due to the increase
in blood pressure caused by cocaine use. Tolerance builds easily and could
lead to overdose. The other effects of cocaine are suicidal tendencies, dramatic
mood swings, chronic nose bleeds, runny nose or sore throat, loss of friends
and former values, miscarriage/birth defects, weight loss resulting from loss
of appetite, chronic headaches, respiratory ailments, vitamin deficiencies,
addiction, crime and arrests, and death. Signs of cocaine use are dilated
pupils, dry mouth and nose, bad breath, frequent lip licking, excessive activity
- difficulty in sitting still, talkative but conversation lacks continuity,
runny nose, cold or chronic sinus/nasal problems, sudden drops in grades at
school or in work performance, frequently in trouble or accident prone, and
use or possession of paraphernalia including small spoons, razor blades, mirrors,
small bottles of white powder, plastic, glass or metal straws, glass pipes,
and miniature blow torches.
Ecstasy
is Methylene Dioxy Meth Amphetamine (MDMA). The street names for Ecstasy are
X, Rolls, E, Adam, Beans, and Buddies. Ecstasy stays in the body varying amounts
of time and can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. Users of Ecstasy are risking
brain damage that remains long after the high has worn off, and often is irreparable.
New research has concluded that a single dose of MDMA significantly damages
brain cells called neurons that produce serotonin, which is a major neurotransmitter,
that is thought to influence mood, appetite, sleep, and other important functions.
Even after 12 to 18 months after damage by Ecstasy, serotonin-producing nerve
fibers have regrown abnormally in some brain regions and failed to regrow
at all in others. Ecstasy also has stimulant properties such as increased
heart rate and blood pressure; dilates the pupils and bronchi; stimulates
the brain, increases motor activity, makes the user more alert; tight jaw
muscles, often users will grind their jaws together; overheating, sweating,
and dehydration; mild hallucinogenic properties, like mescaline; enhances
the senses with some perceptual changes, no major hallucinations, enhances
tactile sensations. Ecstasy is usually taken orally in tablets (100-200 mg:
1.4 - 2.8 mg/kg per tablet), but can be snorted, smoked, or injected. Individuals
usually experiment by "stacking" - taking three or more tablets
at once; or by "piggy-backing" - taking a series of pills over a
short period of time. Clubs and rave parties that advertise a "chill
room" are catering towards ecstasy users. Tolerance does develop and
can lead to overdosing. Most of the time, ecstasy is taken with other drugs
found at rave parties, for example, GHB, marijuana, and Ketamine. Complications
from Ecstasy include acute renal (kidney) failure, cardiovascular collapse,
cerebral infarction (cell death due to local loss of circulation) or bleeding,
depression, hepatic (liver) failure, hyponatremia (low sodium)(water intoxication),
psychosis, respiratory failure, and rhabdomyolysis (degeneration of muscle
proteins). Often ecstasy is followed by GHB consumption, referred to as "E
sitting." Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), Ketamine, and PCP have been taken
to minimize the undesirable effects of high dose consumption. GHB is taken
to block the over-stimulation or overly wired feelings produced by ecstasy.
GHB has shown anti-dopaminergic activity; dopamine activity produces the ecstasy-associated
stimulation. The tablets are different shapes, but mainly round with different
imprints on which include the Mitsubishi symbol, a fox, a camel, a star, many
different automobile logos, Rolex logo, lightning bolt, dollar signs, and
a myriad of stamps are used. There are over 600 different logos/markings for
ecstasy to date. A derivative of ecstasy has been found with a light brown
color and stamped with the Statue of Liberty logo. It has been field tested
to contain MDMA and heroin and has a street name of "Space." Paraphernalia
associated with ecstasy use include pacifiers, Blo-Pop suckers, Popsicle sticks,
M&M candy, Skittles, Tootsie-Rolls, Candy Necklaces, Glo-Sticks, bottled
water, dust or surgical masks, Vick's Vapo-Rub (smeared inside masks) and
Vick's Vapo-Inhalers (inhaled, or blown into face and eyes by a partner).
Ecstasy causes psychiatric disturbances - panic, anxiety, paranoia, depression,
nausea, increased muscle tension, chills, sweating, tremors, blurred vision,
circulatory problems, hyperthermia, electrolyte imbalance, tissue and organ
failure, massive release of serotonin leading to potential destruction of
these neurons, learning/memory problems, and tooth decay. The after-effects
of ecstasy use are drowsiness, muscle aches (lower back, neck and joint pain),
general fatigue, depression, difficulty in concentrating, paranoia, short-lived
anxiety and irritability, acne/skin rash, frequent headaches, and frequent
stomach cramps. Some ecstasy users have turned to illegal Prozac for relief
of the depression and have even taken Ritalin in conjunction with ecstasy
in order to help them concentrate more. Both combinations are dangerous. Studies
have shown that tolerance can be built up for prolonged use.
Since
about 1990, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) has been abused in the U.S. for euphoric,
sedative, and anabolic (body building) effects. As with Rohypnol and clonazepam,
GHB has been associated with sexual assault in cities throughout the country.
Reports indicate liquid GHB is being used in nightclubs for effects similar
to those of Rohypnol. It is also a common club drug where it is known as liquid
ecstasy, scoop, grievous bodily harm, and G. Coma and seizures can occur following
GHB use and when combined with Methamphetamine, there appears to be an increased
risk of seizure. Combining use with other drugs such as alcohol can result
in nausea and difficulty breathing. GHB may also produce withdrawal effects,
including insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and sweating. Other effects of GHB include:
affects consciousness and memory; suppresses respiratory system - lungs may
completely stop working; experience similar effects as alcohol, dizziness
and drowsiness; depression, hallucinations, and delirium; can cause coma or
death, depending on amount used.
Heroin
is an illegal and highly addictive opioid drug. Although it is synthesized
from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the resin of
the opium poppy plant, it is even more addictive than morphine. Typically,
street heroin is available as a white or brownish powder or as a black pasty
substance known as "black tar heroin." The variance in color is
due to impurities left from the manufacturing process or the presence of additives
such as other drugs, sugars, starch, powdered milk, quinine, or poisons. There
are three ways to ingest heroin, snorting, smoking, or injecting. The most
common way is by injection. Although users who are concerned about acquiring
AIDS, usually snort the drug. Signs and symptoms of heroin use are lethargy,
drowsiness, constricted pupils, reduced vision, shallow breathing, needle
or track marks on inner arms or other parts of the body from injecting needles,
excessive perspiration, shaking, vomiting, chills, or other withdrawal symptoms,
use or possession of paraphernalia including syringes, bent spoons, bottle
caps, eye droppers, rubber tubing, cotton, and needles. Heroin initially produces
a feeling of tranquility and euphoria followed by drowsiness, nausea, and
vomiting. Users who inject heroin may also experience a "rush" as
the drug circulates through the body. Accompanied by the rush, a warm flushing
of the skin, dry mouth, constipation, and severe itching are experienced.
The body's tolerance to pain is also increased. In large doses, heroin can
reduce or eliminate respiration causing death. Long term effects include infection
of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tetanus from sharing needles or using unsterile needles,
collapsed veins, bacterial infections, abscesses, infection of heart lining
and valves, and arthritis and other rheumatologic problems.
Inhalants
are breathable substances that produce psychoactive (mood-altering) vapors.
They can be broken down into three major categories - volatile solvents, nitrites,
and anesthetics. Volatile solvents are either gases, such as butane, or liquids,
such as gasoline or paint thinner, that vaporize at room temperature. Two
popular inhalants are amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite. It is a clear, yellowish
liquid that is sold in a cloth-covered, sealed bulb. The bulbs emit a popping
or snapping sound when broken, which accounts for the nicknames "poppers"
and "snappers." Butyl nitrite is packaged in small bottles, often
marked incense, and sold under a variety of names including "locker room"
and "rush." The high from butyl nitrite lasts from a few seconds
to several minutes. Immediate effects include flushed face, dizziness, decreased
blood pressure followed by an increased heart rate and headache. The principal
substance of abuse in anesthetics is nitrous oxide. A colorless, sweet-tasting
gas used by doctors and dentists for general anesthesia, nitrous oxide is
called "laughing gas" because it often induces a state of giggling
and laughter. Nitrous oxide is often sold in large balloons from which the
gas is released and inhaled for its mind-altering effects. Inhaling the gas
may deplete the body of oxygen and can result in death; prolonged use can
result in peripheral nerve damage. Symptoms of inhalant use include odor on
breath and clothes, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, drowsiness, poor muscle
control, and there is a presence of paraphernalia such as bags or rags, discarded
whipped cream or similar chargers (signs of nitrous oxide use) or small bottles
(signs of butyl nitrite use). Inhalant users may exhibit several adverse effects
including nausea, ringing in the ears, sneezing, abnormal heart rhythm, nosebleeds,
feeling and looking tired, coughing, double vision, bad breath, irritation
of the eyes, poor judgment, lack of coordination, chest pain, muscle and joint
aches, loss of appetite. Extended use of inhalants can cause weight loss,
fatigue, and an electrolyte (salt) imbalance. Repeated use can permanently
damage the nervous system, greatly reducing physical and mental abilities.
Tolerance develops quickly and usually as users mature, they seek other substances
such as marijuana, cocaine, and LSD in order to achieve that high.
Ketamine
is known on the street as K and Special K. Its effects include cardiovascular
failure (heart stops), inability to move muscles, insensitivity to pain which
can lead to serious injury, experience intense hallucinations, and can even
cause coma or death. Ketamine is normally used as a tranquilizer for horses
and other large animals.
Lysergic
Acid Diethylamide is a derivative of ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and
other grains. LSD is one of the most potent drugs because it is active in
extremely small doses. LSD is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is sold
on the street in tablets or capsules. In its liquid form it is placed in or
on another substance and allowed to dry. These substances include sugar cubes,
postage stamps, "microdots" (tiny balls of compacted powder), "windowpane"
(small squares of gelatin sheets or cellophane), and "blotter" (small
squares of paper). When added to gelatin sheets or blotter paper, LSD is divided
into small squares, each square representing a dose. The LSD is licked off
or swallowed. LSD is quickly absorbed from the stomach and intestines and
its effects are felt in 30 to 40 minutes. The physical effects of LSD include
dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart and blood pressure,
sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors. Psychic
effects occur within an hour after ingestion, causing a distortion in sensory
perception. The color and texture of objects become more vivid, and perception
is heightened. The body's senses are all affected, especially vision. Other
effects include: hallucinations - the user believes an imaginary vision is
real (uncommon with ordinary doses); pseudohallucinations - unreal images
that the LSD user knows are unreal; and synesthia - the occurrence of one
type of stimulation that triggers the sensation of another stimulation, such
as hearing a sound that causes the visualization of a color. The sensory input
to the LSD user can become so distorted that the user may "see"
music or "hear" color. Other psychic effects experienced by users
include a loss of body image, a loss of a sense of reality, a distorted sense
of time, and a shortened attention span. LSD users can experience emotional
changes also. They may exhibit dramatic mood swings, going from extreme happiness
to deep depression. Minor events, such as the sun going behind a cloud, can
trigger these mood swings. Tolerance develops quickly with continued use.
Flashbacks, or the re-experiencing of LSD's effects, can occur without warning
for up to a year or longer after use and can be triggered by stress or the
use of other drugs. A user can also experience a "bad trip" where
the user feels in extreme danger. These sensations may last anywhere from
a few minutes to several hours. The user experiences confusion, anxiety, panic,
suspiciousness, a feeling of helplessness, and a loss of control. If the panic
reactions become intense, a drug-induced psychosis can occur. This psychosis
may be brief or it may last for several years. Someone experiencing a "bad
trip" should not be left alone. Remain calm; the user is extremely sensitive
to the moods of those who are near and may become more fearful if the panic
of others is apparent. Try to create a calm atmosphere by turning off bright
lights and keeping the room quiet. Reassure the user that the experience is
the result of the drug and the feelings will pass. Talk about non-threatening
things such as a pleasant memory. Distract the user with visual images or
calming music, anything to get the user's mind out of the panic state. Panic
reactions can usually be handled by a calm and rational person, but if the
user becomes uncontrollable, seek medical or professional help immediately.
Other signs and symptoms of LSD use are extremely dilated pupils, warm skin,
excessive perspiration, body odor, distorted sense of sight, hearing, or touch,
distorted sense of time, self, and place, and mood and behavior changes, the
extent depending on the emotional state of the user and environmental conditions.
Magic
mushrooms are actually psilocybin and have the street names of schrooms or
tea. Their effects include experiencing euphoria, color distortions, and vivid
hallucinations; all body senses are affected, the user may "see"
music or "hear" color, like with LSD; experience dramatic mood swings
and personality changes while intoxicated; and an increase in blood pressure
and body temperature.
Marijuana
is the common name for a crude drug made from the plant Cannabis Sativa. The
main mind-altering ingredient is THC but there are more than 400 other chemicals
also in the plant. Hashish is a concentrated form of marijuana and contains
5 to 10 times as much THC. Contrary to popular belief, marijuana can cause
lung cancer as well as sinusitis, and bronchitis. Smoking 3 to 5 marijuana
cigarettes a week is equivalent to smoking 16 tobacco cigarettes a day. It
also increases the level of carbon monoxide in the bloodstream, thereby reducing
the amount of oxygen in the heart. Chronic use of marijuana acts as an escape
from stress, allowing the user to block out pain, frustration, or confusion.
However, as the user repeatedly uses marijuana to escape, he or she becomes
less and less capable to cope with everyday challenges. Marijuana is considered
to be a gateway drug. That means that users tend to move on to more harmful
drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or LSD. Some of the symptoms of marijuana use
are loud talking and bursts of laughter in early stages of intoxication, drowsiness
or stupor in later stages of intoxication, forgetfulness in conversation,
chronic redness of the eyes, odor similar to burning rope on clothing or breath,
decrease in school or work performance and truancy, neglect of personal hygiene,
change of friends, paranoia, defensiveness, secretiveness, self-centeredness,
depression, mood swings, amotivational syndrome, distorted sense of time,
and use or possession of paraphernalia such as cigarette rolling papers, 'roach'
clips (used to hold the cigarette, usually alligator clips that can be bought
at any electronics store), and pipes or a "bong" ( a water pipe
for cooling the smoke so the user can inhale more). Long term affects of marijuana
include impaired speech, difficulty in comprehending complex ideas, loss of
memory, difficulty in concentrating or focusing on one subject, irregular
sleep habits, insomnia, mood swings, lack of body coordination, decrease in
muscle strength, and blurred vision and impaired visual perception. It can
also cause infertility in both males and females.
Methamphetamine's
street names are Meth, Crystal, and Crank. Its effects include a very intense
high followed by a fast down (crash). It is extremely addictive, with a first
time user can very easily become addicted. Methamphetamine can cause convulsions,
heart irregularities, depression, restlessness, and severe fatigue. Users
can even experience paranoia and intense anxiety.
Opiates are central nervous system depressants used medically to relieve pain. Opiates are derived from resin of the poppy plant, which grows in countries throughout the world. The resin can be converted into opium, heroin, codeine, and morphine. Other opiates such as meperidine (Demerol), Darvon, Percodan, Dilaudid, Talwin, and Methadone are synthesized or manufactured by modifying the chemicals found in opium. These drugs are prescribed by a physician and are used to relieve pain, cough, and diarrhea. Other opiates, such as heroin and fentanyl, are popular street drugs. Fentanyl, an extremely potent and lethal synthetic narcotic, is 80 times more powerful than morphine. Street heroin can be a white or brownish powder. It may be injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked. Injection is the most common method of use. Like other depressants, opiates produce a tranquil and euphoric effect. Users who inject an opiate may also experience a "rush" as the drug circulates through the body. Some users combine opiates with a stimulant such as cocaine, a process called "snowballing." The stimulant keeps the user from falling asleep; the opiate reduces the hyperactive effects often caused by the stimulants. Opiates slow breathing, heart rate, and brain activity. Opiates also depress appetite, thirst, and sexual desire. The body's tolerance for pain is also increased. Potential contamination, using opiates in combination with other drugs, and using unsterile needles can lead to hepatitis, tetanus, or AIDS. Regular users who abruptly stop using the drug experience withdrawal symptoms four to six hours following the last dose. Symptoms include uneasiness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, chills, sweating, nausea, runny nose and eyes, irritability, weakness, tremors, and insomnia. The signs and symptoms of opiate use are lethargy and drowsiness, constricted pupils and reduced vision, shallow breathing, needle or track marks on inner arms or other parts of the body from using needles to inject the drug, redness and raw nostrils from sniffing, excessive perspiration, shaking, vomiting, chills, or other withdrawal symptoms, and use or possession of paraphernalia including syringes, bent spoons, bottle caps, eye droppers, rubber tubing, cotton, and needles.
OxyContin,
developed in 1996, is popular among heroin users and people already addicted
to other prescription painkillers.OxyContin, and its generic name oxycodone,
is a specific drug in the oxycodone family of narcotics. Oxycodone is also
found in prescription painkillers such as Percodan and Tylox, but the dosage
is much smaller. They are potent painkillers designated for people who have
built up a tolerance for weaker painkillers. OxyContin is a time-released
drug, but users circumvent the time-release by grinding up the tablet and
snorting the powder or mixing it with water and injecting it like heroin,
which gives them a high more euphoric than other narcotics. By doing this,
the user enables the full dosage to hit the body at once, which can overwhelm
the nervous system and shut down the heart. Some users ingest OxyContin with
Ecstasy which is even more deadly. OxyContin and the related drug hydrocodone,
have accounted for 68 deaths in the less than 2 years the drug has been tracked
as an abused drug.
Rohypnol
(flunitrazepam) is a strong sedative and is a member of the benzodiazepine
family which includes drugs such as Librium, Xanax, and Valium. Rohypnol is
about 10 times the strength of Valium. Slang terms for Rohypnol include roach,
roche (ro-shay), roofies, ruffies, run-trip-and-fall, R-2, Mexican Valium,
rib, and rope. Being under the influence of the drug is referred to as being
"roached out." Often found at nightclubs and rave parties, Rohypnol
is a strong sedative that is abused by teenagers, nightclub attendees, and
individuals intent on sexual assault. Taken on its own, Rohypnol is not likely
to cause death. Often, however, Rohypnol is consumed with alcohol or other
drugs to increase the drug's effects. The combination of alcohol and Rohypnol
has caused death. Rohypnol is highly addictive and dependence has severe withdrawal
symptoms. Rohypnol is manufactured as small, white tablets with "Roche"
inscribed on one side with an encircled "1" or "2" indicating
a 1 mg or 2 mg dose. Other signs include decreased blood pressure, slowed
psychomotor performance, loss of bodily control, disinhibition, visual disturbances,
dizziness, confusion, gastrointestinal disturbances, and urinary retention.
Rohypnol can cause deep sedation, respiratory distress, blackouts that can
last up to 24 hours, and amnesia where users forget events experienced while
under the influence. In some cases, the drug has paradoxical effects and causes
users to become aggressive. The potential for overdose or death can occur,
especially when mixed with other drugs like alcohol. Regular use results in
tolerance and physical dependence. Risk of becoming addicted increases with
the dose used and with the duration of use. Rohypnol is known as a "date-rape"
drug because the drug is sometimes given to unwary victims without their consent.
Steroids
are synthetic forms of the male sex hormone testosterone. Its use produces
tissue-building (anabolic) and masculinizing (androgenic) effects. The effect
of steroids in the body is to stimulate the development of bone, muscle, skin,
hair growth, lowering the voice, and emotional responses. When too much is
used, the body can react by shutting down skeletal growth mechanisms. Recent
studies have shown that the use of steroids does not improve aerobic athletic
performance or respiratory functioning as was previously believed. Two factors
may account for increased muscle size and strength in athletes who use steroids,
they may have been training harder, or the "placebo" effect - the
belief that the drug produces the desired effect. The use of steroids to increase
muscle and strength does not mean tendons and ligaments are strengthened.
This imbalance can result in serious injury. There are over 70 side effects
of steroid use ranging from liver cancer to acne. The liver, cardiovascular,
and reproductive systems are hardest hit by steroids. Some side effects, such
as heart attack or stroke, may not show up for years. Other effects, such
as stunted growth, may go unnoticed, while the injected forms carry the increased
risk of infection and, if needles are shared, the risk of contracting AIDS.
Signs of steroid use include quick weight and muscle gain, purple or red-colored
spots on the body, swelling of feet or lower legs, trembling, unexplained
darkening of the skin, bad breath, increased aggressive behavior ("roid
rage").
Tobacco
is used in many forms including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing
tobacco and snuff. Cigarettes are the most common type of tobacco used, especially
by teens, followed by chewing tobacco and snuff. There are numerous harmful
ingredients in tobacco such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide
and arsenic. Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, is so toxic that
is has been used as in insecticide. As with other drugs, tobacco makes the
user feel different. Tobacco acts both as a stimulant and a depressant. A
beginning smoker will experience euhphoria, lightheadedness, giddiness, dizziness,
elevated heartbeat and respiration rates and a tingling sensation in the hands
and feet. A chronic smoker will suffer from a diminished sense of smell and
taste. Nicotine is more addictive than heroin. Not everyone who begins smoking
will become addicted; however, when users give up smoking, withdrawal symptoms
such as restlessness, nervousness, sleeplessness, sweating, reduced heart
rate and blood pressure, inability to concentrate, compulsive eating, headaches
and irritability can occur. These physical withdrawal symptoms last for about
one to three weeks. Medical problems associated with smoking tobacco are normally
the result of long-term use. Some of the many health hazards of tobacco are
heart disease, cancer, lung disease, obstructive pulmonary and bronchial disease,
gum and jawbone deterioration, gastrointestinal disease, eating disorders
and allergic reactions. The use of smokeless tobacco such as chewing tobacco
and snuff, can be as dangerous as smoking, causing mouth lesions and cancer.
In addition to being responsible for 87% of lung cancers, smoking is also
associated with cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, pancreas,
uterine cervix, kidney and bladder. Tobacco is also associated with emphysema,
bronchitis and coronary heart disease. Tobacco is responsible for nearly one
in five deaths in the United States. Smoking is the single largest preventable
cause of premature death and disability in the U.S. Every year, 400,000 Americans
die prematurely from diseases caused by cigarette smoking which is more than
AIDS, car accidents, alcohol, homicides, illegal drugs, suicides and fires
combined.
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