GET THE FACTS

ABOUT DRUGS
Photos: Ioulia Kondratovitch
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Introduction
What are drugs? Technically speaking, they are chemical substan- users can never get back as drugs substitute the development of
ces that affect the normal functioning of the body and/or brain. other, natural coping mechanisms.
Not all drugs are illegal. For example, caffeine (found in coffee or Although each drug is discussed separately in this brochure,
Coca-Cola), nicotine (in cigarettes) and alcohol are all technical- drugs are often used together. This mixing can have unpredicta-
ly legal drugs, although they are usually not referred to as such. ble, severe effects on the body and/or mind of the user.
Medicines, whether prescribed by a doctor or available over the Drugs cloud the judgement of users. This means that drug users
counter at pharmacies, are legal drugs to help us recover from ill- often take more risks, such as having unsafe sex. This can lead to
nesses, although they can also be abused. them getting infected with hepatitis or HIV and other sexually
Illegal drugs are drugs that are so harmful that countries across transmitted diseases.
the world have decided to control them. Countries have passed There are lots of reasons why people take illegal drugs. Some
several international laws, in the form of United Nations conven- take them to escape problems while others are bored, curious
tions, that specify which drugs are controlled. or just want to feel good. People may be pressured into taking
All the drugs discussed in this brochure are illegal. This drugs to “fit in” with a particular crowd or to rebel or get
means that generally, it is against the law to own, use or sell attention.
these drugs worldwide. Drug users come from all kinds of backgrounds. They are male
Drugs tend to have several street names and this brochure will and female, young and old, rich and poor, working and unemploy-
tell you some of them. However, it is not a complete list and the ed, from the city and the countryside—it does not matter. Drug
drugs might have different names in your country or city. These use can affect anyone.
names may also change over time. The street names do not tell While some of the physical effects of drugs might sound nice,
you anything about the strength or purity of a drug. they do not last long. Many people get depressed and lonely
All illegal drugs have immediate physical effects, which you afterwards and start feeling sick. Also, it is common for people
can read about in this brochure. But drugs can also severely hin- who use drugs to seem confused, have red eyes, sweat a lot and
der psychological and emotional development, particularly not care about their physical appearance. And, of course, there is
among young people. In fact, drugs can take away potential that the risk of becoming addicted.
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abis
ann
C Bongo/G anja/Grass/M
arijuana/Po t/Thai sticks

What is it? What are the risks associated with

Cannabis is a tobacco-like greenish or brownish material made cannabis use?
of the dried flowering tops and leaves of the cannabis In the short term, users have an increased appetite and pulse rate.
(hemp) plant. Users also have problems performing physical and intellectual
Cannabis resin or “hash” is the dried black or brown secretion tasks such as driving a car and thinking logically.
of the flowering tops of the cannabis plant, which is made into a With large doses, users´ perceptions of sound and colour may
powder or pressed into slabs or cakes. be sharpened, while their thinking becomes slow and confused. If
Cannabis oil or “hash oil” is a liquid extracted from either the the dose is very large, the effects of cannabis are similar to those
dried plant material or the resin. of hallucinogens and may cause anxiety, panic and even psycho-
tic episodes.
How is it taken? Regular users of cannabis risk developing psychological
All forms of cannabis are usually smoked. Cannabis resin and oil dependence to the point where they lose interest in all other
can also be swallowed or brewed in tea. activities, such as work and personal relationships. Recent studies
in the United Kingdom show a link between cannabis use and an
How does it affect users? increase in schizophrenia.
Cannabis can make users feel pleasurably relaxed and sometimes
euphoric. Users may also experience a more vivid sense of sight, Other risks
smell, taste and hearing. Cannabis smoke contains 50 per cent more tar than high-tar
cigarettes, which puts users at an increased risk of lung cancer
and other respiratory diseases.
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Cannabis changed my brother

My brother used to be kind, funny, intelligent, thought- people he seems to care about are his friends who are
ful and caring, now I don't know him anymore; this is also addicted to drugs.
through drugs. My mum is extremely kind and loving, and
I want young drug users to understand that you don’t he frequently abuses this by taking her for
only ruin your own lives with drugs, but that of every- granted at every opportunity and making
one you are supposed to love around you. Have you her feel worthless. When he’s out every
ever considered this? Or do these drugs fill you with night with his friends she constantly wor-
such selfishness that all you can think about is your- ries about him. He has no job and no
self? money and I suspect he and his friends steal
My brother is not a hard drug user to my knowledge from our house.
but has a heavy addiction to cannabis. Well, if If he knew or cared what he has put my
you think this is one of the lighter drugs you are mum through, I doubt he would feel that tak-
truly deluded. ing drugs and behaving the way he does
Cannabis in my brother’s case has changed his per- would be worth it.
sonality so much so that I feel I do not know the I am 21 and have never taken any drugs; do
person living in the next bedroom. He has no ambition, I feel like I am missing out? I don’t think so!
no respect and no care for personal hygiene. The only
Anonymous story submitted to talktofrank.com.
Reprinted with permission.
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What is it? What are the risks associated with

Cocaine is a fine white or off-white powder that acts as a pow- cocaine use?
erful stimulant. It is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant. Short-term effects include loss of appetite, faster breathing and
On the street, it can be diluted or “cut” with other substances to increased body temperature and heart rate. Users may behave
increase the quantity. Crack is cocaine that has been further bizarrely, erratically and sometimes violently.
processed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) Excessive doses of cocaine may lead to convulsions, seizures,
and looks like small flakes or rocks. stroke, cerebral haemorrhage or heart failure.
Long-term users of cocaine risk a number of health problems,
How is it taken? some of them depending on how they take the drug. Sniffing
Cocaine is usually sniffed/snorted or injected, whereas crack is cocaine severely damages nose tissue; smoking can cause respira-
smoked. tory problems; whilst injection can lead to abscesses and infectious
diseases. Other risks, regardless of how the drug is taken, include
How does it affect users? strong psychological dependence, malnutrition, weight loss, dis-
Cocaine can make users feel exhilarated and euphoric. orientation, apathy and a state similar to paranoid psychosis.
Furthermore, users often experience a temporary increase in
alertness and energy levels and delayed hunger and fatigue. Other risks
Mixing cocaine with alcohol is a dangerous cocktail and can
greatly increase the chances of sudden death.

aine
Coc Crack/Bazooka/Blanche/Cake/Coke/Lady
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Ecs E/Snackies/N
ew Yorkers

tasy

What is it? What are the risks associated

Ecstasy is a psychoactive stimulant, usually made in illegal labo- with ecstasy use?
ratories. In fact, the term “ecstasy” has evolved and no longer In the short term, ecstasy can make the body ignore distress
refers to a single substance but a range of substances similar in signals such as dehydration, dizziness and exhaustion and it can
effect on users. Frequently, any tablet with a logo is now referred interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
to as “ecstasy” regardless of its chemical makeup. Furthermore, ecstasy can severely damage organs such as the
While the drug is usually distributed as a tablet, it can also be liver and the kidneys. Use can lead to convulsions and heart
a powder or capsule. Tablets can have many different shapes and failure.
sizes. Large doses of ecstasy also cause restlessness, anxiety and
severe hallucinations.
How is it taken? Long-term ecstasy use can damage certain parts of the brain,
It is usually swallowed but can also be snorted or injected. resulting in serious depression and memory loss.

How does it affect users? Other risks

Ecstasy can heighten users´ empathy levels and induce a feeling Tablets or pills that are sold as “ecstasy” may contain other poten-
of closeness to people around them. It can also make users feel tially dangerous substances which can vary widely in strength and
more sociable and energetic. effects.
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What is it? Heroin is very addictive and users may quickly develop physical
Heroin is an addictive drug with pain-killing properties processed and psychological dependence. They also risk developing tole-
from morphine, a naturally occurring substance from the opium rance for the drug, which means they need constantly higher
poppy plant. Pure heroin is a white powder. Street heroin is usu- doses to achieve the effect they want.
ally brownish white because it is diluted or “cut” with impurities, Long-term heroin use has a variety of severe health effects.
meaning each dose is different. Among other things, it can cause severe weight loss, malnutrition
and constipation. It can also lead to menstrual irregularity, seda-
How is it taken? tion and chronic apathy.
It is usually injected but can also be snorted, smoked or inhaled. Abruptly quitting heroin use leads to withdrawal symptoms
which can be severe such as cramps, diarrhoea, tremors, panic,
runny nose, chills and sweats.
How does it affect users?
Heroin can relieve users´ tension, anxiety and depression. Users
feel detached from emotional or physical distress or pain. With
Other risks
large doses, users may experience euphoria. Users risk overdosing on heroin, which can lead to coma and
death through respiratory depression.
What are the risks associated with
heroin use?
Short-term effects include constricted pupils, nausea, vomiting,
drowsiness, inability to concentrate and apathy.

oin
Her Smack/H/Hors
e/Junk/Harry
/White lady
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LSD
LSD is one of the most potent hallucinogens, or
“psychedelics.” These are drugs that alter users’ state
Acid/Hippie of consciousness and produce different kinds of
hallucinations. Other hallucinogens are phencyclidine
D-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (PCP), hallucinogenic amphetamines, mescaline and
psilocybe mushrooms.

What is it? exact effects of LSD vary depending on the mental state of the
LSD is a semi-synthetic drug derived from lysergic acid, which is user and the environment when taking the drug.
found in a fungus that grows on rye and other grains.
LSD, commonly referred to as “acid”, is usually sold on the What are the risks associated
street as small squares of blotting paper with drops containing with LSD use?
the drug. It can also be sold as tablets, capsules or occasionally in Short-term, LSD produces delusions and distorted perceptions.
liquid form. It is a colourless, odourless substance with a slightly The user´s sense of depth and time changes and colours, sound
bitter taste. and touch seem more intense.
Some LSD users experience severe, terrifying thoughts and feel-
How is it taken? ings such as fear of losing control, fear of insanity and death, and
It is usually swallowed. despair.
The physical effects are small compared to the psychological
How does it affect users? and emotional effects. They include dilated pupils, increased heart
Taking LSD leads to strong changes in thought, mood and senses rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth
in addition to feelings of empathy and sociability. However, the and tremors.
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Methamphetamine meth/Tik/Sha
bu/Yaba
e/Crystal
Crack meth/Ic

What is it? What are the risks associated

Methamphetamine is part of the group of drugs called ampheta- with methamphetamine use?
mine-type stimulants (ATS). It is a synthetic drug that is usually Short-term, users can lose their appetite and start breathing
manufactured in illegal laboratories. faster. Their heart rate and blood pressure may increase and their
Methamphetamine comes as a powder, tablet or as crystals that body temperature may rise and cause sweating. With large doses,
look like shards of glass. users can feel restless and irritable and can experience panic
attacks.
How is it taken? Excessive doses of methamphetamine can lead to convulsions,
It can be swallowed, sniffed/snorted, smoked or injected. seizures and death from respiratory failure, stroke or heart failure.
Long-term methamphetamine use can lead to malnutrition,
How does it affect users? weight loss and the development of psychological dependence.
Methamphetamine stimulates a feeling of physical and mental Once chronic users stop taking methamphetamine, a long
well being, as well as a surge of euphoria and exhilaration. Users period of sleep, and then depression, usually follows.
experience a temporary rise in energy, often perceived to improve
their performance at manual or intellectual tasks. Users also Other risks
experience delayed hunger and fatigue. Methamphetamine use sometimes triggers aggressive, violent and
bizarre behaviour among users.
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Coping with
peer pressure
• First of all, you’re not alone! You might think you’re the only
one who hasn’t experimented with drugs. In reality, most young
people don’t take drugs.
• Think about where you stand on issues like sex, drugs and alco-
hol. Prepare by thinking through how you want to respond and
behave in situations where these things come up.
• Nobody should have to justify a decision not to take drugs.
Whether you have a strong personal commitment, or just don't
want it this time, your choices are your business.
• If you’re offered drugs you don’t want, say no firmly but clear-
ly and without making a big deal about it. If they try to per-
suade you, humour can be an effective way to deal with the
situation.
• Having the strength to say “no” can be hard. However, it also
feels good to stick with what you believe in. Explaining to peo-
ple in a calm way why you don’t want to be part of something
may earn you respect from others.
• Finding out about the different drugs, from the effects to the
risks involved, can help you resist pressure. As your understand-
ing grows, so will your confidence.
• It’s natural to want to fit in with friends. After all, nobody likes
to stand out from the crowd for the wrong reasons. We need to
feel that we belong. Still, although they may not show it imme-
diately, your friends will respect you more if you’re clear about
what you want and what you don’t want to do.
• It might not seem like it, but you’re not the only one worrying
about what other people think of you. Try to focus on your own
opinion of yourself—in the end, that’s all that matters.
• Peer pressure is often a way for people to seek approval for their
own behaviour. Do you really want to get involved to help
justify someone else’s drug use?
 Vienna International Centre, PO Box 500, 1400 Vienna, Austria
Tel: (+43-1) 26060-0, Fax: (+43-1) 26060-5866, www.unodc.org

World Drug Campaign

UNODC leads the global campaign to raise awareness about the
major challenge that illicit drugs represent to society
as a whole, and especially to the young. The
campaign encourages young people to put
their health first and not to take drugs.

To learn more about the global campaign, visit

www.unodc.org/drugs
Printed in Austria — May 2008