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Illegal drugs either originate from a plant; think cocaine or heroin, or they are synthetic. This means they are man-made.

One such synthetic chemical is methamphetamine. The finished product gives a wicked high, creates an insatiable appetite for more, and leaves users wide open to some serious health, appearance and addiction issues.

Let’s see how, where and why it is made along some facts that should frighten.

Manufacturing facilities:

Quality control certificates are not a requirement for those opening meth manufacturing facilities, nor is cleanliness or a standard ‘recipe’ to follow.

It should therefore be of no surprise to you that while there are some seriously large meth ‘factories’ around, there are many more smaller hidden laboratories and basement kitchens that take it upon themselves to produce this highly profitable product.

What’s the recipe?

There is an obvious principal behind the necessary ingredients, but the standard formulation is a mix of various forms of amphetamine or derivatives and a host of other chemicals to boost potency.

The bucks you are paying for that ‘big bang’ will often include common cold remedy pills as their basis.

The ‘meth chef’ extracts ingredients from such pills, then needs a dash of this and a pinch of that to increase potency.

As your health and wellbeing is the last thing these mixologists consider they will then combine the base substance with chemicals. Not any old chemicals though, they will use such horrendous things as battery acid, antifreeze and drain cleaner.

Potentially explosive in more ways than one:

As long as you don’t think too long and hard about what is contained in the meth you are buying, what long term damage it is doing to you physically and mentally, and you disregard the extortionate price you are paying against the cost of the actual ingredients contained, then you will get a blasting lift off that gives a very pleasant high.

In many cases the meth chefs producing the finished article are already addicted. The environment they are working in and their constant use of meth means they are often mega-high, uncaringly careless and highly disoriented.

This combination leads to frequent accidents that cause injuries such as severe burns from spillage of boiling liquid and explosions due to unbalanced preparation mixes.

Toxic Waste:

Why should toxic waste concern a regular meth user?  The truth is, it depends upon how close you are to the source of production.

One pound of methamphetamine produced can create five pounds of waste. Anyone exposed to this waste material is wide open to poisoning and associated sickness.

An example of this is that if the toxic chemicals used to produce the finished product are stored in a refrigerator containing food these chemicals will permeate whatever food is present: Eat that food, invite poisoning!

Forget photographic opportunities:

The continued use and slide into meth addiction damages your physical and mental health, it also ruins your looks. A startling example of this is:

Meth Mouth:

Those kind and considered toxic ingredients used to produce meth create unwanted appearance issues for regular users in the form of severe tooth decay.

This condition is commonly referred to as “meth mouth” and is not a pretty sight. The teeth turn black, they stain indelibly and begin to rot.

When dentists realise the extent of damage caused there is often only one option; teeth removal. Many committed meth users find their teeth and gums have been totally destroyed with the roots rotted.

Why is the market flooded with meth?

This is not a difficult one to finish on. Production is relatively easy and the ingredients used are very cheap to purchase. Couple this with the highly addictive nature of meth and it is very easy to understand why the producers and dealers see this drug as an ideal profit vehicle.

Marketing is not required, word of mouth says it all. They also have little worry that regular customers will desert them. Not because their customers will simply stop meth use, it is exactly the opposite, they cannot stop use.

Taking part in the alcohol and drugs pinball ‘game’ is something not to be advised, yet countless people play on a regular basis.

We will consider 2 of the most popular alcohol and illegal drug combinations that will do those who dabble a lot more harm than good.

But first let’s explain:

What happens to your body when mixing alcohol and illegal drugs?

There are 2 reactions that need to be considered. These are mixing a depressant with a stimulant and mixing a depressant with a depressant.

Combining a depressant with a stimulant:

Many people mistakenly think that alcohol is a stimulant when in fact it is a depressant. When it is combined with a stimulant such as MDMA (Ecstasy) or cocaine this causes competition.

A depressant drug works by trying to slow down your brain and central nervous system, the stimulant reacts oppositely by trying to speed it up. These competing signals put immediate and strong pressure on your brain and the central nervous system.

Combining a depressant with a depressant:

An example here is combining alcohol with heroin which is a depressant drug. Both will work to slow down your central nervous system.

Dual consumption means you are increasing this slow down. The ultimate result of such a reaction is that the body will shut down completely.

Adding mix and uncertainty to a dangerous mix:

The manufacturing process of illegal drugs bears no consideration whatsoever to quality control. Users of ANY illegal drug should not fool themselves that the desired high they are buying into is anywhere near pure.

The whole raft of readily available street drugs are cut with a wide variety of other ingredients. Examples of this are cheaper drugs such as over the counter tranquilisers and toxic chemicals.

Mix such an unknown set of ingredients with alcohol and you are turning your body into a ‘cocktail shaker’ that can produce unknown reactions and a potentially harmful end result.

Reckless decisions:

Those who are under the individual influence of either alcohol or their drug of choice are inclined to make quick, reckless decisions.

This makes them far more susceptible when it comes to accepting and taking the other element of a dangerous duo.

Examples of this are those under the influence of alcohol will have far less concern about readily accepting a gram of coke to pick them up, while those high on ecstasy and dancing with gay abandon will not think too long or too hard about downing whatever alcohol is put in front of them.

The excessive use of either alcohol or illegal drugs is opening the door to huge potential dependency issues, a combination of both really is asking for trouble in many ways.

Cocaine and alcohol:

This is an extremely popular, but very dangerous combination. The two create a partnership that increase the chances of a heart attack, it can lead to fits, and in extreme cases sudden death.

The interaction of the two drugs can produce cocaethylene. This is a highly toxic substance that forms in your liver.

Cocaethylene is known to increase the depressive effects of alcohol which in turn makes your reaction to cocaine that much stronger. Aggression is also increased by the presence of this substance in your system.

Another very important fact is that cocaethylene stays in your system longer than alcohol and cocaine. The lingering presence of this toxic substance means you are subjecting your heart and liver to even longer and further unnecessary periods of stress.

Alcohol and MDMA (Ecstasy):

Rather than increase the high given from ecstasy there is a possibility that alcohol will actually deaden the buzz when both are present in your system. This body and brain reaction to another very popular combo really does defeat the object.

What it does not defeat, and indeed intensifies is ‘the morning after effect. Those using such a combination will find they have a mother of all hangovers when they come down.

While this may seem an ‘unjust reward’ for your efforts it could very well turn out to be a favourable one because of the possible alternative outcomes.

Both elements of this combination can dangerously dehydrate you. Ecstasy can cause heatstroke while alcohol is a diuretic; this means fluids are lost through increased urination.

Combine the two and the amount of bodily fluids lost and not replaced can be deadly. Indeed alcohol is involved in the majority of ecstasy related deaths.

Another danger is that this draining combination increases unnecessary strain on your liver and kidneys. Feelings of nausea and resulting vomiting are a common side effect.

Don’t play the alcohol and drugs pinball:

The bottom line is that those who regularly dabble with either alcohol or drugs on an individual basis are taking risks.

To ‘play’ with both at the same time is greatly increasing your risk of serious health problems and makes it one game you should definitely avoid.

Secret drinkers may think their secret is safe, but safe with who? Even if silence is initially maintained by your loved ones please do not think they are oblivious to your behaviour.

It is vital to understand that this is one secret you must not keep to yourself. Constant denial will lead to deeper dependence.

Is there a stereotype for those who secretly drink?

Most certainly, definitely and positively NOT! Some will live alone and drink alone, others exist in a family environment where strategically stashed bottles await to be drank and replenished on a very regular basis.

People with secret drinking habits come from all walks of life and a wide range of backgrounds.

There is no membership criteria for those who join this ‘not so secret club’. Indeed, it is, and has been well oversubscribed for many years now but continues to welcome new members into the fold without prejudice.

What leads to drinking in secret?

There are a whole variety of reasons people choose to drink alone. Some major factors include relationship difficulties, stress or pressure of work and those who are suffering from depression.

Others are affected by a deep sadness while those who are lonely see it as a way of escaping such a feeling.

Women who are secret drinkers may well have reached this stage for a fairly straightforward reason.

It is very true that many are as socially comfortable as men when it comes to regular visits and nights out at popular watering holes, but it is also a fact that many others find the comfort of home a far more appealing place to drink than visiting bars on their own.

Regular visits to a selection of nearby bottle shops is a far less daunting prospect than spending regular time in a bar.

Shame and Guilt – It can hit you twice:

A significant number of secret drinkers become best friends with a bottle out of shame or guilt.

This can be a double-edged downer. A particularly harrowing incident in their past can leave them feeling ashamed or guilty. This is regardless of whether any blame was attached to them or not.

A common response to such trauma is to drown their sorrows on an all too regular and lonely basis.

Such behaviour leads to a different type of shame and guilt. One that is based around deceit. They will constantly deny to others that there is anything to be concerned about and can maintain such false statements because they regularly reinforce and re-convince themselves that their solo drinking habits can be ceased whenever they wish.

If only! Once the demon drink gets a hold of you it presses home its advantage through constant and heavier alcohol consumption.

Drinking alone – Is it a cry for help?

The answer is a very positive ‘yes’, but that is not the answer secret drinkers want to hear. This is because they are in personal denial about the extent of their problem, they are scared and often feel ashamed or embarrassed about their situation.

While such denial is maintained their cry for help will remain a silent one.

The devastating effects of secret drinking cannot be explained too strongly. It will damage your physical and psychological health, and in many cases close relationships will suffer damage that is often beyond repair.

The longer you continue a habit of secret drinking the more depressed you will become. Depression lends itself to despair and desperate measures. Don’t let it get to you because of continued self-denial.

You are not fooling your loved ones and deep down you know very well that you are not fooling yourself.

Do not continue to stifle that cry:

Whatever your reasons are for drinking alone they must be confronted.

Be brave, stand up and admit you have an alcohol problem. Don’t be scared to seek professional rehab help. It is available, ready and waiting.

Once this initial contact is made you will feel a great weight lifted from your shoulders as well as your conscience.

Yes, it will be a tough time of your life during recovery, but the end results of coming off and staying off alcohol will become patently clear.

One thing is for sure; it will far outweigh a snatched, secret sip here, a guilty gulp there and those endless trips to the bathroom to polish off and then replenish that stashed bottle.

Do you really know what’s in your fix? It would appear that the vast majority of regular drug users do not.

They are being short-changed by the amount of impurities, adulterants and diluents contained in the pills, bags and wraps purchased day in and day out.

Let’s be honest, the vast majority of us would never dream of tucking into a meal without knowing its contents.

So why do millions of men and women have no qualms about shelling out good money for illegal substances without the least understanding of what they contain?

Why so trustworthy in a very untrustworthy business:

One thing should be blindingly obvious to those who buy illegal drugs; the source producing them and those pedaling them do not have the buyer’s personal wellbeing as a priority.

The multi-billion dollar drugs trade lusts after money and the more they can take from each individual the better it makes them feel.

Such operations will not intentionally churn out patently dangerous drugs, but they are certainly not averse to blending cheaper and more readily available ingredients into what they sell as the genuine item.

It must also be remembered that the source of such production ranges from basement kitchens to sophisticated factory style operations.

With this firmly in mind you should decide for yourself whether such a swingeing array of manufacturing methods use the same formula.

We will look at just 3 of the most popular drugs and explain what you should be getting and what variations on a theme are often served up.

What’s in your fix – Amphetamine:

Speed, Billy, Whizz; this drug has a whole host of monikers. It is also the most adulterated illegal substance out there. Samples tested have shown a ridiculous 1 percent purity in batches seized. As for average purity, this is purported to run at around just 10 pct.

What’s the cut?

Take your pick; sugar should sweeten the drop in your bank balance, then think caffeine, ephedrine, sometimes both. Paracetamol is not unknown, for those on a ‘health’ kick they may be getting Vitamin C. Not quite as appetising are talcum powder and chalk.

What’s in your fix – Ecstasy:

Moving onwards and upwards how about that thumpin’ pumpin’ chilled out love drug. Ecstasy is pushed successfully as a match made in drug heaven for raves, all-nighters and house parties to remember.

Many old-time ravers will reminisce and tell the young upstarts that back in the day one ‘E’ would keep them buzzing for an intense 12 hour session, and even then they were still ready to party on down, but in the vast majority of deals today such strength and purity is unheard of.

For many of today’s ‘E’ users a 2 or 3 hour ‘bang’ is what they have always known and readily accept. This acceptance comes with a caveat. Any ‘self-respecting’ raver will have extra pills ready to pop once the effects of their last one begins to dull.

What’s the cut?

MDMA is what you are being told it is. Some pills contain none at all. Others will have varying amounts of the ‘real’ ingredient. It then depends on what’s at hand for the remainder.

You could be getting our friend amphetamine, then there is ketamine and ephedrine. Caffeine is also very popular. Some kindly manufacturers even slip in tranquillizers such as flunitrazepam. You may know this as the evil date rape drug; rohypnol.

What’s in your fix – Cocaine:

The darling of many. The problem is that when it zips into action after a line or two your chances of getting a reasonable purity are up in the air as well as up your nose.

Estimates and samples have found that purity varies between 20 and 90 pct.

Let’s face it that is a hell of a gamble for a drug that costs. Perhaps you will be more than satisfied at the top end of the scale, but way down low will make you feel low.

What’s the cut?

What you are powdering your nose with will contain related chemicals such as lidocaine or benzocaine, then add into the mix a good sprinkling of sugars such as glucose, lactose and mannitol.

What’s in your fix – Is it really worth it?

As you get heavier on drug use your bank balance will become lighter. Of course that is your choice, but another far more important effect is the potential damage you are doing to yourself physically and psychologically.

Once dependence takes hold you will be unable to simply turn your back on it. If you are already dependent or heading that way please seek professional rehab assistance.

These dedicated individuals are there to help not judge. It will be a challenging time of your life, but such challenges can be faced up to and beaten.

Once you are well on the recovery road the question: What’s in your fix, will become totally irrelevant. Beating dependence will do wonders for your health, social life and close relationships as well as your bank balance.