Drugs
Your choice, your life
It is not our job at the student union to judge or tell students what to do with regard to drugs but it is our job to inform, educate and help students. The college has many different help structures such as a health centre and a counselling service. Your Union also has a welfare officer to assist you, so stay safe, seek help when you need it and remember you have a union to support you as best we can.
What is a drug?
A drug is any chemical which alters how the body works, or how a person behaves or feels. A drug's effects depend on: its type and strength, the amount taken, the user's mood and other factors like body weight, age, gender etc.
Use or Misuse?
Misuse occurs when the use of a drug (legal or illegal) is harmful or potentially harmful to the physical, mental or social well-being of an individual, group or society.
What are the risks and dangers of drug abuse?
1. Accidents or injury
2. Even a small amount of some drugs can cause mental and emotional disturbance.
3. Relationships with family and friends suffer.
4. Dependence / Addiction - regular drug taking can result in the need for larger doses to achieve the same effect.
5. Contamination: if a contaminated drug is used, there may be severe reactions.
6. Infections: unclean needles can cause blood poisoning, abscesses and infections.
7. Drug misuse can be costly and this can lead to financial problems, debts and crime.
8. Illegal drugs carry the risk of involvement with the law.
How do you spot Drug Taking?
Because the symptoms are similar a drug taker can be mistaken for someone who is merely "off lorn".
However, the following list provides a useful guide:
* Abnormally sleepy or drowsy
* Sudden mood changes
* Lack of concentration, memory loss, black-outs, hallucinations
* Lack of interest in work, old friends and hobbies
* Keeping unusually late hours
* Secrecy
* Telling lies and/or stealing
* New and strange friends
* Unusual smells, stains or marks on body or clothes
* Unusual powders, capsules, tablets, syringes, needles or scorched tin-foil.
What to do if you know someone is taking drugs
Firstly, get advice from a parent or counsellor. Any drug user should be referred to a doctor, college counsellor, community addiction counsellor or the Drug Treatment Center, Trinity Court, Pearse Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 - 6771122
In an Emergency
If someone overdoses and is drowsy or unconscious:
* Never leave them alone but comfort and reassure them
* If unconscious, turn them on their side to prevent them inhaling vomit
* Ring for a doctor or ambulance
* Give any substance or implement they used to the doctor.
* Tobacco
* Alcohol
* Amphetamines
* Amyl Nitrite
* Cannabis
* Cocaine
* Ecstasy
* Heroin & Other Opiates
* LSD
* Magic Mushrooms
* Solvent Abuse
* Tranquillisers
Legal Drugs
Tobacco
What is it?
The most widely misused stimulant is the drug Tobacco contained in cigarettes. Tobacco is derived from the leaves of a plant - nicotiana tabacum. Its leaves contain a chemical, nicotine, which affects the heart, blood vessels, stomach, kidneys and central nervous system.
The Highs
It gives a feeling of relaxation and may help the smoker face stressful situations more easily. Heart rate and blood pressure are increased and appetite is reduced.
The Lows
People who smoke are more likely to suffer from various health problems including heart disease, blood clots, heart attacks, bad circulation, ulcers, lung infections, bronchitis and 90% of lung cancers are believed to be caused by the chemical components in cigarette tar.
Tolerance rapidly develops to the effect of nicotine and those who begin to smoke tend to become regular smokers.
If they stop they experience withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, irritability and depression.
ALCOHOL - Booze - Drink
What is it?
One of the most commonly used drugs of all, alcohol comes in many different forms like wine, beer and spirits. Addicts sometimes turn to extreme forms like chemical alcohol or meths. Alcohol is a depressant.
The Highs
It helps people relax socially. They can become more animated and it can appear to drown worries. It has been known to increase sexual desire.
The Lows
Within safe limits alcohol is not dangerous. But drinking too much can cause vomiting, dehydration and hangovers. It has been related to violence more than any other drug. It is both physically and mentally addictive and drinking too much over a long period of time can cause liver damage.
Remember
* Starting to accept that alcohol is - or could become - a problem in your life is stage one in getting help.
* You don't need to tackle a drinking problem on your own
* Even if you have tried unsuccessfully in the past, give yourself another chance.
* Do contact your local alcohol and addiction counselling service or your GP for confidential help and advice.
>>back to top
Illegal Drugs
AMPHETAMINES- Speed
What is it?
Otherwise known as speed or the poor man's cocaine, this generally comes in powder form and is snorted up the nose. It can also come in pill form or be injected.
The Highs
Speed is a powerful stimulant which speeds up the entire nervous system. Energy and movement increase rapidly. Users may talk very quickly and find it difficult to keep up with their thoughts.
The Lows
Users often experience feelings of tiredness and depression afterwards, and in the long run, can feel physically and emotionally exhausted. The drug is psychologically addictive and regular users can find it difficult to give up.
AMYL NITRITE - Poppers
What is it?
This comes in liquid form in small bottles and the vapour from the bottle is inhaled through the nose.
The Highs
It reduces blood pressure and makes the heart pump faster, causing a "rush", dizziness and sometimes a blackout. Some users claim it heightens sexual arousal.
The Lows
These include dizziness, blackouts, headaches and vomiting. Amyl can be dangerous to those who have low blood pressure or a heart condition and swallowing the drug is also dangerous.
>>back to top
CANNABIS- Split - Blow - Hash - Draw
What is it?
This comes in the form of dried leaves from the plant, or resin, which is usually smoked in a cigarette called a joint or spliff. It is also eaten on its own, or taken in cakes or tea. Cannabis is one of the most commonly used of all illegal drugs.
The Highs
Users experience feelings of relaxation and euphoria and become receptive and socialable towards those around them. Some have said it helps them to concentrate on boring tasks, however there is also evidence to suggest that this may not be the case. It also tends to increase the appetite of users.
The Lows
Some users report reactions of fearfulness, confusion and anxiety. Long term use has been linked to memory loss, paranoia and lethargy. Smoking joints carries an even greater risk of certain forms of cancer than smoking cigarettes and may lead to an increased risk of acute and chronic bronchitis.
COCAINE - Charlie - Coke
What is it?
Cocaine is often called 'coke' or 'snow'. It is a white crystal-like powder without a smell. Cocaine is normally sniffed, but it may also be injected. Crack is a cheaper version of cocaine which is smoked. Smoking crack may lead to severe addiction and carries the risk of sudden death.
The Experience
The person who is taking cocaine will rarely feel hungry or tired and can stay awake for long periods. He feels superior and very confident and sometimes becomes aggressive.
The Effects
Cocaine is likely to produce dependence because after the buzz wears off, the person can be left feeling very depressed. The easy way to feel great again is to have some more. In the end they are taking it all of the time.
There is also a chance that they will have to increase the dose of the drug to get the same effect as the "first buzz".
The drug makes the person push the body further than it would normally go, so that when the effect wears off the person crashes down and is more tired. In this state the drug users may neglect their health, their eating and sleeping. This leaves them open to disease, illness and exhaustion. In some cases, sudden death may occur.
>>back to top
ECSTASY - E - Disco Biscuits - Love Doves
What is it?
Ecstasy usually comes in tablet or capsule form. The main ingredient in "E" is a chemical substance called MDMA, but this is often mixed with other ingredients, such as amphetamines, tranquillisers or even rat poison.
Why it's taken
Ecstasy is usually taken at 'raves' or discos to produce a feeling of relaxation with increased energy, happiness and flexibility. Someone using ecstasy may feel less inhibited, experience everything more intensely, feel mellow and calm. It can bring a sense of vulnerability. Ecstasy takes effect in 20-60 minutes, usually is at it's height for about 2 hours and can last several hours after that.
Taking any stimulant increases the body temperature. The hot atmosphere of a dance floor and the dancing itself raises it again, so that 'ravers' start losing fluid (dehydrating).
They need to take a pint of fluid (not alcohol - it also dehydrates) per hour to avoid heat-stroke which has killed ecstasy users here and in other countries. This is best done by sipping no more than a pint of water, fruit juice or isotonic in any one hour.
>>back to top
Ecstasy-plus
Less than half the drugs bought as Ecstasy are pure 'E'. The rest are 'Sidney', i.e. a combination of MDMA and any range of substances. Many 'E' tablets are cut with other stimulant drugs such as amphetamine sulphate. Others are cut with hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD, or perhaps a mixture of both. Most worrying of the substances being used as 'mixers' are anaesthetics such as 'Ketamine' and depressant drugs such as barbiturates.
Barbiturates are very dangerous, especially when used with alcohol. So any 'E' tablet/capsule may be an experiment with the unknown.
Short-term effects
These may include intense sweating, dry mouth, loss of appetite, increase in heart rate and blood pressure, nausea and sometimes pain and stiffness in arms, legs and jaws.
This pressure on the heart and respiratory system can kill after a single dose. Anyone suffering from epilepsy, diabetes, asthma or pre-existing heart disease is particularly vulnerable to having symptoms brought on suddenly with severe consequences.
Long term effects
These can include insomnia, lethargy, anorexia and weight loss. Although it does not on its own produce major hallucinogenic effects this may happen if it is mixed (or 'cut') with other substances such as Ketamine (an anaesthetic). Other effects may include psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Liver problems can be caused or made worse by 'E'. Although ecstasy is not physically addictive, users may become psychologically dependent on the drug. Studies in animals indicate the possibility of brain damage but it is not yet know whether humans can be affected in this way.
The Highs
Ecstasy can cause a euphoric rush that makes users feel elated, energetic and intimate with those in their company. It has been know to heighten sexual experience and gives users the ability to dance for hours on end.
The Lows
Soon after ingestion, ecstasy can cause nausea, diarrhoea and sweating. Some users have experienced muscle pain, depression and fatigue days after the effects of the drug wear off. The heart rate increases greatly, and dehydration is also a problem. There have been several recorded deaths from ecstasy use in this country, mainly caused by respiratory collapse.
>>back to top
HEROIN and Other Opiates
These are strong painkilling drugs. Heroin is commonly called 'smack' or 'h'. It comes in a white or off-white powder form. It is sometimes sniffed, smoked or more usually injected. Injecting a drug is called intravenous (IV) drug use. Other strong painkilling drugs are also used.
Experience
When opiates are taken, the person quickly becomes drowsy, feels happy and peaceful. It causes the muscles to relax and perhaps the person will fall asleep. When a person is using opiates regularly and the level of the drug in the body increases, they will need the drug every 4 to 6 hours to avoid the withdrawal symptoms which are bouts of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, twitching and symptoms of a heavy cold.
With regular use, dependence/addiction may develop within a few weeks. Whereas, at the beginning, the person took the drug to feel good, they now need it to feel "normal". It may cost an addict up to €250 per day to obtain a supply of heroin.
Effects
One of the main side-effects of injecting heroin is the risk of infection, caused by the use of unsterilised needles and contaminated equipment. A user may contract HIV, the virus which leads to AIDS, or hepatitis which affects the liver. There is also the danger of taking an overdose and of dying. Methadone is a synthetic drug used in the treatment of heroin addiction. Because it is taken by mouth and is prescribed, it reduces the spread of HIV, and reduces crime levels. However, it too is poisonous and addictive so it needs to be used carefully and under strict supervision.
>>back to top
HEROIN- Smack - H - Gear
One of a number of opiates derived from the poppy plant, heroin comes most commonly in the form of a white powder which is either injected (after being mixed with water) or smoked (known as chasing the dragon). It is also known as horse.
The Highs
Heroin creates a rush of pleasure and users tend to feel they cannot be harmed and may feel detached from the outside world.
The Lows
Heroin is, both physically and emotionally a highly addictive drug. Withdrawal, once addicted, is difficult, and the symptoms include drowsiness, sweats, anxious breathing, vomiting and possibly even coma.
Overdosing can be fatal, as can combining it with large amounts of alcohol. Sharing needless carries a greater risk of infection with HIV, AIDS & Hepatitis.
LSD - Acid
LSD comes in the form of micro-dot pills, tiny stars of paper or ink blots on blotting papers. It is swallowed or "dropped". Only a tiny amount is needed to produce hallucinations which may last for up to 12 hours.
Experience
There are two major types of experience or "trip". The "good trip" can make colours appear brighter than usual. The senses of sight and sound can become mixed so that the user might start "listening" to colour and "seeing" music. In a bad "trip" the user can become very frightened. People on "bad trips" sometimes try to harm themselves or others very badly. LSD is a very dangerous drug and no-one knows in advance what the effect of experimenting with it will be. A person loses touch with reality and often believes that they can do extraordinary things. If you come across someone on a "trip" it is very important that you do not leave them alone. You should "talk the person down" from the "trip" bit by bit, and they should be brought to hospital as soon as possible.
Flash-back
The experience of a "trip" can be repeated without taking LSD again. This is known as a "flash-back" and may happen at any time for up to 5 years.
>>back to top
MAGIC MUSHROOMS
This is a mushroom which grows on high ground and is often found on golf courses. It grows from late summer through to winter.
It is a brown colour with a long stem and an umbrella shaped top. The mushrooms are either eaten fresh or dried and perhaps crushed into a fine powder or made into tea.
They are taken in quantities of thirty or more at one time. Distinguishing hallucinogenic mushrooms from their poisonous, deadly relations is difficult.
Experience
A person who eats enough magic mushrooms will become confused and begin to stumble. Magic mushrooms can cause hallucinations. In general their effects are similar but milder than LSD.
SOLVENT ABUSE
Solvent Abuse does not involve drugs but products which can be found around most houses. There are many household products which can be misused to give a "drug experience".
These include adhesives and thinners, dry cleaning fluids, aerosol sprays and fuels, e.g. petrol and gas.
Experience
Solvent abuse (sniffing or inhaling), is often done from a cloth or from a bag. Fairly soon the person feels relaxed and content in much the same way as with alcohol. However, many young people become aggressive under the influence of solvents. The person's vision may become blurred and they may appear to be drunk. Hallucinations may occur.
Dangers
Some people who use solvents can come to depend on the feeling of contentment and find themselves "sniffing" of inhaling regularly. Solvent abuse burns the skin around the lips and nose of the users. It affects the lungs, kidney, liver and bone marrow. If a person sniffs or inhales too much at one time he/she may die. Death sometimes occurs through choking, drowning or burns. Sudden death is more likely with cigarette lighter fuel or tippex thinner. Even one experiment may be fatal.
>>back to top
TRANQULLISERS - Tranks - Downers - Bennys
What is it?
There are literally thousands of different prescription tranquillisers on the market and they generally come in tablet or capsule form. Many are benzodiazepines, the most common of which are Flunitrazepam, Diazepam, Lorazepam and Temazepam. They are sometimes circulated on the black market among addicts.
The Highs
They reduce stress and anxiety and help peaceful sleep.
The Lows
Tranquillisers should only be used under medical supervision. Used unsupervised they can cause tiredness, drowsiness and mood swings. They can be addictive and overdosing can be dangerous, but seldom fatal. However, if they are combined with alcohol then a fatal dose is reached at a much lower level.
>>back to top