Anti Social Behaviour, distraction burglay, street crime

domestic violence, domestic burglary, drug and alcohol abuse

Young People and Drugs - Part 3

Drugs Identification - continued

Cocaine and Crack

Cocaine is a drug made from the coca plant.
It is a stimulant, like amphetamine, though much shorter acting.
It produces sensations of alertness, confidence and well-being.

How is it used?

Cocaine hydrochloride is a white powder that can be sniffed or injected.
Crack cocaine is cocaine hydrochloride that has been chemically altered to form crystals that can be smoked.
Sniffing is the safest method of using cocaine, although it can damage the nose.
Smoking crack is more dangerous than sniffing. It can produce extremely compulsive behaviour and can damage the lungs.
Injecting cocaine is also very risky. The dose reaches the brain almost immediately, increasing the possibility of overdose or seizure.
Repeated injections damage the veins, leading to thrombosis and abscesses.
Sharing syringes can cause hepatitis and HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS.

What are the drawbacks?

Cocaine and crack are very short acting.
Both produce tolerance - users need to keep taking larger amounts to get the same effect.
High doses can cause overdose.
Continued use can lead to paranoia, hallucinations and psychosis.
Cocaine and crack are against the law

Possessing crack or cocaine is punishable by up to seven years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Supplying crack or cocaine is punishable by up to life imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Cocaine can be detected in the urine for up to three days.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy is a member of a family of drugs that include amphetamine.
It produces a relaxed euphoric state without hallucinations.
How is it used?

It is almost always swallowed as a tablet or capsule.
Ecstasy is not addictive. However, the drug can take on great importance in people's lives.
The drug takes effect 20 to 40 minutes after taking a tablet with little rushes of exhilaration which can be accompanied by nausea. The effects of ecstasy subside after 3- 4 hours.

What are the drawbacks?

Very little is known about the long-term effects of taking ecstasy.
The comedown from ecstasy can leave users feeling tired and depressed, often for days.
Use has been linked to liver and kidney problems.
There have been more than 60 ecstasy-related deaths in the UK.
Anybody who suffers from hypertension or heart problems, epilepsy, asthma or who is pregnant or using anti-depressants should not take ecstasy.
Ecstasy is against the law

The maximum sentence for possession is seven years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
The maximum sentence for supplying is life imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Ecstasy can be detected in the urine for about 2-4 days.

Young People and Drugs - Part 4