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Drugs, Alcohol, Mind Altering Substances and Addiction

This page is dedicated and directed towards anybody from any walk of life with ANY kind of expierience with drugs whether it is personal, with a friend or family member or just in their community. Education surrounding drugs and alcohol is criticle and important.  I never wish to make anybody feel ashamed or guilty about their life choices surrounding drug use just to simply educate. If you are struggling or know somebody who is struggling please use these resources and educate yourself about this topic. If you are just simply curious that is a perfect place to be aswell. Wherever you are in your journey surrounding these substances you are welcome here. It is important to understand that addiction doesn’t just relate to substance abuse; it can also involve compulsive behaviour. Knowing what addiction actually is, the different types of addiction, and how to recognise its signs and physical symptoms, can give you a greater understanding of how addiction works. But most importantly, you should also know where you can get help if you think you might have a problem.

 

Addiction is a compulsion to use a certain substance or participate in certain behaviour in order to feel good (or sometimes to avoid feeling bad). Addiction falls into two main categories:

Physical addiction is when a person’s body has actually become dependent on a particular substance. It also often means that a person’s body has developed a tolerance for the substance, meaning that they have to take more and more to feel the effects. A person with a physical addiction will feel strong symptoms of withdrawal if they try to give it up.

Psychological addiction is when a person’s craving for a substance or behaviour come from an emotional or psychological desire, rather than a physical dependence. The mind is such a powerful thing that it can produce physical symptoms like those of withdrawal including cravings, irritability and insomnia.

 

What is addiction? 

Signs of addiction

There are a number of signs that can indicate addiction to a substance or behaviour.

The way you feel:

 

  • You do it as a way to forget problems or relax

  • you get high more than 3 times a week

  • you do it without thinking about whether you want to or not

  • you dont have any friends who don't get high

  • you're using more and more drugs to get the same high

  • you get high on your own

  • you get high to get high- not to socialize

  • Withdrawal from family and friends

  • Problems with school or work because of it

  • Stealing or selling stuff to keep doing it

  • Failed attempts to quit

  • Anxiety, anger or depression

Physical signs:

 

  • Changes in your sleeping habits

  • Feeling shaky or sick when trying to give it up

  • Needing to do it more to get the same effect

  • Changes in your eating habits

  • Weight loss or weight gain

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

Drugs

Here is a list of the most commonly abused drugs. 

Alcohol

Cocaine
DMT
Hallucinogens
Heroin
Inhalants
Ketamine
Marijuana (Cannabis)
MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)
Mescaline (Peyote)
Methamphetamine
Over-the-counter Cough/Cold Medicines (Dextromethorphan or DMX)
Tobacco
Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)
Prescription Stimulants
 
 

 

 

The Brain

The brain is made up of many parts that all work together as a team. Each of these different parts has a specific and important job to do.

When drugs enter the brain, they interfere with its normal processing and can eventually lead to changes in how well it works. Over time, drug use can lead to addiction, a devastating brain disease in which people can’t stop using drugs even when they really want to and even after it causes terrible consequences to their health and other parts of their lives.

Drugs affect three primary areas of the brain:

  • The brain stem is in charge of all the functions our body needs to stay alive—breathing, moving blood, and digesting food. It also links the brain with the spinal cord, which runs down the back and moves muscles and limbs as well as lets the brain know what’s happening to the body.

  • The limbic system links together a bunch of brain structures that control our emotional responses, such as feeling pleasure when we eat chocolate. The good feelings motivate us to repeat the behavior, which is good because eating is critical to our lives.

  • The cerebral cortex is the mushroom-shaped outer part of the brain (the gray matter). In humans, it is so big that it makes up about three-fourths of the entire brain. It’s divided into four areas, called lobes, which control specific functions. Some areas process information from our senses, allowing us to see, feel, hear, and taste. The front part of the cortex, known as the frontal cortex or forebrain, is the thinking center. It powers our ability to think, plan, solve problems, and make decisions.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

What Happens to You're Brain When You Use Drugs? 

Drugs are chemicals. When someone puts these chemicals into their body, either by smoking, injecting, inhaling, or eating them, they tap into the brain’s communication system and tamper with the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. Different drugs—because of their chemical structures—work differently. We know there are at least two ways drugs work in the brain:

  • Imitating the brain’s natural chemical messengers

  • Overstimulating the “reward circuit” of the brain

Some drugs, like marijuana and heroin, have chemical structures that mimic that of a neurotransmitter that naturally occurs in our bodies. In fact, these drugs can “fool” our receptors, lock onto them, and activate the nerve cells. However, they don't work the same way as a natural neurotransmitter, and the neurons wind up sending abnormal messages through the brain, which can cause problems both for our brains as well as our bodies.

Other drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, cause nerve cells to release too much dopamine, which is a natural neurotransmitter, or prevent the normal recycling of dopamine. This leads to exaggerated messages in the brain, causing problems with communication channels. It’s like the difference between someone whispering in your ear versus someone shouting in a microphone.

Most drugs of abuse—nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, and others—affect the brain’s “reward” circuit, which is part of the limbic system. Normally, the reward circuit responds to feelings of pleasure by releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine creates feelings of pleasure. Drugs take control of this system, causing large amounts of dopamine to flood the system. This flood of dopamine is what causes the “high” or intense excitement and happiness (sometimes called euphoria) 

The Repeat Effect

Our brains are wired to make sure we will repeat healthy activities, like eating, by connecting those activities with feeling good. Whenever this reward circuit is kick-started, the brain notes that something important is happening that needs to be remembered, and teaches us to do it again and again, without thinking about it. Because drugs of abuse come in and “hijack” the same circuit, people learn to use drugs in the same way.

After repeated drug use, the brain starts to adjust to the surges of dopamine. Neurons may begin to reduce the number of dopamine receptors or simply make less dopamine. The result is less dopamine signaling in the brain—like turning down the volume on the dopamine signal. Because some drugs are toxic, some neurons also may die.

As a result, the ability to feel any pleasure is reduced. The person feels flat, lifeless, and depressed, and is unable to enjoy things that once brought pleasure. Now the person needs drugs just to bring dopamine levels up to normal, and more of the drug is needed to create a dopamine flood, or “high”—an effect known as “tolerance.”

Long-Term Effects

Drug use can eventually lead to dramatic changes in neurons and brain circuits. These changes can still be present even after the person has stopped taking drugs. This is more likely to happen when a drug has been abused for a longer period of time. 

Having Sex While Under the Influence

Being drunk or high can cause you to do sexual things that you wouldn't normally want to do. Mixing sex with drugs and alcohol can increase your risk of unintended pregnancy and STIs. If you have sex with someone who's drunk or high, it could be considered a crime because consent changes while a person is under the influence.

It also can create unhealthy pathways or habits around sex. Your brain creates pathways, and when you have sex while on drugs or while drunk your brain creates a pathway between sex and that substance meaning the next time you have sex you may feel like you have to be under the influence to have sex or be intimate again. This can lead to some really unhealthy ideas surrounding how sex should be. 

Issues that can occur when having sex under the influence include: 

  • Making people have sex or do sexual things they wouldn't want to do if they were sober.

  • Drugs and alcohol affect consent. Sometimes leading to crimes.

  • Makes you forget to have safer sex.

  • Makes you use condoms and birth control wrong.

  • Makes it harder to orgasm (cum). 

  • Makes it difficult for guys to get and keep erections. 

Someone who doesn't want to have sex may be too out of it to say "no" if they've been drinking or doing drugs. If you have sex with someone who's drunk or high, it could even be a crime. If you're hooking up with someone who's drunk or high, it might be hard to tell if they're really into it — and if you can't tell if your partner wants to have sex or not, STOP.

 

Marijuana 

Street Names: Pot, weed, hash, doobie, mary jane, bud, flower, ganja,reefer, grass and herb

Legal code: Generally illegal however many states are now allowing  it for users over 21 or medical marijuana patients. It is illegal in EVERY state for anybody under 18. 

Risk for teens: Pot effects your brain and hormones. Until you are 20 and your brain is fully developed it can damage your growing brain. It can also make you moody, gain weight, and experience a loss of motivation. 

Effects: Effects vary from person to person, depending on the situation and the amount of THC in the marijuana. Many users report feeling happy, stimulated, or relaxed at first, followed by drowsiness or calm. Many people get hungry ("the munchies"). Overdose is not possible. People can get very paranoid or anxious. The best treatment for this is a reasurring talk from a friend and being in a safe quiet place. Emotions can swing wildly during a high, depending on what is going on and how comfterable the person may feel.  When pot is eaten, its effects may be delayed and can be stronger. About half the THC passes out of your system within a day. The rest can stay in your system for up to a month or longer. 

Addiction rating: Low. 

How Addiction Happens 

Types of Addiction

There are two types of addiction people can suffer from.  Both physical and psychological dependence can happen from specific types of drugs. These addictions can affect a person for life.

Some drugs that cause physical dependence include:

Heroin

Benzodiazepines

Tobacco

Drugs that cause psychological dependence can include:

Cannabis

Cocaine

Amphetamines

Ecstasy

LSD and magic mushrooms

Just because a drug may not cause physical dependence it does not mean it is not a dangerous addiction. 

Myths about Molly 

Safety tips If you choose to use

The Buddy System

Always travel with a friend. Always share with your friend any potential substances you have taken and how much. Communicate if you are not feeling well or if you need a break.

 Chill Out and Take a Break

Dancing and exhausting your body for several hours can result in dehydration or heat exhaustion, with or without the use of substances. Be sure to take a break and cool-down regularly.

 Hydrate and Replenish Electrolytes

Dehydration and heatstroke are real issues. Most medical emergencies are a direct result of heatstroke and/or dehydration. Drink a bottle of water per hour and supplement with sports drinks such as Gatorade.

Extra Safety Tip: Bring a large jug or camelback to refill and share water with your friends and others around you who may be in need.

4. Know Your Dosage and Source

If you do choose to use a substance, know how much you are consuming and manage potential re-dosing. Remember – “Less is more!” Also, getting substances from strangers can be risky business! Make sure to know your source and drug contents.

 Test it!

Take it one step further and test it! If you do choose to use a substance, you should know what you are choosing to put in your body to prevent any unintentional risk. About half of all powders or pills that users indicated were “Molly” contained no MDMA at all. Furthermore, in New York in 2013, results from the DEA indicate that only 9% of all chemical analysis of “Molly” samples exhibit MDMA.

Be Cautious When Mixing Substances

Again, if you do choose to use a substance and choose to use multiple substances, be very careful with drug cocktails. When using several substances, the effects may multiply. Furthermore, when mixing substances, especially those with different effects on the central nervous system (i.e. depressant vs. stimulant), you increase your risk of unwanted health consequences or death. Subsequently, be cautious when mixing 2 or more depressants, as your heart and breathing may slow, and when mixing 2 or more stimulants, as your heart and breathing may rapidly increase.

 Get Proper Sleep and Nutrition

This may be easier said than done, but remember – your body maintains homeostasis with the nutrients and vitamins it needs and a proper sleep schedule. We can still have fun without pushing our bodies too hard. Make sure to eat healthy meals and get appropriate sleep before and after the event. Make sure to eat well before heading to the event and eat a sufficient meal after.

 Protect yourself and others from potential sexual assault by: (1) Be aware of predators looking for vulnerable targets; (2) Prepare an exit strategy; (3) Establish your comfortability in discussing healthy relationships and consent; (4) Understand the definition of consent. Rape includes having sex with someone who is too drunk or intoxicated to consent to the act.; (5) Have a travel buddy; (6) Never take drinks or drugs from strangers, and (7) If you see something that makes you uncomfortable, address it or find somebody who can.

Driving home in the morning after staying awake all night partying can be dangerous. Have safe and sober rides set up for yourself and friends. If you have taken drugs or drank you should NOT drive. Don’t drive if you have been using ketamine, GHB, LSD, mushrooms, ecstasy, speed or any other strong psychoactive drug. Even if you have “come down” and think you are fine to drive, these drugs all have residual effects that can impair your driving ability. Even ecstasy and speed, which can make you feel more alert, are dangerous to drive on. These drugs especially can take a lot out of you and make you tired after you come down. It is always better to get a good night’s sleep before attempting to drive after using them.Don’t drive if you are too tired or sleepy. If you are feeling sleepy, you may be thinking only about getting home and into bed. However, it is dangerous to drive in this condition. (Note: coffee may keep you awake, but it won’t improve your driving ability if you are significantly tired or sleepy.) 

If you or your friends have found thmselves in a dangerous driving situation here are some helpful tips: Have someone else drive the car who has been sober the whole night or is more rested than you.Take a bus, cab uber or call a parent and come back later to get your car. Go home with someone else and come back later to get your car. Make sure somebody stays awake along with the driver and keeps conversation going. Have this person sit in the front passenger seat. Talking to a sleepy driver helps keep them awake and alert.When all else fails, lock your doors and sleep in your car! (Keep in mind, however, that in some states even having your keys in the ignition constitutes drunken driving. If you are intoxicated, you may want to hide your keys in the tire well or under the hood, so it is clear to any police officer who may approach you that you were never driving in that condition.)

 

What is it?

MDMA is 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine it is essentially speed with a psychedelic and empathetic twist. It belongs to a family of drugs called “entactogens,” which literally means “touching within.” Other drugs in this category include MDA, MDE and MBDB. Before it was made illegal in 1985, MDMA was used by psychiatrists as a therapeutic tool. Studies are currently underway in several countries including the United States and Israel to assess MDMA’s effectiveness in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Molly is a clean new drug

Molly is a new name for an old drug known as Ecstasy. It can produce a sense of social closeness, bonding and euphoria, which explains its long-standing popularity among club- and party-goers. But it has been around since the early 1900s. Many people believe "molly" is supposedly a purer “molecular” version of ecstasy however, there is no reason to expect that molly is less likely to be free of contaminants than any other illegal drug. Same drug, different name. 

Molly is safer than other drugs 

Because "molly" is no purer than other street drugs its reputation for safety is unjustified. Even if the MDMA you are taking is actually MDMA there is still a huge risk. The drug has the ability to raise body temperature, which can cause life-threatening heat stroke, particularly when someone is dancing for hours in a hot, crowded club or concert. It is just as easy to have cuts of various other chemicals in the powdered form as it is in the pill form. The powdered form is simply what a pill looks like before it is pressed. There is some thought that in powdered form it is in fact even easier for unscrupulous dealers to cut it with other drugs or fillers and hence it may in fact be even less pure on average.

Heatstroke Tips

Preventing heatstroke is basically an effort to keep your body cool. The most important factor is staying hydrated, so remember to drink water. But, be careful not to drink too much water. Consuming too much water can upset the body’s electrolyte balance and lead to a life-threatening condition called hyponaetremia. A good rule of thumb is to drink about two cups of water (500ml) every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Basic Tips

  • Drink a bottle of water an hour (2-4 cups), and eat some salty snacks.

  • Start drinking water a few hours before dancing.

  • Stay in good physical shape.

  • Wear loose-fitting or athletic clothes that wick away moisture.

  • Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, lotion and lip balm.

  • Take breaks from dancing and allow your body to cool down. Chill out areas are perfect for this.

  • Electrolyte drinks like Gatorade are good. If you find them too strong, you can dilute them in half with water.

If I drink water I wont overdose 

Staying hyrdated is a good idea because it can reduce the risk of heat stroke associated with MDMA, however the drug can cause you're body to retain water, so drinking too much can lead to a potentially fatal electrolyte imbalance. Women may be at greater risk for over-hydrating than men, because they tend to retain more water, especially before their menstrual periods.

Mixing molly with other drugs is safe

Combining MDMA with alcohol, for example, dampens the high, while also increasing the risk of dehydration , which can lead users to seek out more MDMA and to drink more. Caffeine and other stimulants, however, do increase the effects of MDMA but can also boost the dangers, since they raise the risk of heat stroke by ratcheting up body temperature.

Sex While on Molly

Some people think  sex on MDMA is so good that normal sex can never compare. This is false. Many people don’t particularly like sex while on MDMA. Many men find it hard to achieve an erection, and almost everyone has difficulty (or inability) reaching orgasm. Sex for them is much better while sober. Even those who do enjoy the sex do not report feeling dissatisfied with sober sex. It can however be dangerous becaus it can create an unhealthy pattern or pathway in your brain surrounding sex. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bus to Show 

Bus to Show, Inc. (BTS) is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to reducing intoxicated driving by organizing eco-friendly, community-integrated and financially-accessible party bus transportation to concerts and other events. BTS provides round trip transportation for you and your friends with several pick up locations. Currently, they have busses in and around Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Illinois, and Florida. Availability is based on membership, trial or monthly.

Up 

Out

Down

Uppers, or stimulants, make the body work faster by increasing the heart rate and pumping adrenaline into the system. 

Caffeine 

Found in: coffee, tea, soft drinks, pain relivers, over the counter stimulants, chocolate. 

Source: found in the leaves, seeds, or fruits from over 60 plants, including coffee and coca beans, kola nuts and tea leaves. 

Legal code: Legal ( caffeine is consumed by an estimated 90% of the world)

Effect: Caffeine is a mild speed, stimulating the heart and nervous system. It can increase concentration and attention. Caffeine takes about 15 minutes to be absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Do not combine with: Other drugs that increase blood pressure or stronger stimulants

Addiction rating: medium . 

Cocaine

Coke, blow, crack rock, yatch, yay, snow, C

Cocaine is either snorted, injected, or smoked. 

Source: Cocaine is a white powder that comes from the leaves of the coca plants, often grown in South America. Crack is a chemically altered form of cocaine that is highly addictive and smokable. 

Legal code: Illegal

Effects: People report a sense of well-being, increased endurance and energy, reduced appetite, heightened alertness, and elimination of fatigue, which can quickly turn to anxiety or panic. The physical effects of coke include increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and body tempperature. The effects of snorted cocaine peak in about 15 to 30 minutesand then fade which often encourages users to repeat the dose to maintain the high. 

Injection risk: Hepatitis or HIV

Addiction rating: High

 

What is excessive drinking?

There really is no easy answer to this question. Below is a test used by clinicians as a first attempt to understand if somebody is struggling with drinking, its called CAGE.

C- have you ever thought you need to cut down on your drinking? 

A-Have you ever been annoyed when somebody critizes your drinking?

G- Have you ever felt guilt about your drinking? 

E- Have you ever needed an Eye opener at the start of your day? (a drink when you first wake up)

If somebody says yes to two or more of these questions she MAY have a problem. This test is by no means definitive. If you believe you or a friend has a drinking problem you can seek help from a doctor, addiction specialist or a school counselor. It is important to ask for help if you think you or somebody you know needs help. 

 

     Managing your drug use

  • Some suggestions for helping to manage your drug use:

  • Make it difficult to access drugs. If you are trying to stop smoking, throw out all your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays so they are not tempting you

  • Distract yourself at times when you feel like taking the drug. Have a friend lined up that you can call for a chat, go out, watch a film or go for a run

  • Get support from your family and friends. They may be more supportive of you if they know that you’re trying to reduce your drug use

  • Talk to someone you trust. This person may be a friend, family member or youth worker. See the benefits of talking to someone and face-to-face help

  • Eat well and drink lots of water to help you keep healthy. If possible eat fruit, vegetables, pasta, cereals and meat and avoid take away food and foods high in sugar.

  • While you are still using drugs, it’s important that you do it in the safest possible way.

Nicotine

Alcohol

Found in: Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco,nicotine gum, and patches

Legal code: Legal if you are over 18

Effects: Nicotine stimulates the heart and circulation. It can increase concentration and attention. Smokers report that it can help relieve anxiety and stress. 

Do not combine with: cocaine or other drugs that increase heart rate or blood pressure- it can increase risk of heart attack. 

Social smoker: If you think you ONLY will smoke socially it is probably not going to happen. 99% of teens get addicted this way. Many of them start smoking because you think its fun, or cool and then suddenly without noticing, you find yourself smoking alone, when you are feeling stressed or upset. You form a habit. 

Four stages of addiction

the four stages of addiction to alcohol and other drugs are:

  1. experimentation

  2. social/regular use

  3. problem/risky use

  4. dependence

Risks of addiction

Breaking addiction

Found in:  Beer, wine, liquor. 

About 90% of high school seniors have tried alcohol. Nearly a third of those teens report drinking heavily (more than 5 drinks a night) in the past 2 weeks. 

Alcohol content in different bevarages

Beer: 5% or less alcohol

Ale, wine: 9-12% alcohol

Hard liquor: 40% or more alcohol.

Legal code: legal if you are over 21

Effect: Many people feel a sense of well-being, self confidence, and stimulation while drinking. This feeling is often replaced by drowsiness and sedation as the alcohol leaves the body. Alcohol dulls awarenes, reflexes, and judgement. Alcohol is absorbed very quickly into the blood stream from the stomach, this can happen as quickly as 5-10 minutes. The effect can last for several hours depending on the amount, how quickly it was drunk, and the body size of the drinker. 

Risks for teens: Since your brain is not fully develpoed until you are around 20, you may be more vulnerable to alcohol's damaging effects than mature brains. 

Addiction rating: Medium (high if you have a genetic predisposition towards alcoholism)

Alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is a serious — and sometimes deadly — consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Drinking too much too quickly can affect your breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex and potentially lead to coma and death.

Know the signs: Aware, Awake, Alive

If you think somebody may have alcohol poisoning use the  MUST HELP test to see if they may need emergency care:

M- Mental confusion

U- Unresponsive

S- Shaking

T- Throwing up

H- Hypothermia

E- Erratic breathing

L- Loss of conciousness

P- Pale or blue skin

If you suspect that someone has alcohol poisoning, even if you don’t see the classic signs and symptoms, seek immediate medical care. If they are throwing up or have been throwing up keep the person warm, safe and comfterable until help arrives. You should them on their side with their arm above their head. This is called the recovery position and can prevent more serious injury. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • If the person is unconscious, breathing less than eight times a minute or has repeated, uncontrolled vomiting, call 911 immediately. Keep in mind that even when someone is unconscious or has stopped drinking, alcohol continues to be released into the bloodstream and the level of alcohol in the body continues to rise. Never assume that a person will “sleep off” alcohol poisoning.

  • If the person is conscious, call 800-222-1222 (in the U.S.) and you’ll automatically be routed to your local poison control center. The staff at the poison control center or emergency call center can instruct you as to whether you should take the person directly to a hospital. All calls to poison control centers are confidential.

  • Be prepared to provide information. If you know, be sure to tell hospital or emergency personnel the kind and amount of alcohol the person drank and when. Don’t leave an unconscious person alone. While waiting for help, don’t try to make the person vomit.

  • Alcohol poisoning affects the way your gag reflex works. That means someone with alcohol poisoning may choke on his or her own vomit or accidentally inhale (aspirate) vomit into the lungs which could cause a fatal lung injury.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

It is important to understand where you and any drug you may consider using stand in terms of addiction risk. Certain drugs like heroin and cocaine (especially crack cocaine), carry a high risk of addiction. People who have become addicted to these drugs have reported a complusion to use them again even after only one or two experiences with them.  Additionally, although anyone who uses drugs can get addicted to them, certian people are more at risk for addiction than others. People at the greatest risk have typically grown up in a family with a drug-abusing parent, have a past of physical or emotional abuse, and are struggling with depression. If there is addiction in your family tree , you may have a genetic tendency towards chemical dependency- which means experimentation can be more dangerous activity for you than someone else. However, just because you have addiction in your family it does not always mean you will become an addict. 

if you find that you canno't stop taking drugs even if they are having a bad effect on your life, admitting that you have a problem is a necessary and very difficult first step. Recovering from a drug addiction is a long and trying process, but there are many awesome support groups and resources available to help people who are struggling with addiction. Also know that when you decide to quit using any substance, cravings for that drug became even stronger during withdrawel, and you can feel really ill for some time, depending on how long you have been using the drug. Even caffeine can cause withdrawl symptoms like headaches. If you recognize addictive behavior in a friend or relative, it can be very frustrating. Addiction is not an easy thing to admit to yoursel. And whoever is struggling may not be ready to take this step. The first and hardest step is admitting there is a problem. Although you can try talking or confronting this person about their drug use, ultimately you are not responsible for that persons behavior. Finding resources such as AL-Anon- which is a national network of support groups formed to support people who are recovering can be very helpful for you, a family member or friend. 

Amphetamine and methamphetamin

Also known as speed

Users smoke, snort, swallow, or inject speed. 

Found in: Diet pills and certain prescription medications as well as adderall and undiluted forms. 

Legal code: Only legal by prescription- to help treat weight problems or help with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or a sleeping disorder called narcolepsy. 

Effects: Users describe a sense of well-being, increased endurance and energy, short-lived euphoria, heightened alertness, and elimination of fatigue. These feelings of confidence and happiness usually lead to a high risk of dependence. Speed increases heart and respiratory rates and can decrease appetite. Effects last anywhere from 4-12 hours.

Risk: There is a serious risk of overdose, with convulsions, high fever, coma, and possibly death from heart failure or reptured blood vessels in the brain. 

Do not combine with: Decongestants, MOA inhibitor antidepressants or alcohol. 

Addiction rating: High

Stages of recovery

  • A secure base

  • Finding a meaning to life. 

  • Hope

  • Positivity

  • Rediscovering a sense of self

  • The development of new coping strategies

  • Supportive relationships

  • Self love and respect

  • Empowerment

  • Exercise 

Ecstasy (MDMA) 

Source: Pills made in illegal labs by altering the molecular structure of both legal and illegal drugs.

Legal code: Illegal

Effects: Users report a sense of energy and alertness similar to that from amphetamines, as well as a feeling of happiness, openess and caring for everyone. Ecstasy causes a rise in body tempature, usually resulting in dehydration. Effects begin in 20 minutes to an hour and last for 4-6 hours, with the peak experienced in about an hour. 

Risks: Not much is known about the long-term effects of taking ecstasy, although there is some concern that it can cause brain damage and liver issues. 

Do not combine with: MAO inhibitor anti-depressants. 

Addiction rating: unknown

 

Out

Hallucinogenic drugs distort the perception of objecive reality. Under the influence of hallucinogens, the senses of direction, distance, and time become disoriented. There are three categories of hallucinogens: serotonin hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT); belladonna alkaloids (prescription medications and jimsonweed. Jimsonweed is the active ingredient in some prescription medications for asthma and certain stomach conditions. Jimsonweed tea or seeds can cause hallucinogens at dangerously high levels); horse tranquilizers (PCP and ketamine). 

LSD

LSD is either (1) absorbed in its liquid form onto a piece of paper (known as blotter) or a sugar cube and sucked on or chewed or (2) taken straight into mouth or nose from liquid form. 

Source: The lab

Legal code: Illegal

Effects: LSD overloads the brains sensory switchboard, causing sensory Effects: LSD overloads the brain's sensory switchboard, causing sensory distortions or hallucinations. Everyone who tries acid experiences it differently- it all depends on the person, the dose, and the particular situation. It is important to understand that there are some synthetic drugs that are sold that can mimic the effects of LSD but are chemical research drugs. These drugs are synthetic, and although they may appear to be LSD the effect can vary depending on what you’ve taken. Remember, just because you think you know what you are taking it does not mean that is what it is. Risks: LSD users run the risk of having a “bad risk,” most commonly experienced as acute physical and psychological anxiety- this can be a very serious and frightening experience. More seriously, while under the influence, people have experienced convulsions, coma heart and/ or lung failure. Also, because judgement and perception of reality may be impaired- with slowed reaction times plus visual distortions and hallucinations making even the most basic tasks difficult to impossible to perform- many people have accidentally injured or killed themselves while on LSD. It is fairly common for LSD to be laced with other dangerous drugs in which case it can be deadly or cause permanent brain damage. Do not combine with: Anything, and never use if you are alone. Addiction rating: Controversial: LSD is a highly potent drug that does not cause physical dependency but can cause psychological dependency.

Mushrooms are dried and eaten whole or pulverized and mixed into drinks or food such as brownies.

Source: The mushroom family

Legal code: Illegal

Effects: Immediate effects can include mild feelings of nausea and increased pressure , heart rate, and breathing. Overall. The effects are similar to those of LSD but usually last for 4-6 hours.

Risks: Though mushrooms are a “natural” alternative to LSD and other lab produced hallucinogens, they have many of the same negative side effects, such as “bad trips.” A real risk is that you will eat the wrong kind of mushroom- many species that look similar to psilocybin mushrooms are extremely dangerous and can be fatal.

Addiction rating: Low

 

Psilocybin mushrooms

 

PCP (ketamine)

 

Taken as pills, snorted, smoked or injected.

Source: The lab

Legal code: Illegal, except by prescription for use as an anesthetic for large animals.

Effects: Mostly taken for it europic effects, it also causes drinken and hallucinogenic effects as well as numbing, it is a dissociative high. Effects last anywhere from 4-6 hours, but significant amounts of the drug stay in the body for the next 2 days.

Risk: There is serious risk of overdose, leading to seizures and comas, even death.

Users can become completely out of touch with their surroundings. Regular use can lead to violent reactions, agitation, brain damage, confusion, sight issues, and communication difficulties.

Do not combine with: Alcohol or other downers this can and will kill you!

Addiction rating: High

Peyote or mescaline

Dried cactus buttons eaten whole or pulverized and mixed into drink or food.

Source: A cactus that grows in Mexico

Effects: Peyote increases blood pressure and heart rate. It can produce visual distortions and hallucinations or nausea or vomiting. Everyone’s experience of this is different depending on the person, situation, and dose. Significant mood swings are common. Many people report a sense of detachment from their bodies. Some report deeply spiritual experiences. In some South American countries Peyote is used in ceremony. Effects can last up to 12 hours or more.

Risks: Though peyote is thought to be a “natural” alternative to LSD and other lab produced lab hallucinogens, it has many of the same negative side effects, including impaired judgement, “bad trips,” and loss of reality.

Do not combine with: Stimulants

Addiction rating: Low

 

Downers, or depressants, have two major effects: their sedative effects decrease anxiety and their hypnotic effect encourage sleep. Many drugs have a sedative effect at low doses and hypnotic effects at high doses. There are two main kinds of downers. Opiates include opium, heroin, morphine, codeine, painkillers and methadone. Morphine, a major active ingredient in opium, is used in prescription painkillers. Codeine is a slightly milder form of morphine. Methadone, a less destructive drug than heroin, sometimes is used to wean heroin addicts off heroin. Sedatives include barbiturates, quaaludes, and Valium and other benzodiazepines.

Can be smoked, injected, snorted or taken as a tincture

Source: Poppy seeds

Legal Code: Illegal

Effects: Opium users describe a pleasurable rush and then a dreamy state with very low sensitivity to pain.

Risks: There is a very high risk of overdose, even on the first try. Overdoses are more common with injection but are possible from snorting or smoking. Breathing slows, to the point where it may stop altogether. Other side effects include dry and itchy skin, pinpointed pupils, delayed periods, loss of sex drive, nausea vomiting, and chronic constipation. Opium carries a very HIGH risk of addiction, and withdrawal is miserable.

Do not combine with: Anything that also slows breathing, including alcohol quaaludes, or Valium.

Addiction rating: High

Opium

Heroin

Purer forms of this white powder means that many users can now get high by snorting, or smoking the drugs cooked byproducts, but the most intense high comes from injecting heroin directly into the veins (usually arms, legs, necks groins, between toes and into penisis).

Source: The lab

Legal code: Illegal in the U.S and most other countries, heroin is still used in some European countries, to help relieve pain in cancer patients.

Effects: Users report a pleasurable rush of drowsy, warm euphoria and then a dreamy state with very low sensitivity to pain. It depresses the nervous system, including functions such as coughing, breathing and heart rate. These effects are immediate if the drug is injected or smoked and take about 15 minutes if it's snorted.

Risk: There is a very high risk of death by overdose, even on the first try. Overdose is more common with injection but are possible from smoking and snorting. Heroin is highly addictive and withdrawal is miserable. First time users usually don’t get an immediate high- they get sick. Constipation is a common side effect of heroin, which is why users often become dependent on laxatives. If you inject HIV/AIDS are big concerns. Other side effects include dry and itchy skin, pinpointed pupils, delayed periods, loss of sex drive, nausea vomiting, and chronic constipation. It is not uncommon for heroin to be laced with quinine and other dangerous substances.

Do not combine with: Anything that also slows breathing including alcohol quaaludes, or

Valium.

Addiction rating: High.

 

Quaaludes

Source: The lab

Legal code: Legal only by prescription

Effects: Users report a decrease in anxiety and a sense of relaxation and calm. But unexpected, unpredictable opposite effects can occur, such as increased anxiety and hostility. At higher doses drowsiness and loss of motor control occur.

Risk: There is a risk of overdose, with suppressed breathing or heart failure leading to death, usually when combined with other drugs, especially alcohol.

Do not combine with: Alcohol, or anything that makes you sleepy- these combined can lead to death.

Addiction rating: Unknown.

Benzodiazepines

Found in: Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol ( prescription anti-anxiety medications).

Source: The lab

Legal code: Legal by prescription

Effects: Same as quaaludes

Risk: Memory may be impaired for events that happen while under the influence of these drugs.  Decreased learning ability, vertigo, and lightheadedness are all possible side effects.These effects can last for a long time.

Do not combine with: Alcohol, or anything that makes you sleepy-these combined can lead to death.

Addiction rating: Low

 

Inhalants

Found in: Solvents such as paint thinners, glue, and gas as well as some paints.

Source: Carbon based substances such as glue, lighter fluid, nail polish, varnish and paint are poured or sprayed into a bag and inhaled

Legal code: Legal. But their manufactured use is not intended to be inhaled and is extremely toxic.  

Effects: Effects are similar to those of alcohol- instant stimulation, then drowsiness and sedation. Hallucinations have also been reported.

Risk: Even one time use can lead to overdose and death due to lack of oxygen or “sudden sniffing death. Long-term risks include irreversible brain damage and nervous system damage.

Do not combine with: Anything that makes you sleepy.

Addiction rating: High

 

Herbal Drugs

Herbal drugs have been increasingly popular since the 1990s. Because they are natural, people tend to think they are safer. In reality, herbal drugs are dangerous, primarily because they are unregulated by the FDA and their effects and appropriate dosage are unknown. Just because you think you know what you are ingesting it does not mean it is safe or hasn't been laced with something. Be aware.

Self-care for somebody struggling or recovering

Taking good care of body, mind and spirit is a critical factor in how the rest of your healing work goes. If you are not used to taking good, well-rounded care of yourself, you may not be certain what self care involves. Here is a list of some things that self care includes:

· Commitments to not attempt or commit suicide; commitments to no self-violence, and no self-harming behaviors.

· Proper nutrition and the right amount of food for good health.

· Adequate rest and enough sleep.

· Good, basic hygiene and grooming.

· Seeking medical attention when it becomes necessary, and taking medically required drugs as prescribed (not stashing them, failing to take them, or altering the prescribed dosage), and not misusing or abusing drugs, alcohol, or any mind-altering substances.

· Establishing and maintaining a safe, clean, pleasant living environment.

· Having or developing a network of safe, supportive people.

· Learning safe, healthy ways to relax and to reduce and manage stress.

· A regular program of physical activity and exercise appropriate to the physical body’s current condition, abilities, and the System’s interests.

· Finding or creating opportunities to nourish wounded spirit and emotions.

· Cultivating time and opportunities for fun activities, hobbies, and for play.

Self care includes the general goal of regarding and treating your body in a loving and tender and gentle way and learning to respect ‘the skin you’re in’, especially if this not something you are accustomed to doing; a sometimes forgotten aspect of self-care may include a program of (ahem) ‘personal self intimacy’

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