MARIJUANA

Marijuana is the term used to describe all the plant material like leaves, tops, stems, flowers and roots from a cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa), dried and prepared for smoking or taken orally as “brownies”.

The mind altering component is the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; THC for short, which is concentrated in the resin.

Smoked cannabis produces a dreamy state of consciousness in which ideas seem disconnected, unanticipated and free-flowing. Time, color and spatial perceptions may be altered. In general, a feeling of well-being and relaxation is felt. Panic reactions have occurred, particularly in naïve users.

Increased heart rate, conjuctival injection (red eye) and dry mouth occur regularly. Communicative and motor abilities are decreased, depth perception and tracking are impaired and sense of timing is altered – all hazardous in certain situations (e.g. driving, operating heavy equipment).

Adverse Effects

• Impairment of memory and short-term cognitive funZctioning particularly mathematical skills, reading and verbal comprehensive skills.
• Impairment of motor skills can lead to accidents, respiratory problems such as bronchitis or lung cancer
• Premature babies/low birth weight, abortion or still birth (neonatal death)
• Panic or state of anxiety, sometimes accompanied with paranoia
• A motivational syndrome – regular use of marijuana dulls the mind of the smoker, blunts enthusiasms and takes away drive
• Burnout – the use can become dull, slow moving, inattentive and unaware of the surroundings
• Regular pot smokers are specially susceptible to infections
• It reduces sperm production and alters sperm shape and mobility
• It reduces testosterone level so that pre-teenage boys are at increased risk as are adults with marital fertility –temporary loss of fertility to both sexes.
• Symptoms of mental illness (Psychosis) is exacerbated

SHABU

Methamphetamine HCL, a type of amphetamine is also known as “poor man’s cocaine”. Other names are Shabu, Ubas, Siopao, Sha and Ice. Shabu is a white, odorless crystal or crystalline powder with a bitter numbing taste.

Abusers are known to take this drug by ingestion inhalation (chasing the dragon), sniffing (snorting) or by injection. Amphetamines are regularly absorbed orally and are associated with a rapid onset of action, usually within one hour when taken orally. If taken intravenously or through injection, they have an almost immediate effect.

Adverse Effects

• Produces anxiety, tension, irritability, irrational behavior, talkativeness and loss of self control
• Results in loss of appetite and inability to sleep
• Euphoria, elation
• Can lead to acute psychotic reactions, violent and destructive behavior and recklessness that may results in accidents

Physiological Effects

Includes chest pain, irregularity of heart beat, elevated or lowered bloodpressure, evidence of weight loss, convulsion and death from cardiac arrest.

Long Term Effects

Psychiatric consequence are the major feature of chronic “shabu” abuse and dependency. Prolonged use and even a single exposure especially if administered intravenously can lead to manifestation of a full blown psychosis which is similar to schizophrenia characterized by the presence of paranoid delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations. The paranoia may lead to violent and aggressive behavior.

Some chornic users have difficulty concentrating and remembering things. Diminished ability to cope with problems and difficulties in facing reality are common. Loss of interest in sex, ambition or motivation may also result.

Chronic snorters may suffer from severe irritation of the nasal passages and at times may even develop tissue perforation of the nasal septum so that they become prone to frequent nose bleed. Renal damage, heart disease and stroke have been documented among chronic abusers.

Injecting shabu from contaminated needles may lead to risk if infections resulting to inflammation of blood vessels (Endicarditis), blood poisoning (Septicemia) and the most dreaded disease AIDS, all which can lead to death.

INHALANTS

Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation of volatile chemical substance that contain psycho active (mind/mmod altering) vapors to produce a state of intoxication. Most inhalants are common household products including everyday products such as nail polish remover, glue, gasoline, household cleaners, and nitrous oxide. Inhalants also include fluorinated hydrocarbons found in aerosols such as hairspray, spray paint, and household cleaners.

Immediate Effects

• Confusion
• Distorted perception of time and distance
• Aggressive behavior/violence
• Hallucinations
• Illusions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness and weightless

Delayed Effects

• Loss of memory
• Inability to think
• Muscle cramps and weakness
• Numbness in limbs
• Abdominal pains
• Damage to the central nervous system, kidney, liver and possible bone marrow

ECSTASY

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or commonly known as "Ecstasy", "X-TC", "Adam", "Eden Tablet", or by its any other name - refers to the drug having such chemical composition, including any of its isomers or derivatives in any form; "Ecstasy", the other trendy drug, is the term used for a group of "designer" drugs closely related in chemical form to the amphetamine family of illicit drugs. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA is the chemical name for "ecstasy" but it is also known as X-TC, ADAM or Eden Tablet, the yuppie drug, and the hug drug, among others. Demand for this drug caused its price to soar up to 2,000 pesos today.

MDMA was first developed as an appetite suppressant in 1914 by the German company, Merck. In the 1970's, U.S. therapists led by biochemist Alexander Shulgin used the drug to help patients explore their feelings

Adverse Effects

• Fatigue and perhaps depression after the drug is stopped,
• Restlessness, anxiety and pronounced visual and auditory hallucinations at large doses,
• Nausea and Vomiting,
• A rise in blood pressure and heart rate, death from heart failure or stroke.
• Prolonged regular use can lead to the same long-term effects as with synthetic stimulants, including a potential for neurotoxicity and brain damage as well as liver damage

OPIATES

Opiates, sometimes called narcotics, are a group of drugs that are used medically to relieve pain, but have a high potential for abuse. Some opiates come from a resin taken from the seedpod of the Asian poppy. Opiates that are commonly abused are Opium, Morphine, Codeine, and synthesized or manufactured opiates.

Opium - refers to the coagulated juice of the opium poppy (Papaver Somniferum L.) and embraces every kind, class and character of opium, whether crude or prepared; the ashes or refuse of the same, narcotic preparations thereof or therefrom; morphine or any alkaloid of opium; preparations in which opium, morphine or any alkaloid of opium enters as an ingredient; opium poppy; poppy straw; and leaves or wrappings of opium leaves, whether prepared for use or not;

Opium Poppy - refers to any part of the plant of the species Papaver somniferum L., Papaver setigerum DC, Papaver orientale, Papaver bracteatum and Papaver rhoeas, which includes the seeds, straws, branches, leaves or any part thereof, or substances derived thereform, even for floral, decorative and culinary purposes.

BANGKOK PILLS

One of the latest drugs out in the market today is the infamous Bangkok pills. These pills are not registered with the Bureau of Food and Drugs, which is why they are not legally allowed to be placed on the local market, because of the unsafe combination of substances in the product.

The pill has been found to contain ephedrine, bisacodyl, furosemide, phentermine, and fenfluramine.

COCAINE

Cocaine is a drug from the leaves of the Cocao plant, a shrub that originated in South America. This drug affects the central nervous system as a stimulant.

SEDATIVES

Sedative-hypnotics such as tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and sedatives are drugs, which depress or slow down body functions. These drugs ca be dangerous when not taken according to physician's instructions.