Download Odd-Squad Drug Fact Sheet

Odd-Squad Drug Fact Sheet
Compiled by James Braaten
Definitions
Drug:
A drug is any substance, other than food, which when taken into the human body that
modifies physiological and psychological reactions.
Addiction:
A chronic, relapsing disease, characterised by compulsive drug-seeking and use as well
as neuro-chemical and molecular changes in the brain.
Tolerance:
Tolerance means that, over time and with regular use, a user needs more and more of a
drug to get the same effect. Tolerance increases the physical health hazards of any drug
simply because it can result in increased drug use over time.
Physical Dependence:
An adaptive physiological state that occurs with regular drug use and results in a
withdrawal syndrome when the drug use is stopped.
Psychological Dependence:
Psychological Dependence exists when a drug becomes so central to a person’s thoughts,
emotions, and activities that it is extremely difficult to stop using it.
Stimulants:
Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the CNS and increase activity of the brain and spinal
cord. They produce an increase in energy, increase in alertness and produce feelings of
euphoria. (Nicotine, caffeine, cocaine)
Depressants:
Drugs that act on and slow down the action of the CNS, diminishing or stopping vital
bodily functions (The term depressant is misleading because depressants tend to elevate
the person’s mood initially). For example heroin or alcohol.
Hallucinogen:
Are drugs that act on the CNS and produce mood changes and perceptual changes
varying from sensory illusions to hallucinations. (Acid, mushrooms)
Dissociative Anaesthetic:
A drug induced state where the user experiences a feeling of separation of the body and
mind. People in this state may experience euphoria, anxiety, decreased awareness of
pain, and illogical thought.
Tolerance: A condition in which higher doses of a drug are required to produce the same
effect as during the initial use.
Overview of Drug Statistics
Cocaine:
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7% of Canadians Reported using cocaine in their lifetime
Of reported cocaine users 4.9% of men and 2.7% of women were lifetime users
Usage is highest among the 15-24 age group
LSD, Speed, and Heroin:
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1.1% of the population reported using LSD, Speed or Heroin
Men are more likely than women to use these drugs
Usage is highest among the 15-17 year old age group
Deaths Associated to Illicit Drug Use:
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In 1995, 804 people died (695 men and 108 women) as a result of illicit drug use
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Of the deaths in 1995, 90 were attributed to Diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis, 78
to cocaine
poisoning, 160 to Opiate Poisoning, and 329 to suicide

6,934 people were admitted to hospital because of their illicit drug use

Alcohol Statistics:
 
There were 6,503 alcohol-related deaths in Canada in 1995[Motor Vehicle
Accidents (1144), Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis (1037), Suicide (955)]. This accounts
for 15% of all drug-related deaths.
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There were almost 81,000 people admitted to the hospital because of alcohol
related issues
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Alcohol is responsible for 3.1% of the total death rate in Canada in 1995 (22.2
deaths per 100,000 Canadians)
 
There were 1,144 motor vehicle deaths (17% of alcohol related deaths)
 
There were 1,037 alcoholic liver cirrhosis Deaths (16% of alcohol related deaths)
18%
MVA
Alcoholic Liver
Cirrhosis
16%
51%
Suicide
Other
15%
There were 955 suicide related deaths (15% of alcohol related deaths)
76.8% of all 15 year olds reported having had an alcoholic beverage in the last
year
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Alcohol Related Deaths in 1995
Tobacco Statistics:
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There were over 34,700 tobacco-related deaths in Canada between 1995 and 1996
(Cancer, Stroke etc.). This was 17% (or 1/6) of the total deaths in Canada. This
accounts for 83% of all drug-related deaths.
 
There were 191,922 people admitted into hospital because of tobacco related
illnesses
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Smoking rates have dropped significantly over the last 30 years:
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In 1965 50% of the population smoked
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In 1990 29% of the population smoked
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In the age group of 10-19 years females are more likely to smoke than Males
(15.6% Vs 14.9%)
Tobacco Related Deaths in 1995
Lung Cancer
27%
35%
19%
Ischem ic
Heart Disease
Chronic
Obstructive
Disease
19%
Other
Marijuana Statistics:
40 % of BC students in 1998 had reported using Cannabis
7.4% of all Canadians reported using Cannabis
 
Men were more likely to use (10%) than women (4.9%)
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Marijuana produces 4 times the amount of tar and 5 times the amount of Carbon
Monoxide than a cigarette
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Smoking 1 joint is equivalent to smoking 5 cigarettes
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Table 1: Number of Hospitalisations in 1995 due to drug use
200000
150000
100000
illicit drugs
alcohol
50000
tobacco
0
# of Hosptial Admittances
in 1995
Table 2: Number of Deaths in 1995 due to drug use
35000
30000
25000
20000
illicit drugs
15000
alcohol
10000
tobacco
5000
0
# of Deaths in 1995
Marijuana
The Basics:
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Other names: Grass, hash, joint, weed, cannabis, hemp, skunk
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Marijuana is grown from the Cannabis or Hemp plant
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There are 3 types of Cannabis plants:
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Cannabis Sativa
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Cannabis Ruderalis
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Cannabis Indica
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Cannabis Sativa is the most common and grown through out the world
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The active ingredient (producing a “high”) is called 9 tetrahydrocannabinal or
THC
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The THC content in a joint ranges from .5% to 30%
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The THC Content in hashish oil is 15%-50%
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Short-Term Effects:
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May experience a mild euphoria, sense of calm, and become talkative
Reduced Co-ordination
Difficulties with critical thinking and problem solving
Increased heart-rate, blood shot eyes, dry mouth and throat
Short-term memory, concentration, learning difficulties
Long-Term Effects:
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Respiratory Damage: epithelial injury to the trachea and major bronchi (linked to
bronchitis) and there is a link to increased chance of lung cancer
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Pregnancy: Marijuana use is linked to shorter gestation periods and lowered birth
weights of infants
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Exposure to Cannabis in utereo can affect the mental development of the child in
later years
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Increase testosterone levels for women (may lead to infertility)
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Decreased testosterone levels for men (lowered sperm counts)
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Amotivational Syndrome: decreases one’s motivation and activity level
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Withdrawal effects can include anxiety, nervousness, sleeping disorders, and loss
of appetite
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Issues around Marijuana:
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Legalisation vs. Decriminalisation
Should we be prescribing marijuana medicinally?
Does reduce pain threshold--however Aspirin, Tylenol and Opiates do a better
job
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THC can decrease nausea and vomiting: It has been developed into pill form
called “Marinol”. This can be taken orally and does not need to be smoked.
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Is marijuana addictive?
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Conflicting research: Some research shows it to be psychologically addictive,
some shows it to be physically addictive and others show that it is not addictive
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Marijuana has been described as a “Gateway” Drug. Gateway refers to the belief
that usage of one drug will dead or facilitate a switch to a more powerful and
dangerous drugs
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Alcohol
The Basics:
Other names: Booze
Alcohol is a CNS depressant
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Alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive drug and is legal in most countries
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Grain alcohol or ethanol is the intoxicating ingredient. It is a clear colourless
liquid
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Alcohol is the result of fermenting or distilling a variety of fruits, vegetables, or
grains
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The percentage ranges from approximately 5% in beer to 40% in distilled liquors
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Once ingested, alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream through the stomach,
small intestine and colon
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It takes about 5 minutes for the alcohol to get into the bloodstream reaching its
highest levels 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion
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Short Term Effects:
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Euphoria, drowsiness, and dizziness are associated with low doses of alcohol
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Distortions of vision, hearing, perception, emotions, co-ordination, slurred
speech, staggering, and nausea are associated with higher doses of alcohol
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Disinhibition: Alcohol suppresses the part of the brain that controls reasoning
and judgement and in the centre of the brain affecting mood and emotion
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This effects people differently. For some it may trigger sociability and
talkativeness and for others it can aggravate violent tendencies
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Alcohol can cause an electrochemical disruption of the brain that can result in
“amnesia”. This alcohol-induced amnesia is known as a “Blackout”. Blackouts can
be an early indicator of alcoholism.
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Heavy drinking over a short period of time can result in “hangovers” – headache,
nausea, and vomiting
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Long-term Effects:
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Vitamin deficiencies
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Stomach ailments: Alcohol stimulates acid production in the stomach. This can
lead to diarrhoea, ulcers and stomach haemorrhaging
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Sexual Complications
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Women: Can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, onset of early menopause.
Heavy drinking is linked to spontaneous abortion, infertility and decreased sexual
desire
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Men: Heavy drinking decreases testosterone production and promotes the
production of estrogens. This may result in low sperm count, lowered sexual desire
and function, and enlarged breasts
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Liver damage: Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholic hepatitis
(inflammation of the liver) which is treatable, and cirrhosis (scaring and break down
of liver tissue) which in non-treatable
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Heart Disease: These include hypertension, high blood pressure, cardiac
arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms
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Increased chance of cancer of liver, oesophagus, pancreas and colon
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Tobacco
The Basics:
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Tobacco is made up of thousands of different chemicals, with the three main ones
being Nicotine, Tar, Carbon Monoxide
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Nicotine: It is a mood altering, highly addictive substance that quickly enters the
brain when the smoke is inhaled
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Nicotine is extremely toxic. 30 mg can be fatal. The average cigarette contains
15-20 mg of nicotine but only a fraction of that is absorbed into the body (0.11.2 mg/cigarette)
Tar: is a combination of 100’s of different chemicals. Tar has several cancer
causing agents in it
Carbon Monoxide: Carbon Monoxide (CO) in smoke replaces oxygen in the red
blood cells (Forming carbonoxyhemoglobin or COHb). Nicotine makes the
heart beat faster and the COHb deprives the heart of much needed oxygen
thereby damaging it.
Short Term Effects:
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Increased heart rate and respiration rate
A decrease in skin temperature
Feelings of relaxation
Novice smokers may experience a “head rush”
Long Term Effects:
Bronchopulmmonary and cardiovascular problems
Is the main cause of lung cancer (smokers are 10 times more likely to get lung
cancer than non-smokers) Other forms of cancer common in smokers: mouth, larynx,
pharynx, oesophagus, lungs, pancreas, cervix, uterus and bladder
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Smoking are at higher risk of receding and bleeding gums, foul breath, stained
teeth, and tooth decay (resulting in teeth loss)
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Smokers are twice as likely to get gastric and duodenal ulcers.
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Wounds heal less quickly (partially due to the fact that smoking depletes Vitamin
C from the body)
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Plaque formation and hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) which leads to heartattacks are common in smokers
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The combination of nicotine and CO leads to increased angina attacks
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Methamphetamine
The Basics:
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Other Names: Ice, crystal, crank, glass, meth, speed, chalk
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Is a CNS stimulant
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Methamphetamine is made in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive
ingredients that can be bought over the counter
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Comes in a white to tan powder or capsules, which can be snorted, smoked,
injected or taken orally
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If ingested the high will last for approximately 2 – 4 hours
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If smoked the high will last from 8 – 16 hours
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Effects:
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The initial effects of the drug include high euphoria, anxiety, depression, mental
confusion, aggressiveness, increased respiration and body temperature, and poor
judgement
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High doses cause delusions, visual and auditory hallucinations, rapid mood
changes and erratic aggressive behaviour
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After the high wears off the user will experience a “crash”. Symptoms include
depression, fatigue and increased energy
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Cocaine
The Basics:
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Other names: Coke, C, flake, blow, up
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Made from the leaf of the Coca plant grown on the slopes of the Andes
Mountains in South America
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Is a CNS stimulant
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Cocaine is generally snorted, injected, or smoked
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Ingesting the cocaine usually takes 3 minutes for it to reach the brain and give the
high
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Injecting Cocaine usually takes 14 seconds for the high to be produced.
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Smoking freebase cocaine (Crack) usually takes 6-10 seconds for the drug to
reach the brain and produce the high
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When smoked the high lasts approximately 5-15 minutes
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When snorted the high lasts approximately 15-30 minutes
Short Term Effects:
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Cocaine disrupts the normal balance of neurotransmitters in the brain causing a
rush of euphoria and energy
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Over stimulation of the brain’s fright centre by dopamine may cause paranoia
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Unbalanced levels of acetylcholine cause muscle tremors, memory lapses, mental
confusion, and hallucinations
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Depleted serotonin levels cause insomnia, agitation, and severe depression
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The acute positive state is characterised by euphoria, increases in energy and
confidence, mental alertness and sexual arousal
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Cocaine leaves the body very quickly which results in the user crashing. Sideeffects of crashing include: irritability, anxiety, depression and intense cravings for
cocaine
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Sometimes users experience tactile hallucinations (formication) or “coke bugs”
(extreme itching which feels like bugs crawling under or on the skin). Some users
will attempt to pick the bugs from their skin using their fingers or other implements.
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Long Term Effects:
Overdosing
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Results from ventricular fibrillation (uncontrolled twitching or quivering of the
heart muscle fibres), cardiac arrest, and hyperthermia
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Heavy use may result in extreme hypertension, cerebrovascular bleeding and
stroke
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2/3 of cocaine related deaths in the United States are associated with speedballs (a
mix of cocaine and heroin usually injected)
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Withdrawal Symptoms:
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Inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia)
Lack of energy or motivation (anergia)
May sleep all day after a binge
Intense cravings begin 2-3 weeks after user stops using
Ecstasy
The Basics:
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Other names: MDMA, XTC, E, love drug
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Usually in tablet form and is usually ingested. Although it can be smoked or
injected (which are rare occurrences)
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MDMA causes the release of serotonin to the brain
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acute depletion of serotonin can lead to paranoia panic and anxiety
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Is 60% stimulant, 40% hallucinogenic
Short Term Effects:
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Heightened interpersonal feelings towards others
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Increased self-esteem and feelings of person insight into oneself
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User will achieve a general state of euphoria
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Increased need for physical activity (such as dancing)
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Increased sense of touch and taste and user will have an intensified sense of
colour
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Increased heart rate, sweating, and dry mouth and may have blurred vision
Long Terms Effects:
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High dosages can induce panic, depression, anxiety, and mental confusion
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User fails to identify danger signs: for example from the increased need for
physical activity users may be unaware of their need for fluids (dehydration) or rest
(over-exhaustion)
Acid
The Basics:
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Other names: LSD, hit, purple haze, trip, microdots
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LSD (lyseric acid diethylamide) is derived from the fungus “ergot” which grows
on rye and other grains
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Comes in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid, or spotted onto gelatine sheets or
blotting paper
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It is usually taken orally (tabs)
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Is a hallucinogenic drug
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Effects:
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Effects generally last from 2-12 hours
Increased heart rate and blood pressure along with dilated pupils are common
Striking effects on perception, thought and mood
Senses may combine: for example hearing colour and seeing sound (synesthesia)
May induce panic attacks or flashbacks
Mushrooms
The Basics:
Other names: Shrooms, magic mushrooms, Psilocybin
The active ingredient in mushrooms is Psilocybe mexicana, which is chemically
related to LSD
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Comes as dried mushrooms or capsules containing a variety of multicoloured
powders
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Is a hallucinogenic drug
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Short Term Effects:
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The effects are felt within 30 minutes of ingestion and can last up to several hours
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May produce mental/physical relaxation
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Detachment from the physical surroundings
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Feelings of heaviness or lightness
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Users often report mystical or religious experiences while high
Long Term Effects:
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May cause abdominal discomfort, light-headedness, numbness in lips, tongue or
mouth, and nausea
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Distortion of the perception of reality
GHB
The Basics:
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Other names: liquid ecstasy, grievous bodily harm, Georgia home boy, Gamma
Hydroxy-butryic-acide
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Is a powerful and fast acting CNS depressant
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Historically it was used as an anaesthetic and treatment for a wide variety of
ailments [depressive illnesses, alcohol withdrawal, and narcolepsy (a condition
characterised by a frequent and uncontrollable need for short periods of deep sleep)]
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GHB was used as a performance-enhancing drug because it stimulates the release
of a growth hormone
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Comes in the form of pill, white powder, or liquid form
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Effects:
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Low Doses: strong feelings of relaxation, decrease heart rate and respiration.
Users may experience a decrease in motor co-ordination and balance. It is considered
to give an alcohol like “high” without the hangover effect
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High Doses: Respiratory depression, lack of consciousness (coma), seizures
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PCP (Phencyclidine)
The Basics:
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Other Names: Angel Dust, Peace Pill, Kools, Sherms
Generally acts as a hallucinogen and a general anaesthetic
Appears as white or coloured chunks of crystal
Can be laced with tobacco or marijuana
Is a disassociate anaesthetic
Short Term Effects:
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Muscle stiffness and inco-ordination
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Drowsiness, confusion and numbness of extremities coupled with a sense of
euphoria
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Nausea and vomiting as well with profuse sweating and increased heart rate
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Strange and violent behaviour
Long Term Effects (Side Effects):
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Occurs from uncontrollable convulsions, respiratory depression, and sudden
surges in blood pressure resulting in intracranial haemorrhage
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Death has also been related to the behavioural side effects of the drug (i.e. violent
tendencies etc.)
Ketamine
The Basics:
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Other names: Special K, Super K, K-Hole
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Initially developed as an anaesthetic for veterinary surgery in the 1960’s
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Most commonly found in a clear liquid form, but may also be in powder form
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Generally it is ingested or snorted
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Effects take effect anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes
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High lasts for approximately 2 to 3 hours
Effects:
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The drug can produce hallucinations, and loss sense of time
Can cause visual distortions and inability to feel pain
Overdosing on this drug can render the person unconscious
MDA
The Basics:
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Other names: body buzz, methylenedioxyamphetamine
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Comes in the form of a white or brown powder and an amber liquid
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MDA is usually swallowed
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40% stimulant 60% hallucinogenic
Short Effects:
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The high appears within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion and lasts up to 8 hours
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Increased tactile sensations and intensification of feelings
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Heightened feelings of introspection
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May produce effects similar to LSD including hallucinations and sensory
distortions
Heroin
The Basics:
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Other names: Down, Smack, H, Junk
Derived from the opium poppy
Methods of ingestion are usually injection and smoking (chasing the dragon)
Is a CNS depressant
Short Term Effects:
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Provides the user with a soothing sense of relaxation and well being
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The drug causes an extreme euphoric feeling in the user, but with continued use
this feeling is harder and harder to attain
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Mental functioning is impaired by heroin’s effect on the CNS
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Long Term Effects:
Heroin users may experience malnutrition, collapsed veins and diseases
One of the associated risks of heroin is sharing needles. This could result in the
spread of diseases such as AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis
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Purity levels of heroin vary resulting in overdosing
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An overdose results in respiratory depression, coma and death
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Narcan (Naloxone) is used to temporarily block the effects of the heroine to stop
an overdose
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Withdrawal:
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Symptoms start occurring 6 to 12 hours after the last fix
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Symptoms are similar to that of a bad flu and can be very painful
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Severe symptoms will last from 24-72 hours and gradually subside and disappear
within 7-10 days
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Some of the symptoms:
  Stomach and muscle cramps
  Vomiting
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Runny nose
Muscle pain and spasms
Insomnia
Diarrhoea
Chills and sweating
Depression
Methadone is used for a number of reasons in the treatment of heroin addiction:
1. 1. to treat withdrawal symptoms
2. 2. reduces the desire and need for heroin
3. 3. it can be taken orally thereby breaking the reliance of the ritual of injection
Inhalants
The Basics:
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Inhalants fall into 4 different categories:
1. Volatile Substances: glue, paint thinner, gasoline
2. Aerosols: hair spray, vegetable pan lubricants, and spray paints
3. Anaesthetics: ether, nitrous oxide, chloroform
4. Volatile Nitrites: amyl & butyl nitrite (air-fresheners and video head cleaners)
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The most commonly abused inhalants are volatile substances. They are
produced from petroleum and natural gas products.
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The most volatile inhalants are fat-soluble and are directly absorbed into the
central nervous system slowing heart rate and breathing.
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The hydrocarbons are slowly metabolised and excreted through the kidneys. This
may be a long process as the chemicals are slowly released from the fatty tissues.
Short-term Effects
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Effects after inhaling include euphoria, light-headedness, exhilaration, and vivid
fantasies.
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Other effects include nausea, drooling, sneezing, coughing, muscular incoordination, and slow reflexes
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User may exhibit bizarre behaviour
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May result in vivid hallucinations, unconsciousness, or seizures
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Headaches and hangovers are common and may last up to several days
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The effects of the “high” will dissipate after a few hours
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Long-term Effects
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Brain Damage: including severe impairment of mental function, lack of motor coordination, tremors
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Thirst, weight loss, nose bleeds, bloodshot eyes, sores on the nose and mouth
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Some solvents interfere with the formation of blood-cells in the bone marrow
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Permanent kidney and liver damage
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Sudden sniffing death: Typically follows strenuous activity or high stress after
“sniffing”
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Suffocation: Caused from people passing out with the plastic bag they used for
inhaling over their mouth and nose
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Works Referenced
1. 1. Addictions Research Foundation (ARF): Facts about Hallucinogens [Viewed
February 2000] http://www.arf.org/isd/pim/list.html
2. 2. Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission: Straight Facts about Drugs and
Drug Abuse (1996) Published by the Authority of National Health and Welfare
3. 3. O’Brien, Robert et al. (1992) The Encyclopaedia of Drug Abuse 2nd Edition
4. 4. National Institute of Drug Addiction (NIDA): Glossary of Terms [Viewed
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