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It would appear to most that those who purchase and use illegal substances would be best served by keeping as low a profile as possible in terms of brushes with law enforcement.

Unfortunately, hard evidence flies in the face of common sense. Untold numbers of regular drug users actually get behind the wheel of a vehicle and drive while ‘high’:

Let’s take a look at why this combination is at best reckless and at worst fatal:

How do drugs affect your driving?

In all truth, a book could be written to answer the question, and if all aspects of this decidedly risky combination were covered the comprehensive content would give the 1,300 pages of ‘War and Peace’ a run for its money!

Many prescription drugs state clearly: “Do not drive while on a course of this medication”. This is stated because the content and quantity of each ‘ingredient’ is controlled, the ‘recipe’ is strictly adhered to during manufacture, and professional studies are regularly carried out to determine how people react when using these drugs.

In general, they either make a user drowsy or over-active, neither of which is recommended once behind the wheel. To understand the full reasons why you should not drive while on certain prescription medications please discuss with the medical professional who prescribed them.

Street drugs:

Please DO NOT ask any of the ‘street doctors’ peddling their wares what stance they take regarding driving while on your drug of choice. In the main they will have little knowledge of the individual chemicals and other contents or the actual strength from batch to batch.

On this point they are certainly not alone!

Strength and purity:

Two identical drugs taken by two different people are unlikely to give the same effects, so for starters you can never be sure as to how a particular drug will affect you.

Much more importantly, illegal drug producers opted out of health and safety schemes before setting up shop, and the quality control officer could well be one of the ‘lab’ assistants who is already deeply addicted to the drug in question and is more than happy to be the Guinea pig in terms of sampling the finished product.

This all means one thing to the user: The purity and strength of each new batch of illegal drugs is likely to vary. These two factors will also vary dependent upon the source of manufacture.

A snort or swallow into the unknown:

Please do not try and kid yourself that you are guaranteed a certain type of high, or exactly what your drug of choice contains. You will never really know just how wired that wrap in your pocket is going to make you feel, or the potency of that pill you have just popped is until you have actually committed and taken it.

After that there is no turning back, and due to these unknown effects, this is the first reason that you MUST turn your back on getting into the driver’s seat of a vehicle.

Common drug categories and effects on driving ability:

We will look at 3 acknowledged drug categories and their potential effects. This should show clearly why even considering driving under the influence is a very large no-no:

Depressant drugs:

Popular drugs that fall into this category include Weed (Marijuana/Cannabis), Horse (Heroin) and the opioid family along with Benzodiazepines. Just for the record this is the category alcohol comes under.

Potential effects:

• Slower reactions
• Reduction in concentration
• Drowsiness and the desire to sleep
• Slower processing and subsequent action relating to the ‘fluid’ pieces of information that come and go while driving
• Driving correctly and safely requires the driver to constantly multitask. The effects of this drug make multitasking a challenge many cannot fully rise to.

Stimulant drugs:

Think Speed (amphetamine) Charlie (Cocaine) and ‘E’ (Ecstasy aka MDMA). As an aside, the majority of Ecstasy tablets sold today contain no MDMA whatsoever, but perhaps that topic is for another article!

By the nature of these drugs it should tell a user that when they are higher than a kite on a windy day, it is perhaps not wise to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Impaired driving will be seen by signs such as:

• Difficulty in maintaining attention
• A constant urge to fidget
• Overly aggressive and dangerous driving behaviour
• Overconfidence
• Lack of required focus, there are far too many things going on simply to concentrate on driving.

Hallucinogens

What? Those experiencing a trip through drugs such as Acid (LSD), Special K (Ketamine), Shrooms (Magic Mushrooms), Mescs (Mescaline) and Angel Dust (PCP) will probably try and get into a different make, model and colour of their vehicle due to the hallucinogenic effects of these drugs!

Assuming they do get behind the wheel (the driver’s wheel that is!) the likelihood is that they will suffer some or all of the following:

• Hearing and seeing things that aren’t actually real
• Blurred and/or distorted vision
• Their thought process is severely impaired; not to themselves you understand
• Varying levels of reduced coordination

A partnership that should never see the light of day:

Those who dabble with illegal drugs should fully understand the potentially negative consequences of such use, but while under the influence of any drug they should never consider driving.

Put very plainly: There is no excuse or reason on earth that can justify such senseless, reckless behaviour.

“Just try it once”, “A little surely won’t hurt me”, “It’s a cracking buzz”. These statements and many more have been heard the world over to those trying the highly addictive recreational drug that is ‘Ice’.

If you are considering, just starting out, or currently bang on the ‘Ice trail’ there are some important facts that must be understood:

What is it?

Ice is derived from the chemical methamphetamine hydrochloride. As with other recreational drugs there are a host of street names: Meth, crank, crystal meth and crystal tea are all common monikers.

Meth is originally produced in powder form and snorted, swallowed or injected, but by putting it through a synthesizing process it turns into small rocks that resembles chips of ice. This smokeable form of the drug may look cool, but make no mistake; it is highly potent and extremely addictive.

How is it taken?

The ‘rocks’ are placed in a bulbous glass pipe, heated from below until reduced to a clear, smoking liquid. The vapours are then inhaled and directly enter the bloodstream via your lungs. From here it is rapidly sent to the brain.

Any leftover ice cools rapidly and reverts to its solid state. This means that when a user needs another hit they simply reheat the glass pipe, wait for the vapours and inhale. Once that is finished another ‘rock’ replaces it.

As this drug is odourless it allows users the opportunity to indulge in public places such as restrooms without being detected. It is also understood that many use the substance during working hours to increase their alertness and productivity.

“Amping”:

When smoking ice, a user gets an immediate and intense high that leaves them feeling euphoric and fully alert. Known as “amping” after the effects caused by an “over-amped wire”. The effects of ice can last between 8 and 24 hours.

Because of its very moreish appeal many users smoke ice for days on end. When they finally submit to fatigue it is common for them to crash and fall into a deep sleep that can last a full day or more.

How users migrate to smoking ice:

The use of methamphetamine is categorised in 3 different ways. These are low intensity use, binge abuse and high intensity use.

We will leave out the latter as those into high intensity use will in all likelihood be smoking and injecting the drug on a constant basis and their need for the drug has become all-consuming. If this type of user is not already under medical supervision, then they most certainly should be.

Low intensity use:

This is how most users start out. They will swallow or snort meth on a regular ‘as and when basis’. They do so because it gives them that extra boost of energy and alertness to finish a task or get through a long overtime shift at work.

While classed as occasional users it is important to understand that in many cases this is simply a stepping stone to:

Binge abuse:

Low intensity users are not aware of the habit forming properties of meth, but they are aware of the effects it offers when swallowed or snorted. In many cases the next stage is being introduced to the heightened euphoric rush received when smoking the drug.

This method of use is psychologically addictive and sets them on the road to dependence. When ice is smoked the user gets a ‘rush’ that was missing from the effects felt when swallowing or snorting.

This rush lasts anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes and effects include an increased heartbeat and metabolism, a rise in blood pressure and a soaring pulse. This is down to the release of an adrenaline hormone called epinephrine.

After the rush comes the high. Many users call this the ‘shoulder’, and it gives a feeling of massively increased confidence which can often be seen as arrogance or aggression to others.

A high can last between 4 and 16 hours, but however long it lasts it will not end there because the user and their body very much like the feelings achieved.

This leads to binge use because the user has extremely strong urges to maintain their high. Each subsequent hit does achieve another high, but this is smaller than the original hit and reduces on each occasion. Hyperactivity from a physical and mental aspect are common traits of a binge user.

Addiction awaits:

It cannot be stressed strongly enough just how highly addictive ice is. Many users find their need for more on a constant basis creeps up on them rapidly.

They also need to realise that the initial rush and high received will never be matched by subsequent hits, and that their search for those original effects only leads them into deeper dependence.

Many who smoke ice believe dependence will never come their way. Millions of men and women have, and will continue to find this is not the case. Ice is wickedly addictive and once regular use begins it will not let go easily.

The use of heroin can destroy a person’s life and devastate those closest to them. Let’s take a look at how you can help a loved one or close friend who is a regular ‘Smack’ user and is currently unable or unwilling to stop use.

Educate yourself in order to educate them:

All heroin users are aware that this highly addictive drug is causing harm to themselves and those closest to them, but many do not understand the full extent of their actions or the potential dangers they are opening themselves up to.

If you want to help someone kick heroin it is vitally important that you arm yourself with as much knowledge about it as possible.

The simple fact is the more you know about the drug and about heroin addiction the better placed you will be to understand the problems they are facing. You will also be in a positive position to explain facts about the drug and the dangers of continued use.

It must be remembered that while this will be a difficult time for the addict it will be no walk in the park for you. Your emotions will be turned every which way. Anger and resentment will alternate with compassion and concern, so mentally you will need to be tough.

Points that should regularly be discussed:

Whether an addict wants to hear facts or not things need to be said. Here are some issues that you need to understand and that need to be openly discussed with the user:

• The short term risks of heroin use.
• The long term risks of heroin use.
• Withdrawal symptoms – This should be from two angles What withdrawal symptoms should be expected, and how the person coming off heroin will react and cope with them.
• Detox procedures
• Types and effects of any medication that will be used through withdrawal and during recovery.
• What type of Rehab establishment would best suit them?
• What support groups are available and what they offer.

Harm Reduction:

If an addict is unable or unwilling to quit heroin it is important that you explain ways in which they can reduce risk while still dependent and using the drug.

Because your goal will be to get the addict off the drug as quickly as possible this matter may well go against the grain for many, but it is important to understand that patience and persuasion will be required before the user finally admits they are ready to quit.

In the meantime, explain that if they are continuing to use then they should heed the following:

1 Syringe, 1 person, 1 use:

An addict must understand that sharing needles and/or reusing them are most definite ‘No-No’s’. This temptation can be solved by ensuring they know exactly where their nearest needle exchange is and they use it.

This valuable service works by exchanging a new, clean needle for a used one. They do not issue needles without exchange. This procedure ensures the number of syringes in circulation is not being increased by those who provide this service.

Whatever your thoughts are about this type of exchange it is important to bear in mind that they do not increase illegal drug use. Their aim is to reduce the many dangers involved in sharing and reusing needles.

Filtering heroin before use:

Additives and adulterants can be extremely dangerous for a user. It therefore makes sense that the heroin they purchase should be filtered before use. Quinine is just one of several potentially toxic adulterants that are used to cut heroin.

Heroin addicts from past generations have developed ways to filter heroin and there is plenty of information available. The method that best fits with the user should be employed each and every time they ‘score’ a new batch of the drug.

Correct injection methods:

A user will reduce potential blood vessel damage and infection if they understand how to inject correctly. For example, they must be aware that the drug should not be injected directly into the arteries. As well as being painful this route of injection sends the drug away from the heart and will cause pain in a user’s fingers and toes.

Many use a tourniquet, if so, it is important that this is removed before injecting. If not there is a possibility the user will blow out a vein.

Beating heroin addiction can be achieved:

Those addicted to heroin have a huge challenge on their hands if they are to beat this addiction. At best it will blight their life, at worst it can actually cost them their life.

This is why it is so important for a loved one to persevere with help and advice that will at times fall on deaf ears.

Your continued support and encouragement can help tremendously to show those currently addicted the devastating effects this drug has. It will also allow you to explain methods of treatment and exactly how this addiction can be overcome.

The term “Designer Drugs” is a very alluring one for substances that are anything but. Many younger users may know these as “Club Drugs”, but whatever you wish to call them they carry untold and unknown dangers.

Let’s see what they are, what they offer, and why those who take them really are swallowing a slice of the unknown.

Designer drug description:

This is a very loose term used to describe psychoactive drugs originally discovered through research and first hand experimentation on the structure and effects of existing psychoactive drugs.

From these findings different types of drugs have been created using chemicals that in the main can be legally purchased. The result is a concocted drug that produces similar effects to renowned illegal substances such as cocaine, marijuana or morphine, but chemically they are structured in a totally different way.

Many will know of Ecstasy (MDMA), Acid (LSD) and methamphetamines, but perhaps not so well known are “bath salts”. These are a group of drugs known as cathinones which are a type of amphetamine (Speed-like pills).

They generally come brightly coloured and in packages that have a whole host of innocuous sounding names.

They are also clearly labelled “not for human consumption”. While this statement is obviously ignored by many recreational drug users perhaps it should not be!

Designer manufacturing facilities – They are not:

It should come as no surprise that these drugs with such an appealing ‘umbrella’ name are made in hidden and remote locations or in rented accommodation where any deposit and monthly rental will be paid in cash.

The workers are generally addicts themselves and those involved in the production of these drugs will certainly not be seeking health and safety certification.

It is also very important for users to understand that although general guidelines for production will be followed there is not set ‘recipe’ in terms of the chemicals used or their quantities.

What this means is that drugs produced by different ‘laboratories’ and down to each different batch will vary in strength and effect. The reality here is that each time a user takes one of these drugs they have no idea how strong it will be or how it will affect them.

Three main categories:

These designer drugs are generally broken down into 3 major categories:

• Synthetic cannabinoids – The chemicals contained mimic the effect of THC which is found in cannabis and is responsible for the ‘high’ users get. A combination of dried plant matter and these chemicals produce the finished ‘street’ product.
• Synthetic stimulants – These belong to the “bath salts” group mentioned above and the chemicals used produce similar effects to ‘Coke’, ‘E’ and ‘Meth’.
• Synthetic Hallucinogens – Produced with chemicals that mimic ‘E’ and LSD. The length and strength of a trip is akin to a lucky dip, although for some it should be classed as a very unlucky dip as use has cost some their lives!

Unpredictable effects:

There is no apology for repeating the fact that these designer drugs are NOT designed to a standard, across-the-board strength. This means that a user experience can vary each and every time.

Dependent upon the type of drug taken you will feel exhilarated and completely relaxed. There will be long periods where sleep is off the agenda and food is not on the menu. Many will experience a partial or total loss of memory and a general feeling of detachment from their surroundings and those in it.

The above affects will appeal to many, but please bear in mind there is also a good possibility that hallucinations, paranoia and panic attacks could well be yours while others react in an aggressive manner.

These mind changes very often accompany potentially dangerous physical effects. Think slurred speech, nausea, blackouts, seizure and worrying swings in blood pressure. While most will get through such unwanted symptoms it is important to bear in mind that they can cause coma and even death.

Difficult to administer emergency treatment:

If the unfortunate situation arises where you need to seek medical assistance things are not straightforward. Because you do not know exactly what chemicals have been taken medical staff need to carry out a series of tests to establish traces of different chemicals and levels of toxicity.

Some chemicals are far easier for them to trace than others, and various chemicals do not show on the standard screening procedures the majority of emergency departments have in place. This means there is a high possibility that essential treatment will be delayed until the true cause of your problems is established.

Designer drugs – Not designed with your safety in mind:

Please understand that dabbling with these drugs is akin to gambling with your mental and physical health. In the short term you may well only suffer a bad trip or an extended visit to an emergency medical facility.

But, no long term studies have yet emerged as to any potential lasting damage these chemicals are causing you.

Those considering use, or ‘novices’ will no doubt have heard ‘amazing’ stories of how good these drugs are, and may well be ‘right up for it’ in terms of experimentation, but for your own peace of mind and health please resist the temptation.

For the millions of people who have never developed a taste for recreational drugs the attraction will be alien to them, and while they may not be well-versed in the different drugs available and their effects it is guaranteed they will have heard of Heroin.

This drug is one of the most publicized and feared illegal substances on the planet thanks to its highly addictive properties.

Later in the piece we will take a look at some of the common ‘tools’ users will have in their lockers, but let’s start with a quick explanation of what heroin is and the reason it and similar drugs were introduced as solutions to addiction problems that ultimately made matters worse.

What is heroin?

This highly addictive and illegal drug is made from the resin of poppy plants. Other drugs in the same class made from this resin are opium and morphine.

The pod of a poppy flower contains a milky, sap-like opium that is extracted and refined to produce opium. It is then further refined into different forms of heroin.

Trying to square the circle of ‘poppy plant’ addiction:

During the mid-1800’s opium addiction was a huge problem in the United States. Medical authorities went in search of a solution and chose a supposedly less powerful and ‘non-addictive’ treatment for those addicted to opium.

This solution was morphine. Fairly rapidly it was found that addiction to morphine was an even bigger problem than opium addiction.

In the early 1900’s the medical authorities turned to another ‘non-addictive’ drug to help those with morphine addiction, this was to use a drug that was first manufactured in Germany in 1898; Heroin.

Unfortunately, heroin proved to be even more addictive than morphine, so to counter heroin addiction yet another ‘non-addictive’ substitute was tried. This was methadone.

Yes, you have guessed it! This methadone solution yet again proved that the treatment drug was even more addictive than the drug which originally caused addiction.

There is a moral there somewhere, but we will leave that for you to decide!

Heroin Paraphernalia:

While the drug is smoked it is most common for regular users to inject. Here are some of the ‘tools’ used, and if you suspect a loved one is indulging these could very well be key indicators.

It is important to understand that these items can be stored easily in a fairly small locked box or container and will generally be kept in the user’s bedroom or bathroom.

Injecting:

Let’s start with the blindingly obvious:

Syringes:

As we mentioned, injecting is by far the most popular method of use, so finding a syringe and hypodermic needle in the possession of someone who has no medical reason to possess one should raise major red flags.

‘Gear’ to complement the needle:

The syringe and needle will generally be kept company by a spoon, some type of filter; examples are a cotton bud tip, filter from a cigarette or perhaps a micron filter. If using the type of heroin that needs heating there will be several lighters around, and quite often a candle.

To help locate a vein more easily a belt, cord or rope is often used. Taking the arm as an example, the user would simply tighten the restraint around the arm and the reduced blood supply this causes will quickly show up veins.

Smoking:

There are a couple of common methods for those who smoke heroin:

Pipes:

Many who smoke heroin use glass pipes with bulbous ends, or metal pipes that are similar to those used by Methamphetamine users. Other makeshift ‘pipes’ can be made from household items, so do keep an eye out for anything ‘pipe’ shaped around the house.

Aluminium foil:

Heroin can be smoked using 2 pieces of aluminium foil. This is not such a common method, but if your rolls of kitchen foil start to disappear then it could be a sign the user is smoking the drug in this way.

Two pieces of foil are used. One acts as a board to hold the heroin over a flame; this will be a flame from a candle or a lighter, then another piece of foil is shaped into a ‘straw’ to inhale the vapours. Rolled bank notes or empty plastic cases from ballpoint pens can also be used as the inhaler.

Drug containers:

Heroin is often packaged in small, self-sealable plastic bags that could well be decorated with colourful artwork or specific logos, or coloured balloons that are semi-inflated but not tied.

What to do if you suspect use:

While the natural reaction of many will be to fly off the handle, this is really not the initial approach to take.

What you need to do is learn as much as possible about the drug, its effects, ways of use and methods of treatment that can help a user kick their habit.

This will be a very difficult time for the user and yourself, but with knowledge as well as advice from rehab specialists you are increasing the chances of helping those dependent upon the drug.

By understanding and explaining what heroin is doing to their body, why it is doing it, and what short as well as long term damage they are causing themselves will give you a head start in helping them understand the seriousness of the situation.

From this position it is hoped they can then be convinced that professional rehab treatment is urgently required and that you will support