Drugs
Topics on this page: Click the button to jump to that section
Cigarettes
|
Nicotine is one of thousands of chemicals in cigarettes. It's addictive and causes most of the withdrawal symptoms you feel when you first stop...
Two hours after you stop smoking all the nicotine is out of your system, and the nicotine by-products are gone in two to three days. But even when the nicotine has gone it's the addiction, the habits, and the feelings that make you want to keep smoking... So what’s in cigarettes which make us feel this way?
Health effects of smoking'We don't smoke the shit, we just sell it. We reserve that for the young, the black, the poor, and the stupid.' -Quote from a tobacco industry executive as told in an American committee hearing in 1989. Let's face it, if you smoke you're the victim of some mega-marketing by the tobacco companies - they pay big bucks to find ways to get people to start smoking. And you might think it's only going to be a problem when you're old. Wrong. Smoking affects you right now. Chances are you've thought about quitting before or tried to do it. If you plan before you quit you're more likely to be successful. So take the step and start planning now - it doesn't take much time. Some facts:
From 1998 - 2025 5000 million people will die from smoking related illnesses - that's equivalent to a Vietnam war every day for 27 years or the Titanic sinking every 27 minutes for 27 years. How does smoking effect you?It affects your whole life! In fact, it's a huge part of who you are. Relationships Who you end up going out with could depend on whether you smoke or not. If you're a smoker you're more likely to end up living with a smoker. And if you have kids, they are more likely to grow up being smokers. Health
How to quit? Smoking is an addiction with three parts: 1. Addiction to nicotine 2. Habits You have trained yourself so well that you think you can't do some things without a cigarette. It becomes so automatic you don't even notice it. For example:
3. Feelings Feelings are also important. You smoke when you're happy, when you're sad, when you're tired, or for something to do when you’re bored. You might use cigarettes to cover up uncomfortable feelings too, such as when you're angry or when you're nervous. Spot your trouble areas and you can untangle yourself. |
Quitting
1. Once you've decided to quit choose an easy day to stop - when you won't be under too much pressure, but will have plenty of things to occupy yourself. 2. Clean up before your quit day. Toss out all your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays. 3. Choose a quit method that will work for you. Everyone is different, so you need to find one that works for you. Going cold turkey means stopping suddenly and completely. This works for lots of people. Cutting down is another way. You could reduce your smoking by half and/or delay your first cigarette by an hour each day. Take with you only the number of cigarettes that you plan to smoke each day. 4. Remember, there's no such thing as failure - cutting down the number of cigarettes you smoke is a great start. Make sure you still set a quit date. 5. If you try one way of quitting and it doesn't work, then try something else. Don't give up. Each quit attempt brings you closer to quitting for good. Fact: Within two days of quitting, your taste buds come alive and your sense of smell improves. Your breath, hair, fingers, teeth and clothes are all cleaner. Where to start?Keep a record of when you smoke like the one below. This helps you get to know your smoking habit. Each time you have a cigarette, or feel a craving, fill in the date, time, activity, what you are feeling and how much you feel you need a cigarette, using the point system below. Look for the main trigger that set it off. A habit? A feeling? Can you do without this cigarette? If you think there's no reason keep looking. To start with it can be hard to see because the habits have become so automatic. You'll need to keep a sharp eye on yourself for a while, but it's worth the effort. Most people who quit successfully go through three stages:
Some of the common roadblocks are: Fear of Losing Friends It can be really hard if your friends and whanau continue to smoke while you are quitting. You could try to get them to quit with you or try hanging out with people that don't smoke. The percentage of 14 - 15 year olds who smoke regularly decreased by almost half, from 21% to 13% in 2007. Fear of Failing Each time you try to quit, you learn more about why you smoke and about how to stay smokefree next time. Keep trying. You will succeed! 'We're all going to die sometime' This is an excuse some smokers use. You could get run over by a bus too - but who lies out on the road waiting for it! The reality is that every cigarette you smoke is damaging your body - your heart, lungs, bones, blood vessels and sex life. Sadness Sometimes you might feel sad about quitting. It's OK to feel like this and it will go away. So you want to quit?Where to start? Keep a record of when you smoke like the one below. This helps you get to know your smoking habit. Each time you have a cigarette, or feel a craving, fill in the date, time, activity, what you are feeling and how much you feel you need a cigarette, using the point system below. Look for the main trigger that set it off. A habit? A feeling? Can you do without this cigarette? If you think there's no reason keep looking. To start with it can be hard to see because the habits have become so automatic. You'll need to keep a sharp eye on yourself for a while, but it's worth the effort. Most people who quit successfully go through three stages:Building up their determination to quit Learning new coping skills Gradually reducing the number of cigarettes they smoke each day How long that takes depends on you. Some of the common roadblocks are: Fear of Losing FriendsIt can be really hard if your friends and whanau continue to smoke while you are quitting. You could try to get them to quit with you or try hanging out with people that don't smoke.The percentage of 14 - 15 year olds who smoke regularly decreased by almost half, from 21% to 13% in 2007. Fear of FailingEach time you try to quit, you learn more about why you smoke and about how to stay smokefree next time. Keep trying. You will succeed! 'We're all going to die sometime' This is an excuse some smokers use. You could get run over by a bus too - but who lies out on the road waiting for it! The reality is that every cigarette you smoke is damaging your body - your heart, lungs, bones, blood vessels and sex life. SadnessSometimes you might feel sad about quitting. It's OK to feel like this and it will go away. Quitting 1. Once you've decided to quit choose an easy day to stop - when you won't be under too much pressure, but will have plenty to occupy yourself. 2. Clean up before your quit day. Toss out all your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays. 3. Choose a quit method that will work for you. Everyone is different, so you need to find one that works for you. Going cold turkey means stopping suddenly and completely. This works for lots of people. Cutting down is another way. You could reduce your smoking by half and/or delay your first cigarette by an hour each day. Take with you only the number of cigarettes that you plan to smoke each day. 4. Remember, there's no such thing as failure - cutting down the number of cigarettes you smoke is a great start. Make sure you still set a quit date. 5. If you try one way of quitting and it doesn't work, then try something else. Don't give up. Each quit attempt brings you closer to quitting for good. Fact:Within two days of quitting, your taste buds come alive and your sense of smell improves. Your breath, hair, fingers, teeth and clothes are all cleaner. Finding Help (Remember you are not alone in this!!)For advice and support for quitting you can also call Quitline on 0800 778 778 - they're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are there to help! You can also check out www.notourfuture.co.nz a smoke free website, also have a at www.quit.co.nz if you are looking to quit smoking. Also check out txt2quit a texting support services helping young people quit smoking. Click here for more information about nicotine replacements such as patches and gum. |
Cannabis
|
Cannabis comes from the cannabis sativa plant grown in many parts of the world, including New Zealand. It is the most widely used illegal drug in New Zealand.
There are several forms of this drug used for recreational and medicinal purposes:Marijuana (also known as pot, weed, ganja, dak, grass): the most common form in New Zealand. It's made from the cannabis plant's dried leaves and flowering tops (i.e. buds). Marijuana is usually smoked, often in hand-rolled joints (like cigarettes), but it may also be eaten in foods (e.g. baked into cookies). Tetrahydracannabinol is the primary psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant. The THC content in marijuana in New Zealand currently ranges from1-32%. Hash: made from the resin and flowers of the plant, which are dried and pressed into a block. Hash oil: a sticky, concentrated liquid made from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. The most significant ingredient in cannabis is a chemical known as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). This is what can change your behaviour and make you feel stoned. It can stay in the body for several weeks. Usually, there's more THC in hash oil or hash than marijuana, but often it varies from one batch to the next. The more THC, the stronger the effect it will have on you. What does Cannabis do to you?Cannabis affects people in different ways. Its effects depend on the strength and amount taken, your previous experience with cannabis, your personality and even your mood at the time. The effects can last up to four hours. In small amounts, while you're stoned, cannabis usually makes you:
|
Can Cannabis negatively affect your life?
Yes. It can harm you in the followings ways: Health You are most likely to have serious physical or mental health problems from using cannabis heavily (e.g. daily or near daily) over many years. On the other hand, most studies find people who occasionally use small amounts of cannabis report few health problems. Being stoned on cannabis can be risky in certain situations though, like driving a car, where the effect on your reaction time and co- ordination may put you or your friends at risk. Health risks from heavy, long-term cannabis use are: Physical Bronchitis or other diseases related to your breathing system, cancer of the lungs, mouth or throat, from smoking cannabis, a small loss of attention and memory ability, which may or not return to normal after you stop using cannabis. Mental Becoming mentally dependent on cannabis, finding it hard to give up worsening the effects of mental illness such as schizophrenia or depression. Relationships If you use cannabis regularly, it may lead to problems with friends, family or whanau. Other people may not understand or like your mood or behaviour while you're stoned. And if using cannabis causes problems in other parts of your life - like school - that can upset family and friends too. Work Cannabis can make you clumsy, forgetful and possibly less motivated, making it harder to do a good job. You could get sacked, or your career might not go as well as you'd like. If you're operating machinery while you're stoned, you run the risk of having an accident. Study Cannabis can make it hard to concentrate and remember things, and may make you less keen to work. So if you're studying, it could mean your grades or exam results suffer. Sports and Recreation If you like playing sports, cannabis can reduce your performance. If you're stoned, you probably won't be as quick or co-ordinated. And even if you're not stoned, you may find you're less interested in sport if you've been using cannabis heavily for a while. Swimming and water sports can be dangerous if you have taken cannabis. Money Cannabis isn't cheap. If you use if often it can cost a lot, and put a big strain on your wallet. When's Cannabis most harmful? Using cannabis is especially risky if you are:
Where Can I Get Help? Youth health centres are a good place to go for help. If you don't have one in your area, talk to an adult you trust, such as your parents, your doctor, Kaumatua or Kuia, a school counsellor or a youth worker. You can also get help from an Alcohol and Drug Service (they're listed in the phone book) or ring the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797. |
Synthetic Cannabis
What's in them?
Some herbal substances that are used recreationally are available legally in New Zealand. This means they have not been controlled under the law; it doesn’t mean that they are proven safe (‘natural’ doesn’t mean ‘safe’!). Some common herbal highs are “salvia” and “kava”.”Salvia” is one of the most commonly used herbal highs, producing a short but intense episode of mental and physical effects when smoked.
Another category of legal highs, that are not herbal, are products such as “Aroma,” “Spice,” “Dream” and “Illusion.” These products claim to provide a legal and natural alternative to cannabis. However, what you need to know about these products is that they contain synthetic chemicals to give them their effects. These chemicals have not been tested and the potential effects on the body are largely unknown.
NOTE: “Kronic” and “K2” are now banned – these substances are currently undergoing testing around their effects.
The main problem with substances claimed to be herbal highs is we know so little about their risks. They aren’t quality controlled, so the amount of the active chemical that gives the ‘high’ feeling can vary heaps. Also, there are usually other chemicals in varying amounts, many of which have unknown effects and risks. Many herbal chemicals (such as in the herb datura) can be poisonous and it can be easy to accidentally overdose.
It is difficult to know how much is a dangerous amount when we know so little about the substance quality, how it affects users in the long term, or how the effects change when used in combination with other substances like alcohol. Every person is very different, so a ‘safe’ dose for one person may cause very bad symptoms in someone else. People have been hospitalised after using herbal substances alone or with other substances, so there are certainly risks to watch out for.
These substances often leave users incapable of interacting with other people as well as the environment surrounding them. So if you are to try some of these substances you should do so in a safe environment that you are familiar with and have a sober person looking out for you. The safest option is always to avoid these substances completely. However if you decide to use them then do so responsibly and know what substances are being taken so you can tell the doctor in case someone has a bad reaction.
Some herbal substances that are used recreationally are available legally in New Zealand. This means they have not been controlled under the law; it doesn’t mean that they are proven safe (‘natural’ doesn’t mean ‘safe’!). Some common herbal highs are “salvia” and “kava”.”Salvia” is one of the most commonly used herbal highs, producing a short but intense episode of mental and physical effects when smoked.
Another category of legal highs, that are not herbal, are products such as “Aroma,” “Spice,” “Dream” and “Illusion.” These products claim to provide a legal and natural alternative to cannabis. However, what you need to know about these products is that they contain synthetic chemicals to give them their effects. These chemicals have not been tested and the potential effects on the body are largely unknown.
NOTE: “Kronic” and “K2” are now banned – these substances are currently undergoing testing around their effects.
The main problem with substances claimed to be herbal highs is we know so little about their risks. They aren’t quality controlled, so the amount of the active chemical that gives the ‘high’ feeling can vary heaps. Also, there are usually other chemicals in varying amounts, many of which have unknown effects and risks. Many herbal chemicals (such as in the herb datura) can be poisonous and it can be easy to accidentally overdose.
It is difficult to know how much is a dangerous amount when we know so little about the substance quality, how it affects users in the long term, or how the effects change when used in combination with other substances like alcohol. Every person is very different, so a ‘safe’ dose for one person may cause very bad symptoms in someone else. People have been hospitalised after using herbal substances alone or with other substances, so there are certainly risks to watch out for.
These substances often leave users incapable of interacting with other people as well as the environment surrounding them. So if you are to try some of these substances you should do so in a safe environment that you are familiar with and have a sober person looking out for you. The safest option is always to avoid these substances completely. However if you decide to use them then do so responsibly and know what substances are being taken so you can tell the doctor in case someone has a bad reaction.
Meth (P/Speed) Methamphetamine
|
Methamphetamine is a strong stimulant which affects the central nervous system. Typically it is a white, odourless, bitter tasting powder. However, it comes in a variety of forms, including clear crystals (ice).
Methamphetamine is commonly known by a number of names, including 'meth', 'speed', 'crank', 'go' or in a smokable form known as 'ice'. There are also other amphetamine type stimulants such as amphetamine (speed), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Adderil), modafinil, caffeine and BZP. Short term effects The effects of Methamphetamine depend on how much is taken, but generally users can expect to experience:
|
Long term effects of Meth
The long term effects of Methamphetamine use are:
Dependence Methamphetamine produces a strong psychological dependence. Where can I get help?Youth health centres are a good place to go for help. If you don't have one in your area, talk to an adult you trust, such as your parents, your doctor, Kaumatua or Kuia, a school counsellor or a youth worker. You can also get help from an Alcohol and Drug Service (they're listed in the phone book) or ring the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797. Youthline is also always here to talk and help you through whatever you are going through. You can contact us on: Free Phone 0800 37 66 33 Free TXT 234 Email talk@youthline.co.nz |
Staying Safe
Look after yourself
There are lots of things you need to think about if you're planning to take drugs.
You need to know about the risks and ways to keep yourself and your friends safe. The safest option is not to take drugs at all, especially if you are on medication, pregnant, breast feeding or suffering from a medical condition. If you are planning on taking drugs, check this out and be prepared.
If you choose to take drugs, be prepared and make sure you are aware of the risks. Here are some tips that might help you:
There are lots of things you need to think about if you're planning to take drugs.
You need to know about the risks and ways to keep yourself and your friends safe. The safest option is not to take drugs at all, especially if you are on medication, pregnant, breast feeding or suffering from a medical condition. If you are planning on taking drugs, check this out and be prepared.
If you choose to take drugs, be prepared and make sure you are aware of the risks. Here are some tips that might help you:
- Avoid buying or accepting drugs from people you don't know. You can never be sure of what you are getting.
- If you are going to use drugs, plan what you are going to take, if anything, beforehand, not when you are out of it.
- If you're feeling anxious, stressed, depressed or moody, or you're just not feeling good about yourself, then taking drugs might make you feel worse.
- Only take a small amount of the drug and wait for it to take effect before taking the rest. Each dose may have a different effect, and some might be effects you don't like or want.
- Be aware that the lighter your body weight the more powerful the effects of the drugs may be.
- It is dangerous to mix drugs and not just the ones you'd think. Mixing recreational and prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as mixing recreational ones.
- Only take drugs in a safe and comfortable environment.
- Ensure you have cold drinking-water and food.
- Never take drugs on your own - be around friends you can trust from the time the drugs come on until they wear off.
- Tell your friends if you are taking drugs and what they are - that way they are prepared if something goes wrong.
- Never share needles and syringes or other preparation equipment as HIV and other viruses such as hepatitis B and C can easily be passed on.
- Keep an eye on each other to make sure that everyone is OK.
- Tell someone responsible where you are going.
- Organise safe transportation, a sober driver, public transport or taxis.
- Drugs can effect your decision-making, so be aware of what you are doing, watch out for traffic, don't climb things or muck around near water, and always carry and use condoms to protect you and your partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancy.
- Keep in safe and well lit areas to avoid the possibility of getting attacked.
Party Checklist
|
A checklist to guarantee a successful night out...
Eat: Most likely you will not have to be told this one, but a great night out always begins on a full stomach. Mmmmm. Drink: We mean Water! Lots of H2O will keep you on the go, Joe! Start it slowThat's right. Go non-alcoholic for the first rounds; don't rush, keep it cool. Play the field: Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. As they say, variety is the spice of life! Think ahead: This will save you lots of time, money and hassle. How are you going to get home? Is it safe? How much am I going to drink tonight? Can I afford it? Do I have credit on my phone? How good do I need to feel in the morning? Who can I call in an emergency? Suss these things out before you leave and you will be good to go! Tips for a good night out You've got a big night planned and you and your mates are ready to go! Here are some things to keep in mind while you're out partying...Stick togetherYou love your mates (most of the time!) so when you're drinking, stick together and look out for each other. It's best if someone in the team isn't going to get too wrecked and they can keep an eye out for the rest. Share a taxiIf you don't want to disturb anyone else (i.e. sleepy Mum or Dad, angry older brother...) put some cash aside for a taxi home (in ya shoe is a good safe spot where you won't spend it). If you share, you can save some cash as well. Going it aloneThis is probably not such a crash hot idea. If you have to walk home, try to walk with a friend. Don't let your friends wander off by themselves either, especially if they are less than on to it. Watch your drinksMore frequently we are hearing about drink spiking going on in bars and clubs, so make sure you watch your drink being poured, don't accept drinks from strangers, and don't leave your drink unattended. And remember Drinking alcohol is your choice, and if you don't want to drink no one can make you! (Click here to see our section on peer pressure) If you do decide to drink, you can choose to make it a good experience or a bad one. Sometimes, less is more. Have a few, feel good, but not out of control. Listen to your body and think about your own limit - and tomorrow morning! |
What to do in an emergency
If someone drinks too much or has a bad reaction while drinking or taking drugs, it is very important they receive medical help as soon as possible. Quick responses can save lives...If you are in this situation:
If you have questions about drinking - your own or someone else's - please call 0800-787-797 The Alcohol Helpline - it's free. |
Ecstacy
|
Ecstasy is the name given to a range of drugs that are similar in structure to MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine). It has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties - in other words it can rev you up and distort your perceptions and senses.
Ecstasy is also known as 'E', 'XTC', 'Eccy', 'Pills', 'Lollies' and 'the love drug'. What's in it? Ecstasy is illegal, and its ingredients are often hard to get - this means that manufacturers may put other substances (such as chalk or caffeine) into the drug when they're making it. There is the chance that when you buy Ecstasy it will contain little or no MDMA or MDA (Methylenedioxyamphetamine) which has a similar effect to MDMA. On rare occasions, dangerous chemicals, such as rat poison have also been found in samples of Ecstasy. What this means is there are no guarantees about the strength or effect of Ecstasy. If you do choose to take, it, take a small sample first to check out its effects - even regular users can be caught out. If you do that, you lessen the risk of having a bad reaction to the drug. PLEASE NOTE: According to the latest drug lab studies in New Zealand – there are no “Ecstasy” pills actually in the country –although you may be told it is, its generally either Methodrone, partypills or a range of other toxic chemicals and fillers. What is Ecstasy and what are its effects?The effects of any drug (including Ecstasy) can vary from person to person. It depends on many factors including a person's size, weight and health, how much and the way the drug is taken, whether the person is used to taking it and how they are feeling at the time. It also depends on the person's environment and whether or not they have taken other drugs. Because Ecstasy is commonly taken prior to, or during, dance parties, the stimulant effects are likely to increase. What that means is that people taking Ecstasy may dance more energetically and for longer than usual, which may increase some of the drug's more negative and possibly dangerous effects (such as dehydration). People who take Ecstasy who have hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, liver problems, epilepsy, or a history of mental illness or panic attacks are at greater risk of physical and psychological harm. Immediate Effects:
Immediately after taking the drug. This is when the Ecstasy 'kicks in'. It can feel strange - a sort of mix between smooth, bumpy and jittery. The plateau: About an hour after taking the drug, lasting anywhere from two to five hours. The feelings are usually good, happy and relaxed. Coming down: The final stages. People may feel physically exhausted, tense, depressed, cold, anxious, paranoid and irritable. The come down usually passes after sleep (which might take a while to come), but may return in a couple of days. In Greater Quantities: Higher quantities of Ecstasy don't appear to enhance the desirable effects, but they can bring about some nasty side effects including:
|
No drug is ever 100% safe for all people in all situations, and some people who have taken Ecstasy have died. It is thought that Ecstasy can directly cause death in three ways:
Long-term Effects There isn't much conclusive information about the long-term effects of Ecstasy use. However, some research indicates that mood and memory functions may be damaged by Ecstasy, which could, in turn, lead to depression and anxiety. Dependence:There is pretty solid evidence that people can become psychologically dependent on Ecstasy - it can be very difficult for them to stop or decrease their use. However, there is no conclusive evidence to show whether or not people can become physically dependent on Ecstasy. Steps to Avoid These ProblemsIt is recommended that people using Ecstasy at dance parties sip water regularly, rather than drinking it all at once. People who are dancing should drink around 500ml an hour, people who aren't should drink about 250ml an hour. Wearing light, loose clothing and taking regular rests from dancing (15 minutes after every hour of dancing) helps to reduce the risk of overheating. In these regular breaks, people should check to see that their body has cooled down, and that their breathing and heart rate are back to normal. Warning signsWarning Signs of Overheating and Dehydrating
If these symptoms start then:
Ecstasy and other drugsEven if you aren't mixing your drugs (that is, even if you are only taking Ecstasy and nothing else at the time) it may have been mixed before you've even got your hands on it. Manufacturers can easily mix other drugs into the Ecstasy. The consequences of mixing Ecstasy with other substances are often unpredictable. Combining Ecstasy with amphetamines increases heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety. Taking Ecstasy with other hallucinogens (such as LSD) can result in a person experiencing severe mental disturbances. Taking Ecstasy while using some antidepressant medications can result in an extreme adverse reaction. Overall, the health risks increase when mixing Ecstasy with other drugs, including alcohol, especially when large quantities are taken. Where can I get help?Youth health centres are a good place to go for help. If you don't have one in your area, talk to an adult you trust, such as your parents, your doctor, Kaumatua or Kuia, a school counsellor or a youth worker. You can also get help from an Alcohol and Drug Service (they're listed in the phone book) or ring the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797. Youthline is also always here to talk and help you through whatever you are going through. You can contact us on: Free Phone 0800 37 66 33 Free TXT 234 Email talk@youthline.co.nz |