Drug awareness pdf

Drugs may be legal e. Depressants: Drugs that decrease alertness by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system e. Stimulants: Drugs that increase the body's state of arousal by increasing the activity of the brain e. Hallucinogens: Drugs that alter perception and can cause hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing something that is not there e. LSD and 'magic mushrooms'. Other: Some drugs fall into the 'other' category, as they may have properties of more than one of the above categories e.

How it is used? Why do people use drugs? Young people often use drugs for the same reasons that adults do. Reading, a hobby, going to a movie, exercising jogging, biking are good examples of distracting activities. Another effective response to a drug craving is eating but be careful what you eat, as eating junk will only add stress and inches to your waistline. Talk to friends or family members about craving when it occurs.

Talking about cravings and urges can be very helpful in pinpointing the source of the craving. Also, talking about craving often helps to discharge and relieve the feeling and will help restore honesty in your relationship. Craving is nothing to feel bad about. Many people try to cope with their urges by gritting their teeth and toughing it out. But some are just too strong to ignore.

When this happens, it can be useful to stay with the urge until it passes. This technique is called urge surfing. Imagine yourself as a surfer who will ride the wave of your drug craving, staying on top of it until it crests, breaks, and turns into less powerful, foamy surf. When experiencing a craving, many people have a tendency to remember only the positive effects of the drug and forget the negative consequences.

Sometimes it is helpful to have these benefits and consequences listed on a small card that you keep with you. Total views 38, On Slideshare 0. From embeds 0. Number of embeds Downloads 1, Shares 0. Comments 0. Legal status: These substances are legal and available over-the-counter. History: Volatile substance abuse in Western countries is common since the early s.

Adolescent glue sniffing was first noted in the United States during the s, while gas sniffing subsequently appeared during the following decade. Footnote 2 Important messages Volatile solvents are potent psychotropic drugs.

They can cause sudden sniffing death syndrome, usually resulting from cardiac arrest. Butane and propane are the most commonly used substances. Volatile solvent abuse can lead to sometimes irreversible damage to the kidneys, liver, muscles and brain. Description: Substances in gas or liquid form used to induce general anesthesia ether, chloroform, nitrous oxyde, etc. Usual consumption methods: Inhaled Common names: Laughing gas nitrous oxyde , Whippets Desired effects: Euphoria, laughing, alcohol-like intoxication, stimulation, loss of inhibition.

Side effects: Headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea. In case of overdose: Motor dysfunction, paresthesia, altered perceptions, convulsions, respiratory depression, arrhythmia, coma, death. Type of dependence: Psychological dependence. Visible signs or symptoms: Drowsiness, irrational or aggressive behaviour, disorientation, confusion, slurred speech, impaired coordination, general muscle weakness.

Footnote 2 Important messages Volatile anesthetics are mainly used in hospitals and laboratories. However, nitrous oxide is also found in whipped cream dispenser chargers.

These chargers are also sold separately in hardware stores and stores selling small appliances. The greatest risk of using volatile anesthetic gas is death by asphyxia or respiratory depression. Description: Tablets of different shapes, colours and logos Usual consumption methods: Ingested Common names: Speed, Peanut, Pills Desired effects: Euphoria, increased energy and mental awareness, reduced appetite, sense of well-being.

Side effects: Anxiety, irritability, impaired judgment, increased heart rate and body temperature, tactile hallucinations, reduced appetite, aggressive thoughts, anger, paranoia, insomnia. In case of overdose: Hypertension, chest pain, kidney failure, convulsions, toxic psychosis, coma, death. Type of dependence: Physical and psychological dependence Visible signs or symptoms: Agitation, dilated pupils, sweating or chills, dry mouth, nausea or vomiting, weight loss, tremors, confusion, necrosis of the skin.

History: Amphetamine was first synthesized in by an Italian chemist. In , amphetamine is used for the treatment of asthma.

At the same time, methamphetamine was synthesized by a Japanese chemist. In , amphetamine is recommended in the treatment of narcolepsy and depression. The large-scale production of the crystallized form of methamphetamine started around In , methamphetamine was added to the list of prohibited substances in the Controlled Drugs and Other Substances Act in response to growing concerns about its negative consequences.

Important messages Methamphetamine is at least twice as powerful as amphetamine. In addition to being toxic for the nervous system, it can cause permanent brain damage. Use of methamphetamine and amphetamine can rapidly lead to abuse and dependence problems. Methamphetamine is one of the substances most commonly found in designer drug pills sold in Quebec. The risk of dependence is ten times greater when the drug is inhaled or injected faster effect.

Description: Shiny crystalline powder Usual consumption methods: Injected, snorted Common names: Coke, Powder, Coca, Snow Desired effects: Euphoria, increased sociability, energy and vigorous feeling, increased mental awareness and self-esteem, enhanced sensory perceptions visual, auditory, kinesthetic and sexual.

Side effects: Anxiety, depression, reduced appetite, accelerated heart rate, hypertension. In case of overdose: Chest pain, arrhythmia, confusion, convulsions, respiratory depression, coma, death. Type of dependence: Psychological dependence Visible signs or symptoms: Dilated pupils, dehydration, chapped dried nostrils, nosebleeds, injection marks, sniffing, dry mouth and lips, slurred speech, lack of coordination, sweating, tremors, hyperactivity.

History: Coca leaf chewing by native people in South America dates back to the 1st Century. Around was the launch of Coca-Cola and Vin Mariani, both containing cocaine. Cocaine was later used as an anesthetic in dentistry and ophthalmology.

After various cases of medical cocaine poisoning were reported, cocaine was finally removed from Coca-Cola and prohibited in the Opium and Drug Act in Footnote 1 Important messages The toxicity of cutting agents and other contaminants, such as levamisole animal dewormer , found in cocaine can cause serious health side effects.

Cocaine also produces strong psychological dependence that can be difficult to overcome. Description: Crimson-brown leaves Usual consumption methods: Ingested chewed Common names: Khat, Qat, Tat, Tchat, African salad Desired effects: Euphoria, exaltation, increased energy, increased self-esteem, increased proclivity for social interaction. Side effects: Headaches, blurred vision, emotional instability, irritability, loss of appetite, hyperthermia, tachycardia and hypertension, depression.

In case of overdose: Constipation, psychosis, paranoia, intracerebral hemorrhage, pulmonary edema and infarction. Type of dependence: Psychological dependence Visible signs or symptoms: Dilated pupils, anorexia, dry mouth.

History: Catha edulis is used in ancestral rituals where fresh leaves are chewed for their stimulating effects. The leaves contain amphetamine-like stimulants, namely cathinone and cathine, which are controlled substances in Canada since Substances such as mephedrone and MDPV are synthetic derivatives of cathinone and are found in the form of tablets and powder. Important messages Regular use of Catha edulis is associated to mouth cancer.

Description: Crystals or crystalline powder generally white in colour Usual consumption methods: Snorted Common names: Bath salts, Plant food, Synthetic cocaine Desired effects: Euphoria, increased energy, excitement, increased mental awareness, increased sociability and sexual arousal.

Side effects: Increased heart rate, hypertension, arrhythmia, hallucinations, agitation, chest pain, anxiety. In case of overdose: Panic attacks, extreme violence, paranoia, toxic psychosis, convulsions, death. Type of dependence: Psychological dependence Visible signs or symptoms: Confusion, excessive sweating, skin discolouration, nausea and vomiting, erratic behaviour, extreme agitation. Mephedrone is a synthetic derivative of cathinone, a controlled substance in Canada since Important messages MDPV is a powerful drug with devastating effects.

Bath salts are designer drugs that produce stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. They can contain one or more chemical substances, the most common being MDPV and mephedrone. They should not be confused with conventional bath salts sold for hygienic purposes.

Because of its hallucinogenic properties, MDPV also fits the hallucinogens category. Description: Tablets of different shapes, colours and logos Usual consumption methods: Ingested Common names: Speed, Ecstasy Desired effects: Euphoria, increased energy, excitement, increased mental awareness, increased sociability and sexual arousal.

In case of overdose: Panic attacks, extreme violence, paranoia, toxic psychosis, convulsions, death.. Description: White crystalline powder, tablets, capsules.

Side effects: DTrouble sleeping, nervousness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dry mouth, weight loss, irritability, agitation, moodiness, palpitations. In case of overdose: Headaches, tachycardia, hyperthermia, arrhythmia, convulsions, coma. Type of dependence: Physical and psychological dependence Visible signs or symptoms: Motor or verbal tics, hyperreflexia, tremors, vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, sweating, dilated pupils, redness of the skin. History: Synthesized methylphenidate, the main active ingredient of Ritalin MD and Concerta MD , is used as antidepressant and appetite suppressant.

In the s, the total amount of methylphenidate produced world-wide started to increase rapidly. The illicit use of methylphenidate for recreational purposes or to enhance cognitive performance was first noted in In the context of abuse, methylphenidate is used to increase academic and cognitive performance. Methylphenidate is also used as a substitute to methamphetamine Speed. Psychostimulants abusers change consumption method or increase doses. Description: Tablets of different shapes, colours and logos, capsules, fine crystal powder.

Usual consumption methods: Ingested, snorted Common names: Ecstasy, Legal X Desired effects: Euphoria, increased energy, vitality, alertness. Side effects: Urinary retention, visual hallucinations, paranoia, depression, chest pain, insomnia, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, headaches.

In case of overdose: Tachycardia, agitation, hyperthermia, convulsions, brain swelling. Type of dependence: Risk of physical or psychological dependence unknown. Visible signs or symptoms: Dilated pupils, confusion. History: Benzylpiperazine BZP was developed as an antidepressant in the s but was never commercialized. In fact, because of its side effects and addictive properties similar to those of amphetamine, this substance was never clinically used in humans.

In the s, BZP was mostly illicitly used at dance parties and raves. Side effects: Drowsiness, altered time perception, short term memory loss, confusion, depression. In case of overdose: Sedation, slurred speech, ataxia lack of fine motor coordination , respiratory depression, coma, death. Visible signs or symptoms: Redness of the eyes, dry mouth, lack of coordination, tremors. History: In the s, an American chemist discovered that it was possible to synthesize marihuana.

The first one hundred milligrams of synthetic cannabinoid JWH were tested on laboratory rats. Spice was the first brand name of synthetic cannabinoids commercialized in Europe in The company THC Pharm detected the presence of another synthetic cannabinoid JWH in more than one sample of Spice Gold, which led to a wave of international legislations.

The effects of synthetic cannabinoids are similar to those of cannabis. Description: Leaves and dried leaves buds ; colour varying from green to brown. Side effects: Altered time perception, physical and mental slowness, loss of concentration, ambition and initiative, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate. In case of overdose: Motivation loss, drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, delirium, depression, toxic psychosis, activation of latent schizophrenia.

Type of dependence: Physical and psychological dependence Visible signs or symptoms: Redness of the eyes, dry mouth, lack of coordination, uncontrolled appetite. Legal status: Cannabis is legal in Canada for individuals 18 years of age or older.

It is subject to the Cannabis Act , under which an adult may possess up to 30 g of dried cannabis or its equivalent. It is still prohibited to sell it without a licence issued by Health Canada. The classes of cannabis authorized for sale with a licence are listed in Schedule 4 of the Cannabis Act. Criminal penalties will be imposed on individuals who do not respect the Act. All these offences are subject to sanctions that may vary from one province to another.

Users have no idea what they are taking and in what amount. Drugs: Help and Referral - Drugs and new trends - Drug awareness fact sheets Important notice This page is currently under revision to reflect the changes made to the Drug awareness chart.

Drug awareness sheets PDF version 6. Warning The effects experienced by users may vary based on their physical and mental health, size, weight, sex, age, the amount taken, the degree of purity of the substance, how it is taken and the context of use mixed with other drugs or alcohol, where the drug is taken, psychological and emotional state, etc.

Description: Tablets, capsules. In case of overdose: Stupor, deep sleep, coma. Withdrawal symptoms: Anxiety, tachycardia, palpitations, visual hallucinations, convulsions. Type of dependence: Physical and psychological dependence. Visible signs or symptoms: Irritability, disorientation, psychomotor disorder, confusion, dry mouth, skin rash, nausea and vomiting. Legal status: The possession of this substance without a prescription is illegal. Offences range from simple possession to possession for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking, importing, exporting, possession for the purpose of exporting, and producing.

All these offences are punishable by criminal sanctions. History: The first benzodiazepine was introduced in medicine in Since then, benzodiazepines have been widely used in medicine to treat anxiety and insomnia. These substances are normally produced by the pharmaceutical industry and take the form of tablets, gel caps and, occasionally, injectable solutions.

Benzodiazepines act by weakening the central nervous system. Footnote 1 Important messages Tolerance to therapeutic and toxic effects can occur, particularly in the case of significant dose escalation. Pharmacodependence can develop after as little as four to six weeks of daily use.

It is characterized by the need to increase doses and withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are often prescribed to relieve anxiety and insomnia. Abuse of prescription drugs can lead to addiction and be just as harmful as illicit drugs. Description: White to brown powder, patches, tablets of different shapes and colours. Usual consumption methods: Topic, ingested chewed snorted, inhaled, injected Common names: China white, China girl, Persian girl, Egg White, Synthetic heroin, Patch, Sticky, Sticker Desired effects: Euphoria, pain relief, relaxation, sedation, control of withdrawal symptoms.

Side effects: Dizziness, depression, anxiety, decreased breathing, blurred vision, decreased libido, loss of appetite, constipation. In case of overdose: Dropping blood pressure, slow breathing, clammy, cold and bluish skin, deep sleep, stupor, coma, death by respiratory depression very quick.

Visible signs or symptoms: Constricted pupils, sweating, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, itching, injection marks.

History: In BC, poppy was already used for its analgesic effect. Opium use later spread to the Middle-East and North Africa. In the 16th Century, after thousands of years of oral use, the practice of smoking opium with or without tobacco started and the first opium-based pharmaceutical preparations were synthetized.

At the beginning of the 19th century, morphine and codeine are extracted from opium. From , several analogues of morphine are developed. Footnote 1 Important messages The effects of fentanyl are unpredictable.

Users have no idea of the level of purity or the potency of what they take. Fentanyl is a synthetic product that is part of the same family as morphine. However, it is fifty to one hundred times more potent. Fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin or by inhalation and cause damage to health.

It is prescribed to relieve chronic pain. In the form of powder, fentanyl is sometimes sold as heroin. In the form of tablets, it is sometimes sold as OxycontinMD or any other opiate. When mixed with antidepressants, fentanyl is potentially mortal. Description: Clear liquid, sometimes odourless, sometimes with light salty and soapy taste. Usual consumption methods: Ingested Common names: GH, Liquid ecstasy, petit jus, Date rape drug Desired effects: Euphoria, reduced inhibition, decreased anxiety, relaxation.

Side effects: Slurred speech, sedation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary incontinence, muscular spasms, tremors, lack of coordination, general anesthesia, amnesia. In case of overdose: Seizures, hallucinations, decreased heart rate, hypotension, watering eyes, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, coma, death. Type of dependence: Physical dependence.

Visible signs or symptoms: Sleepiness, confusion, amnesia, slowness of movements, decreased muscle strength. Legal status: This drug is illegal. History: In the s, GHB was used for medical purposes. Then, in the s, it was sold as a food supplement in North America and Europe.

The over-the-counter sale of GHB was prohibited in because of the many health problems associated to its use. GHB is more and more popular, especially among young people. Contrary to popular belief, GHB is mostly taken voluntarily for personal pleasure. GHB also comes in a white powder form. Description: Powder varying from white to brown. Side effects: Apathy suppression of emotions , mood disruption, agitation or slowness of movements, lack of concentration, slurred speech, blurred vision, drowsiness.

In case of overdose: Stupor, coma, respiratory depression, cardiopulmonary arrest, death. Type of dependence: Physical and psychological dependence Visible signs or symptoms: Constricted pupils, respiratory rate reduction, injection marks, slowed speech and movements, reduced appetite, itchiness and clammy skin, dry mouth, excessive sweating. History: Heroin was first synthesized from morphine by a British chemist in and was subsequently used as an analgesic.

In , the first cases of heroin injection were reported. In Canada, heroin was added to the list of prohibited substances in the Opium Act in Footnote 1 Important messages In most cases, heroin dependence develops rapidly.

In many users, it can even set off a process of social marginalization. Heroin is a powerful drug and its effects are unpredictable. Users do not know the actual strength or the purity of drug that they are using. Description: Tablets, capsules or liquid. Usual consumption methods: Ingested, snorted, injected Common names: Oxy, OC, Hillbilly heroin, Percs Desired effects: Euphoria, pain relief, relaxation, sedation, control of withdrawal symptoms.

In case of overdose: Decreased blood pressure, slow breathing, clammy, cold and bluish skin, deep sleep, stupor, coma, death by respiratory depression. Type of dependence: Physical and psychological dependence Visible signs or symptoms: Injection marks, constricted pupils, sweating, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, itching. Footnote 1 Important messages Oxycodone is a product that is part of the same family as morphine. Usual consumption methods: Ingested, snorted, injected Common names: Dilos, Hydro, Juice, Dillies, Dust Desired effects: Euphoria, pain relief, relaxation, sedation, control of withdrawal symptoms.

Footnote 1 Important messages Hydromorphone is a product that is part of the same family as morphine. Description: Tablets or gel caps, drinkable solution, injectable liquid. Usual consumption methods: Ingested, snorted, injected Common names: M, Morph, Red rockets Desired effects: Euphoria, pain relief, relaxation, sedation, control of withdrawal symptoms.

In case of overdose: Dropping blood pressure, slow breathing, clammy, cold and bluish skin, deep sleep, stupor, coma, death by respiratory depression. Footnote 1 Important messages Morphine is prescribed to relieve acute pain. Description: Liquids that evaporate readily at room temperature fuel, cleaning products, glue, aerosol, solvent and others. Usual consumption methods: Inhaled Common names: Air blast, Glue, Moon gas, Hippie crack, Whiteout, Sniff Desired effects: Euphoria, alcohol-like intoxication, perceptual distortion, hallucinations auditory, visual and tactile , lightheadedness, disinhibition.

Side effects: Partial or total amnesia of events that occur during intoxication, headaches, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach cramps, ringing in the ears. In case of overdose: Ataxia, muscle weakness, arrhythmia, anesthesia, convulsions, respiratory depression, coma, death. Visible signs or symptoms: Drowsiness, slurred speech, ataxia, agitation, aggressiveness, hypersalivation, sneezzing, cough, redness in the face, disorientation, confusion. Legal status: These substances are legal and available over-the-counter.

History: Volatile substance abuse in Western countries is common since the early s. Adolescent glue sniffing was first noted in the United States during the s, while gas sniffing subsequently appeared during the following decade.

Footnote 2 Important messages Volatile solvents are potent psychotropic drugs. They can cause sudden sniffing death syndrome, usually resulting from cardiac arrest. Butane and propane are the most commonly used substances. Volatile solvent abuse can lead to sometimes irreversible damage to the kidneys, liver, muscles and brain.

Description: Substances in gas or liquid form used to induce general anesthesia ether, chloroform, nitrous oxyde, etc. Usual consumption methods: Inhaled Common names: Laughing gas nitrous oxyde , Whippets Desired effects: Euphoria, laughing, alcohol-like intoxication, stimulation, loss of inhibition. Side effects: Headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea.

In case of overdose: Motor dysfunction, paresthesia, altered perceptions, convulsions, respiratory depression, arrhythmia, coma, death. Type of dependence: Psychological dependence. Visible signs or symptoms: Drowsiness, irrational or aggressive behaviour, disorientation, confusion, slurred speech, impaired coordination, general muscle weakness.

Footnote 2 Important messages Volatile anesthetics are mainly used in hospitals and laboratories. However, nitrous oxide is also found in whipped cream dispenser chargers. These chargers are also sold separately in hardware stores and stores selling small appliances. The greatest risk of using volatile anesthetic gas is death by asphyxia or respiratory depression. Description: Tablets of different shapes, colours and logos Usual consumption methods: Ingested Common names: Speed, Peanut, Pills Desired effects: Euphoria, increased energy and mental awareness, reduced appetite, sense of well-being.