More and more students are experimenting with drugs. Whether it be for fun or as a result of peer pressure, drugs are finding their way into Universities. The problem is these drugs are dangerous to health and illegal in South Africa. Here are the five drugs found on campus.

1. Marijuana

This is the most popular of all recreational drugs commonly known as, Cannabis, Marijuana, Grass, Hemp, Weed, Pot, Hash or Dope. Derived in various forms from the Cannabis plants, Cannabis Indica or Cannabis Sativa.

The effects are fairly immediate, a slightly drunken sensation, it can be mild or strong according to the method of delivery and the strength and quantity of the dose. When taken in excess it can cause some mental confusion that is mostly temporary but can be permanent in some cases.Plenty of lives have been wrecked by marijuana; it is not a drug to be taken lightly.

To find out more about how Marijuane can effect your mind and body visit http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/infofacts/marijuana

2. Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine, known as “crack”, was created and made popular during the early 1980s. This drug causes forgetfulness, hyper activity, recklessness and loss of control by the individual. People using this drug can even commit a crime unknowingly.

The dangers of Crack on your health range are, Physical and auditory hallucination, Depression, suicidal thoughts, Seizures, Heart attacks andPsychosis and schizophrenic-like behavior and thoughts.

For more http://www.thecyn.com/cocaine-rehab/dangers-crack-addiction.html

3. Ecstasy

It was originally used as a Psycho therapeutic drug. It produces euphoria and a feeling of wellbeing, decreased levels of fear and anxiety and a physical stimulant and sensational effect in users. This drug is popular among the dance club scene. With stamps of cartoon characters on them and their cheap selling price, this stimulant drug has become a popular past time among students. Its primary effects include an increased awareness of the senses, feelings of openness, euphoria and empathy. Other side effects, such as jaw clenching and elevated pulse, are common.

The dangers of Ecstasy are high blood pressure, blurred vision, faintness, muscle cramping, confusion and Panic attacks.

To learn more about this drug go to http://www.pta.org/topic_dangers_of_ecstasy_abuse.asp

4. Cocaine

Cocaine, derived from the Coca plant, has been used in one form or another for over a thousand years. It is a powerful stimulant, appetite suppressant and anesthetic. It is mostly associated with the rich for example the late Whitney Houston used it and her life turned into shambles.

Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of cardiac arrest or seizure followed by respiratory arrest. To learn more go to http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/infofacts/cocaine

 

5. Heroin

Perhaps the most insidious of all drugs, Heroin, or Diamorphine is a derivative of Morphine. It is an extremely powerful painkiller and users experience exhilaration, euphoria and a sense of wellbeing. It can be smoked, sniffed or injected. Numerous people die from overdose or experience permanent diseases such as liver failure.

“Heroin abuse is associated with serious health conditions, including fatal overdose, spontaneous abortion, and—particularly in users who inject the drug—infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Chronic users may develop collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, and liver or kidney disease. Pulmonary complications, including various types of pneumonia, may result from the poor health of the abuser as well as from heroin’s depressing effects on respiration. In addition to the effects of the drug itself, street heroin often contains toxic contaminants or additives that can clog blood vessels leading to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain, causing permanent damage to vital organs.” –National institute on Drug Abuse

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/infofacts/heroin

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