Drug of Abuse

Submitted By:- Nitesh
Roll.No:-1323
Class:- M.sc Forensic Science(final year)

 Introduction
 Effect of drug of abuse
 Classification
 Stimulants
 Depressant
 Hallucigens
 Narcotics

 When controlled substances are used in a manner or amount inconsistent with the legitimate medical use, it
is called drug of abuse.
 Drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating
pleasurable effects on the brain.
Causes of drug use
 Drugs of abuse are usually psychoactive drugs that are used by people for various different reasons which
may include:
 Curiosity and peer pressure, especially among school children and young adults
 The use of prescription drugs that were originally intended to target pain relief may have turned into
recreational use and become addictive
 Chemicals may be used as part of religious practices or rituals
 Recreational purposes
 As a means of obtaining creative inspiration

 There are several different routes of administration for drugs of abuse including orally
in the form of a pill, intravenously in the form of an injection, by inhaling the substance
in the from of smoke or via snorting the substance so it is absorbed into the blood
vessels of the nose.

 A weakened immune system, increasing the risk of illness and infection
 Heart conditions ranging from abnormal heart rates to heart attacks and collapsed veins and blood vessel
infections from injected drugs
 Nausea and abdominal pain, which can also lead to changes in appetite and weight loss
 Increased strain on the liver, which puts the person at risk of significant liver damage or liver failure
 Seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage
 Lung disease
 Problems with memory, attention and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult
 Global effects of drugs on the body, such as breast development in men and increases in body temperature,
which can lead to other health problems

 In addition to having abuse potential, most controlled substances are capable of producing
dependence, either physi-cal or psychological.
Physical Dependence
 Physical dependence refers to the changes that have occurred in the body after repeated use
of a drug that necessitates the continued administration of the drug to prevent a withdrawal
syndrome. This withdrawal syndrome can range from mildly unpleasant to life-threatening and
is dependent on a number of factors, such as:
 The drug being used
 The dose and route of administration
 Concurrent use of other drugs
 Frequency and duration of drug use
 The age, sex, health, and genetic makeup of the user

Psychological Dependence
 Psychological dependence refers to the perceived “need” or “craving” for a drug.
Individuals who are psychologically dependent on a particular substance often feel
that they cannot function without continued use of that substance.
ADDICTION
 Addiction is defined as compulsive drug-seeking behavior where
 acquiring and using a drug becomes the most important activity
 in the user’s life.

 What are stimulants?
 Stimulants are a class of drugs that speed up the messages between the brain and the body. They can
make a person feel more awake, alert, confident or energetic.
 How are they used?
 Illicit stimulants usually are snorted, swallowed, smoked or injected. Prescribed stimulants are usually
taken orally, and the duration of effects differs depending on the type.
 Commonly used stimulants
 Amphetamines
 Betel nut
 Caffeine
 Cocaine
 Ice
 Khat
 Mephedrone
 Nicotine
 Synthetic cathinones

EFFECTS
There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always
carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any
type of drug.
Generally speaking, in small to low doses the following effects
may be experienced:
euphoria
heightened feelings of wellbeing
increased heart rate and blood pressure
increased alertness
talkativeness
reduced appetite.

CAFFEINE
 What is caffeine?
 Caffeine is a stimulant drug, which means it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and
 the body.
 It’s found in the seeds, nuts and leaves of a number of different plants, including:
 coffea Arabica (used for coffee)
 thea sinensis (used for tea)
 cola acuminata (used as a nut, tea or in soft drinks including cola)
 theobroma cacao (used in cocoa and chocolate)
 paullinia cupana (used as guarana in snack bars and energy drinks).1
 How is caffeine used?
 Caffeine is used in a number of different products. The amount of caffeine in these products can vary
 dramatically, so it’s always best to check the label.

EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE
 There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any
 drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of
drug.
 Caffeine affects everyone differently, based on:
 size, weight and health
 whether the person is used to taking it
 whether other drugs are taken around the same time the amount taken.

OVERDOSE
 If a large amount of caffeine is consumed it could
 also cause an overdose. If you experience any of the following effects, call an
ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000).
 Betel nut affects everyone differently, based on:
 tremors
 nausea and vomiting
 very fast and irregular heart rate
 confusion and panic attack
 seizures

LONG TERM EFFECTS
 Regular, heavy use of caffeine (such as more than
 4 cups of coffee a day) may eventually cause:
 nervousness
 difficulty sleeping
 restlessness
 irritability and headaches
 dizziness and ringing in the ears
 muscle tremor
 weakness and fatigue
 rapid heart rate and quickened breathing rate
 poor appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
 increased thirst, frequent urination or increased
 urine volume
 irregular heart rate or rhythm
 low blood pressure with faintness or falls
 seizures, confusion or delirium

WITHDRAWAL
 Giving up caffeine after using it for a long time is challenging because the body has to get
used
to functioning without it. Withdrawal symptoms usually start within 24 hours after the last
dose.
 The symptoms can last for around 36 hours, or even longer for people who consume a lot.
 These symptoms can include:
 • headache
 • marked fatigue or drowsiness
 • dysphoric, depressed mood or irritability
 • difficulty concentrating
 • flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting or muscle pain/stiffness)

NICOTINE
 Nicotine is a stimulant drug that speeds up the messages travelling between the brain
and body.
 It is the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products and so this Drug Facts
page will focus on the effects of nicotine when consumed by using tobacco.
 Tar and carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) are also released when tobacco is burned,
such as when it’s .smoked.
 Products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and wet and dry
snuff and the dried leaves from the tobacco plant all contain nicotine.
 Electronic cigarettes (also known as E cigarettes) do not contain dried tobacco leaves,
but they can contain nicotine.

 Other names for cigarettes
 Ciggies, darts, durries, rollies, smokes, fags, butts, cancer sticks.
 How is nicotine used?
 Tobacco which contains nicotine is usually smoked in cigarettes. It is also smoked in cigars and
pipes.
 There are numerous forms of smokeless tobacco including chewing tobacco, and wet and dry.

EFFECTS
 There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s
important to be
 careful when taking any type of drug.
 Nicotine affects everyone differently, based on:
 • size, weight and health
 • whether the person is used to taking it
 • whether other drugs are taken around the same time
 he amount taken
 the strength of the tobacco and how much is contained in the product

SHORT TERM EFFECT
 mild stimulation
 increase in heart rate
 increased ability to concentrate
 relaxation
 temporary reduction in the urge to smoke1
 coughing
 dizziness, headaches
 bad breath
 tingling and numbness in fingers and toes
 reduced appetite, stomach cramps and vomiting

LONG TERM EFFECT
 stroke
 • blindness, cataracts (eye diseases)
 • birth defects if the fetus is exposed to cigarettes
 • periodontitis (yellowing teeth, gum disease) • overall diminished health (ageing, back pain, slower healing wounds, mood
swings)
 • dependence on smoking • financial, work and social problems• aortic aneurism (enlarging of major blood vessels)
 • coronary heart disease • pneumonia • various respiratory diseases (shortness of breath, asthma, coughing fits)
 • diabetes • reduced fertility • ectopic pregnancy (in the fallopian tube)
 • hip fractures
 • male sexual dysfunction
 • rheumatoid arthritis
 • reduced immune function (regular colds and flu)
 • overall diminished health (ageing, back pain,
 slower healing wounds, mood swings)
 • dependence on smoking
 • financial, work and social problems

AMPHETAMINES
 Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, which means they speed up the messages travelling between the
 brain and the body.1
 Some types of amphetamines are legally prescribed by doctors to treat conditions such as attention
 deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (where a person has an uncontrollable urge to
 sleep). Other types of amphetamines such as speed are produced and sold illegally. The more potent form
 of the drug is crystal methamphetamine, also known as ‘ice.1
 What do they look like?
 The appearance of amphetamines varies. These drugs may be in the form of a powder, tablets, crystals
 and capsules. They may be packaged in ‘foils’ (aluminium foil), plastic bags or small balloons when sold
 illegally.2
 Amphetamine powder can range in colour from white through to brown, sometimes it may have traces of
 grey or pink. It has a strong smell and bitter taste. Amphetamine capsules and tablets vary considerably
 in size and colour.1

 Slang names
 Speed, fast, up, uppers, louee, goey, whiz.
 How they used?
 Amphetamines are generally swallowed, injected or smoked. They are also
snorted.
 You might feel the effects of amphetamines immediately (if injected or
smoked) or within 30 minutes (if snorted or swallowed).
 You might experience:
 • happiness and confidence
 • talking more and feeling energetic
 • large pupils and dry mouth
 • fast heart beat and breathing
 • teeth grinding
 • reduced appetite
 • increased sex drive.1,2,3
 Snorting amphetamines can damage the nasal
 passage and cause nose bleeds.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS
 In the 2 to 4 days after amphetamine use, you may be experience:
 restless sleep and exhaustion
 headaches
 paranoia, hallucinations and confusion
 twitching and muscle aches
 fluctuating temperatures
 irritability, mood swings and depression.
 Using a depressant drug such as alcohol, benzodiazepines or cannabis to help with
the come down effects may result in a cycle of dependence on both types of drugs.

LONG TERM EFFECTS
 Regular use of amphetamines may eventually cause:
 reduced appetite and extreme weight loss
 restless sleep
 dry mouth and dental problems
 regular colds and flu
 anxiety and paranoia
 depression
 increased risk of stroke needing to use more to get the same effect
 dependence on amphetamines
 financial, work and social problems

COCAINE
 What is cocaine?
 Cocaine is a stimulant drug, which means that it speeds up the messages travelling
between the brain and the rest of the body.
 Cocaine comes from the leaves of the coca bush (Erythroxylum coca), which is native to
South America.
 The leaf extract is processed to produce 3 different forms of cocaine:
 Cocaine hydrochloride: a white, crystalline powder with a bitter, numbing taste. Cocaine
hydrochloride is often mixed, or ‘cut’, with other substances such as lactose and glucose,
to dilute it before being sold.
 Freebase: a white powder that is more pure with less impurity than cocaine hydrochloride.
 Crack: crystals ranging in colour from white or cream to transparent with a pink or yellow
hue, it may contain impurities.

 Other names
 C, coke, nose candy, snow, white lady, toot, Charlie, blow, white dust or stardust.
 How is it used?
 Cocaine hydrochloride is most commonly snorted. It can also be injected, rubbed
into the gums, added to drinks or food.
 Freebase and crack cocaine are usually smoked.
 Indigenous people of South America have traditionally chewed the leaves of the coca
bush, or brewed them as a tea, for use as a stimulant or appetite suppressant

SHORT TERM EFFECTS
 happiness and confidence
 talking more
 feeling energetic and alert
 quiet contemplation and rapture
 feeling physically strong and mentally sharp
 reduced appetite
 dry mouth
 enlarged (dilated) pupils
 higher blood pressure and faster heartbeatand breathing (after initial slowing)

LONG TERM EFFECTS
Regular use of cocaine may eventually cause:
 insomnia and exhaustion
 depression
 anxiety, paranoia and psychosis
 sexual dysfunction
 hypertension and irregular heartbeat
 heart disease and death.1,5,6
 Snorting cocaine regularly can also cause:
 runny nose and nose bleeds
 nose infection
 a hole in the tissue separating the nostrils
 long term damage to the nasal cavity ad sinuses.

WHAT ARE HALLUCINOGENS?
 Hallucinogens are found in plants and fungi or are synthetically produced and are among the oldest known
group of drugs used for their ability to alter human perception and mood.
 WHAT IS THEIR ORIGIN?
 Hallucinogens can be synthetically produced in illicit laboratories or are found in plants.
 What are common street names?
 Common street names include:
 • Acid, Blotter, Blotter Acid, Cubes, Doses, Fry, Mind Candy, Mushrooms, Shrooms, Special K, STP, X, and
XTC
 Hallucinogens come in a variety of forms. MDMA or ecstasy tablets are sold in many colors with a variety
of logos to attract youth. LSD is sold in the form of impregnated paper (blotter acid), typically imprinted with
colorful graphic designs.

 How are they abused?
 The most commonly abused hallucinogens among junior and senior high school students are
hallucinogenic mushrooms, LSD, and MDMA (ecstasy). Hallucinogens are typically taken orally or can
be smoked.
 What is their effect on the mind?
 Sensory effects include perceptual distortions that vary with dose, setting, and mood. Psychic effects
include distortions of thought associated with time and space. Time may appear to stand still, and
forms andcolors seem to change and take on new significance.
 What is their effect on the body?
 Physiological effects include elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, and dilated pupils
 . What are their overdose effects?
 Deaths exclusively from acute overdose of LSD, magic mushrooms, and mescaline are extremely
rare. Deaths generally occur due to suicide, accidents, and dangerous behavior, or due to the person
inadvertently eating poisonous plant material.

LSD
 What is LSD?
 LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic chemical, made from a
substance found in ergot, which is a fungus that infects rye (grain).
 LSD belongs to a group of drugs known as psychedelics. When small doses
are taken, it can produce mild changes in perception, mood and thought. When
larger doses are taken, it may produce visual hallucinations and distortions of
space and time.
 Sometimes, what is sold as LSD can actually be other chemicals such as
NBOMe or the 2C family of drugs
(part of the new psychoactive substances). These can be quite dangerous, as
their quality is inconsistent,
plus the potential to take too much of these other substances can be fatal. A
number of deaths have been reported due to people taking them

What it looks like
 In its pure state, LSD is a white odourless crystalline substance.
However, LSD is so potent that an effective dose of pure drug is so
small it is virtually invisible. As a result, it is usually diluted with other
materials.
 The most common form of LSD, is drops of LSD solution dried onto
gelatin sheets, pieces of blotting paper or sugar cubes, which release
the drug when they are swallowed.
 LSD is also sometimes sold as a liquid, in a tablet or in capsules.
Other names
 Acid, trips, tabs, microdots, dots, Lucy.
How is it used?
 LSD is usually swallowed or dissolved under the tongue, but it can also
be sniffed, injected or smoked

SHORT TERM EFFECTS
The effects of LSD usually begin in 30 – 45 minutes
and can last for 4 to 12 hours.3
 The following may be experienced during this time:
• euphoria and wellbeing
• dilation of pupils
• perceptual changes, such as visual and auditory hallucinations.
• confusion and trouble concentrating
• headaches • nausea • fast or irregular heart beat
• increased body temperature
 vomiting
 facial flushes, sweating and chills.

LONG TERM EFFECT
 Some people who regularly use LSD may eventually experience flashbacks.
 A flashback is when an LSD experience reoccurs, they are usually visual distortions that
involve perceptual or emotional changes.
 Flashbacks can happen weeks, months or even years after the drug was last taken.
 This can be disturbing, especially if a frightening experience or hallucination is recalled.1,2
 Flashbacks can be brought on by using other drugs, stress, tiredness or exercise and
usually last for a minute or two.

KETAMINE
 What is ketamine?
 Ketamine is used by medical practitioners and veterinarians as an anaesthetic. It is
sometimes used illegally by people to get high.
 Ketamine is a dissociative drug, which means it acts on different chemicals in the
brain to produce visual and auditory distortion, and a detachment from reality.
 When it’s sold illegally, ketamine usually comes as a white or off white powder. It can
also be made into pills, or dissolved in a liquid.
 A number of clinical trials and studies are currently being undertaken to assess
ketamine as a treatment for depression, early indications are showing good results

 Other names
 Special K, K, ket, kitkat, super k or horse trank.
 How is it used?
 Ketamine can be swallowed, snorted or injected. It is also sometimes smoked
with cannabis or tobacco.
 The effects of ketamine may be experienced within 1 minute if injected, 5–15
minutes if snorted, and up to 30 minutes if swallowed.
 The effects of ketamine can last for around an hour, however an individual’s
coordination or senses may be affected for up to 24.hours after initial use.

SHORT TERM EFFECT
 feeling happy and relaxed
 • feeling detached from your body (‘falling intoa k-hole’)
 • perceptual changes,
 • confusion and clumsiness
 • increased heart rate and blood pressure
 • slurred speech and blurred vision
 • anxiety, panic and violence
 • vomiting
 • lowered sensitivity to pain.

LONG TERM EFFECT
 Regular use of ketamine may eventually cause:
 • flashbacks
 • poor sense of smell (from snorting)
 • mood and personality changes, depression
 • poor memory, thinking and concentration
 • abnormal liver or kidney function
 • ketamine bladder syndrome (see below)
 • abdominal pain
 • needing to use more to get the same effect
 • dependence on ketamine
 • financial, work and social problems.

CANNABIS
 What is cannabis?
 Cannabis is classified as a cannabinoid drug. The exact number of different
cannabinoids in the cannabis
 sativa plant is still being researched, but it primarily contains the psychoactive
cannabinoid THC (delta9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and the non-psychoactive
cannabidiol (CBD).1
Other names
 Marijuana, yarndi, pot, weed, hash, dope, gunja, joint, stick, chronic, cone,
choof, dabs, dabbing, BHO.
How is it used?
 Cannabis can be smoked, eaten or vaporized and comes in different forms.
Users report that the subjective effects of cannabis vary significantly
depending on the form consumed.

 Marijuana − the dried plant that is smoked in a joint or a bong. This is
the most common form.
 • Hashish – the dried plant resin that is usually mixed with tobacco and
smoked or added to foods andbaked; such as cookies and brownies.
 • Hash oil – liquid that is usually added to the tip of a cigarette and
smoked.1
 • Concentrates – extracts (dabs, wax or shatter) typically using butane
hash oil as a solvent, often vaporized in small quantities due to high
THC content.

SHORT TERM EFFECT
 The effects of cannabis may be felt immediately if smoked, or within an hour or two if
eaten and effects may include:
 • feelings of relaxation and euphoria
 • spontaneous laughter and excitement
 • increased sociability
 • increased appetite
 • dry mouth

LONG TERM EFFECTS
 Long-term effects are dependent on how much also be affected by how the
cannabis is consumed (e.g. vaporising a concentrate versus smoking the flower).
 Heavy, regular use of cannabis may eventually cause:
 tolerance to the effects of cannabis
 dependence on cannabis
 reduced cognitive functioning.
 Regular, high-dose smoking of cannabis may increase the likelihood of
experiencing:
 sore throat
 asthma
 bronchitis and if smoked with tobacco, cancer.

 What are depressants?
 Depressant substances reduce arousal and stimulation. They do not necessarily make a person feel
depressed. They affect the central nervous system, slowing down the messages between the brain
and the body.
 They can affect concentration and coordination. They slow down the person’s ability to respond to
unexpected situations. In small doses they can cause a person to feel more relaxed and less
inhibited.
 How depressants are used depends on the specific type, for example alcohol is drunk and
benzodiazepines are usually swallowed but can also be injected. Generally speaking, depressants
can be swallowed, drunk as a beverage, injected, snorted or inhaled.
 Commonly used depressants
 Alcohol
 Benzodiazepines
 GHB
 Kava

EFFECTS OF DEPRESSANTS
 There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s
important to be careful when taking any type of drug.
 In general, when small to low doses of depressants are taken, the following effects
may be experienced:
 reduced inhibitions
 enhanced mood
 reduced anxiety
 slowed reaction time
 impaired judgement
 slowed breathing
 increased risk of accident or injury

WHAT ARE BARBITURATES?
 Barbiturates are depressants that produce a wide spec-trum of central nervous system depression
from mild sedation to coma. They also have been used as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics, and
anticonvulsants.
 Barbiturates are classified as:
 • Ultrashort, Short, Intermediate, Long-acting
WHAT IS THEIR ORIGIN?
 Barbiturates were first introduced for medical use in the 1900s, and today about 12 substances are in
medical use.
What are common street names?
 • Barbs, Block Busters, Christmas Trees, Goof Balls, Pinks, Red Devils, Reds & Blues, and Yellow
Jackets

 Barbiturates come in a variety of multicolored pills and tablets.
 Users prefer the short-acting and intermediate barbiturates such as Amytal and Seconal.
 Barbiturates are abused by swallowing a pill or injecting a liquid form. Barbiturates are generally
abused to reduce anxiety, decrease inhibitions, and treat unwanted effects of illicit drugs.
 Barbiturates can be extremely dangerous because overdoses can occur easily and lead to
death.
What is their effect on the mind?
 Barbiturates cause:
 Mild euphoria, lack of inhibition, relief of anxiety, and sleepiness.

Higher doses cause:
 Impairment of memory, judgment, and coordination; irritability; and paranoid and suicidal ideation
 Tolerance develops quickly and larger doses are then needed to produce the same effect,
increasing the danger of an overdose.
 What is their effect on the body?
 Barbiturates slow down the central nervous system and cause sleepiness.
 What are their overdose effects?
 Effects of overdose include:
 • Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death
 Which drugs cause similar effects?
 Drugs with similar effects include:
 • Alcohol, benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax, tranquil-izers, sleeping pills, Rohypnol, and GHB

WHAT IS THAT??
 GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is a depressant, which means it slows down the
messages travelling between the brain and the body.
 GBL (gamma butyrolactone) and 1,4-BD (1,4-butanediol) are chemicals that are
closely related to GHB. Once GBL or 1,4-BD enter the body, they convert to GHB
almost immediately.
 GHB usually comes as a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty liquid, which is
usually sold in small bottles or vials. It can also come as a bright blue liquid
known as ‘blue nitro’, and less commonly as a crystal powder.

Other names
 G, fantasy, grievous bodily harm (GBH), juice, liquid ecstasy, liquid E,
liquid X, Georgia Home Boy, soap, scoop, cherry meth, blue nitro,
fishies.
 How is it used?
 GHB is usually swallowed, but sometimes it’s injected or inserted
anally.

EFFECTS
 The following effects may begin within 15 to 20 minutes of taking GHB and may last
for around 3 to 4 hours:
 feelings of euphoria
 increased sex drive
 lowered inhibitions
 drowsiness
 tremors
 nausea
 diarrhoea.

SHORT TERM EFFECT
 vomiting
 irregular or shallow breathing
 confusion, irritation and agitation
 hallucinations
 blackouts and memory loss
 unconsciousness that can last for 3 to 4 hours death.

LONG TERM EFFECTS
 Little is known about the long-term effects of GHB use. However, it is
known that regular use can lead to tolerance and dependence, which
means larger amounts of GHB are needed to get the same effect.
 Using GHB with other drugs
 GHB + alcohol or benzodiazepines: chance of overdose is greatly
increased.
 GHB + amphetamines or ecstasy: enormous strain on the body and risk
of seizures.

 What are benzodiazepines?
 Benzodiazepines (pronounced 'ben-zoh-die-AZ-a-peens') are depressant drugs. This means that
they slow down the activity of the central nervous system and the messages travelling between the
brain and the body. They do not necessarily make a person feel depressed. Other depressants
include alcohol, cannabis and heroin.
 Benzodiazepines, also known as minor tranquillisers, are most commonly prescribed by doctors to
relieve stress and anxiety and to help people sleep.
 Slang names
 Benzos, tranx, sleepers, downers, pills, xannies, serras (Serepax®), moggies (Mogadon®), normies
(Normison®).
 Types of benzodiazepines
 There are three types of benzodiazepines: long, intermediate and short-acting. Short-acting
benzodiazepines have stronger withdrawal or ‘come down’ effects and can be more addictive than
long-acting ones.
 Benzodiazepines are usually swallowed. Some people also inject them.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS
Benzodiazepines affect everyone differently, but the effects may include:
 depression
 confusion
 feelings of isolation or euphoria
 impaired thinking and memory loss
 headache
 drowsiness, sleepiness and fatigue
 dry mouth
 slurred speech or stuttering
 double or blurred vision
 impaired coordination, dizziness and tremors
 nausea and loss of appetite
 diarrhoea or constipation.

LONG TERM EFFECT
Regular use of benzodiazepines may cause:3,11
impaired thinking or memory loss
anxiety and depression
irritability, paranoia and aggression
personality change
weakness, lethargy and lack of motivation
drowsiness, sleepiness and fatigue
difficulty sleeping or disturbing dreams
headaches
nausea

 What is alcohol?
 Alcohol is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the messages traveling between the
brain and the body.1
 Other names
 Booze, grog, piss, liquor, charge, nip.
 Effects of alcohol
 There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be
careful when taking any type of drug.
 Alcohol affects everyone differently, based on:
 size, weight and health
 whether the person is used to taking it
 whether other drugs are taken around the same time
 the amount drunk
 the strength of the drink.

 If you consume a lot of alcohol, you might experience:
confusion
 blurred vision
 clumsiness
 memory loss
 nausea, vomiting
 passing out
 coma
 death.1,2
 Hangovers
 The following day, you may have a hangover, which is:
 headache
 diarrhoea and nausea
 tiredness and trembling
 increased heart rate and blood pressure
 dry mouth
 trouble concentrating
 anxiety
 poor or decreased sleep.

LONG TERM EFFECT
Regular use of alcohol may eventually cause:
 difficulty getting an erection
 depression
 poor memory and brain damage
 difficulty having children,
 liver disease
 cancer
 high blood pressure and heart disease
 needing to drink more to get the same effect
 physical dependence on alcohol.

What is Kava?
Kava is a depressant drug, which means it slows down
the messages travelling between the brain and the body.
Kava is made from the root or stump of the kava (Piper
methysticum) shrub.1
Kava comes in different forms including:
brownish-coloured drink
brown powder
capsules
extracts
drops.2

Other names
Kava kava, kawa, waka, lewena, yaqona, grog (Fiji), sakau
(Pohnpei), ‘awa (Hawaii), ‘ava (Samoa) and wati (New
Guinea).
How is it used?
Pacific Islands
Traditionally, Pacific Islanders crushed, chewed and ground
the root and stump of the shrub, then soaked it in cold water to
produce a drink for ceremonies and cultural practices. These
rituals were said to strengthen ties among groups, reaffirm
status and help people communicate with spirits.
Many Pacific Islanders who have settled in Australia have
continued drinking kava or using kava extracts.

Herbal preparations
Kava extract is used in some herbal preparations. They are sold as over-
the-counter tablets and preparations to be used in the treatment of
insomnia, stress and anxiety
Effects of kava
There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries
some risk. Even medications can produce unwanted side effects. It’s
important to be careful when taking any type of drug.
The following effects may be experienced:
feeling happy and relaxed
mild sleepiness
numb mouth and throat
reduced or loss of appetite.

LONG TERM EFFECT
Regular use of large amounts of kava may eventually
cause:
mood swings
apathy
dry, scaly skin
malnutrition and severe weight loss
getting infections more easily
shortness of breath.

 WHAT ARE NARCOTICS?
 Also known as “opioids,” the term “narcotic” comes from the Greek word for “stupor” and originally
referred to a variety of substances that dulled the senses and relieved pain. Though some people
still refer to all drugs as
 “narcotics,” today “narcotic” refers to opium, opium derivatives, and their semi-synthetic
substitutes. A more current term for these drugs, with less uncertainty regarding its meaning, is
“opioid.”
 Examples include the illicit drug heroin and pharmaceutical drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin,
codeine, morphine, methadone, and fentanyl.
 Narcotics/opioids come in various forms, including:
 • Tablets, capsules, skin patches, powder, chunks in
 varying colors (from white to shades of brown and
 black), liquid form for oral use and injection, syrups,
 suppositories, and lollipops

 • Narcotics/opioids can be swallowed, smoked,
 sniffed, or injected.
 What is their effect on the mind?
 Besides their medical use, narcotics/opioids produce a
 general sense of well-being by reducing tension, anxiety,
 and aggression. These effects are helpful in a therapeutic
 setting but contribute to the drugs’ abuse. Narcotic/opioid
 use comes with a variety of unwanted effects, including
 drowsiness, inability to concentrate, and apathy.

 What is heroin?
 Heroin is part of a group of drugs known as opioids. Opioids interact with opioid receptors in the
brain and elicit a range of responses within the body; from feelings of pain relief, to relaxation,
pleasure and contentment
 Heroin comes in different forms, including:
 fine white powder
 coarse off-white granules
 tiny pieces of light brown ‘rock’.
 Other names
 Smack, gear, hammer, the dragon, H, dope, junk, harry, horse, black tar, white dynamite, homebake,
china white, Chinese H, poison, Dr Harry.
 How is it used?
 Heroin is usually injected into a vein, but it’s also smoked (‘chasing the dragon’), and added to
cigarettes and cannabis. The effects are usually felt straight away. The effects take around 10 to 15
minutes if snorted.

EFFECTS
 You will experience the below effects, which will last for 3 to 5 hours:
 intense pleasure and pain relief
 relaxation, drowsiness and clumsiness
 confusion
 slurred and slow speech
 slow breathing and heartbeat
 dry mouth
 tiny pupils
 reduced appetite and vomiting
 decreased sex drive.

SHORT TERM EFFECT
 trouble concentrating
 falling asleep (‘going on the nod’)
 wanting to urinate but finding it hard to
 itchiness
 irregular heartbeat
 cold, clammy skin
 slow breathing, blue lips and fingertips
 passing out

LONG TERM EFFECF
 Regular use of heroin may eventually cause:
 Intense sadness
 Irregular periods and difficulty having children
 No sex drive
 Constipation
 Damaged heart, lungs, liver and brain
 Vein damage and skin, heart and lung infections from injecting
 Needing to use more to get the same effect
 Dependence on heroin
 Financial, work or social problems

 What is fentanyl?
 Fentanyl is part of a group of drugs known as opioids. Opioids interact with opioid receptors
in the brain and elicit a range of responses within the body; from feelings of pain relief, to
relaxation, pleasure and contentment.
 What it looks like
 Fentanyl is available in many forms. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is used for managing acute or
chronic pain. Illicit fentanyl can be manufactured for use in the illegal drug market
 Medicinal use
 Medicinal fentanyl comes in a number of different forms and strengths including:
 transdermal patches (Durogesic® and generic versions)
 lozenges/lollipops (Actiq®)
 intravenous injection (Sublimaze®).

EFFECTS
 You may experience:
 relief from pain
 nausea, vomiting
 constipation and/or diarrohea
 reduced appetite
 wind, indigestion, cramps
 drowsiness, confusion
 weakness or fatigue
 dizziness
 euphoria
 headache
 incoherent or slurred speech

LONG TERM EFFECTS
 Regular use of fentanyl may cause:
 mood instability
 reduced libido
 constipation
 menstrual problems
 respiratory impairment.
Fentanyl + alcohol: adds to adverse effects and may increase the risk of respiratory
depression.
Fentanyl + benzodiazepines: may add to the sedative effects and diminished
breathing.

 What is codeine?
 Codeine is part of a group of drugs known as opioids. Opioids interact with opioid receptors
in the brain and elicit a range of responses within the body, from feelings of pain relief, to
relaxation, pleasure and contentment.1
 Codeine is used to provide relief from a number of conditions, including:
 mild to moderate pain
 severe pain (when combined with aspirin or paracetamol)
 dry irritating cough
 diarrhoea
 cold and flu (when combined with antihistamines and decongestants).
 Codeine is usually swallowed and comes in different forms, including:
 tablets
 capsules
 suppositories
 soluble powders and tablets
 liquids.

 Other names
 Codeine may also be known by a brand or trade name. Some common examples are:

EFFECTS
The most common side effects of codeine are:
 dizziness
 tiredness
 confusion, difficulty concentrating
 euphoria, restlessness
 blurred vision
 dry mouth
 limbs feeling heavy or muscles feeling stiff
 sweating
 mild allergic rash, itching and hives
 decreased heart rate, palpitations
 stomach-ache, nausea, vomiting, constipation
 difficulty urinating

LONG TERM EFFECTS
 Regular use of codeine may eventually cause:
 constipation
 reduced sex drive
 irregular periods
 tension and muscle twitches
 needing to use more to get the same effect
 dependence on codeine
 financial, work and social problems

 What is opium?
 which means it slows down the messages traveling between your brain and body. The opium
poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) from which opium is derived is one of the earliest plants of which
there is recorded medicinal use.
 Opium poppy pods hold a milky substance called latex that contains a number of chemicals,
including morphine and codeine.1 Latex is extracted from the opium pods and dried to create
opium. Typically, it is be further refined by boiling and drying again.
 What does it look like?
 Opium is a sticky dark-brown gum with a strong odour. It can also be manufactured into a liquid
or powder.1, 2
 Slang names
 Aunti, Aunti Emma, Big O, O, Black pill, Chandu, Chinese Molasses, Dopium, Dream Gun, Fi-
Do-Nie, Gee, Guma, Midnight Oil, Zero.
 How is opium used?
 Opium may be smoked, eaten raw or as a pill, or made into a tincture for drinking.1, 2
 Opium can be manufactured into heroin and is a prerequisite for heroin production.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS
 Short term effects may include:
 euphoria
 relaxation
 analgesia
 slower, shallower breathing
 lower heart rate
 impaired reflexes
 temporary constipation
 loss of appetite.

LONG TERM EFFECTS
 Regular use of opium may cause:
 tolerance - needing to use more to get the same effect
 irregular periods and difficulty having children
 loss of sex drive
 constipation
 dependence on opium.

.
 WHAT IS MORPHINE?
 Morphine is a non-synthetic narcotic with a high potential for abuse and is derived from opium. It is
used for the treatment of pain.
WHAT IS ITS ORIGIN?
 In the United States, a small percentage of the morphine obtained from opium is used directly for
pharmaceutical
 products. The remaining morphine is processed into codeine and other derivatives.
What are common street names?
 Dreamer, Emsel, First Line, God’s Drug, Hows, M.S., Mister Blue, Morf, Morpho, and Unkie.
 What does it look like?
 Morphine is marketed under generic and brand name prod-ucts, including:
 • MS-Contin, Oramorph SR, MSIR, Roxanol, Kadian, and RMS
 How is it abused?
 Traditionally, morphine was almost exclusively used by injection, but the variety of pharmaceutical
forms that it is marketed as today support its use by oral and other routes of administration.
 Forms include:
 • Oral solutions, immediate-and extended-release tablets and capsules, and injectable preparations
 Those dependent on morphine prefer injection because the drug enters the bloodstream more quickly.

What is its effect on the mind?
 Morphine’s effects include euphoria and relief of pain. Chronic use of morphine results in
tolerance and physical and psychological dependence.
 What is its effect on the body?
 Morphine use results in relief from physical pain, decrease in hunger, and inhibition of the cough
reflex.
What are its overdose effects?
 Overdose effects include:
 • Cold and clammy skin, lowered blood pressure, sleepiness, slowed breathing, slow pulse rate,
coma, and possible death
Which drugs cause similar effects?
 Drugs causing similar effects as morphine include:
 • Opium, codeine, heroin, methadone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and oxycodone

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