SUBSTANCE USE

Substance Use

Some people engage in recreational drug use for fun, relief, or to heighten sexual intercourse, but drug use can lead to a higher chance of contracting or transmitting HIV and other STDs.

Drug use can lead to increased risk for contracting or transmitting HIV or STDs because of how a person’s mind and body react. Many drugs impair the user’s judgment, sometimes leading to engaging in risky behavior such as unprotected sex. Some research also shows that the body’s immune system is also lowered during drug use, making it harder for a body to fight off potential infections. During injection drug use, HIV is spread from the blood of an infected person to another through needle sharing. Hepatitis A, B, and C also can spread through sharing needles with an infected person. Abstaining from drug use is the only way to prevent the negative health effects caused by their use. However, when partying with drugs, users can take steps to minimize the chances for exposure to HIV and other STDs. These steps include:

Knowing the status of yourself and your partners
Establishing ground rules (“make sure we use condoms”; “let’s not share needles”)
Having safer sex and safer drug use supplies readily available (condoms and clean injection equipment)

Alcohol

What is alcohol?

Beverage alcohol is ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, and is a depressant drug. Alcohol is a natural product of fermenting sugars. It is usually made from grains such as hops, barley or rice and/or fruits, but it can also be made from other plants. The concentration of alcohol in drinks varies widely. Wine and beer have between 5% and 15%, while ‘hard’ liquor usually has up to 40%, and sometimes more.

What are the effects of drinking alcohol?

Low to moderate amounts can produce feelings of relaxation, lower inhibitions, and increased sociability. Larger amounts can cause dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, slower reflexes, sleepiness, bad judgment, dehydration and a hangover the next day. Overdoses can cause loss of motor control, black-outs, temporary coma (passing out), and in extreme cases, death.

Is Alcohol addictive?

Alcohol is highly addictive and tolerance develops quickly with severe withdrawal symptoms including nervousness, tremors, seizures and hallucinations.

What are the risks associated with Alcohol?

Long-term use of alcohol can damage the liver, brain and other organs, and can result in severe mental and physical problems. Consuming too much alcohol at once can cause death through acute alcohol toxicity. Alcohol impairs vision and motor coordination. Driving while intoxicated is illegal and endangers yourself and others. Mixing alcohol with over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, or illegal drugs is dangerous and can lead to medical emergencies. Additionally, alcohol can lower inhibitions, which in turn may lead to high-risk sexual activities. If you or someone you know thinks that they may have a problem with Alcohol click here for more information.

Anabolic Steroids

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are a type of drug which is closely related to male testosterone. Another name for them is anabolic-androgenic steroids. Athletes and body builders often illegally use this drug in order to increase muscle mass and overall physical performance. There are a number of negative consequences which may arise as a result of steroid use including heart attack, shrinkage of testicles in men, breast reduction in women, and acne. Risks are often higher in drugs obtained illegally. Today, all major sports associations (in a variety of countries) have banned the use of anabolic steroids. This type of drug can also be taken legally through a prescription. Doctors prescribe these steroids to men who do not produce enough of the hormone testosterone, to those who are experiencing anemia, or as a way of reducing swelling.

How are anabolic steroids used?

Anabolic steroid can be injected, taken orally through pills, rubbed on through creams and gels, or be used in the form of a skin patch. Injection is the most common form of administration and is typically done through the muscle of the body. In serious cases of abuse, up to 100 times the recommended medical amount can be taken. When a person takes two or more different type of anabolic steroids at a time they are taking part in “stacking”, a practice meant to increase muscular mass at a faster rate. When anabolic steroids are used by those in the medical field, these drugs are used to prevent bone loss, increase levels of testosterone in those with low amounts, help those with cancer, assist in the process of puberty, encourage eating, and help those with liver problems. If someone uses anabolic steroids illegally they typically use them to increase muscle mass (which may also improve physical appearance), reduce the amount of fat in the body, and improve sports performance. Illegal steroids are typically taken by sports players, teens, and body builders but can also be taken by females and business men.

What are the effects of anabolic steroids?

The effects of steroids are proven to be very harmful, and although beginning physical effects may seem worth the risk, internal damage associated with these drugs can be irreversible. Drug treatment centers have proven effective in treating users of anabolic steroids and many offer specialized treatment programs to promote a full recovery. Long-term effects of steroid use include:

cancer
depression
liver disease
tumors in the kidneys and liver
jaundice
heart complications
AIDS/ HIV

Are anabolic steroids addictive?

Some studies have suggested that addiction can take place in someone taking anabolic steroids. Those with such an addiction may have difficulty stopping use of steroids and may crave the drug the more its use continues. Also, when someone addicted to steroids finally ceases using it, they experience pain similar to withdrawal pains of other drug types. If you or someone you know thinks that they may have a problem with Anabolic Steroids click here for more information. Adapted from Casa Palmera’s How Anabolic Steroids Alter Both Men And Women: http://www.casapalmera.com/articles/types-symptoms-and-effects-of-anabolic-steroid-use/

Cocaine

What is cocaine?

Cocaine Hydrochloride (“coke,” “blow”) is a white powder derived from the leaves of the coca plant, which grows mainly in South America. Cocaine can be snorted, injected or smoked in the form of “crack cocaine”, made by chemically altering cocaine powder into crystals or “rocks.”

What are the effects of cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant drug like speed but much shorter acting. It causes a sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. It also leads to feelings of confidence, alertness and euphoria.

Is cocaine addictive?

Cocaine users frequently find that they need more and more cocaine more often to generate the same level of stimulation. Therefore, any use can lead to addiction.

What are the risks of cocaine?

Cocaine and crack are very short acting. This can lead to using too much or using too often. Many users become compulsive in their use of cocaine, which can lead to physical or psychological addiction. The after-effects can include depression, agitation, anxiety and paranoia. The intensity of these effects depends on how much and how often cocaine is used, and are more intense when cocaine is smoked as crack. High or frequent doses have caused seizures, strokes, or heart attacks in some people. Repeated snorting can damage the membranes of the nose. Cocaine is also illegal and getting caught with it in your possession can result in long prison sentences. Giving cocaine to someone else, even if no money was exchanged, can result in even longer sentences. If you or someone you know thinks that they may have a problem with cocaine please please click here for more information.

Ecstasy

What is ecstasy (XTC)?

Ecstasy is MDMA, or 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Ecstasy is sometimes called an “ecactogen”, meaning you feel like you can look within yourself, which produces a desire to be in contact with other people. Ecstasy is almost always swallowed as a tablet or capsule. Black market ecstasy tablets vary widely in strength, and often contain other drugs.

What are the effects of ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a mood elevator that produces a relaxed, euphoric state. It does not produce hallucinations. Ecstasy takes effect 20 to 40 minutes after taking a tablet, with little rushes of exhilaration, which can be accompanied by nausea. Sixty to 90 minutes after taking the drug, the user feels the peak effects. Sensations are enhanced and the user experiences heightened feelings of empathy, emotional warmth, and self-acceptance. The effects of ecstasy subside about 3-5 hours after use. Users report that the experience is very pleasant and highly controllable. Even at the peak of the effect, people can usually deal with important matters. The effect that makes ecstasy different from other drugs is empathy, the sensation of understanding and accepting others.

Is ecstasy addictive?

Ecstasy is not physically addictive. However, the drug can often take on great importance in people’s lives, and some people become compulsive in their use. Taken too frequently, however, ecstasy loses its special effect. Ecstasy releases the brain chemical serotonin, elevating mood and acting as a short-term antidepressant. Compulsive users may be unconsciously trying to self-medicate for depression. Effective treatments for depression are available with the proper diagnosis by a qualified physician.

What are the risks associated ecstasy?

Some people experience depression after taking ecstasy. This is caused by ecstasy’s action on certain brain chemicals. There have been some deaths associated with ecstasy. Usually these have been a result of heatstroke from dancing for long periods of time in hot clubs without replenishing lost body fluids. Much of what is sold as ecstasy on the black market actually contains other drugs, some of which can be more dangerous than ecstasy, like speed and PCP. Mixing ecstasy with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of adverse reactions. Additionally, ecstasy is also illegal and a conviction for possession can carry long prison sentences. If you or someone you know thinks that they may have a problem with Ecstasy please click here for more information.

Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

What is GHB?

GHB (Gamma hydroxybutyrate) classified as a sedative-hypnotic, and was originally developed as a sleep-aid. GHB is swallowed, usually as an odorless liquid, slightly salty to the taste. It has also been found in powder and capsule form.

What are the effects?

At lower doses GHB has a euphoric effect similar to alcohol, and can make the user feel relaxed, happy and sociable. Higher doses can make the user feel to dizzy and sleepy, and can sometimes cause vomiting, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. Overdoses will always cause loss of consciousness (temporary coma), and will slow down breathing. Sometimes, particularly if mixed with alcohol, GHB can slow breathing down to a dangerously low rate, which has caused a number of deaths

Is GHB Addictive?

Regular, daily use of GHB can cause physical dependency with harsh withdrawal symptoms.

What are the risks associated with GHB?

Mixing GHB with alcohol or other depressants is extremely dangerous and has caused many deaths due to respiratory failure. Passing out while on GHB by itself is also dangerous and potentially life threatening. Driving should be avoided while on GHB. One dose can impair motor coordination by as much as six drinks of alcohol. Also, the effects come on fast and, unlike alcohol, cannot be controlled or paced. Regular, daily use of GHB can cause physical dependency with harsh withdrawal symptoms. However, the effects may not peak for up to two hours, and many overdoses have occurred from people not waiting long enough before taking more. GHB is also illegal and possession can result in long prison terms. If you or someone you know thinks that they may have a problem with GHB click here for more information.

Heroine

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance taken from the seed pod of the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Other common names for heroin include dope, horse, junk, and smack. People inject, snort, or smoke heroin. Some people mix heroin with crack cocaine, called a speedball.

What are the effects of heroin?

Heroin enters the brain rapidly and changes back into morphine. It binds to opioid receptors on cells located in many areas of the brain, especially those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure. Opioid receptors are also located in the brain stem, which controls important processes, such as blood pressure, arousal, and breathing.

Is heroin addictive?

Yes, heroin is highly addictive. People who regularly use heroin often develop a tolerance, which means that they need higher and/or more frequent doses of the drug to get the desired effects.

What are the risks associated heroin?

People who use heroin over the long term may develop, collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and Valves, abscesses, constipation and stomach cramping, liver disease, kidney disease and pneumonia. In addition to the effects of the drug itself, street heroin often contains dangerous chemicals that can clog blood vessels leading to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain, causing permanent damage. Also, sharing drug injection equipment and having impaired judgment from drug use can increase the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. If too much of the drug is taken at once, an overdose may occur. When people overdose on heroin, their breathing often slows or stops. This can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, a condition called hypoxia. Hypoxia can have short- and long-term mental effects and effects on the nervous system, including coma and permanent brain damage or even death. If you or someone you know thinks that they may have a problem with Ecstasy please click here for more information.

Ketamine Hydrocloride (Special K)

What is Special K?

Special K (or “K”) was originally created for use as a human anesthetic, and is still used as a general anesthetic for children, persons of poor health, and in veterinary medicine. Special K belongs to a class of drugs called “dissociative anesthetic,” which separate perception from sensation. Other drugs in this category include PCP, DXM and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Special K usually comes as a liquid, and is most often cooked into a white powder for snorting. However, it may also be swallowed or injected into the muscle (never into the vein).

What are the effects?

At lower doses, special K creates a mild, dreamy feeling similar to nitrous oxide. Users report feeling “floaty” and slightly outside their body. Nausea and numbness in the extremities is also common. Higher doses produce a hallucinogenic (trippy) effect, and may cause the user to feel very far away from their body. This experience is often referred to as entering a “K-hole” and has been compared to a near death experience with sensations of rising above one’s body. Many users find the experience spiritually significant, while others find it frightening. While in a K-hole it is very difficult to move. People usually remain seated or lying down during the experience.

Is Special K addictive?

The dissociation from one’s consciousness experienced with special K can be highly seductive to some people, and there are many cases of addiction to special K.

What are the risks associated with Special K?

Low doses of Special K can increase heart rate, at higher doses it depresses consciousness and breathing and is extremely dangerous to combine with downers like alcohol, Valium or GHB. Frequent use can cause disruptions in consciousness and lead to neuroses or other psychological disorders. Special K can cause a tremendous psychological dependence. Special K is illegal and possession can result in long prison terms. If you or someone you know thinks that they may have a problem with Special K click here for more information.

Marijuana

What is marijuana?

Marijuana (grass, pot, weed) is the common name for a drug made from the plant Cannabis sativa. The main mind-altering (psychoactive) ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), but more than 400 other chemicals also are in the plant. The amount of THC in the marijuana determines how strong its effects will be. Hashish, or hash, is made by taking the resin from the leaves and flowers of the marijuana plant and pressing it into cakes or slabs. Hash is usually stronger than crude marijuana and may contain five to ten times as much THC. Pure THC is almost never available, except for research. Substances sold as THC on the street often turn out to be something else, such as phencyclidine (PCP).

What are the effects of marijuana?

Some immediate physical effects of marijuana include a faster heartbeat and pulse rate, bloodshot eyes, and a dry mouth and throat. Studies of marijuana’s mental effects show that the drug can impair or reduce short-term memory, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to do things which require concentration, swift reactions, and coordination, such as driving a car or operating machinery. Within a few minutes after smoking marijuana, the heart begins beating more rapidly and the blood pressure drops. Marijuana can cause the heart beat to increase by 20 to 50 beats per minute, and can increase even more if other drugs are used at the same time. Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers have. These individuals may have daily cough and phlegm, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and more frequent chest colds. Continuing to smoke marijuana can lead to abnormal functioning of lung tissue injured or destroyed by marijuana smoke.

Is Marijuana addictive?

Long-term regular users of marijuana may become psychologically dependent. They may have a hard time limiting their use, they may need more of the drug to get the same effect, and they may develop problems with their jobs and personal relationships. The drug can become the most important aspect of their lives.

What are the risks of Marijuana?

A common bad reaction to marijuana is the “acute panic anxiety reaction.” People describe this reaction as an extreme fear of “losing control,” which causes panic. The symptoms usually disappear in a few hours. When marijuana is smoked, THC, its active ingredient, is absorbed by most tissues and organs in the body; however, it is primarily found in fat tissues. The body, in its attempt to rid itself of the foreign chemical, chemically transforms the THC into metabolites. Urine tests can detect THC metabolites for up to a week after people have smoked marijuana. If you or someone you know thinks that they may have a problem with Marijuana click here for more information.

Methamphetmine

What are methamphetamines?

Methamphetamine (amphetamine) is a stimulant drug. Methamphetamine has also been called crystal, tina, crystal meth, krank, tweak, ice and speed. Methamphetamines can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. Injecting is the riskiest method of using methamphetamines. In addition to risk of HIV and other STD transmission resulting from risky behavior while high, sharing injection equipment when using can also put you at risk of HIV and hepatitis transmission.

What are the effects of methamphetamines?

As the effects of methamphetamines vary with each person, it is difficult to predict exactly in what way and for how long. Effects are influenced by factors such as how much, how often and how they are used, plus the psychological and physical attributes of the person using them. Methamphetamines are used to reduce inhibitions and increase sexual pleasure. However, the liberating nature of the drug means that often safe sex is discarded while sexual activity increases greatly. It has been reported in the United States that in many new HIV cases, methamphetamines has been a factor.

Are methamphetamines addictive?

Regular use can produce a need to increase the dose to get the same effect, and can lead to physical dependence on the drug. Methamphetamines can produce a powerful craving for more of the drug. Long-term use can result in serious psychological and physical problems.

What are the risks of methamphetamines?

Methamphetamine users are at higher risk for HIV and hepatitis transmission risk through unsafe sex and needle sharing. Although rare, methamphetamines can cause seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and death from overdose. Many users become physically run down, which leaves them susceptible to a wide range of illnesses. Extended use of methamphetamines can cause paranoia and psychosis. The user may think that everybody is out to get them, or that they are being followed or watched. Mixing methamphetamines with other drugs, particularly other stimulants, can increase the risk of adverse reactions. Methamphetamines are also illegal and possession can result in long prison terms.

Are there specific risks of injecting methamphetamines?

The dose reaches the brain almost immediately, increasing the possibility of overdose. Impurities are introduced directly into the bloodstream and can cause septicemia, endocarditis and other infections. Repeated injections damage the veins, leading to thrombosis and abscesses. Sharing syringes can result in the transmission of HIV and hepatitis. If you or someone you know thinks that they may have a problem with methamphetamines please click here more information.

Phencyclidine (PCP)

Once marketed as an anesthetic in the United States under the trade names Sernyl and Sernylan, Phencyclidine (PCP) is no longer produced or used for medical purposes in the United States. PCP is now considered a “club drug” and is highly used by young adults involved in rave culture. Street names include Angel Dust, Hog, Ozone, Rocket Fuel, Shermans, Wack, Crystal and Embalming Fluid. Street names for PCP combined with marijuana include Killer Joints, Super Grass, Fry, Lovelies, Wets, and Waters. PCP is abused for its mind altering effects. It is abused in one of three ways: snorted, smoked or swallowed.

What are the effects of PCP?

The effects of PCP can be very unpredictable. Central Nervous System effects can include euphoria, loss of inhibitions, anxiety, disorientation, restlessness, drowsiness, or disorganized thinking. There can also be distorted time, space, and body sensations, feelings of weightlessness, paranoia, and the feeling of being disassociated with the environment. The user can experience audio and visual hallucinations. In the body, PCP raises the heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause excess salivation, sweating, numbness, staggering, slurred speech, fever, and muscle rigidity.

Is PCP addictive?

PCP is addicting; that is, its repeated use often leads to psychological dependence, craving, and compulsive PCP-seeking behavior.

What are the risks of PCP?

At high doses, PCP can cause hallucinations as well as seizures, coma, and death (though death more often results from accidental injury or suicide during PCP intoxication). Other effects that can occur at high doses are nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, flicking up and down of the eyes, drooling, loss of balance, and dizziness. High doses can also cause effects similar to symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions, paranoia, disordered thinking, a sensation of distance from one’s environment, and catatonia. Speech is often sparse and garbled. People who use PCP for long periods report memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, depression, and weight loss. These symptoms can persist up to a year after cessation of PCP use. Mood disorders also have been reported. If you or someone you know thinks that they may have a problem with PCP click here for more information.

Poppers

What are poppers?

Poppers are the street term for various alkyl nitrites taken for recreational purposes through direct inhalation, particularly amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, isopropyl nitrite and isobutyl nitrite. Poppers are often used as a club drug or to enhance sexual pleasure.

What are the effects of poppers?

Inhaling nitrites relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, including the sphincter muscles of the anus and the vagina. Smooth muscle surrounds the body’s blood vessels and when relaxed causes these vessels to dilate resulting in an immediate increase in heart rate and blood flow throughout the body, producing a sensation of heat and excitement. The effects usually last about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but no more than 2 minutes. Side effects usually include headaches, nausea, coughing and dizziness. Sometimes use of poppers can result in loss of consciousness.

Are poppers addictive?

Although poppers are not physically addictive, some people can develop a psychological addiction to poppers, feeling that they can’t have sex unless they use them.

What are the risks associated with poppers?

Popper use can be dangerous or even fatal if you are on anti-depressants, or heart-disease or blood-pressure medication. You should not use them if you are anemic or suffer from glaucoma. In fact, poppers used in combination with any other drug can be life threatening. Poppers also lower your immune system response for days following use, so it can increase your chances of being infected with HIV and other STDs. Using Viagra and poppers together is extremely dangerous. Both drugs dilate your blood vessels causing your blood pressure to drop so low that your brain and heart can’t get enough oxygen to function. If you or someone you know thinks that they may have a problem with poppers click here for more information.