Policies & Regulations
3. MDMA, also called “Adam”, “ecstasy”, or “XTC”, is
a synthetic, psychoactive (mind-altering) drug with
amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties.
Some of the adverse effects of MDMA are listed
below:
• Psychological difficulties, including confusion,
depression, sleep problems, drug craving, severe
anxiety and paranoia
• Muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea,
blurred vision, rapid eye movement, faintness, and
chills or swelling
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Long-term brain damage
COCAINE
1. Cocaine use produces psychological and physical
dependencies. Regular users rapidly develop
tolerance which results in the need to take larger
doses to achieve the same initial effect.
2. Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system and
its immediate effects include elevated blood pressure,
heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature.
3. Occasional use can cause a runny nose while chronic
use can result in ulceration and rupture of the mucous
membrane in the nose.
4. Injecting cocaine with contaminated needles can
transmit HlV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other infectious
diseases.
5. Cocaine use may lead to high-risk behaviors with
consequences such as unwanted pregnancies and
motor vehicle accidents.
6. Cocaine use during pregnancy may result in the birth
of a cocaine-addicted baby who may experience
withdrawal symptoms shortly after birth, mental
retardation, and/or permanent mental and physical
disabilities.
7. Crack, a concentrated form of cocaine, is extremely
potent. Its effects are evident within seconds. Physical
effects include heart palpitations, elevated pulse and
blood pressure, loss of appetite, insomnia, dilated
pupils, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures.
Preparation of free-base, which involves the use
of highly volatile solvents, can result in a fire or
explosion. Dependency is highly likely.
AMPHETAMINES AND OTHER STIMULANTS
1. Symptoms of stimulant abuse include increased heart
and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated
pupils, excessive perspiration, headache, dizziness,
sleepiness, anxiety, and loss of appetite.
2. When consumed in large quantities, palpitations,
irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination,
coma, and death may result.
3. Regular use can lead to an amphetamine psychosis
that includes hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
HALLUCINAGENS
1. Lysergic acid (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin cause
illusions and hallucinations. Physical effects include
rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, dilated
pupils, tremors, and insomnia. Psychological effects
include panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and
flashbacks.
2. Phencyclidine (PCP) produces dramatic behavioral
alterations, memory and speech difficulties,
depression, paranoid and violent behavior, and
hallucinations. Large doses of PCP may produce
convulsions, heart and lung failure, coma, and death.
Inability to perceive pain may allow an individual to
cause themselves severe harm.
ANABOLIC STEROIDS
Closely related to the male sex hormone testosterone,
anabolic steroids may be prescribed for a limited number
of medical conditions such as severe burns and certain
types of anemia and cancer. However, more than 70
psychological and physical side effects may result from
steroid abuse, including:
• Liver disease
• Growth problems
• Bone fusion
• Acne
• Cancer
• Testicular atrophy
• HIV/AIDS (sharing needles)
• Psychological problems
• Rage and uncontrolled anger
• Sexual dysfunction, sterility and impotence
BARBITURATES AND TRANQUILIZERS
1. The effects of depressants are similar to those of
alcohol.
2. The use of depressants can cause both physical and
psychological dependence. Tolerance may result after
regular use. Withdrawal symptoms, ranging from
anxiety to seizures and death, result from abrupt
termination of abuse.
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