DRUG AWARENESS
Cocaine
Heroin
Ecstasy
COCAINE
• Slang terms: Coke, Crack, Dust, Blow, Snow
• Cocaine is an addictive substance which comes from cocoa
leaves or made synthetically. This drug acts as a stimulant to
the central nervous system.
• Cocaine appears as a white powder substance which is
inhaled, injected, freebased (smoked) or applied directly to the
nasal membrane or gums.
• Cocaine gives the user a tremendous "rush". These chemicals
trick the brain into felling it has experienced pleasure.
HEALTH PROBLEMS:
• Ulceration of the nasal membrane, Cardiac arrest, Respiratory
arrest, physiological seizures and Lung damage
• Cocaine is highly addictive. Every use of the drug makes the
addiction stronger.
PERSONALITY EFFECTS:
• Lying, Stealing, Superior attitude, Less ambition, Job
problems, denial or responsibility,
• Argumentative/short temper.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS:
• Increased heart rate and breathing, Nausea, Tremors,
Seizures, Headaches, Cold sweats,
DEATHS RELATED TO COCAINE:
• Cocaine, or cocaine in combination with other drugs, was
directly related to 3,465 deaths in 1993.
• 49.61% were male and 35.48% were female
If you or someone you suspect needs helps. Please contact the National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline at (800) 662-HELP (4357) and as always you can contact the College Police or counseling services here at Worcester State College.
HEROIN
Over 5,000 years ago the opium poppy was referred to as the "joy plant". Opium was traded to China from Arab traders. China used the opium as medicine until it was realized that it could be smoked. Later, Britain supplied China with opium. The Chinese government eventually destroyed the opium imports before they reached China. The action by China resulted in a two short wars with Britain. As a result of winning, Britain received Hong Kong, extra trading rights and sixty million pounds in compensation for lost opium.
In 1874 heroin was created and originally was considered a safe, non-addictive substitute for morphine. Eventually it was learned that heroin produced a dependency very quickly in some. Heroin and Opiates were made illegal in 1920 with the Dangerous Drugs Act
The dangers of Heroin stem from its long-term use. It causes a tolerance to develop that is so intense that inoder to achieve the same level of euphoria, the user needs more and more of it. Withdrawal is very difficult. It involves dealing with symptoms that range from aches, seating, chills, and tremors to sneezing and muscular spasms. It take about a week to about a month to withdraw from long-term use.
Prolonged use creates physical damage to the body. AIDs has been known to result from repeated injections with dirty needles.
Heroin depresses the activity of the nervous system, including your ability to cough, breath, and have proper heart rate. Heroin causes people to feel drowsy, warm and content. Even though it relieves stress and discomfort users feel they need more and more to achieve the same state.
Heroin addicts have a hard time wanting to stop mainly because of the withdrawal symptoms. If you know anyone who has a problem, don't hesitate to ask for help. You can contact the National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline at (800) 662-HELP (4357) or contact the College Police or counseling service of Worcester State College at 929-8044.
Ecstasy Also known as XTC, XE, Easy E, Adam. It is actually MDA (methylendedioxyamphetamine)
Urban "raves" party are common places to find this dangerous drug. It can cause life threatening effects. Long term consumption can result in permanent brain damage, psychosis, and significant impairments in learning and memory after "recreational" doses of the drug.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS: heart rate up, blood pressure up, tight jaw muscles (users need baby pacifiers to keep teeth from grinding), overheating sweating, dehydration (many clubs will provide cold water and AC "Chill Rooms" for a price), Mild hallucinogenic properties, enhances senses with perceptual changes,
Although Ecstasy is not physically addictive, over time it effects people differently.