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Street Narcotics
Narcotics are opiates used to obtain a rush of pleasure,
euphoria, and freedom from pain. They produce significant
degrees of tolerance and physical dependence, causing
abusers to spend increasing time and energy obtaining and
using them. Street narcotics include heroin and opium.
Other narcotics that can be obtained legally and then
abused are codeine, Demerol, methadone, morphine, and
Darvon, to name a few. All types of narcotics have been
associated with severe withdrawal symptoms for abusers.
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Ecstasy
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Ecstasy, also called MDMA, is a partial derivative of
amphetamine and has effects similar to others in the
amphetamine group. It is sometimes classified as a
hallucinogen. Most individuals who use Ecstasy also use
other drugs. Other names for Ecstasy include MBDB, MDE,
MDA, MDEA and 2CB.
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Cocaine
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Cocaine, a drug that resembles white powder, often makes
the user feel alert, confident, talkative, and strong.
Cocaine use is most prevalent among males between the ages
of 18 and 25. Its effects last for about 45 minutes. On
the streets, cocaine may be diluted with cornstarch, talcum
powder, sugar, or other drugs. Because cocaine is extremely
addictive, the first-time user cannot possibly predict when
loss of control will occur. Street names for cocaine are
coke, snow, blow, Peruvian marching powder, or C.
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Hallucinogens
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Hallucinogens, also called psychedelic drugs, create
a range of perceptual distortions and various psychological
symptoms. Under the influence of hallucinogens, the
senses seem to be enhanced, and brilliant hallucinations
occur. Street names for LSD, which is a hallucinogen,
include acid, twenty-five, Sid, Bart Simpsons, barrels,
tabs, blotter, heavenly blue, L, liquid, Liquid A, microdots,
mind detergent, orange cubes, hits, paper acid, sugar,
sugar lumps, sunshine, ticket, wedding bells, and windowpane.
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Crack Cocaine
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Cocaine base, or crack, is a vapor form of cocaine that
can be smoked. Due to the short, intense nature of the
smoked form, crack is extremely addictive. Street names
for crack cocaine include: rock, crackers, smoke, Bebe,
bings, and French fry.
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Amphetamines
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Amphetamines and methamphetamines are stimulants commonly
used by young people at parties and raves to enhance
energy levels for clubbing and dancing. Stimulant medications
can help people with Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD)
feel calmer, but they have the opposite effect on people
who do not have that disorder. Street names for amphetamines
include speed, bennies, glass, crystal, crank, and pep
pills.
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GHB / Rohypnol
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Rohypnol is a tranquilizer similar to Valium but approximately
10 times more potent. It is an addictive drug. Rohypnol
can be abused either for it's intoxicating, sedative,
euphoria-producing properties, or for it's release of
growth hormones, which can build muscles. Recently,
it has been identified as a "date rape" drug used to
anaesthetize victims. Street names for Rohypnol include
roofies, roopies, rope, ropies, R2, or roaches. GHB
also has a reputation as a "date rape" drug. It is a
particularly dangerous drug because it depresses breathing
and is easily overdosed. Street names for GHB include
G, Liquid Ecstacy, somatomax, scoop, Georgia Home Boy,
and Grievous Bodily Harm.
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Steroids
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Although anabolic steroids are available only by prescription
in the United States, many steroid supplements are available
over the counter and are marketed under several names.
Steroids and steroid supplements are often taken to
increase performance in sports. Some people take them
to develop muscles. Abusers of steroids take many times
the recommended dosages in an effort to bulk up. Steroid
abuse has been increasing in recent years, especially
among middle-school-age young people. Steroid use has
been associated with chemical dependence and withdrawal
syndrome.
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Inhalants and Solvents
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Abuse of inhalants and solvents is most common among
adolescents and younger children, especially between
the ages of 13 to 15. These chemicals, which are easily
and cheaply available, are often "gateway drugs" that
young people use before moving on to other drugs of
abuse. Examples of inhalants and solvents include glues,
gasoline, rubber cement, aerosols, antifreeze, gasoline,
correcting fluid, room deodorizers, paint thinners,
nail polish removers, shoe polish, cooking sprays, and
household cleaners and waxes.
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Ketamine
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Ketamine, which was developed for use as an anesthetic,
distances the user from physical sensations, and it
also relieves pain. Ketamine is chemically similar to
PCP, but it is more fast acting and less potent. It
is also very addictive. Ketamine is sold commercially
as Ketalar. Street names are Ketter, Special K, Lady
K, Vitamin K, or just K.
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Heroin
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Heroin is a very addictive drug of the opiate class. It is
fast acting and poses many potentially serious health risks.
Because street heroin may contain impurities that do not
readily dissolve, it can obstruct blood vessels that lead to
the brain, lungs, liver, or kidneys. Needle sharing when
using street drugs is one of the leading ways to transmit HIV
and other diseases.
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Marijuana
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Getting "stoned" on marijuana makes many users feel relaxed and
talkative. The main effects usually plateau for about half an
hour after use and then taper off, but evidence suggests that
some effects may last for days or weeks after use.
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Phencyclidene (PCP)
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PCP is a synthetic drug, white crystalline powder that
can be easily dissolved in water or alcohol. It has
been sold in a variety of tablets, capsules, colored
powders, liquids, or pastes. Originally developed as an
intravenous anesthetic for surgery but was later discarded
for human use due to extreme adverse side effects. It was
later used in veterinary medicine as a general anesthetic
or tranquilizer for large animals. It has since been
discontinued for use in veterinary medicine and is
manufactured in illicit laboratories. It is primarily
combined with leafy dried vegetable matter such as parsley,
mint, or tobacco and smoked in the form of a hand rolled
cigarette.
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Methadone
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Methadone is primarily used to keep addicts from using other
narcotics or to withdraw them from other narcotics. It is
also given to patients who have chronic severe pain.
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