Тема 11: Cocaine

Cocaine is smuggled into the United States as a fine, white, crystalline powder (cocaine hydrochloride).

The most common method of administration is intranasal, or "snorting" the diluted powder. When snorted, the euphoric effects begin within a few minutes, peak within 15 to 20 minutes, and disappear within about 45 minutes. During this brief period, the user often feels confident, energetic, talkative, and omnipotent.

The smoking of "crack" produces a short but very intense "high." Whereas the users of powdered cocaine may develop their addiction over many months or even years, "crack" smokers can become addicted in a matter of days.

Since freebase cocaine is water soluble, it can also be injected. This is the most dangerous method of administration. Because it produces an immediate and intense euphoria, intravenous use is highly addictive.

Regular users of cocaine often report feelings of restlessness, irritability, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Cocaine causes physical and mental damage similar to that caused by the amphetamines. High doses over a long period may precipitate a "cocaine psychosis" with hallucinations of touch, sight, taste, or smell. Because cocaine stimulates the body and its nervous system, it is not uncommon to experience a physical "crash" and a mental depression following a period of use. The depressions can be debilitating and last from a few hours to several days.

Тема 12: Marijuana

Marijuana is the common name for a drug made from the plant cannabis sativa. The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). The amount of THC in the marijuana determines how strong its effects will be on the user. Hashish, or hash, is made by taking the resin from the leaves and flowers of the plant and pressing it into cakes; it contains more THC than crude marijuana. Marijuana and hash are usually smoked but sometimes taken orally.

Research and the clinical experience of drug treatment programs identify several adverse effects. Some individuals become psychologically addicted and heavy users may develop "a motivational syndrome," a general loss of interest in life's activities and an increase in passivity and sluggishness.

An individual "high" on marijuana or hashish will feel euphoric and may speak rapidly and loudly. Some individuals experience sensory distortions. The drug can impair short-term memory, alter sense of time, and reduce the ability to do things that require concentration and quick reactions such as in driving a car. A possible response to marijuana is an acute panic reaction.

Тема 13: pcp

PCP (phencyclidine) was developed as an anesthetic but later taken off the market for human use because it sometimes caused hallucinations. It continues to have use in veterinary medicine. PCP is easily manufactured and is available in a number of forms (i.e., white crystal-like powder, tablet, or capsule). It can be swallowed, smoked, sniffed, or injected.

The sought -after effect is euphoria. For some, small amounts act as a stimulant. For many users, PCP changes how they perceive their own bodies and things around them; movements and time are slowed. The effects of PCP are unpredictable, and for this reason many "experimenters" abandon its use. Others, unfortunately, become dependent.

Negative effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, flushing, sweating, dizziness, and numbness. When large doses are taken, effects include drowsiness, convulsions, coma, and sometimes death. PCP, sometimes called "angel dust," can produce violent or bizarre behavior.

Regular use affects memory, perception, concentration, and judgment. Users may show signs of paranoia, fearfulness, and anxiety. When under the drug's influence, some become aggressive; others withdraw and have difficulty communicating. A PCP-induced psychosis may last for days or weeks.