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Drug and Alcohol Information
- Street Drugs -
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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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