Illegal Drug Use–Wide Spread

The use of illegal drugs is so widespread that statistics are difficult to obtain. The only statistics that are kept and reported are the emergency room admission numbers and the results of surveys taken at school.

Police in all jurisdictions report out-of-control use of home based Meth labs. This is alarming because of the exposure of Meth to children in the home. Many experts and police believe cigarettes, alcohol and/or marijuana use are a precursor to ‘hard drugs.’

Police and school administrators are concerned about the increased incidents of ‘huffing’ the fumes of aerosol products. ‘Huffing’ has side effects that last a life-time.

More alarming is the increase of misusing prescription drugs. With easy access of prescription drugs through the Internet the misuse to get high or numb out has become epidemic, with both adults and children. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 6.4 million Americans report non-medical use of prescription drugs. It is believed new abusers of prescription drugs have caught up with the number of new users of marijuana.

The following are the illegal street drugs of choice.

Marijuana:
Marijuana, the most widely used illegal drug in the USA, tends to be the first drug teens use. The physical effects of marijuana, particularly on developing adolescents, can be acute. There are extensive short-term and long-term aftereffects. Marijuana blocks the messages to the brain and alters perceptions, emotions, vision, hearing and coordination.

Ecstasy:
Ecstasy is a designer party drug. It is commonly introduced to young people the first time in a party environment. Hits are cheap and produce instant euphoria. It is often used as a date rape drug.

There is little hang over, but continued use requires large doses to attain the desired high. It is easy to over-doze and it can cause instant death.

Heroin:
Heroin use has increased dramatically in the U.S. and Canada. A new, pure, more potent form is available and it is considerably cheaper. It has become widely used in suburbs among people of all walks of life.

Heroin causes instant relaxation with an immediate ‘rush’ or euphoria. It is highly addictive, after only a few uses. It takes a year to detox and 98% of people relapse after treatment.

Methamphetamine:
Commonly called Meth, it is a stimulant drug with strong effects on the central nervous system. Its use is epidemic as its common, easily obtained ingredients are frequently home manufactured. Meth is used in pill form or powdered form by snorting or injecting.

Drug use hurts everyone—family, friends, spiritual fiber, society, and the economy. Addiction is a cruel, debilitating experience, that can leave aftereffects for life. Addiction is preventable—the five things you can do to prevent drug use is the most effective form of prevention.

If you or a loved one, including your child is using street drugs or misusing prescription drugs–there is a way out. See my article in Health & Wellness in this publication.

Source: National Criminal Justice Reference Service

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, “If I’d Only Known…Sexual Abuse in or Out of the Family: A Guide to Prevention, specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life’s challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net