If you’re a parent or young adult, you know there’s a drug problem on this planet. Whether it’s alcohol; the most abused drug, or crack cocaine; one of the most psychologically addictive and dangerous drugs, the problem affects us all.
Federal studies show that over 70 million people in U.S. households have used illegal drugs! Worldwide the problem is simply immense. Drugs are responsible for a great number of the crimes committed today as often thefts, burglaries, robberies and murders are committed for the sole purpose of financing drug habits!
NOTE: This report is presented only as a source of general information. Nothing in this report is to be considered as legal or medical advice. Consult with legal and medical professionals for the best advice on topics covered in this report.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most abused of all drugs. It is believed that almost three quarters of the U.S. population uses alcohol to some extent and in the UK alcohol related crimes have soared after the introduction of 24 hour drinking licenses.
Alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly and affects the judgement and behavior of the user. It affects coordination and response time.
Thousands of teenagers are killed each year in alcohol-related traffic accidents!
Marijuana
Marijuana is the most abused of all the illegal drugs. It is normally smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes, pipes, and other suitable devices. It is also ingested by mixing in food and drink.
Marijuana is a mind-altering drug that causes a state of intoxication. It can affect thinking and judgment and can cause anxiety attacks.
Marijuana use can cause tissue damage, panic attacks, bronchitis, and changes in male hormones. It has more cancer causing chemicals than tobacco!
Marijuana is made from the leaves and flowering tops of the cannabis sativa plant, which are harvested and dried. The mind-altering component of Marijuana is called THC, for short.
The higher the THC content, the more potent the Marijuana.
Hashish
Hashish is a resin that is extracted from the marijuana plant, and is normally smoked.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a white powder that is snorted, sniffed, swallowed, smoked, and injected. The most common method is sniffing or snorting.
Cocaine may be found packaged in baggies, vials, and similar containers. It is frequently laid out in “lines” on a smooth surface to be inhaled into the nose with a small tube or straw.
Cocaine use may cause runny nose, paranoia, depression, irritability, violent behavior, headaches, and trouble sleeping.
Crack
Crack is a dangerous and deadly form of cocaine. It appears on the street as small white, brown, or tan pellets, rocks, or chips. It is inhaled through a pipe or similar device and is 5 to 10 times more potent than cocaine that is snorted through the nose.
Crack provides a quick, intense, but short-lived “high”, and then results in a need for more of the drug.
Some of the effects of crack use are weight loss, hyperactivity, hoarseness and heart attack. Crack can addict the user faster than any other drug!
Inhalants
Inhalants such as gasoline, glue, spray paints, rubber cement, and other chemicals can cause a “high” when inhaled. They can also cause permanent damage to the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and can lead to various psychological problems.
Steroids
Some athletes inject anabolic steroids in order to improve their physical ability and appearance. Steroid use can cause liver damage, testicle atrophy, aggressive behavior, high cholesterol, high risk for heart attack, enlarged prostate, baldness, depression, and other problems.
- Appears intoxicated or drunk
- Wears sunglasses to hide red eyes
- Starts using incense or other deodorizers
- The smell of Marijuana (some say it smells like burnt rope)
- Presence of drug paraphernalia
- Mood swings
- Failing or dropping grades in school
- Reports of skipping or dropping classes
- Missing complete days in school
- Pays less attention to responsibilities
- Always needing money
- Arrests or tickets for vehicle incidents
- Selling personal items
- Valuables missing from the home
- Spending more time away from home
- Wants more privacy
There are many things that could be considered signs of drug use and abuse. Some could indicate medical or other problems. Get all the facts. Consult a professional.