15. •
The LEFT image was taken when the subject first used ecstasy in
2001 and the RIGHT image was taken in 2008.
16. •
Changes in the ecstasy user's face for 8 months
The LEFT picture was taken in January 2008 and the RIGHT picture
was taken, AFTER 7 MONTHS of ECSTASY INTAKE, in August 2008.
Psychoactive drug- a mind-altering drug that can produce mood changes and distorted perceptions, example of which are alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, marijuana, LSD etc.
Depressants are drugs that inhibit the function of the central nervous system and are among the most widely used drugs in the world.
Ecstasy as a cure for Cancer* - A study published in 2006, by a team of researchers from the University of Birmingham, showed that ecstasy and anti-depressants, had tumor-killing properties that were potentially effective in stopping the growth of cancer cells in blood. The bad news was that the doses required for treatment were so high they could kill a patient or any human being. However, the research team, in collaboration with the University of Western Australia, has redesigned the MDMA molecule (as the drug is known chemically) making its anti-cancer properties up to a 100 times more effective, featured in the Investigational New Drugs journal. This not only reduces the amount of drug needed to produce the desired effect in blood-type cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and melanoma, but it also decreases the toxic impact in the brain. Researchers believe the drug feels high affinity for fats in the cancer cells’ membrane, which “becomes soapy”, causing it to break down, killing the cell. Since the studies have only been demonstrated on sample tubes, it may take further studies, clinical trials and maybe another decade or so before doctors start prescribing Ecstasy for cancer treatment, but as Dr. David Grant, scientific director of the charity Leukemia and Lymphoma Research stated: “Further work is required, but this research is a significant step forward in developing a potential new cancer drug”.Reference: http://factualfacts.com/science-facts/ecstasy-could-be-a-cure-for-cancer/
REASONS WHY:First, there have not been enough clinical trials showing that marijuana’s benefits outweigh its risks in patients with the symptoms it is meant to treat. The FDA requires carefully conducted studies in large numbers of patients (hundreds to thousands) to accurately assess the benefits and risks of a potential medication.Second, to be considered a legitimate medicine, a substance must have well-defined and measureable ingredients that are consistent from one unit (such as a pill or injection) to the next. This consistency allows doctors to determine the dose and frequency.Along with THC, the marijuana plant contains over 400 other chemical compounds, including other cannabinoids that may be biologically active and vary from plant to plant. This makes it difficult to consider its use as a medicine even though some of marijuana’s specific ingredients may offer benefits.Finally, marijuana has certain adverse health effects that also must be taken into account. Because it is usually smoked, marijuana can cause or worsen respiratory symptoms (e.g., bronchitis, chronic cough). It also impairs short-term memory and motor coordination; slows reaction time; alters mood, judgment, and decision-making; and in some people can cause severe anxiety (paranoia) or psychosis (loss of touch with reality). And marijuana is addictive—about 4.5 million people in this country meet clinical criteria for marijuana abuse or dependence.
Short-Term Effects* - Most inhalants act directly on the nervous system to produce mind-altering effects. Within seconds, the user experiences intoxication and other effects similar to those from alcohol. There are a variety of effects that may be experienced during or shortly after use, including:
The chronic use of inhalants has been associated with a number of serious health problems. Sniffing glue and paint thinner causes kidney problems. Sniffing toluene and other solvents causes liver damage. Inhalant abuse has also resulted in memory impairment and diminished intelligence.
OpiumOpium is the hardened juice from the unripe seed pods of the opium poppy. It is a yellow-brown or brownish-black substance that can have a solid or sticky texture. It has been used medicinally as a painkiller, and recreationally it has been abused for its euphoric effects. It can be smoked or eaten.Street names include:
Heroin is a highly addictive drug that can come in varying forms, from white powder to a black, tar-like substance. The presence of impurities creates the darker shades. White heroin is the purest and most potent kind, although it is sometimes mixed with things like sugar or powdered milk to create the appearance of purity. Heroin is injected, snorted or smoked.
Fentanyl is a powerful painkilling narcotic that is about 80 percent more potent than morphine. Prescriptions such as Actiq, Duragesic and Sublimaze include fentanyl. It has been prescribed to treat patients with severe chronic pain, cancer patients or patients in severe pain who have developed a tolerance to other opiates. Fentanyl is very strong, and abuses of this drug especially can be fatal. It can be taken through oral, transdermal or injection
Morphine is used to treat severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. It is found in the forms of powder, liquid and tablets. Morphine is the primary derivative of opium. It can be injected,inhaled, smoked or swallowed.
Codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone are used in painkillers. Codeine is a weak narcotic sometimes combined with other medicines. Hydrocodone has been used in medications such as Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab and Tramadol. Oxycodone is a main ingredient in the prescription medication OxyContin.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS:These include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”).
*The act banned nonmedical use of the drug and imposed the same criminal penalties for cocaine use and possession as already in place for opium, morphine, and heroine.
When cocaine is used in combination with alcohol, the body converts the two substances into cocaethylene.This toxic combination causes a greater duration of drug effects in the brain and is the cause of more deaths than any other drug combination.
IMAGE 1: A 54-year-old woman presented with a 2-day history of a painful, enlarging rash over her face (Panel A), ears (Panel B), breasts, and extremities which is mainly caused by LEVAMISOLE. Laboratory studies revealed neutropenia (abnormally low number of neutrophils) and lymphopenia (abnormally low number of lymphocytes). With these findings, the woman is more susceptible to bacterial infections and, without prompt medical attention, the condition may become life-threatening and deadly.ALEVAMISOLE, an antihelmintic agent for use in animals, is a common additive to cocaine and is speculated to enhance the euphoric effect. IMAGE 2Chronic consumption of Cocaine through snorting leads to damage of nasal membrane.