Alcohol
Club Drugs
Cocaine
Crack Cocaine
Downers\Barbiturates
Heroin
Inhalants
Marijuana
Meth
Narcotics
Nicotine
PCP\Angel Dust
Speed\Amphetamines
Tranquilizers
Warning Signs
Helping a family member or friend
Online Screening
Resources

Alcohol (back to top)

See alcohol page

Club Drugs: (back to top)

The term “club drugs” refers to a wide variety of drugs being used by young people at dance clubs, bars, and all-night dance parties ("trances” or “raves”). These parties are usually held in a clandestine location with high-volume music, high-tech entertainment, and easy access to drugs.

Club drugs are attractive to today’s youth because they are inexpensive and produce increased stamina and intoxicating highs. Because many of these drugs are colorless, tasteless, and odorless, they can be secretly added to beverages by individuals who want to intoxicate or sedate others.

The most widely used club drugs are:

• Ecstasy. Also known as MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), Ecstasy is a stimulant that combines the effects of amphetamines and hallucinogens.
  
• Rohypnol. Known as the “date rape drug,” Rohypnol is a central nervous system depressant that produces sedative-hypnotic effects, muscle relaxation, and amnesia.
  
• Ketamine. A rapid-acting general anesthetic, ketamine produces a wide range of feelings, from weightlessness to out-of-body or near-death experiences.
  
• GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate). Originally available over the counter in health food stores to aid body builders, GHB and other synthetic steroids are also used for their euphoric effects.
  
• LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). This hallucinogen produces unpredictable effects, depending on the amount taken, the surroundings in which the drug is used, and the user’s personality, mood, and expectations.

Research has shown that club drugs can have long-lasting negative effects on the brain, especially on memory function and motor skills. When club drugs are combined with alcohol, the effect is intensified, and they become even more dangerous and potentially fatal. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Prevention Alert: Club Drugs: A New Community Threat (Volume 3, Number 24 ed.) Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved September 23, 2002 from the World Wide Web:http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/govpubs/prevalert/v3i24.aspx

Cocaine (back to top)

What It Does To Your Mind:

• Stimulates rapid, intense general euphoria.

• Slows, then increases heart rate and blood pressure, constricts blood vessels, increases breathing rate, dries mouth, dilates pupils, exaggerates movements.

Special Characteristics:
A cocaine "spree" may lead to a "crash" with severe depression, lethargy, hunger. Freebasing results in severe burn accidents.

How It Can Hurt You

• Shaking;
  
• muscle twitches;
  
• seizures;
  
• severe anxiety;
  
• compulsive repetition of movements.
  
• Paranoia;
  
• psychosis;
  
• heart related effects;
  
• nausea and vomiting.
  
• Changes in breathing;
  
• increase in body temperature;
  
• cold sweat;
  
• dramatic mood swings.
  
• Hallucinations;
  
• sensation of insects crawling under skin and other continuing psychotic effects.
  
• Eating and sleeping disorders;
  
• impaired sexual performance;
  
• destruction of nose tissue;
  
• ongoing respiratory problems;
  
• needle infections such as endocarditis, hepatitis and AIDS.
  
• Death from overdose and heroin combination;
  
• suicide;
  
• homicide;
  
• fatal accidents while under the influence. Snorting can be fatal.

Crack Cocaine (back to top)

What It Does To Your Mind:

• Stimulates intense alertness and excitement.

What It Does To Your Body:

• Speeds up all systems,
  
• increases heart rate and blood pressure,
  
• constricts blood vessels,
  
• alters breathing,
  
• dries mouth,
  
• dilates pupils,
  
• exaggerates movements.

Special Characteristics:

• Increased risk of overdose due to uncontrollable, higher concentration in blood-stream.
  
• Increased risk of heart failure in otherwise healthy users.
  
• Severe breathing and lung effects.
  
• Liver damage, malnutrition, over-stimulation of all body systems,
  
• destruction of brain neuro-transmitters.

How It Can Hurt You

• Shaking;
  
• muscle twitches;
  
• seizures;
  
• severe anxiety;
  
• compulsive repetition of movements.
  
• Paranoia;
  
• psychosis;
  
• heart related effects;
  
• nausea and vomiting.
  
• Changes in breathing;
  
• increase in body temperature;
  
• cold sweat;
  
• dramatic mood swings.
  
• Hallucinations;
  
• sensation of insects crawling under skin and other continuing psychotic effects.
  
• Eating and sleeping disorders;
  
• impaired sexual performance;
  
• extreme social problems can develop from irritability, depression, and financial difficulties.
  
• Death from overdose;
  
• suicide;
  
• homicide;
  
• fatal accidents while under the influence. Snorting can be fatal.

Breathing is often stopped when combined doses of cocaine and heroin are taken. Lethal doses vary by individual and are not predictable.

Dependency occurs as a psychological craving and physical withdrawal process. Unlike other drugs, intense psychological dependence is developed with even occasional low doses.

Street purchases are commonly substitute or diluted drugs. The unsuspecting buyer risks having no knowledge of what he or she is taking or what the effects may be.

Downers/Barbiturates (back to top)

What It Does To Your Mind:

• Depresses central nervous system.

What It Does To Your Body:

Progressive decline in blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. Nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain. Alternate pupil constriction and dilation. Loss of reflex response. Low body temperature. Weak pulse.

Special Characteristics:

• Effects cause ever-increasing depression of respiratory control centers of the brain. Medical application is based on the durations of action of the many and various barbiturates: ultra short, short and intermediate, long acting. Tolerance leads to increased doses; risk of life-threatening complications and severe withdrawal symptoms.

How It Can Hurt You

• Anxiety;
  
• restlessness;
  
• depression.
  
• Psychotic episodes;
  
• impaired memory, judgment and thinking.
  
• Worsening of preexisting emotional disorders.
  
• Hostility;
  
• chronic fatigue from sleep disturbance or insomnia.
  
• Slurred speech;
  
• limited motor coordination;
  
• changes in eyesight.
  
• Vertigo;
  
• impotence;
  
• reduced sex drive;
  
• irregular menstruation;
  
• breathing disorders.
  
• Death can come from stopped breathing; suicide; combination with other CNS depressants (such as alcohol);
  
• severe withdrawal reactions.

Dependence builds with tolerance, which varies for each individual, and develops as cross-tolerance to similar drugs. Craving continues after pleasurable effects disappear and drug use is stopped.

Heroin: (back to top)

Heroin is a highly addictive drug, and its use is a serious problem in America. Recent studies suggest a shift from injecting heroin to snorting or smoking because of increased purity and the misconception that these forms of use will not lead to addiction.

Heroin is processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seedpod of the Asian poppy plant. Heroin usually appears as a white or brown powder. Street names for heroin include "smack," "H," "skag," and "junk." Other names may refer to types of heroin produced in a specific geographical area, such as "Mexican black tar."

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institute on Drug Abuse . (2002, September 24). NIDA InfoFacts: HeroinWashington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved October 03, 2002 from the World Wide Web:http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofax/heroin.html

Inhalants (back to top)

What It Does To Your Mind:

• In most cases, inhalants depress the central nervous system. Nitrites stimulate the mind.

What It Does To Your Body:

• Interrupts and increases heart rate, alters breathing.

Special Characteristics:

• Cheap and easily available, solvents are often used by adolescents who knowingly risk life-threatening effects to boost self-esteem or gain peer approval. Nitrite blackouts result from combinations with other drugs.

How It Can Hurt You

• Toxic effects of inhalation of combined substances.
  
• Bizarre behavior.
  
• Severe depression;
  
• toxic psychosis.
  
• Pains in chest,
  
• muscles and joints;
  
• hangover;
  
• amnesia.
  
• Coma;
  
• seizures;
  
• brain damage;
  
• paranoia;
  
• nerve damage;
  
• liver and kidney damage;
  
• respiratory tract damage;
  
• accumulation of body lead levels.
  
• Bone marrow deterioration;
  
• blood abnormalities;
  
• tremors;
  
• sleep disorders. Fatigue; loss of appetite; bronchial tube spasm; “glue sniffer's rash" (sores on nose and mouth). Nosebleeds; nausea; diarrhea; eye/nose irritation; glaucoma; blood cell damage.

Death can come from sudden sniffing death (SSD); plastic bag suffocation; bizarre and reckless behavior; driving under the influence; poisoning of users and small children; suicide or respiratory depression. With fluorocarbons, death may be caused by "airway freezing" suffocation.

Marijuana (back to top)

What It Does To Your Mind:

• Distorts perception of reality.

What It Does To Your Body:

• Increases heart rate,
  
• lowers blood pressure,
  
• limits control of movement.

How It Can Hurt You

• Heart related effects;
  
• asthma; bronchitis;
  
• damage to respiratory system and tissue.
  
• Reddening of eyes;
  
• change in sex drive;
  
• infertility.
  
• Changes in body temperature;
  
• hallucinations; slowed reaction time.
  
• Delusions; panic; toxic psychosis; activation of latent schizophrenia which may continue indefinitely.
  
• A motivational syndrome;
  
• memory loss with possible permanent brain damage.
  
• Death of self or others due to driving under the influence, especially when combined with alcohol.
  
• Dependence can develop as a psychological craving.
  
• Unborn children of mothers who use cannabis may develop congenital defects or experience delayed development after birth.

Meth (back to top)

Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous system. The drug is made easily in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients. These factors combine to make methamphetamine a drug with high potential for widespread abuse.

Methamphetamine is commonly known as "speed," "meth," and "chalk." In its smoked form, it is often referred to as "ice," "crystal," "crank," and "glass." It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. The drug was developed early in this century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Methamphetamine's chemical structure is similar to that of amphetamine, but it has more pronounced effects on the central nervous system. Like amphetamine, it causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a general sense of well-being. The effects of methamphetamine can last 6 to 8 hours. After the initial "rush," there is typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institute on Drug Abuse . (2002, February 18). NIDA Research Report: Methamphetamine Abuse and AddictionWashington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved October 03, 2002 from the World Wide Web:http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/methamph/ Narcotics (back to top)

What It Does To Your Mind:

• Depresses breathing and other brain centers. Relieves pain and anxiety.

What It Does To Your Body:

• Depresses all body systems.

Special Characteristics:

• "Antagonists" such as methadone prevent narcotic effects. Sharp, localized pain is not relieved well by narcotic analgesics. Withdrawal effects for all narcotics, and for methadone, can be severe.

How It Can Hurt You

• Impurity of street drugs;
  
• dangers of needle use (including infection and AIDS);
  
• withdrawal effects;
  
• limited vision;
  
• reduced sex drive;
  
• menstrual irregularity;
  
• chronic constipation;
  
• mood swings;
  
• breathing problems;
  
• heart problems;
  
• tremors;
  
• muscle twitches;
  
• hyperactive reflexes;
  
• nervousness;
  
• restlessness;
  
• seizures;
  
• toxic psychosis.

Nicotine (back to top)

Cigarettes and Other Nicotine Products

Nicotine is one of the most heavily used addictive drugs in the United States. Cigarette smoking has been the most popular method of taking nicotine since the beginning of the 20th century. In 1998, 60 million Americans were current cigarette smokers (28 percent of all Americans aged 12 and older), and 4.1 million were between the ages of 12 and 17 (18 percent of youth in this age bracket).

In 1989, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a report that concluded that cigarettes and other forms of tobacco, such as cigars, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco, are addictive and that nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes addiction. In addition, the report determined that smoking was a major cause of stroke and the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2002, September 24). NIDA InfoFacts: Cigarettes and Other Nicotine ProductsWashington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved October 03, 2002 from the World Wide Web:http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofax/tobacco.html

PCP/Angel Dust (back to top)

What It Does To Your Mind:

• Depresses and stimulates central nervous system.

What It Does To Your Body:

• Alters speech, coordination, dexterity, and vision.
  
• Induces dizziness and drowsiness.
  
• Increases heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, urinary output.
  
• Induces sweating and vomiting.
  
• Causes jerky eye movement that can last for months after a single dose.

Special Characteristics:

• PCP is often sold as a substitute for other drugs, causing panic in unsuspecting users.

How It Can Hurt You

• Loss of sense of pain;
  
• psychic experiences;
  
• states of panic and fear of death lasting for several days.
  
• Bizarre, compulsive and violent behavior;
  
• involuntary eye movement;
  
• rigid muscles;
  
• loss of gag and corneal reflexes.
  
• Arching of the body;
  
• coma;
  
• alternating high and low blood pressure;
  
• irregular heartbeat and breathing;
  
• severe nausea and vomiting;
  
• alternating high and low body temperature.
  
• Loss of memory and thought processes;
  
• ongoing speech problems;
  
• depression;
  
• toxic psychosis as aggressive and assaultive behavior;
  
• hallucinations.
  
• Death from stopped breathing, convulsions, brain hemorrhage, kidney failure, drug combinations, fatal accidents, murder, suicide, self mutilation, and drowning from swimming under the influence to enhance floating sensation.
  
• Dependence arises as tolerance develops. Use is often in "runs" of two or three days, with disorientation and depression after withdrawal.

Speed/Amphetamines (back to top)

What It Does To Your Mind:

• Over stimulates central nervous system.

What It Does To Your Body:

• Increases heart and breathing rate. Effects irregular heartbeat and breathing.
  
• Dry mouth, foul taste, diarrhea.
  
• Appetite suppression.
  
• Retraction of gum tissue.
  
• Impotence;
  
• increased urine output;
  
• fainting;
  
• sweating;
  
• fever;
  
• convulsions;
  
• coma;
  
• hemorrhage.

Special Characteristics:

• Methamphetamine "run" of three to five days produces euphoria replaced by agitation on second day, along with frightening visual images and exhaustion. Amphetamine "run" psychosis may bring on uncontrollable violent behavior similar to paranoid schizophrenia.

How It Can Hurt You

• Chronic sleep problems;
  
• nervousness;
  
• nutritional deficiency;
  
• skin rash;
  
• high blood pressure.
  
• Paranoia;
  
• Chronic amphetamine psychosis;
  
• decreased emotional control;
  
• severe depression.
  
• Needle related hepatitis, infection, AIDS, collapsed and blocked vessels;
  
• over-working of body systems.
  
• Death from suicide induced by psychic depression; collapse of blood vessels in brain; heart failure; extreme fever; violent accidents; murders.
  
• Dependence arises from tolerance and cross-tolerance, and taking additional drugs to stop withdrawal effects; risking return of psychosis.

Tranquilizers (back to top)

What It Does To Your Mind:

• Activates specific brain receptors.

What It Does To Your Body:

• Interferes with control of movements.

Special Characteristics:

• Diazepam is often substituted for methaqualone when sold on the street. Small amounts of alcohol can be lethal when interacting with benzodiazepines. Heroin addicts and recovering alcoholics use Diazepam to achieve mild intoxication. Benzodiazepines can alleviate side effects of withdrawal from other drug abuse.

How It Can Hurt You

• Lack of coordination;
  
• altered speech;
  
• confusion;
  
• coma.
  
• Withdrawal effects;
  
• tremors;
  
• altered speech;
  
• rapid heart rate;
  
• blood pressure drop;
  
• headaches.
  
• Mood swings;
  
• tension;
  
• nightmares;
  
• nausea;
  
• rash.
  
• Loss of sexual functions;
  
• apathy;
  
• increased toxic effects in combination with other CNS depressant drugs.
  
• Death from effects of combinations of tranquilizers and other drugs such as alcohol, or from driving under the influence.

Drug Usage Warning Signs (back to top)

Aside from the physical effects of drugs, certain warning signs may indicate that a family member or friend is drinking too much or using drugs. Although these warning signs are not foolproof, each by itself or many signs combined over time should be cause for concern.

With alcohol, some of the signs to look for are:

• Does the person pour a drink as an immediate reaction when faced with any problem?
  
• Does the person drink until intoxicated?
  
• Is there a record of missed work because of drinking or an ill-disguised smell of alcohol on the breath during work hours even though attendance may be regular?
  
• Does the person drive a car while intoxicated?
  
• Has his or her home life become intolerable because of drinking or arguments resulting from drinking?
  
• Does he or she handle all social celebrations and stress with alcohol?

These are the signs of an adult problem drinker. It is important to note, however, that any use of alcohol by youth is abuse and cause for concern.

When these signs are present, it means that a person's drinking pattern, if not already out of control, is heading that way. A person does not have to be an alcoholic to have problems with alcohol.

Certain additional behavioral characteristics also seem to accompany the use of alcohol and other drugs. The clues can be found in all people who abuse these substances, regardless of age. Examples of these clues include:

• An abrupt change in mood or attitudes
  
• Sudden and continuing decline in attendance or performance at work or in school
  
• Impaired relationships with family members or friends
  
• Unusual temper flare-ups
  
• Increased borrowing of money from parents or friends
  
• Stealing from the home, school, or workplace
  
• Heightened secrecy about actions and possessions
  
• Associating with a new group of friends, especially with those who use drugs

How Can I Help A Family Member Or A Friend? (back to top)

If someone confides in you that he or she has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, some ways of dealing with this situation clearly work better than others. You should try to be:

• Understanding - listen to reasons why he or she uses/abuses alcohol or other drugs
  
• Firm - explain why you feel that use of alcohol or other drugs is harmful, and why this individual needs to seek counseling and treatment
  
• Supportive - assist the user in finding help and providing moral support through the tough times ahead
  
• Self-examining - ask yourself whether you have provided a good role model

Actions that you should avoid include being:

• Sarcastic
  
• Accusatory
  
• Stigmatizing
  
• Sympathy seeking for yourself
  
• Self-blaming

Intervening in the case of a family member or friend who is abusing chemicals can be very difficult and hurtful. The person with the problem will most likely deny the problem and try to put you on the defensive ("I thought you were my friend; are you calling me a drunk?"). In a case such as this, what you don't do is as important as what you should do:

• Avoid emotional appeals, which may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink
  
• Don't cover up or make excuses for the person
  
• Don't take over his or her responsibilities, which will leave the person with no sense of importance or dignity
  
• Don't argue with the person when he or she is drunk or high
  
• Don't hide or dump bottles or shelter the person from situations where alcohol or drugs are present
  
• Above all, don't accept responsibility for the person's actions or guilt for his or her drinking or drug use

Online Alcohol Screening: (back to top)

In order to take an Alcohol Screening test go to: https://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/login.asp

Resources: (back to top)

BVU:
Kelly Mattis, Director of Counseling Services
Phone: 1226 or 2123
Email: mattisk@bvu.edu

Storm Lake:
Vista Addiction and Recovery
732-2872
1305 Milwaukee Ave
Storm Lake, IA 50588

Northwest Iowa Alcohol and Drug Treatment Unit (ADTU)
732-5136
824 Flindt Dr.
Storm Lake, IA 50588

The Synergy Center (inpatient)
225-2441
1200 W. Cedar
Cherokee, IA

National
National Institute on Drug Abuse
http://www.nida.nih.gov/

US Dept. of Health and Human Services Clearinghouse Alcohol & Drug Information
http://www.health.org/

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
http://www.samhsa.gov/

The Bacchus & Gamma Peer Education Network
http://www.bacchusgamma.org/