ILLEGAL & LEGAL DRUGS - The Side Effects

This story MAN EATS MANS FACE and this Tweet: 

Kim Kardashian ‏@KimKardashian33m

Watching the news on this "bath salts" craze! This is really sick! How on earth did this start? #SayNOtoDrugs

Retweeted by Angel Champion

Inspired this blog:

BATH SALTS

What is it called?

Bath salts, Plant food, Ivory Wave, Blow, Red Dove, Vanilla Sky, Aura, Zeus 2, Zoom, Bliss, Blue Silk, White Lightning, Ocean, Charge, Cosmic Blast, Scarface, Hurricane Charlie, Cloud 9, Energy 1, White Dove, and others.

What’s in it?

Bath salts contain a chemical known as MDPV (methylenedioxy pyrovalerone) or mephedrone.

What does it look like?

Bath salts are a small, crystal powder sold in small baggies or containers. The containers are often marked with the phrase, “Not for human consumption”.

How do you use it?

Bath salts mimic the same high as methamphetamine or cocaine. They are usually crushed and then smoked, snorted, ingested or injected.

The consequences of using bath salts may include:

• Paranoia
• Violent behavior
• Agitation
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of sleep
• Hyperawareness
• Tightening blood vessels
• Higher blood pressure 

It can lead to: possible heart attack, psychosis and stroke.

Ecstasy 

What is ecstasy?

Ecstasy tablets are supposedly made up of the primary ingredient Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), but as the ingredients required to make synthetic drugs are becoming more difficult to obtain, the formulation of pills marketed as ecstasy can vary greatly. They are more likely to contain methamphetamine (speed) combined with a synthetic hallucinogen or para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA).

Ecstasy is known by a variety of other names, including: E, pills, Ex, pingers, E n C, eccy, MDMA, XTC, eggs and disco biscuits.

The signs and symptoms of using ecstasy can include:

• Increased blood pressure and pulse rate
• Dilated pupils
• Raised body temperature
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Jaw clenching
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Confusion
• Teeth grinding
• Vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Panic
• Visual distortions

The consequences of using ecstasy may include:

• Chronic sleep problems
• Cracked teeth through grinding
• High blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Anxiety
• Decreased emotional control
• Lethargy
• Severe depression
• Memory impairment
• Nerve cell damage
• Serotonin syndrome
• Death from heart failure
• Rhabdomyolysis – overheating to the point of organs liquefying

Marijuana (cannabis)

What is marijuana (cannabis)?

Marijuana (cannabis) primarily comes from the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa). The cannabis plant is also used to produce hashish (hash) and hash oil. Of the three, marijuana (cannabis) is the most common but all forms of the drug are capable of causing a variety of physical and mental problems resulting from intoxication and long-term use.

Marijuana (cannabis) is known by a variety of other names, including: pot, grass, weed, ya(r)ndi, rope, mull, dope, skunk, bhang, ganja, hash, chronic, reefer, joint, cone or spliff.

The signs and symptoms of using marijuana can include:

• Slow thinking
• Slow reflexes
• Reduced coordination
• Problems concentrating
• Reduced motivation
• Dilated pupils
• Bloodshot or glassy eyes
• Dryness of the mouth
• Increased appetite
• Mood swings
• Panic attacks
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Psychosis
• Hallucinations
• Delusions

The consequences of using marijuana may include:

• Dependence
• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep problems
• Lowered sex drive
• Learning difficulties and poorer educational outcomes
• Memory problems
• Respiratory illnesses such as chronic cough and bronchitis
• Increased risk of cancer of the lung, mouth, throat and tongue
• Paranoia and other psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations with increased risk of developing schizophrenia

Ice

What is ice?

Ice and base are methamphetamine, part of the amphetamine family of drugs which also includes speed. The difference between ice, base and speed is that ice is the most pure form, followed by base then speed. The 'high' experienced from ice and base is much more intense, and with intense reactions come powerful responses including comedown, the potential for dependence (addiction) and chronic physical and mental problems.

Ice is known as a variety of other names, including: crystal meth, meth, crystal, shabu, batu, d-meth, tina and glass. Base is also known as: speed dexedrine, dexies, dex, shad, go-ee, glass, tina, paste, oxblood, shabu, yabba and crank.

The signs and symptoms of using ice can include:

• Increased heart and breathing rate
• Trembling hands and fingers
• High blood pressure
• Overheating and excessive sweating
• Stomach cramps
• Blurred vision
• Bad headaches
• Dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Reduced appetite
• Irritability and hostility
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Psychosis
• Panic attacks
• Out of control aggression
• Itching, picking, scratching skin

The consequences of using ice may include:

• Paranoia
• Increased risk of stroke
• High risk of dependence (addiction)
• Chronic sleep problems
• Memory loss
• Blood-borne infections (like hepatitis C and HIV) through needle-sharing
• Anorexia
• Malnutrition
• Heart and lung problems
• Increased risk of kidney problems
• Depression
• Loss of ability to make decisions

Speed

What is speed?

Speed is part of the amphetamine family of drugs, which also includes ice. Ice is the purest form of the drug followed by base and then speed, however the potential for dependence (addiction) plus physical and mental problems associated with speed is still high.

Speed is also known by a variety of other names, including: whizz, go-ee, snow, zip, point, eve, gogo, pure, and gas.

The signs and symptoms of using speed can include:

• Increased and irregular heart rate
• Increased breathing
• Teeth grinding
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Aggression
• Fever and sweating
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Overheating
• Dry mouth and lips
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mood swings
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia

The consequences of using speed may include:

• Chronic sleep problems
• Cracked teeth through grinding
• Panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Decreased emotional control
• Severe depression
• Violent behaviour
• Speed psychosis
• Nerve cell damage
• Death from heart failure or stroke
• High risk of dependence (addiction), especially if injected
• HIV and hepatitis infections through needle sharing

Cocaine

What is cocaine?

Cocaine, or coke as it is commonly known, is a stimulant and has a similar effect to amphetamines like speed and ice, but produces a more intense effect and shorter ‘high’ depending upon dosage. Cocaine is a white crystalline powder with a bitter numbing taste.

Cocaine hydrochloride can be further processed to produce cocaine base, which comes in two forms known as freebase and crack. Freebase is also a white powder, while crack generally comes in the form of crystals ranging in colour from white or creamy to transparent with a pink or yellow tinge.

Cocaine is known by a variety of other names, including: coke, Charlie, blow, C, pepsi, nose candy. Crack cocaine is also known as a variety of other names, including: rock, base and sugar block.

The signs and symptoms of using cocaine can include:

• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate
• Aggression
• Dilated pupils
• Chest pain
• Overheating and sweating
• Nose bleeds
• Paranoia
• Lethargy
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Reduced appetite
• Muscle twitches
• Tremors
• Nausea and vomiting

The consequences of using cocaine may include:

• Depression
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Cardiomyopathy – a serious disease in which the heart muscle becomes inflamed
• Cocaine psychosis
• Violent or erratic behaviour
• Eating and sleeping disorders
• Impaired sexual performance
• Ulceration of the mucous membrane of the nose
• Damage to the nasal septum
• Cardiac arrest
• Convulsions
• Kidney failure
• Stroke
• Seizures
• High risk of dependence (addiction), especially if injected
• HIV and hepatitis infections through needle sharing

GHB

What is GHB?

GHB is a drug commonly found in the dance scene and is sometimes referred to as liquid ecstasy due to its stimulating, euphoric and supposed aphrodisiac qualities. Chemically-speaking, it is not related to MDMA at all. Mildly salty in flavour, yet colourless and odorless, it’s also used a date-rape drug – when mixed with alcohol, it can intoxicate quickly.

Other names include: Fantasy, grievous bodily harm (GBH), liquid ecstasy, liquid E, G.

The signs and symptoms of using GHB can include:

• Drowsiness
• Induced sleep
• Nausea
• Reduced inhibitions
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Confusion and agitation

The consequences of using GHB may include:

• Extreme drowsiness/grogginess
• Hallucinations
• Difficulty focusing eyes
• Vomiting
• Impaired movement and speech
• Reduced muscle tone
• Disorientation
• Convulsions/seizures
• Coma
• Respiratory distress
• Slowed heart rate
• Lowered blood pressure
• Amnesia
• Death
• Can be addictive with prolonged use

Heroin

What is heroin?

Heroin is one of a group of drugs known as "opiates". Other opiates include opium, morphine, codeine, pethidine, oxycodone, buprenorphine and methadone. Heroin and other opiates are depressants. Depressants do not necessarily make you feel depressed. Rather, they slow down the activity of the central nervous system and messages going between the brain and the body.

Heroin is known by a variety of other names, including: horse, hammer, H, dope, smack, junk, gear and boy.

The signs and symptoms of using heroin can include:

• Confusion
• Decreased blood pressure and heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Slurred/slow speech
• Reduced coordination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Suppressed cough reflex
• Reduced sexual urges
• Lethargy
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Constricted pupils
• Slowed breathing

The consequences of using heroin may include:

• High risk of addiction
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Menstrual irregularity and infertility in women
• Loss of sex drive in men
• Anxiety disorders
• Chronic constipation
• Infection at the site of injections
• HIV and hepatitis infections through needle sharing
• Non-fatal overdose
• Death from overdose

Depressants

Sleeping pills, minor tranquillisers.

Other names include: Benzos, temazzies, Valium, tranks, sleepers, Serapax, serries, Mandrax, mandies.

Signs and symptoms: Drowsiness, confusion, uncoordination, slurred speech, depressed pulse rate, shallow breathing.

Potential problems: Anxiety, depression, restlessness, tremors, insomnia, changes in eyesight, high risk of addiction and suicide.

Otherwise known as ‘downers’, depressants act to slow or reduce the function of the brain and body. Mainly used as prescription medicines, they’ve also become popular as ‘illicits’ or mood-altering substances. They can cause anything from feelings of relaxation and mild contentment, to sedation and total blackout. Definitely don’t use them with alcohol – you can stop breathing.

Alcohol

It's easy to forget that alcohol is a drug too. Even though it is legal, drinking too much alcohol can have negative impacts on you and the people you are with.

It is important to know that factors such as gender, age, mental health, drug use and existing medical conditions can change how alcohol affects you.

The health risks that accumulate over a lifetime from alcohol increase progressively – this means that the more you drink, the greater the risk.

Drinking alcohol can affect your liver or cause brain damage, heart disease, high blood pressure and increases your risk of many cancers. It may also in crease your risk of injury through road trauma, violence, falls and accidental death.

Hallucinogens

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), Psilocybin.

Street name: LSD – acid, trips, wedges, windowpane, blotter, microdot. Psilocybin – mushies, blue meanies, magic mushrooms, gold tops.

Signs and symptoms: trance-like state, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate, insomnia, hallucinations, paranoia.

Potential problems: visual hallucinations may produce anxiety and fear, confusion and lack of coordination can result in greater risk of injury, self-inflicted injury, violent behaviour, paranoia, depression, anxiety and unpredictable flashbacks.

LSD was discovered in 1938 and is one of the most potent mood and perception altering drugs. Synthesised from lysergic acid, LSD is initially a clear or white crystalline substance. It is also odourless and soluble in water. LSD is highly potent and only very small doses are required to produce a hallucinogenic effect.

Ketamine

Ketamine hydrochloride.

Street name: Green, K, super K, special K, Vitamin K.

Signs and symptoms: Altered perception, disorientation, drowsiness, hallucinations, numbness, strange muscle movements, nausea, vomiting,

Potential problems: Accidents from lack of coordination, quick development of tolerance, psychological dependence, psychosis, flashbacks, loss of memory, attention and vision impairment,

As ketamine is an anaesthetic, when used with depressant drugs such as alcohol, heroin or tranquillisers, it can be particularly harmful as it has the potential to shut the body down causing vital organs such as the lungs or heart to stop functioning.

Ketamine is considered a dissociative anaesthetic as it produces feelings of ‘disassociation’ from a person’s environment as well as from one’s self. It also has hallucinogenic effects and can impact on a person’s senses and perception of reality.

Inhalants

Can include a number of general household and office products – solvents, aerosols, glue, petrol.

Street name: Nitrous oxide – laughing gas, whippits, nitrous, bulbs. Amyl nitrate – snappers, poppers, pearlers, rushamines. Butyl nitrate – locker room, bolt, bullet, rush, climax, red gold.

Potential problems: Brain damage, paralysis, pains in the chest, muscles, joints, heart trouble, severe depression, fatigue, loss of appetite, bronchial spasm, sores on nose or mouth, nosebleeds, diarrhoea, bizarre or reckless behaviour, suffocation and sudden death.

Tobacco

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in Australia. Tobacco use reduces not only your life expectancy but your quality of life. Many medical conditions caused by smoking can result not just in death, but in living for years with disabling health problems.
Every cigarette is doing you damage.

Smoking is the largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in Australia.

Smoking kills over 15,000 Australians each year.

Cigarette smoke is toxic – it contains over 4,000 chemicals including those used in paint stripper, toilet cleaner, rat poison and nail polish remover.

People near a smoker breathe in the poisons too, which can also cause them disease and premature death.

RESOURCE: http://www.drugs.health.gov.au http://www.abc2news.com

SAY NO TO DRUGS