Transcript street narcotics

STREET NARCOTICS
MPO Rudy Zimmerman
[email protected]
703-556-7750x5036
INTRODUCTION
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The problem related to drug abuse is
not new to us
Many scientific studies have been
conducted in the hope of finding a
solution
The age of the average drug user
continues to decrease
WHY IS DRUG USE GROWING?
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Drugs are more available today
There is more money in our affluent society
Less parental control over children
The increasing number of educated and
influential individuals who insist that drugs
like marijuana and cocaine are less of a
problem than alcohol or tobacco (Woody
Harrelson)
Many take the position that drug abuse is a
“victimless” crime
THE COST OF DRUG ABUSE
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The average person feels that drug abuse is
not his/her problem
The annual cost to the taxpayer is in the
billions of dollars
A heroin addict may spend between $50 and
$200 a day to support the habit often
leading to a life of crime
Addicts steal millions of dollars worth of
merchandise each year and may receive less
than a quarter on the dollar for these items
CURRENT TRENDS
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Various “Designer Drugs” like GHB,
Ecstasy (MDMA), and Rohypnal (Date
Rape Drug) have recently become very
popular with teenagers and young
adults.
What Is a Narcotic?
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A narcotic, in its medical meaning,
refers to opium and its derivatives
(morphine, heroin, and codeine) or
synthetic substitutes. A narcotic is a
substance the relieves pain, cause a
physical dependence, and causes
withdrawal symptoms.
What Is a Drug?
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A drug is defined in New Webster’s
Medical Dictionary as “a medical
substance for internal or external use
given for the purpose of treatment or
prevention of disease or for diagnosis.”
What Is Tolerance?
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Tolerance is defined as the capacity to
endure or resist the action of the drug.
A person develops tolerance to a drug
when he requires larger amounts of the
drug to produce the same effects.
What Is Addiction?
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Addiction is the physical and / or
psychological dependence upon a drug
resulting from continuous or periodic
use.
Drug Sampling
From Police Magazine, 10-95
The 20 Most Frequently Abused Drugs Are:
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Cocaine
Heroin
Marijuana
* Alprazolam (Xanax)
* Diazepam (Valium)
* Lorazepam (Ativan)
* Clonazepam (Clonopin)
Methamphetamine
* Codeine
* Benzodiazepine
 * D-propoxypheine
 PCP
 * Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
 Amphetamine
 * Temazepam (Restoril)
 * Oxycodone
 LSD
 * Chlordiazepoxide
 * Methadone
* Indicates Prescription Drugs
Drug Slang Terms
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Amped - High on stimulants, usually amphetamines
Bad Trip - Bad experience from the effects of LSD
Baggy - A quantity of marijuana in a plastic type bag
Base - free basing or smoking cocaine
Connection - A source to purchase drugs
Cut - to dilute a narcotic with some other substance
Dealer - Someone who sells drugs
Dime Bag - $10 worth of drugs(usually heroin or marijuana)
Drop - To swallow drugs
Eight Ball - Method of packaging, 1/8 ounce quanity, related to
cocaine
Fix - To inject narcotics
Flashback - reoccurring experience from the effects of LSD
Free Base - To smoke cocaine
Hit - Taking a drag from a marijuana cigarette or a dose of LSD
Keister Plant - Drugs which are hidden in the rectum
Drug Slang Terms
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Loaded - Being high, under the influence of drugs
Mainline - To inject drugs directly into the vein
Mule - A person who transport drugs
Outfit - Narcotic injection kit
Pusher - One who sells drugs
Rock House - A residence used to sell drugs, usually cocaine
Rolling- Under the influence of Ecstasy
Score - To purchase drugs
Shoot Up - To inject drugs
Speed Freak - a chronic user of methamphetamines
Stash - Personal drug supply
Trip - Being under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug
Wasted - Being under the influence of drugs
WHAT’S ON CAMPUS
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ALCOHOL
MARIJUANA
ACID
COKE
METH
HEROIN
INHALANTS
GATEWAY DRUGS
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ALCOHOL
TOBACCO
MARIJUANA
ECSTASY
ALCOHOL
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BEER
WINE
HARD ALCOHOL
TOBACCO
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CIGARETTES
CIGARS
CHEWING TOBACCO
DIP
MARIJUANA
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GRASS
WEED
BOMB BUD
GANJA
BUD
BLUNT
MARIJUANA
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Marijuana is commonly referred to the as a
cannabis sativa L plant.
Marijuana plant possessing green leaves with
separated leaflets in an odd number, usually
7 to 9.
The potency of marijuana is determined by
the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
THC is used in medical research to control
nausea and vomiting caused by
chemotherapy treatments.
MARIJUANA PARAPHERNALIA
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PIPES
ZIG - ZAGS
ROACH CLIPS
BONGS
MARIJUANA STASH BOXES
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FILM CONTAINERS
CASSETTE TAPE
CONTAINERS
COMPACTS
SODA CANS
ANYTHING WITH A
FALSE BOTTOM
HASHISH
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Hashish is the prepared from the resin
from the potent flowers of the cannabis
plant.
The resin is dried, the result being a
form of the drug that is much stronger
than marijuana.
HASHISH APPEARANCE
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DARK
BRITTLE OR,
GUMMY
SUBSTANCE
HASH PARAPHERNALIA
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BONGS
ROACH CLIPS
HOME MADE PIPES
EFFECTS OF CANNABIS
(MARIJUANA) ABUSE
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Accelerated pulse
Dizziness and disoriented behavior
Whites of the eyes reddened or bloodshot
Puffiness developing under the eyes
Yellowish coating on the tongue, fingers and
finger nails
Increase appetite
Relaxed inhibitions
STIMULANTS
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These drugs stimulate the body
processes, and work directly on the
central nervous system.
They have the opposite effects as a
narcotic or depressant drug
Their medical uses include: treatment
of depression, warding off fatigue, and
controlling weight.
AMPHETAMINES
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SPEED
UPPERS
PEP PILLS
DEXEDRINE
BLACK BEAUTIES
HEARTS
AMPHETAMINES DEFINED:
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With the exception of cocaine, most of the
abused stimulant drugs are either
amphetamines or closely related to the
amphetamines chemically.
Usually prescribed for hyperkinesis,
narcolepsy, and weight control.
Methamphetamine “speed” is the most
potent form of the drug
Most of the illicit methamphetamines are
manufactured in clandestine labs
AMPHETAMINE APPEARANCE
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Are found in tablet, capsule, and
powder form
Tablets and capsules come in various
colors, sizes, and shapes, depending on
the chemical composition
Primarily found in powder form, which
is crystalline, white or beige in color
AMPHETAMINE USE AND
PACKAGING
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Tablets and capsules are normally
swallowed
Is soluble in water and can be injected,
or inhaled like cocaine
Packaged in plastic baggies, wrapped
in foil, paper bindles
Street price is $1-$2 for an individual
tablet / capsule
AMPHETAMINE EFFECTS
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All amphetamines tend to excite the
user and induce restlessness,
talkativeness, trembling, dilated pupils,
insomnia, and loss of appetite
General level of intoxication lasts 6-8
hours, depending on the amount of
drug taken
METHAMPHETAMINES
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CRYSTAL
CRYSTALMETH
SPEED
METHADRINE
CRANK
METH
COCAINE
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COKE
BLOW
WHITE
SNOW
SNORT
FLAKE
NOSE CANDY
CANE
COCAINE
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Cocaine is the principal active ingredient of
the South American coca plant
It is the strongest stimulant drug of natural
origin
It is used medically as a local anesthetic
The leaves of the coca plant are chewed by
South American Indians to aid them in
enduring the hardships of the climate and
environment of the high mountains
COCAINE APPEARANCE
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Cocaine sold on the street is primarily in the
form of a white crystalline powder, resembling
Epson salts or snowflakes
“Freebase” or “rock” cocaine, also a white
crystalline substance
Cocaine is cut or diluted for street sales much
like heroin. The street purity is much higher,
usually 25% to 30%.
The cutting agents for cocaine also vary,
including such materials as mannitol(a baby
laxative), procaine,lidocaine, or inositol (a food
supplement)
ROCK OR CRACK COCAINE
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CRACK
ROCK
HUBBA
COCAINE USE
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Cocaine is taken most
commonly by sniffing it
up the nose
For heightened effect, it is
sometimes injected, or
mixed with heroin and
injected (referred to as a
“speed ball”)
Cocaine can also be
smoked (referred to as
“Free basing”)
COCAINE PACKAGING
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In small folded paper bindles, in quantities of
between one quarter gram and one quarter
of an ounce.(Approximately 28 grams in
ounce)
Depending on purity, it sells for $80-$120
per gram
Free based cocaine sells on the street for
$25 for a rock the size of a pea and $50 for
a rock size of a pinto bean
COCAINE PACKAGING
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PLASTIC BAGS
GLASS VIALS
SMALL
CELLOPHANE OR
PAPER PACKETS
BINDLES
COCAINE PARAPHERNALIA
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MIRRORS
OTHER NONPOROUS SURFACE
RAZOR BLADES
STRAWS
ROLLED MONEY
COKE SPOONS
CRACK PARAPHERNALIA
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GLASS PIPES (BASE
PIPES)
HOMEMADE PIPES
PLASTIC BAGS
GLASS VIALS
COCAINE EFFECTS
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Cocaine produces an intense euphoria, with
increased heartbeat, blood pressure, and body
temperature
Eyes will normally be dilated (or enlarged) while
under the influence
Cocaine has anesthetic qualities, so the user
may feel no pain
Inhalation of cocaine causes damage to the
septum of the nose
Cocaine duration of effects last from 10 minutes
to 3 to 4 hours
BARBITURATES
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DOWNERS
BARBS
RED DEVILS
BLUE DEVILS
YELLOWS
BARBITURATES APPEARANCE
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Are found in tablet form, in variety of
colors and often scored on one side to
permit the tablet to be easily broken
Four common barbiturate compounds
are: Seconal, Tuinal, Nembutal, Amytal
BARBITURATE USE
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The capsules and tablets are usually
swallowed, however, some users will
inject the drug in order to speed up the
effects
Due to various ingredients in the drug
when injected, it may cause small
bumps under the skin at the injection
site
BARBITURATE PACKAGING
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These drugs are usually found in plastic
baggies or wrapped in foil
They can be obtained from a dealer for
$3 and $5 per tablet or capsule
The retail price by prescription from a
pharmacy is approximately 20 cents
per tablet or capsule
BARBITURATE EFFECTS
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Drowsiness
Staggered gait
Impaired coordination
Slowed reflexes
Flushed face
Thick and slurred speech
Nystagmus- the involuntary oscillation, or
bouncing of the eyeball. NOTE: nystagmus
can be present in non-drug cases, such as
nervous disorder
OPIATES
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HEROIN
CODEINE
PERCODAN
VICODIN
DEMEROL
DARVON
METHADONE
HEROIN INTRODUCTION
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Heroin is obtained from morphine. The
result is a substance 10 times stronger
than morphine
Due to its addictive properties, its use
is completely illegal, even for medical
use
In California, a majority of heroin is
smuggled up from Mexico
HEROIN
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SMACK
HORSE
JUNK
MEXICAN BROWN
CHINA WHITE
“H”
HEROIN APPEARANCE
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Pure heroin is a white powder with a
bitter taste
Illicit heroin may vary in color from white
to dark brown
The drug sold on the street may only
contain 2-5% pure heroin with the
remaining substance being one or more
cutting agents
Usually sold in a rock or gummy
substance form
METHOD OF USE
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Is normally injected directly into an
exposed vein, or inhaled, or smoked
Injection method: a small amount of
heroin, usually one tenth to one
quarter gram, is placed in a spoon then
heated until the powder dissolves. A
small amount of cotton is placed in the
spoon to act as a filter to prevent
clogging
METHOD OF PACKAGING
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Most common container for carrying and
selling heroin is in a very small toy balloons
In larger quantities, typically an ounce or
more, it may be placed in plastic baggies,
condoms, or paper bindles
Toy balloons normally contain one tenth of
a gram of heroin, referred to as “dime
bags”, a $10 balloon
A purer form now available on the street is
called “black tar” and is packaged in tin foil
HALLUCINOGENS
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LSD
PCP
DESIGNER DRUGS
LYSERGIC, ACID
DIETHYLAMIDE (LSD)
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ACID
WINDOWPANE
“L”
MICRODOTS
SUNSHINE
PAPER ACID
BLOTTER ACID
LSD INTRODUCTION
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It is made from the fungus that grows on
certain grains, such as rye
Can be produced synthetically in the lab
It is so strong that a single dose is almost
invisible to the naked eye
It is measured in micrograms (1 microgram
equals 1,000,000th of a gram)
The average dose of LSD sold on the street
is only 30 to 50 micrograms
LSD APPEARANCE
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LSD in its pure form is an odorless, tasteless,
and colorless crystal
It can not be identified, except by chemical
analysis
LSD can be mixed with, or put on, almost
anything which can be swallowed such as
sugar cubes, tablets, mixed with gelatins, or
placed on paper
Most commonly seen on blotter paper the
size of a postage stamp.
METHOD OF USE
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LSD is normally sold in individual
doses, for between $3 and $5 each
LSD are sometimes wrapped in foil or
packages in plastic baggies for sale on
the street
“Hits” are commonly placed under the
tongue and then swallowed
EFFECTS OF LSD ABUSE
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Full effects of LSD are felt 45 to 60 minutes
after ingestion and last 8 to 12 hours
Dilated eyes
Raised or lowered body temperature and or
blood pressure
The psychological effects, commonly called a
“trip”. The user may experience changes in
visual perceptions and my cause a “bad trip”
or “good trip” depending on the users
attitude at the time of ingestion
PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP)
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ANGEL DUST
DUST
PEACE PILLS
ROCKET FUEL
CANNABINOL
SHERMS
DOA
ZOMBIE
INTRODUCTION TO PCP
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PCP has many of the hallucinogenic effects,
but also exhibits some of the effects of
depressants and stimulants drugs
PCP has no medical prescribe medical use
PCP was originally developed as a general
anesthetic to be used during surgery and as
a veterinary tranquilizer
PCP was banned in 1965 for human and
animal use
APPEARANCE
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May also be seen on the
street in tablet, powder, or
liquid
In its pure form, PCP is a
white crystalline powder
that rapidly dissolves in
water or an amber liquid
Most PCP seen on the
street contain
contaminates, so the color
may be yellow to light
brown
Ether is used in the
manufacture of PCP,
therefore its odor is
normally present for easy
identification
METHOD OF USE
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Powder is inhaled
The “Angel Dust” is smoked in very thin
hand rolled cigarettes like marijuana
In liquid form, it is placed on
commercial cigarettes known as Super
Kools
METHOD OF PACKAGING
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Packaged in paper bindles or small
plastic baggies
In liquid form, it is placed in glass
containers, commonly baby food jars
Current street price for a Super Kool is
approximately $20
EFFECTS OF PCP ABUSE
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Aggressive and extremely violent behavior
Irregular muscle functioning and muscle
rigidity
Drowsiness
Hallucinations
High blood pressure
Paranoia and psychosis
Confusion, convulsions, and coma
COMMON INHALANTS
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AMYL NITRATE
BUTYL NITRATE
TOLUENE
PAINT THINNER
GASOLINE
PAINT
AEROSOLS
INHALANTS
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GLUE
RUSH
LAUGHING GAS
POPPERS
SNAPPERS
KICK
INHALANTS
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The fumes from these volatile substances,
when inhaled for any extended length of
time, will produce intoxication, excitement,
and exhilaration.
Substances containing toluene, such as
airplane glues, have always been popular
with abusers
Typing correction fluids, are now prevalent
with students in the elementary and high
schools because it can be inhaled without
drawing attention to oneself
METHOD OF USE
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Most popular method of inhaling these
gases is to saturate the inside of a
paper or plastic bag, handkerchief,
towel, or sock so the fumes can be
contained at a concentrated level
The open end of the bag is then held
to the nose, and the fumes are inhaled
with deep breaths
What Sniffing Does To The
Brain
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A. BRAIN The chemicals abused by inhalant
users affect different parts of the brain,
producing a variety of sensory and
psychological disorders. Many inhalants are
thought to dissolve the protective myelin
sheath that surrounds neurons - brain cells resulting in cell death (see brain diagram).
B. CEREBRAL CORTEX Cellular death here
causes permanent personality changes,
memory impairment, hallucinations and
learning disabilities.
C. CEREBELLUM This is the center that
controls balance and coordination. Inhalantrelated damage results in loss of coordination
and slurred speech. Chronic abusers
experience tremors and uncontrollable
shaking.
D. OPHTHALMIC NERVE Toluene may
affect this nerve causing sight disorders.
Damage to the Body
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A. BLOOD Some substances like nitrites and
methylene chloride (paint thinner) chemically
block the oxygen carrying capacity of the
blood.
B. LUNGS Repeated use of spray paint as an
inhalant can cause lung damage.
C. HEART Abuse of inhalants can result in
"sudden sniffing death syndrome." This
is due to a sudden and unexpected
disturbance of the heart's rhythm. All
inhalants can produce sudden sniffing death
syndrome.
D. LIVER Halogenated compounds like
trichloroethylene (a component of aerosol
paints and correction fluid) have been linked
to damage of this organ.
E. KIDNEY Inhalants containing toluene
impair the kidney's ability to control the
amount of acid in the blood. This is
reversible when toluene leaves the body but,
in the long-term, kidney stones may develop.
SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE
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Inhalant abusers may appear to be drunk
Poor coordination
Slurred speech
Odor of the substance on the breath
Excess nasal secretion and reddening the
nasal passage
Watering eyes
Sneezing and coughing
Club Drugs
GHB
 Special K
 Rohypnol
 MDMA
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MDMA
(Methylenedioxymethanphetamine)
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Ecstacy
XTC
X
Adam
Clarity
Lover’s Speed
Roll
What is Ecstasy?
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Ecstasy is one of the most dangerous drugs threatening
young people today.
Called MDMA (3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
by scientists
it is a synthetic chemical that can be derived from an
essential oil of the sassafras tree.
MDMA is also one of the easiest illegal drugs to obtain.
Its effects are similar to those of amphetamines and
hallucinogens.
Distributed almost anywhere, it has become very popular
at social events like raves, hip hop parties, concerts, etc.
frequented by both adults and youth.
Facts
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Ecstasy can be detected up to four days in
the urine.
11.7% of high school seniors surveyed in
2001 reported that they had used MDMA at
least one time during their lives
23.8% of 8th graders, 41.4% of 10th graders,
and 61.5% of 12th graders surveyed in 2001
reported that MDMA was "fairly easy" or
"very easy" to obtain
Legal or Not?
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First developed as an appetite suppressant
in 1914
MDMA was used as a psychotherapeutic tool
Became available on the street In the late
‘70s and early ‘80s.
It wasn’t until 1985 that Ecstasy was made
illegal.
It is classified as a “Schedule 1” controlled
substance along with other narcotics like
heroin, cocaine, and LSD.
Dangerous Impurities
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One reason Ecstasy can be especially dangerous is
the lack of content control.
Ingredients are hard to get and manufacturers of the
drug often use substitutes, mixing other harmful
additives with the already dangerous mix.
This practice is so common that “drug test kits” are
often sold with the drug so users can test for purity.
Because of the uncertainties about the drug
sources, pharmacological agents, chemicals used to
manufacture them, and possible contaminants, it is
difficult to measure the toxicity, consequences and
symptoms that might be expected.
How is it Used?
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Ecstasy is usually taken in pill form and
swallowed
It can also be injected.
Some users have been known to crush
and snort the resulting powder.
Others insert the pill into the anus
where it is absorbed. This process is
known as “shafting.”
How Does It Affect You?
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Ecstasy is similar (in nature) to other amphetamines and
hallucinogens.
It speeds up the nervous system and acts as a mood
enhancer.
Also referred to as “the love drug”, Ecstasy often makes the
user feel good, happy and relaxed - at least at first.
Contrary to rumors, Ecstasy is not an aphrodisiac and can
actually inhibit sexual performance.
The taking of any drug affects people differently. Depending
on size, weight, health, dosage and other drugs being used,
the reaction can be mild or very severe.
Anyone suffering from hypertension, heart disease, diabetes,
epilepsy, mental illness or panic should avoid taking Ecstasy.
Common Side Effects
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The following effects start within 20 minutes of
taking E and can last for 4 - 6 hours or longer:
Increased heart rate
Increased body temperature
Increased blood pressure
Increased confidence
Nausea
Anxiety
Feelings of well-being (happiness, love)
Sweating
Loss of appetite
Other Reported Effects
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Taking higher doses of MDMA will not
increase the good feelings
In fact higher dosages can cause
convulsions, irrational behavior, and
hallucinations.
Users have reported having problems with
insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, concentration
and depression after taking the drug.
Duration of Effects


An Ecstasy high can last from six to 24
hours but usually averages three to
four hours.
Some reactions have been reported to
persist from one to 14 days after use.
Short Term Effects


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Short-term effects include psychological
difficulties (confusion, depression, sleep
problems, craving, severe anxiety, and
paranoia).
These effects occur during use and can
continue even weeks after use.
Physical problems that can occur are muscle
tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea,
blurred vision, rapid eye movement, fever,
chills or sweating.
Long Term Effects


Recent findings connect use of Ecstasy
to memory loss.
Use of Ecstasy depletes serotonin, a
very important chemical in the brain
which regulates mood, sleeping and
eating habits, as well as, the thinking
and behavior process, sexual function,
and sensitivity to pain.
GHB
( Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate)
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Grievous Bodily
Harm
G
Liquid Ecstacy
Georgia Home Boy
Gamma-OH
BASIC FACTS ABOUT GHB


GHB, or Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate, is a
central nervous system depressant.
Very small amounts of GHB are found
in the human body, GHB is often billed
as a "natural" supplement, or as an
anabolic steroid that helps build muscle
mass (this claim was never proven).
How is GHB taken?


GHB can be produced as a clear liquid
(which has a salty taste but no smell), a
white powder, or a tablet or capsule.
It is most commonly used as a liquid which is packaged in a small, clear,
plastic bottle - and taken orally by the
capful, but powder use is on the rise
(which is typically dissolved into a
beverage).
Effects of GHB Short Term



GHB takes effect within 10-20 minutes, but
don't peak for almost an hour. The effects
can last from 4-24 hours.
The feeling the user gets from the drug are
similar to alcohol intoxication (the user feels
relaxed, sociable, affectionate and playful,
and dis-inhibited), followed by a feeling of
drowsiness.
Higher doses can lead to a sleep from which
the user cannot be woken.
Special Issues Surrounding GHB
GHB has a reputation as date rape drugs, as they are being used to sexually assault
women and men.



How it happens:
The drugs are easily slipped into someone's drink
(GHB is usually a liquid) and the person becomes
either very open to suggestion and physically weak,
or passes out entirely, leaving them vulnerable to
the person who spiked their drink.
It's important never to accept a drink from someone
that has already been opened, or to leave your drink
unattended - even if it is just a soda or water.
Overdose:

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
GHB presents a serious overdose threat.
Since GHB is a depressant drug, it can be fatal when
mixed with alcohol.
With GHB, another problem is the fact that it takes a
while for the peak effects of the drug to take effect people often take another dose thinking they haven't
taken enough (and GHB can be fatal on it's own).
GHB is also tricky because it is manufactured by
individuals, and the strength can vary from batch to
batch.
Symptoms of overdose can include intense drowsiness,
unconsciousness, or coma, muscle spasms,
disorientation, vomiting, and slowed or stopped breathing
(fatalities usually occur from respiratory failure).
Long Term Effects


GHB - Right now, the long-term effects
of GHB use are not known.
However, since it is made from
industrial chemicals, there is a risk
of severe burns to the mouth, throat,
and stomach from GHB that has been
improperly produced.
Rohypnol
(Flunitrazepam)

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
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


Roofies
Roachies
Rophies
Roofenol
roche (pronounced
roe-shay)
La Rocha
Rope
R-2
Mexican valium
Forget Pill
What is Rohypnol?




Rohypnol is the brand name for
flunitrazepam
It is a central nervous system depressant.
It is in the same drug family as Valium,
Halcyon, and Xanax, but is ten times as
strong.
Rohypnol is produced by Hoffman-LaRoche,
Inc. in both Europe and Latin America as a
sleep aid, but it is illegal in the United States.
How is Rohypnol taken?




Rohypnol comes as a pill, in 1 and 2
milligram doses
Taken orally, or dissolved in a liquid.
The tablets are white and have a line across
one side, and a number "1" or "2" inside a
circle with the name "Roche" above it on the
other.
It is frequently used in combination with
alcohol, and sometimes with other drugs
such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin (to
either accentuate or help the user come
down from the typical high of these drugs).
Special Issues Surrounding
Rohypnol


Rohypnol is even more disturbing, because it
causes people to black out - they have no memory
the next day of what has happened to them.
It's important never to accept a drink from someone
that has already been opened, or to leave your drink
unattended - even if it is just a soda or
water. Hoffman-LaRoche has begun to take steps
against this (but remember, any US use is illegal) by
producing Rohypnol that turns a clear beverage blue
(or a dark beverage cloudy), but the former version
is still widely available and still an issue.
Overdose




Rohypnol presents a serious overdose threat.
Since rohypnol is a depressant drug
Can be fatal when mixed with alcohol (although an
overdose of Rohypnol, on it's own, is not generally
fatal).
Symptoms of overdose can include intense
drowsiness, unconsciousness, or coma, muscle
spasms, disorientation, vomiting, and slowed or
stopped breathing (fatalities usualy occir from
respiratory failure).
Long-Term Effects



Is both physically and psychologically
addictive.
Withdrawal symptoms peak 3-5 days
after last use, and include extreme
anxiety, muscle pain, headache,
hallucinations, and seizures.
Some withdrawal symptoms,
including cardiovascular collapse,
can be fatal.
Ketamine
WHAT IS KETAMINE?



Ketamine hydrochloride ("Special K" or "K") was
originally created for use as a human anaesthetic,
and is still used as a general anaesthetic for
children, persons of poor health, and in veterinary
medicine.
Ketamine belongs to a class of drugs called
"dissociative anaesthetics," which separate
perception from sensation. Other drugs in this
category include PCP, DXM and nitrous oxide
(laughing gas).
Ketamine usually comes as a liquid in small
pharmaceutical bottles, and is most often cooked
into a white powder for snorting.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?




At lower doses it has a mild, dreamy feeling similar to nitrous
oxide. Users report feeling floaty and slightly outside their
body. Numbness in the extremities is also common.
Higher doses produce a hallucinogenic (trippy) effect, and may
cause the user to feel very far away from their body.
This experience is often referred to as entering a "K-hole" and
has been compared to a near death experience with
sensations of rising above one's body. Many users find the
experience spiritually significant , while others find it
frightening.
While in a K-hole it is very difficult to move. People usually
remain seated or lying down during the experience.
WHAT IS THE DOSAGE?


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Most people snort small lines or "bumps" for a mild, dreamy
effect. The effect comes on within about 5 to 10 minutes.
100mg is usually enough to enter a K-hole.
If liquid is injected into the muscle, less is needed to enter a
K-hole. Effects can be felt within four minutes. (Ketamine is
never injected into the vein).
If swallowed, the effects come on in 10 - 20 minutes.
Some people become nauseous after taking ketamine.
Occasionally ketamine has been sold in a capsule as "Ecstasy,"
although it is nothing like MDMA (real ecstasy). An ecstasy
testing kit can be used to screen against fake ecstasy tablets.
BE CAREFUL.




While low doses of Ketamine can increase heart-rate, at higher
doses it depresses consciousness and breathing and is
extremely dangerous to combine with downers like alcohol,
Valium or GHB.
Frequent use can cause disruptions in consciousness and lead
to neuroses or other mental disorders.
Ketamine can cause a tremendous psychological dependence.
The dissociation from one's consciousness experienced with
ketamine can be highly seductive to some people, and there
are many cases of ketamine addiction.
Ketamine is illegal and possession can result in long prison
terms.