DRUGS
TOBACCO
Ever since the ban came in a few years back, smoking has required a bit more dedication, what with having to go and stand out in the rain when having a fag. But even though reports claimed that cigarette sales fell by 16% in Ireland in the 6 months following the introduction of the ban in 2004, nearly a quarter of the population are still smokers.
Tobacco comes from the leaves of the Nicotiana tabacum plant. It is overwhelmingly used in cigarettes, which contain 1200 different chemicals. Some of these are carbon monoxide, tar and nicotine. It is the nicotine that causes the cravings that almost every smoker endures if they haven’t had a fix in a while.
So what are the highs and lows of smoking?
The highs...
A feeling of relaxation
A reduced appetite, which appeals to dieters
Can help to reduce feelings of stress
The lows...
Smoking is very physically and psychologically addictive
The number of cigarettes nearly always increases as time goes on
Long term use is related to many serious illnesses, including lung cancer, heart disease, blood clots, and strokes, all of which can be fatal
Bad breath, staining of teeth and fingers, wrinkles
Development of persistent coughs, and chronic breathlessness
Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, physical cravings, restlessness
Quitting is difficult, but can lengthen and improve your quality of life significantly. For info and advice on quitting, contact the Irish Cancer Society Quitline at 1850 201203, or check out www.healthhub.ie
OTHER DRUGS
The term 'drug user' can conjure up a picture of a malnourished, unkempt and unsociable person, but we all know that this isn't always the case. Drugs come in many guises, including your morning cup of coffee and that prescription the doc gave you, and overindulging in any mood or physiology altering substance is no good thing. If you're having trouble coping with day to day life without the help of any substance, no matter how innocent it might seem, then shout out for some help. Chat with a friend, or call the DIT Counselling Service.
Then there are the illegal ones. Lots of us have different opinions on what should and should not be freely available, but whatever your point of view, remember that these substances are illegal for a reason, and treat them with respect. Know what you're getting into, know what to do in an emergency, and remember that even just trying something once can lead to disaster. It's not scare-mongering... it's a fact.
The highs and lows, from A to Z...
Amphetamines (also known as speed or whizz), a synthetic stimulant that tends to come in powder form.
The highs...
A rush of excitement
Increased energy and mental activity
Excessive confidence, manic behaviour
The lows...
Nausea and vomiting
Elevated blood pressure
Ulcers, skin rashes, spots
Hallucinations and seizures
Long term use can lead to psychological dependence, brain damage, acute paranoid psychosis and irrational violence
Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, depression, nightmares
Amyl Nitrates (also know as poppers), a liquid that is inhaled from miniature bottles. The effects last about three minutes.
The highs...
A brief rush of excitement
Sense of well being
The lows...
Loss of bodily control
Poor balance, dizziness, weakness
Hot flushes, increased heart rate, headaches, nausea and vomiting
Long term effects include possible psychological dependence
Cannabis (also known as hash, ganja, weed, grass, skunk, pot), a very commonly used recreational drug. It's most common forms include a solid resin, dark lumps, or 'grass', which comes from the leaves and stalks of the plant. It's usually smoked as a joint or spliff, either with or without tobacco. It's also sometimes added to food or drink.
The highs...
A very relaxed, spaced out feeling
Senses can be heightened
Increasingly talkative
The lows...
Nausea, intense food cravings that can lead to significant weight gain
Mood swings, paranoia, anxiety
Sleeping problems, poor concentration and short term memory, which can lead to an increase in accidents and injuries
Long term use can lead to psychological dependence
Cocaine (also known as charlie, coke snow, blow), a white powder that is usually snorted but can also be injected. A very powerful stimulant, with immediate effects lasting up to twenty minutes.
The highs...
A huge feeling of confidence
Increased energy and alertness
A reduced need for sleep, food and fluids
The lows...
Damage to the lining of the nose
Exhaustion, tremors, weight loss, malnutrition
Feelings of aggression, anxiety and depression
Impotence in men
Risks of chest pains, heart attacks or stroke
It can be mixed with other drugs, and is very expensive
Sharing snorting equipment can pass on Hepatitis C
It is powerfully psychologically addictive
Ecstasy (also known as E, yokes), is usually found as a white pill, but can be seen in powder form. The main ingredient is MDMA (an amphetamine), but often contains other substances, such as ketamine, so effects can be unpredictable.
The highs...
A rush of euphoria, and sense of well being
A sense of empathy with those around you
Increase in energy, the intensity of emotions and sense awareness
The lows...
Nausea, hammering feeling in the chest
Severe dehydration (as a result of intense energy bursts and not drinking enough fluids) that can lead to unconsciousness, coma and even death
The over consumption of fluids can lead to death
Long term effects include impaired concentration and depression, and psychological dependence
Heroin (also known as H, smack, gear, junk), an opiate derived from morphine. Found as a white powder that is melted down for injection, it has powerful painkilling and sedative properties.
The highs...
An initial rush of excitement
A dreamy, peaceful and relaxed state
Reduced feelings of pain and aggression
The lows...
Constipation, weak breathing
Reduced sex drive
Huge risks in sharing needles, or overdosing
Often cut with other substances that can lead to blood clots, abscesses and gangrene
Tolerance is built up very quickly, making it highly addictive
Withdrawal is extremely traumatic
Ketamine (also known as K, Special K), an anaesthetic with psychedelic properties that comes in powder or liquid form. It is sometimes sold with ecstasy in what is known as a 'mitsubishi'. Ketamine is a powerful drug that tends to overwhelm any other drug that might also be in your system.
The highs...
A relaxed, spaced out feeling
Increased sociability
An 'out of body' feeling, or the sense of being in another world
Reduced pain threshold
The lows...
Lack of physical coordination
Diminished sense of taste and smell
Numbness, tunnel vision, visions
Rapid heartbeat, nausea, nervousness
Reduced pain threshold can result in serious injury
Both physically and psychologically addictive
Long term effects include paranoia
LSD (also known as acid), a psychedelic and hallucinogenic drug, available primarily as 'blotters', small squares of blotting paper with a printed image. Its effects can last between two and six hours.
The highs...
Heightened senses
Delusions of grandeur
A spaced out feeling
The lows...
Nausea, vomiting, inability to sleep
Rapidly changing emotions, a feeling of being overwhelmed
Hallucinations and delusions, which can lead to serious physical injury
Long term effects can include psychological dependence, flashbacks (even after use of the drug has ceased), and the triggering of dormant psychological problems
Magic Mushrooms (also known as mushies), are certain mushrooms that grow in the wild, are picked and eaten, or dried and stored. The effects are similar to those of LSD, but less long-lasting.
The highs...
A feeling of confidence
Happiness, feeling giddy
The lows...
Mushroom picking is dangerous in itself – picking the wrong one can make you very ill, and even prove fatal
Dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea
Bad trips and flashbacks
You can see that the lows outweigh the highs of taking these drugs, with some of the effects being very serious or even fatal. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict which of the effects will hit you, and you can have a bad reaction to a drug you have used with no ill effects before. If you are going to do drugs, be aware of the dangers involved, and reduce the harm:
Never use drugs if you are on your own, are tired, depressed or ill, or have something important to do the following day.
Never mix drugs, keep them separate, even from alcohol.
Don't keep it quiet – tell the people you're with what you're doing, and how much, in case of emergency. This information can save your life.
Never share equipment, such as needles or snorting tools.
Keep cool – wear light clothes and take breaks.
Drink water, but not too much – one pint of water an hour if using amphetamines, and no more.
Always, always remember to use condoms.
And in an emergency...
If someone is anxious and panicky, take them to a dim, quiet place, and talk to them calmly.
If someone is dehydrated, give them small sips of non-alcoholic liquids, preferably fruit juice or a sports or isotonic drink
If someone is unconscious, loosen tight clothing and put them in the recovery position. Call for an ambulance.
For more information, or help and support, contact Narcotics Anonymous, 4-5, Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, (01) 672 8000, email na@ireland.org
