Drug abuse

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COCAINE

The abuse of cocaine increased dramatically in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but is now on the decline. Other names to describe different forms of cocaine include "speed," "crack," "coke," "snow," and "speedball."

• Cocaine may be inhaled through the nose ("snorting").
• It may be dissolved in water and taken through a vein (intravenously).
• When mixed with heroin for IV use, the combination is called a "speedball."
• Through a simple chemical procedure, cocaine may be changed into a smokeable form known as freebase or crack.

Smoking cocaine produces a nearly instant and intense sense of joy (euphoria), which is attractive to abusers. Other effects include:

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• Feelings of increased confidence and energy
• Less inhibition
• Local numbness
• Powerful stimulation of the central nervous system

Increased use of and addiction to cocaine probably occur because it produces a very pleasurable high that is very short lived. This encourages the user to use the drug more often or regularly to get the desired effects.

Both the need to use larger amounts of the drugs to get the same effect (tolerance) and dependence may occur with regular cocaine use. Regular users may have:

• Depression
• Loss of interest in school, work, family, and friends
• Memory loss
• Mood swings
• Sleep problems
• Social withdrawal

Because heavy use may cause paranoia, cocaine users may become violent.

AMPHETAMINES

Other names used to describe amphetamines or methamphetamines include "crystal," "go," "crank," and "cross-tops."

During the 1950s and 1960s, amphetamines were often prescribed for conditions such as fatigue, obesity, and mild depression. Such use has stopped because the drugs are very addictive, and are now considered controlled substances.

Over-the-counter (OTC) amphetamine look-alike drugs are often abused. These drugs typically contain caffeine and other stimulants, and are sold as appetite suppressants or stay-awake/stay-alert aids.

Signs and symptoms of stimulant use:

• Dilated pupils
• Exaggerated feeling of well-being (euphoria)
• Fast heart rate
• Restlessness and hyperactivity
• Skin flushing
• Sleep disturbances
• Tremors
• Weight loss