an accumulation of informative data
by Ken Wear commenced Oct. 2000
Education is the key to reducing drug abuse among young and old alike. In the classroom
candor and honesty are mandatory; our kids are smart and recognize when they are being
manipulated. Only public education can bring to potential users and parents concerned for
their young concrete information on consequences, detection, traffic and other aspects of
the drug problem. I note that information selected to influence behavior is readily
discernible and just as readily dismissed; absolute honesty is necessary. I have undertaken
this list for the purpose of bringing to children, parents, educators, potential users and
others general and specific information on the things capable of producing highs (or
lessening of inhibitions) or chemically inducing ecstasies or euphoria.
Some references are included at the end of this list. To skip there,
click here.
How to use:
Search for the name of the substance of interest and then use the link (if any). To return
to the point of linking, use the 'back' button on your monitor screen.
What you see here is a beginning; completeness and accuracy
will require extended time, research, and cooperation of others possessing information.
I solicit your help. To reach me, click here
for e-mail form.
For a brief essay on the
politics of drug abuse, click here.
For comment on drugs and life's game, click here.
For comment on aspects of education, click here.
USE OF COLOR: Red for the greatest harm or more
dangerous, blue for definitions, green for street names of drugs and violet
for proper names of drugs and for headers.
A high may be characterized
as a brief euphoric relaxing of inhibitions, as well as reduction of mental awareness
and physical control; in moderation said to encourage social intercourse; often reduces
libido. For a discussion, click here.
Absinthe: a strong alcoholic
liqueur, green in color and very bitter is taste. Diluted with cold water poured over
a spoonful of sugar into a shot of absinthe; solution turns opaque white as the
essential oils precipitate out. Some ascribe aphrodisiac and narcotic properties.
Illegal in the U.S. because most brands contain artemisia absinthium.
REFERENCES:
To find further information on addictions and treatment programs,
click here. (Jan '07: I had fond hopes of developing
this site but have not done the necessary research. However, Passages Malibu has
developed a program, which you may examine by following their links, below:)
From Passages Malibu:
Society has two organizations that hold the possibility of educating youngsters and tht
mature alike, churches and schools. The presentation of information and the manner of
presentation is peculiar to the structure of each.
In our schools there are two methods available to propagate information:
I discovered long ago that church members will attend educational series of studies or
presentations where there is either value to them or intense curiosity. We had in our
churdh what we called 'study courses' with a series of meetings, perhaps one weekly for
several weeks or perhaps each evening for a week or two, and books containing the
information to be presented so participants could prepare their questions and discussions
in private study in preparation for a meeting.
There is also need for comprehensive lectures for parents.
Given time enough on this Earth I hope to become involved in preparing information for
both schools and churches, although there are others better prepared to do so.
Perhaps they will preempt my effort.
Addiction: All
addictive drugs have two things in common: they produce an initial pleasurable
effect followed by a rebound unpleasant effect. There appears to be a genetic
base for at least some addictions; for instance, alcoholism often 'runs in
families.'
I have in hand a 1997 discussion by Dr. David Deans, Northridge campus of
California State University, suggesting that government and religious perceptions are
incorrect, regarding addiction as criminal or sinful, when in fact there are emotional and
motivational factors that usually lie below the conscious mind in the subconscious. As
12-step programs for alcohol and drug addicts have learned, addictive behavior follows
a downward spiral until the victim experiences a "moment of clarity" strong enough to
change his conscious orientation. Effective treatment programs must deal with these
subconscious drives, which are often peculiar to the physiology of the addictive drug.
He also suggests a strong connection between mother-infant bonding and a propensity
for drug addiction. He suggests that mothers who are unresponsive, demanding,
over-stimulating and abrupt cause some 22% of our population to be more susceptible
to drug dependence than others whose mothers were responsive, accessible and
consistent, or whose mothers were unpredictable and inconsistent. (To me, that is
inconsistent with the idea addiction 'runs in families' unless mothering styles also run in
families -- not at all a far-fetched idea -- but it does stress the impact of post-natal
emotional environment.) Dr. Deans also cites research on hormonal balance and
discusses families of drugs in terms of the nature of their physiological and
psychological effect.
Alcohol is a depressant; it
produces the sought-after effect by partially paralyzing the nerves that produce
restraint.
Alcoholic Beverages
: (190 proof ethyl alcohol on market)
Crack (Cocaine)
Ecstasy
GHB
"How to cure an addict:
In the above description, note "sudden changes:" you must know the user well before he
commences use. Know your teen-ager's life style, habits and friends and be observant.
Also, note "local addiction group;" you may need to exercise initiative to find a group.
Considering the difficulty of cure, how much better to avoid addiction in the first place.
Tobacco.
I smoked a pipe and then, in the Air Force, found it inconvenient to carry pouch and pipe
and so switched to cigarettes. About one carton per week. After some 17 years I quit
"cold turkey," but that was after trying for three or four years to reduce smoking to a few
-- at one time one -- a day. I have wondered since how my wife endured the stench in my
clothing, in the house and on my breath. Little wonder she did not care for love making.
But I had damaged my lungs to the extent that an hour in a smoke-filled room sets my lungs
to burning, and it takes hours of clean air for that stinging sensation to disappear -- which,
luckily, it does. I have no doubt that, had I not quit when I did, within five years I would
have been planted -- not from cancer but from inability to breathe. It was already affecting
my eye-sight with "floaters" that blocked out parts of my field of view. Quitting was one
of the most difficult things I have ever done. No question I was addicted. (The method I
used in quitting cigarettes is described at http://www.rationallink.org/pers/mybody.htm in
a note added 1-14-08.)
Acid: LSD
Addiction: the condition of
having given oneself over to some strong habit. For a discussion,
click here
Alcohol:
Potable alcohol is ethyl alcohol; methyl alcohol is poisonous. ‘Moonshine’ (private
distillation, illegal when unregulated, untaxed and sold for profit) often has
ingredients added to provide ‘kick’ and that may be medically dangerous.
Ethyl alcohol and beverages containing it are regulated, sold and taxed as recreational
drugs; regulations differ in various states and communities.
Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to alcohol abuse -- it runs in families;
for them it is wise to avoid alcohol altogether.
For more information, click here.
Alcoholic beverages:
For a partial list (no recipes) click here.
Alcoholism: Addiction to
alcohol. For a discussion, click here.
Amphetamine:
(C10H15N). Colorless, volatile liquid
(C9H13N
in sulfate or phosphate form).
Stimulates central nervous system; used to enhance performance. Induces feeling of
high energy and loss of appetite. Became popular in U.S. in 1930s when Cocaine was
illegal and amphetamines plentiful, legal and inexpensive. See methamphetamine.
Angel dust: PCP
Barbiturates: Class of drugs
(salt or ester of barbituric acid C4H4
Bennies: street
name for amphetamine
Benzedrine: Trademark for
amphetamine
Benzodiazepine: Downer. Family of depressants used (under many well-known trade
names such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Paxipam, Restoril, Rohypnol, Librium)
therapeutically to sedate, produce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and
to control severe epileptic seizures. For specifics and discussions of the various
benzodiazepines, see the reference a1b2c3.
Boo: street
name for methamphetamine
Caffeine: Vegetable base
stimulant C8H10
N4O2
Cannabis: the
hemp known as marijuana -- see 'hemp' and 'marijuana'
Cat: Methcathinone
Chalk: street
name for methamphetamine
Chewing tobacco: Leaf of the tobacco plant compacted for use similar to chewing gum. See
tobacco.
Chicken feed:
street name for methamphetamine
Cialis: trade
name of a drug designed to enhance sexual performance. See Viagra for a precaution.
Cigar(ettes):
Dried leaves of the tobacco plant rolled and smoked. Cigarettes are small cylinders of
shredded leaf wrapped in paper; cigars, rolled whole leaf, are larger. Inhalation of
the smoke has serious side effects if repeated often; a smoking habit is a major
contributor to lung cancer; 'second-hand' smoke (smoke that goes directly from
cigarette or cigar to room air) is also considered dangerous. (Spent smoke -- smoke
exhaled by the smoker -- is apparently not considered in the literature.) Users
are usually oblivious to the intense and distasteful odors created on their breath,
clothing, hair and in areas where they smoke. See tobacco.
Cocaine: World's
most powerful stimulant of natural origin; highly psychologically addictive; brief effect
(maybe 30 minutes). An alkaloid, a narcotic and local or topical anesthetic extracted from
dried leaves of the coca plant, a bushy shrub native to high altitudes in the Andes
Mountains of South America and cultivated in Java and other Asian countries, and in
Nigeria; used by the Indians over 5000 years, who chewed leaves for social, medicinal
and religious purposes. C17H21NO4.
Therapeutically used for local pain relief, generally as a hydrochloride.
For more, click here.
Codeine: An alkaloid
C18H21O3N(H2O) derived from opium.
Used for relief from pain and spasm. Similar to but milder than morphine.
Coke: street
name for cocaine
Crack (Cocaine):
an extract of cocaine, much more addictive; gives a short term rush of euphoria; said of
Crack “... crack addicts who would put down the pipe only long enough to stop puking;
some would pimp for their kids or parents to get another hit; plain old Coke never did
that.”
In heavy users there may be hallucinations of insects crawling under the skin, followed
by severe depression, agitated delirium and toxic paranoia.
While one must take the drug to appreciate the experience, it is at best very
imprudent; it is profoundly unwise to allow it into your system. There is one time in
life when taking crack is sensible, harmless and both emotionally and intellectually
satisfying: at the end of life when there is no hope of recovery, bringing life to a
close with a transcendentally orgasmic bang. For more,
click here.
Crack Nicotine:
More addictive than crack cocaine; lethal in minute dosage.
Crank: street
name for methamphetamine
Crystal (Cristy):
street name for methamphetamine
Crystal-meth:
street name for methamphetamine
Dexedrine: Trade name for
dextroamphetamine, an amphetamine derivative; twice as strong as Benzedrine
Dexies: street
name for amphetamine
Diviner's Sage: street name for
salvia divinorum.
DMT:
n,n-DieMethylTryptamine. Hallucinogenic that is smoked or injected. Injected the high is
realized within 10-15 minutes and gone within 60; smoked the high is realized within 10
seconds and fully gone within 10 minutes.
DOM: a tryptamine
derivative, member of phenethylamine family (mescaline, ecstasy, . . .). A psychedelic
slow to take effect and of long duration. Tolerance develops with repetition.
Downer: Benzodiazepine
Drugs: Drugs are chemical
compounds that modify the way the body and mind work. Most people think that these
biological activities should help or heal sick people or animals. There is, however,
no known drug that is not harmful or even poisonous at high doses, and much of the
scientific work on drugs has attempted to elucidate the gap between effective and
toxic doses.
The term also includes nearly any substance used to produce a 'high.'
It may be a narcotic (used for pain relief and to induce sleep), an intoxicant
(affecting the nervous system to cause loss of control), a hallucinogen (causing
perception of sights, sounds, etc., not actually present), a stimulant (temporary
increase in the activity of some process)
E: alternate
designation of Ecstasy
Ecstasy:
MDMA; of amphetamine family. Drug of choice at raves;
stimulant and hallucinogen; gives a ‘drunk feeling’ without the hangover. There is no
evidence it is addictive. When the price of 3-4 pills became too expensive, speed
became the cheaper alternative. For more information,
click here.
Ephedrine:
An alkaloid C10H15NO originally derived from the Ephedra plant and used to
relieve congestion and asthma and to constrict blood vessels. Over-the-counter
substitute for amphetamine.
Gasoline sniffing:
high requires sustained exposure and results from depriving brain of
oxygen.
Geep: street
name for methamphetamine
GHB:
Gamma-HydroxyButyrate. Non-addictive. “Date rape drug.” Found naturally in every cell
in the human body. A sedative. Illegal in USA.
Effects can be felt 5-20 minutes after
taking and last 1-1/2 to 3 hours. Effects are very dose-dependent. Despite its general
safety and lack of toxicity, its safe use requires information, preparation, caution
and good judgment.
Since its availability is a gray market activity, concerns
about quality and purity should be kept in mind.
For more, click
here.
Glass: street
name for methamphetamine
Glue sniffing:
high caused by oxygen deprivation of brain; red blood cells have high affinity for
solvent so effect outlasts exposure time; leads to brain damage (and
death) if sniff time exceeds a very few seconds. (A higher high can be deadly.)
Potentially more deadly than a severe stroke because the entire brain is affected.
[I knew a young man, an only child, eighth grade 'A' student, who practiced glue
sniffing. I know he didn't intend to do it, but in a matter of seconds his mind was
reduced to that of a four-year-old, with no possible recovery. If only he had known
the danger!]
Go-fast:
Street name for methamphetamine
Happy Pills:
Alternate name for Ecstasy
Hashish: Various preparations
of the various hemp plants of the Near East, including India. Smoked, chewed, drunk.
Narcotic or intoxicant. Bhang (comparable in potency to marijuana in the U.S.) from
uncultivated plants is a pleasant-tasting liquid; Ganja, from tops of cultivated plants, is
next most potent; most potent is Charas, scraped as a resin from cultivated plants and
compressed for smoking. See also Marijuana
Hemp: a group
of plants including cannabis (which has hallucinogenic properties); grown for fiber
content. In USA many hemps are prohibited in commercial production because of
similarity to cannabis. In Colonial U.S. hemp cultivation was encouraged by
Government and in Virginia farmers were required to grow hemp; its cultivation was
encouraged during World War II for its fibers. Until recently the long fibers from hemp
were the best-known and most widely used textile fibers on Earth; it is still grown as
sisal, jute and under other names. See 'marijuana.'
Heroin: Derived from opium.
C21H23NO5.
A maintenance drug requiring daily dosage; addictive. Illegal in the U.S.
Ice: street
name for smokeable form of methamphetamine
Inhalants: Intentional breathing of
gas or vapors for the purpose of reaching a high. Airplane glue, aerosolized paints,
hair spray, cooking oil spray, nail polish remover, liquid correction fluid, room air
freshener, aerosolized computer keyboard cleaning spray, . . . The ingredient
difluoroethane can even cause cardiac arrest. See Glue sniffing. Lock away from
children products, other than medical, that can be used for continuous inhalation.
Ketamine: Veterinary and
human anesthetic; its action is to dissociate mind and body, which results in profound
hallucinations and sensations of entering another reality.
Levitra: trade
name of a drug designed to enhance sexual performance. See Viagra for a precaution.
Load of laundry:
street name for methamphetamine
LSD: Not addictive. LySergic
acid diethylamide (an amide of lysergic acid C15H
15N2
CON(C2H5)
2. Hallucinogen of unpredictable psychological effect
used in the study of schizophrenia and other mental disorders. Colorless, odorless,
slightly bitter taste. Takes effect 30-90 minutes; may last several hours. Dilated
pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating,
loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth and tremors. Sensations change much
more dramatically than the physical signs.
Street name 'acid.' Added to blotter paper and divided into squares with each square
being one dose.
Magic mint: Street name for
salvia divinorum
Marijuana:
an intoxicant in popularity second to alcohol; dried flowers, leaves, stems and seeds of
the hemp plant cannabis sativa; smoked for euphoric effects. The main active chemical
in marijuana is abbreviated 'THC.'
For more information click here
MDA: Of
amphetamine family
MDMA:
methylenedioxymethamphetamine; known as Ecstasy (above)
Mescaline: the hallucinogenic
ingredient in peyote. C11H17O3N
Meth: street
name for methamphetamine
Methamphetamine:
Highly addictive, a white crystalline derivative from amphetamine used in the form of
its hydrochloride as a drug with stronger stimulating action than amphetamine, about
twice as strong as Dexedrine. For more information, including detection and curing,
click here.
Methcathinone:
Methedrine: trademark for
methamphetamine hydrochloride
Morphine:
The principle alkaloid of opium. C17H19O3N(H2O). Used for pain relief despite serious side effects such as
addiction.
Mushrooms, psilocybin:
See psilocybin mushrooms, below
Nicotine: The addictive
agent in tobacco
Nitrous oxide: An
anesthetic; "laughing gas"
Opiates: Opium, heroin,
morphine, codeine and several other alkaloids
Opium:
addictive narcotic drug extracted from various poppies cultivated in various parts of the
world; contains alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, papaverine; smoked as intoxicant
and medically to relieve pain and produce sleep. Acute poisoning presents symptoms
not easily distinguished from those produced by alcohol or stroke.
PCP: PhenCyclohexyl
Piperidine, developed as a surgical anesthetic; a stimulant in moderate doses but a
depressant in larger doses. Pure PCP is a white crystalline powder that dissolves in
water. Depending on manufacture it may be tan to brown, from powder to a gummy
mess. At low to moderate doses breathing rate, blood pressure and pulse increase,
respiration becomes shallow, sweating is profuse; general numbness in extremities and
poorer muscular coordination; in psychological effect similar to alcohol. In high doses
it may cause nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, drooling, loss of balance and dizziness;
it may cause illusions and hallucinations.
Pep pills:
street name for amphetamine
Peyote: : A
small cactus containing mescaline, a hallucinogen; used by the American Indians in
ceremonies. Eaten or used to brew a tea.
PMA:
paramethoxyamphetamine; makes body temperature dangerously high
Pot: street
name for marijuana
Proof: a
measure of potency; see Alcohol
Psilocybin mushrooms:
Unpredictable hallucinogenic effect; non-toxic;
non-addictive; readily confused with poisonous mushrooms if picked wild
Rave: Musical party, typically
teenagers, often extended to daylight; many partiers consume the drug Ecstasy.
Reefer: street
name for marijuana cigarette
Sally-D: Street name for
salvia divinorum
Salvia divinorum: (not the
garden ornamental) a legal hallucinogen; smoke dried leaves or chew (or eat) fresh leaves;
minute doses of the active ingredient (salvinorin A or divinorin A) can be lethal.
Traditional opinion has been that the plant has a mild psychotropic activity. Gaining in
popularity among teens. Effect lasts about an hour
Scootie: street
name for methamphetamine
Shabu: street
name for methamphetamine
Shi-shi: street
name for methamphetamine
Sildanefil: Generic name for
Viagra.
Snuff:
Leaf of the tobacco plant in powdered form. See tobacco.
Speed:
street name for methamphetamine
Spoosh: street
name for methamphetamine
Steroids: Group of compounds
including sterols, bile acids, sex hormones, etc., having the ring structure of the
sterols, which are solid cyclic unsaturated alcohols such as cholesterol
STP: "SuperTerrificPsychedelic,"
or "Too Stupid to Puke." See DOM.
Tobacco:
Addictive. Leaf of tobacco plant sold as snuff, cigars, cigarettes, and compacted for
chewing. Sold and taxed as a recreational drug. Unless he wishes to swallow the mixture
of saliva and tobacco, the user must spit frequently; there must be provision for disposal;
teeth may become discolored and there will be a tobacco odor--not especially offensive--in
areas the user frequents. Cigars and cigarettes burn slowly with no obvious flame; there
may be discoloration of the smoker's teeth and his breath may become offensive; there is
an ash that must be disposed of and it creates an extremely disagreeable stench that
pervades hair and clothing of both smoker and others nearby. For my testimonial,
click here.
Viagra: Trade name for sildanefil,
a sexual stimulant said to be capable of restoring sexual potency of a man by improving
ability to achieve and maintain an erection. It should be avoided by persons whose
medications or drugs include nitrates (including nitroglycerin) because of the risk of
seriously reduced blood pressure.
White crosses:
street name for ephedrine
X: Alternate
name for Ecstasy
Zip: street
name for methamphetamine
1) http://www.a1b2c3.com/drugs. (Excellent source with extensive data).
History of drug preparation, and history of drug use. Differentiations between drugs
in classes. The law and its shortcomings. Varieties of hallucinogenic hemps. Marijuana
cultivation and effects on the brain. Little information on detection and avoiding addiction.
2) From Chocolate to Morphine: Everything you need to know about
mind-altering drugs
3) National Drug Abuse Center, 656 Quince Orchard Rd., Room 607,
Gaithersburg, MD 20760: Pub 79-FADA-04aP, Nov. '78
4) Pathology of Drug Abuse, The
5) Psychedelics Encyclopedia
6) Street Drugs, by Andrew Tyler, lays out facts and dispels myths
Addiction is
characterized by the repeated use of substances or behaviors despite clear evidence
of morbidity secondary to this use.
Drug rehabilitation tends to address a stated two-fold nature of
drug dependency: physical and psychological dependency. Passages Malibu is
a quality addiction treatment center
where your health and mental state matters.
Alcohol rehabilitation is also available. Some people look past alcohol as a
drug when alcohol is one of the dangerous drugs available to the world.
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To return to Contents of Ken Wear's Web Site, click here.
(1) snippets of information inserted in classes dealing with health or in home rooms, and
(2) school-wide meetings in the auditorium or gymnasium.
When my children were in school I wanted to organize presentations for auditorium
presentation but time did not permit. There are today many organizations interested in
curbing the drug culture; hopefully someone will undertake preparation of lectures.
While it would be immensely helpful in dealing with
addictions if various drugs were rated by some index that could be used to
measure the propensity to induce addiction, I am unaware of studies
leading in that direction. Since there is a genetic base for some addictions
it would also be valuable to have an index that rated a person's susceptibility
to addiction; I am unaware of studies here also. It seems likely (and my
knowledge here is entirely lacking) that there will prove to be a genetic
variation in susceptibility to one drug or another; i.e., one person may be
more susceptible to one family of drugs but more resistant to others. I would
welcome specific information and will include on these pages information on
addictions along with drug descriptions.
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Legally drunk: 0.10% blood alcohol (some states 0.08, some 0.12; federal
legislation .08); 0.35 has proved fatal; 0.45 is expected to be fatal.
Recovery: Healthy liver and kidneys can metabolize and excrete less than
one ounce per hour of 40% (80 proof) alcohol.
Proof: 100% ethyl alcohol is 200 proof; distillation produces at most some
190 proof; higher proof leaves toxic residue.
Denatured alcohol may be ethyl alcohol which has been deliberately altered
to make it undesirable to deadly to drink, or it may be another, perhaps deadly,
alcohol.
Hangover results from consumption of excessive (for some, moderate) amount
of alcoholic beverage; many 'pet' remedies are suggested by various drinkers, but
sustained physical exertion seems most likely to be successful
Taxes: The higher the proof the heavier the tax.
In chemistry, (generic) an alcohol is any of a grouping of chemicals formed with
a hydroxyl (OH) radical and reacted with an organic acid to produce an ester.
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Absinthe: a strong liqueur, mostly illegal in U.S.; see entry.
Beer: Home production for private consumption is widely practiced.
Bourbon: a whiskey
Gin: typically 80 proof
Martini: a cocktail consisting of gin plus flavoring (or using vodka)
Screwdriver: a cocktail consisting of vodka and orange juice
Rum: typically 75-95 proof (150 proof on market)
Scotch: a whiskey
Vermouth: a wine used in mixing cocktails
Vodka: typically 80 proof (90 & 100 proof on market)
Whiskey: typically 80-90 proof, distilled from the fermented mash of grain
(rye, wheat, corn, barley)
Wine: produced by fermentation of fruit or plant sugars, typically 8-15%
alcohol. Home production for private consumption is widely practiced.
Wine cooler: mixture of wine and juices (usually fruit)
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Kits are available for home use with saliva or urine to detect cocaine usage. If you know
the user well enough before he samples cocaine, you may be able to observe changes (in
behanior, habits or friends) that arouse suspicion. Know your loved ones well!
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Quickly and
extremely addictive. Crack cocaine delivers an intensity of pleasure completely
outside the normal range of human experience; it offers the most wonderful state
of consciousness and the most intense sense of well-being the user will ever enjoy.
Users sometimes speak of the rush in terms of whole body orgasms. A drug that
induces a secular parody of Heaven commonly leads into a biological counterpart
of Hell.
A short-lived euphoria is followed by a crash that involves anxiety,
depression, irritability, extreme fatigue, paranoia and an intense craving for more.
Its use cannot be rationally justified.
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Alternately called 'love drug' because it engenders feelings of warmth and heightened
sexuality. Makes user feel elated and packed with pep; user may dance so hard as to
need extra water to avoid dehydration. Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and sense
of alertness; body temperature can rise to 107 (leading to convulsions); stimulates
production of serotonin by the brain. Some users put pacifier in mouth to prevent the
typical grinding of teeth (which may leave gums sore); glow sticks may increase
stimulation. Typical side effects include depression, memory loss and insomnia for
days after a party. Eating oranges may help next day comedown and depression.
Heavy use may cause memory problems. Long term medical effects unknown
(some evidence of liver damage) altho emergency room admissions have skyrocketed.
(Jan '04: Evidence of memory impairment has been noted.)
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Used in Europe as a general anesthetic, a treatment for insomnia, for narcolepsy,
increasing the strength of child-bearing contractions, and a treatment for alcoholism.
In the last few years it has gained popularity as a recreational drug offering a
pleasant alcohol-like hangover-free high. Most users find HGB induces a pleasant
state of relaxation and tranquility. Frequent effects are placidity, sensuality, mild
euphoria and tendency to verbalize. Anxiety and inhibitions tend to dissolve into a
feeling of emotional warmth, well-being and pleasant drowsiness.
GHB can no
longer be detected in urine 4-5 hours after taking.
Aphrodisiac or prosexual
properties: reduces inhibitions, heightens the sense of touch, enhances
male erective capacity and increases the intensity or orgasm; in women it may make
orgasm more difficult or time-consuming to achieve.
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Stays awake for long periods of time, Sleeps for extended periods, Talkative and may be twitchy, Dilated pupils, Exaggerated ideas of what he/she can do, Irritability or aggressiveness, Grinding his/her teeth, Paranoia or delusions, Constant scratching, Loss of appetite with resulting reduction in body weight, Constant sniffing, even if he/she does not have a cold, If the user is injecting, he/she may well keep his/her arms covered, even in summer.
The first step is to get the user to admit they have a problem for without this there can
be no cure. It is not helpful to be judgemental or make the user feel guilty. When you
commit to help, you have to be prepared to see it through to the end as stopping half way
may put the addict back into his addiction. Do some research before talking to the addict,
get advice from a local addiction group, that way when the drug user does admit they have
a problem, you can get him signed up right away. Also, depending on the amount and length
of time of the abuse, you may want to get a doctor to give them a health check in case of
any physical damage. Do not attempt to talk to the addict when they are still high as they
can be excitable, the best time is probably after they have crashed and slept. Then talk to
them before they have had the chance to use the drug again. When the user first gives up
there is usually no great physical craving, except they will feel very down and may want to
use again or turn to alcohol or other drugs just to get rid of the feeling. They must be
discouraged from this as replacing one addiction with another is not helpful. The really
strong craving may not surface until 30-60 days or even longer when the addict may become
depressed, suicidal or even violent. It means that the carer must be on their guard for any
relapse even though the user has been clean for over a month."
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Anyone with ears half open has heard about the deleterious effects of smoking on health, so
I need say little about that. There can be no question that it has a damaging effect. All a
smoker has to do is listen to his own cough and note the disagreeable taste and blackened
phlegm and mucous.
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