The Club Drugs
The drug scene is changing. Whereas in Northwestern Ontario, alcohol and marijuana have always been the primary drugs used, the "new" drugs are making their presence known.

Club Drugs are primarily used by teens and young adults (although other people do use them). They are usually used in bars and at parties. They became popular along with raves (all night parties) where party goers were looking for ways to maintain their energy and stamina so that they could party all night. The more popular ones are:

MDMA ( Methylenedioxymethamphetamine; also known as Ecstasy, XTC, Adam, Clarity , etc. ) is a CNS ( central nervous system) stimulant which is usually taken in pill form but also can be snorted, injected or taken as a suppository. Shortly after taking it, the person begins to feel an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Their sweating increases, their jaw may become tight, their appetite decreases and they may begin to have a tremor ( involuntary shaking). Its stimulant and hallucinogenic effects can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Its other effects including headache, depression, confusion, sleep problems, anxiety and paranoia can last for several weeks; thus often compelling the user to use again to help them cope with how bad they feel after the drug has worn off. Unintended, but common, effects include heart attack, stroke, seizures and cardiovascular problems and death. Long term users experience memory problems, thinking problems and difficulty feeling pleasure.

GHB (Gamma-Hydroybutyrate; also known as G, Liquid ecstasy, etc.) GHB is a depressant which acts on your central nervous system. The effects are felt within 20 minutes and can last up to four hours. In low doses, it is frequently used by body builders. In higher doses, it is used by those at parties. It slows your heart rate and breathing and as a result, some people using the drug have experienced sexual or other assault and have been unable to defend themselves. In some cases, death has resulted.

Ketamine ( Special K, Vitamin K) usually appears as a liquid or as a white powder. At Low doses, it reduces your ability to pay attention and the ability to learn and remember. At high doses, delirium, amnesia, depression, high blood pressure and respiratory failure have been reported. It is important that its accepted use in as a veterinary tranquillizer - most often used in slaughterhouses to tranquillize the cattle.

Rohypnol ( Roofies, Roche, Forget me pill) is tasteless, odorless and dissolves easily. It is commonly referred to as the date rape drug for this reason. The drug produces its effect in 20 to 30 minutes and can last for several hours. Once taken, the user experiences decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and problems with their vision and amnesia. People seldom take this drug intentionally- it is usually slipped into your drink by someone who plans to take advantage of you or cause you harm.

Methamphetamine (Speed, Ice, Meth, Crank, Crystal, etc.) is a CNS stimulant. It can be smoked, snorted, injected or taken by swallowing. It is white and bitter tasting and can easily be dissolved. Symptoms include decreased appetite, agitation, and an increase in talking, volume of talking and physical activity. It can also result in memory loss, aggressive and violent behavior, psychotic behavior and can result in neurological damage.

As with most drug use, individuals firmly believe that it will not happen to them; they will not become addicted and it won't be fatal. Statistics show otherwise. Before you use, decide if the risk to your health, freedom or life is really worth a 10 minute high.


Gaining popularity
The drug scene is changing. Whereas in Northwestern Ontario, alcohol and marijuana have always been the primary drugs used, the new drugs are making their presence known.

Cocaine is becoming more popular in our community by the day. It is commonly known as Coke, Flake, Snow, Rock , Freebase, etc. It is distributed primarily in two form: cocaine hydrochloride which is a white crystalline powder and crack which is cocaine hydrochloride that has been processed with ammonia or sodium or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water into a freebase cocaine - chips, chunks, or rocks.

Cocaine is either snorted (inhaled) or dissolved in water and injected. Crack is smoked. The desired effects which include increased energy, reduced fatigue and clarity of Short term effects include constricted peripheral blood vessels, dilated pupils, increased body temperature, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, feelings of restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. How long the effect lasts depends on how it is used. The faster it is absorbed by the system, the more intense the high and the shorter the high lasts.

The high can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes before the crash. The "high" from cocaine is short lived and the crash includes depression, sometimes quite severe, irritability and fatigue. High doses of cocaine and or prolonged use can trigger paranoia. Smoking crack often results in particularly aggressive, paranoid behavior. Prolonged cocaine snorting results in ulceration of the mucous membranes of the nose. This is usually first noticed as chronic sniffing, chronic runny nose and nose bleeds. If not addressed, surgery is required.

Because of the intense, fast high and equally intense, fast crash, cocaine is not only highly addictive but also can be fatal the very first time it is used. There have been many reports in the media of athletes having fatal heart attacks due to cocaine use.

As with most drug use, individuals firmly believe that it will not happen to them; they will not become addicted and it won't be fatal. Statistics show otherwise. Before you use, decide if the risk to your health, freedom or life is really worth a 10 minute high.