Other Drugs

Communities Against Substance Abuse also works to prevent the abuse of substance besides alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, prescription and over-the-counter drugs. We call this the abuse of “other drugs”. . These drugs may not be as common or used as frequently as others, but they come with serious individual, family and public health risks and consequences. Some of these drugs include:

Club drugs
Inhalants
Methamphetamine
Steroids

Club Drugs
Club drug is a term for the variety of pharmacologically created drugs typically used by teenagers and young adults at raves, bars, clubs, concerts and parties. It is extremely difficult to determine toxicity and associated medical consequences with such drugs as there is uncertainty about the sources, chemicals, and possible contaminants used to make club drugs make. The most common club drugs include:

Ecstasy (MDMA or X)
GHB (soap)
Rohypnol (roofies, R2 or date-rape drug)
Ketamine (Special K or Vitamin K)
Methamphetamine
Acid (LSD).

We do know some of the medical consequences with club drugs. For instance, chronic use of MDMA may lead to changes in brain function. GHB abuse can cause coma and seizures. High doses of ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, and other problems. And, mixed with alcohol, Rohypnol can incapacitate users and cause amnesia.

For more information visit http://www.clubdrugs.gov/

Inhalants
Inhalants are legal, everyday products that have a useful purpose, but can be misused by inhaling the gas or vapors to get a quick high. Most adults are unaware of the popularity and dangers of inhalant use by youth. Unfortunately, children are quickly discovering that common household products are inexpensive to obtain, easy to hide and an easy way to get high. Common household products used to get high are glue, paint, nail polish remover, bleach and other fluids.

Inhalant use can cause a number of health problems, including suffocation, damage to the heart, kidney, brain, liver and even death. The user can suffer from Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome dying the 1st, 10th or 100th time they use an inhalant.

According to national surveys, inhaling dangerous products is becoming a widespread problem in the country.

What can you do?
Learn more by educate yourself on inhalants before your child does. Be aware and talk to your child about the danger of inhalant use. Inhalant users can start as early as elementary school and can lead to further substance abuse. You can monitor your child’s use of these commonly used products. Do you see a lot of empty products in their room, backpack, and garbage can? Are you running out of these products quicker than normal?

To learn more about inhalant abuse: http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/drug_info_inhalants.asp or
www.inhalants.org

Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful stimulant that is highly addictive and illegal for that reason. Methamphetamine and other drug users frequently support the cost of their addiction with the proceeds of crimes against property and persons. Meth users have been identified as frequently involved in identity theft and other “white collar”crimes.

Meth continues to impact the quality of life and public health and safety in East County communities. In 2006, San Diego County treatment facilities saw more than 5,600 people whose primary drug was meth – representing a 43% increase over the past 11 years and an 8% increase since 2005.

Production of methamphetamine involves the use of relatively simple chemical processes involving poisonous chemicals that are potentially explosive. Meth production leaves behind toxic chemical waste that can permanently contaminate local water supplies, result in fires, and requires clean-up using toxic waste protocols.

Meth can be swallowed, snorted, injected or smoked. Common street names include: crank, meth, speed, crystal, chalk, fire, glass, crypto, ice. Users feel a euphoric rush from methamphetamine, particularly if it is smoked or injected. But they can develop tolerance quickly - and will use more meth for longer periods of time, resulting in sleeplessness, paranoia, and hallucinations. Prolonged use may result in violent, aggressive behavior, psychosis, and brain damage.

For more information or to report suspected meth labs, drug dealing, or other meth-related problems in San Diego County, contact the Methamphetamine Strike Force at www.No2Meth.org. For more information about meth: http://www.nida.nih.gov/InfoFacts/methamphetamine.html.

Steroids
Steroids are a group of powerful compounds that are artificially made up of the male sex hormone testosterone. These drugs are used illegally by body builders, long-distance runners, cyclists and various other athletes who claim steroids give them a competitive advantage and/or improve their physical performance. Approximately 2% of teenagers will use steroids before they graduate from high school.

Steroid users are vulnerable to more than 70 physical and psychological side effects, many of which are irreversible. Steroid use most seriously injures the liver and cardiovascular and reproductive systems. Psychological effects in both sexes can include depression and an increase in aggressive behavior. While some side effects appear quickly, other potential health effects, such as heart attacks and strokes, may not occur for years.

To learn more visit http://www.steroidabuse.gov or http://www.drugabuse.gov/InfoFacts/Steroids.html