POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 71 Learn more about drugs continued Heroin enters the brain rapidly and binds to opioid receptors on cells located in many areas, especially those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure and in controlling heart rate, sleeping, and breathing. Upon initial use, people who use this drug feel a surge of euphoria (“rush”) and a sense of wellbeing and pleasure, accompanied by a warm flushing of the skin, and a dry mouth. Other short term effects can include: • heavy feeling in the arms and legs • nausea and vomiting • severe itching Following this initial euphoria, the user goes “on the nod,” an alternately wakeful and drowsy state, this period of calm can last up to about an hour. Mental functioning becomes clouded due to the depression of the central nervous system. Other shortterm effects may last for about 3 to 5 hours. The strong feelings associated with heroin can leave a user wanting more, which quickly leads to tolerance and addiction. 1. National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/dr ugfacts/heroin#ref Meth (Methamphetamine) Meth is a harmful illegal drug used recreationally for the rush of energy and feelings of invincibility it can produce. While meth use is not prevalent in the general population, the harms caused by its use are on the rise, causing concern about the risks meth poses to the health and safety of communities. 1 ALSO KNOWN AS: Speed, Jib, Crank, Meth, Tina, Trash, Chalk, Ice, Crystal, Glass. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that strongly activates certain systems in the brain. It is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but the central nervous system effects of methamphetamine are much greater. Street methamphetamine is made in illegal labs with fairly inexpensive, and often toxic or flammable, ingredients. The chemicals and processes used vary from lab to lab, affecting the strength, purity and effect of the final product. 2 What does meth look like & how is it used? Methamphetamine is referred to by many names, such as “speed,” “meth,” and “chalk.” It can be eaten, sniffed, snorted, smoked or injected. Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking, is referred to as “ice,” “crystal,” and “glass.” Some of the most common signs and symptoms are extremely dilated pupils, dry or bleeding nose and lips, chronic nasal or sinus problems and bad breath. Because meth is a stimulant, users also experience hyperactivity, rapid mood shifts and irritability. This includes a lack of interest in sleep and food, leading to drastic weight loss or anorexia. It may also cause users to be aggressive, nervous, and engage in disconnected chatter. Some shortterm effects are irritability, anxiety, insomnia, Parkinsonlike tremors, convulsions, and paranoia. Users may become obsessed or perform repetitive tasks such as cleaning, handwashing, assembling and disassembling objects, or scratching to the point of causing sores. Longerterm effects can include increased heart rate and blood pressure, damage to blood vessels in the brain, stroke, and even death. Psychotic symptoms can sometimes persist for months or years even after the user has stopped taking the drug. Withdrawal is characterized by excessive sleeping, eating, and depressionlike symptoms, often accompanied by anxiety and drugcraving. 1. Canadian Centre on Substance use and Addiction 2020 2. CAMH: https://www.camh.ca/en/healthinfo/mentalillnessandaddictionindex/methamphetamines continued
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