Call for your Health

Drugs discussed in the following sections have been abused for many years. Unfortunately, some that had become less popular seem to be reappearing, along with a dangerous new generation of illicit drugs. Problems with any illegal drugs include “quality control.” Because there is no federal regulation of these drugs and because people involved in transportation and distribution of illegal drugs are not always concerned with purity or quality, additives to any illegal drug may include dangerous and even poisonous substances. Also, it is frequently impossible to determine the potency of drug. A very pure form of a drug can easily be lethal for an individual who has been using a form that has been “stepped on” and was less potent.

Heroin

Heroin is a narcotic that is synthesized from morphine. This drug induces a strong sensation of euphoria but quickly leads to physical and psychological dependency. The physical tolerance for heroin develops rapidly. Because heroin is usually injected, addicts often share needles, which increases the risk of contracting diseases, such as AIDS and hepatitis. Experts fear the younger generation may become addicted to heroin through a substance called moon ­ rock-a mixture of heroin and cocaine that can be injected, smoked, or snorted. Heroin is used in this way to reduce the paranoia and depression that follow a cocaine high. Heroin use is currently considered to be on the rise.

Methamphetamine (Crank)

Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant that can cause uncontrollable manic behavior or paranoid thinking. The most current use of this drug is as crystal methamphetamine, or “ice.” Although crystal methamphetamine has been touted as a safe alternative to cocaine, evidence indicates otherwise. Recent headlines include the case of the father who, under the influence of methamphetamine, decapitated his son. Overdoses are often fatal, and the drug is extremely addictive. In many areas of the United States, use of ice is a widespread problem.

Drugs are commonly classified according to the physiological effect they have. Categories include stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, narcotics, and inhalants. Two other types are also important. First, designer drugs are manufactured to mimic the effects of drugs found in the previously mentioned categories. Designer drugs usually are not illegal because their chemical formula has been altered from the original drug. The other drug, marijuana, is difficult to classify but is usually included as a hallucinogen. Depending on the dose, marijuana can mimic a variety of substances found in other categories. The following is a list of drug categories and the effects they have on the body:

Stimulants: Stimulants speed up the central nervous system, producing an increase in alertness and excitability. Examples include amphetamines, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamines, and drugs such as Ritalin and phentermine (Ionamin).

Depressants: Also known as sedatives and tranquilizers, depressants slow down the central nervous system, causing an individual to feel relaxed. Examples of the depressant drugs are barbiturates, methaqualone (Quaaludes or “quad”), and tranquilizers, such as diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide HCI (Librium), and meprobamate (Miltown).

Psychoactives: Psychoactives can alter feelings, moods, and/or perceptions. Marijuana is classified as a psychoactive drug but can exhibit effects similar to those of stimulants, depressants, and narcotics. Some examples of psychoactive drugs include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, peyote, phencyclidine (PCP), and psilocybin.

Narcotics: Narcotics are powerful painkillers. They also produce pleasurable feelings and induce sleep. The narcotic drugs include codeine, heroin, methadone, morphine, opium, and substances such as oxycodone (Percodan), propoxyphene (Darvon), pentazocine (Talwin), and difenoxin (Lomotil).

Inhalants: Inhalants are volatile non drugs that cause drug like effects if inhaled. Examples include glue and gasoline. Some, such as nitrous oxide and amyl nitrate, have medical uses.

Designer drugs: Designer