Drugs & Drug Abuse

Marijuana (THC)

Marijuana (THC) is a mood altering drug derived from the flowering portion of the hemp plant. Smoking is the primary method of use. Marijuana contains a number of active ingredients collectively known as cannabinoids. The primary cannabinoid in marijuana is THC. Marijuana use affects motor skills, eye tracking, and perceptual functions, but no consistent correlation has been established between the degree of use and the onset of physical effects.¹

Studies have shown that passive inhalation of marijuana smoke under restrictive conditions of extreme exposure can result in the presence of detectable (greater than 20 ng/mL but less than 100 ng/mL) levels of marijuana metabolites in the urine of exposed individuals.¹ It has been found, however, that when a 50 ng/mL screening level is chosen, passive inhalation may be ruled out at the 95% confidence limit.^1,2

Cocaine

Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant producing an intense feeling of euphoria. Although tolerance to and physical dependence on cocaine have not been demonstrated, psychological dependence probably develops.³ The two most prevalent methods of using cocaine are nasal inhalation (snorting) and smoking of the free-base form of the drug (crack).⁴

Opiates

Opiates are a class of natural and semi-synthetic drugs that include morphine, codeine and heroin. Opiates affect the central nervous system and produce feelings of euphoria. Abusers of opiates develop both a physical and psychological dependence on the drugs. Codeine and morphine are powerful analgesics used in prescription drugs. Heroin, a derivative of morphine, is truly an abused drug. Heroin can be taken several ways: smoking, nasal inhalation (snorting), subcutaneous injections (skin popping) and intravenous injections (mainlining).⁵

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are mind-altering stimulants that excite the central nervous system. This group of compounds includes amphetamine, methamphetamine and related designer drugs that are similar both chemically and pharmacologically to the naturally occurring compounds, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Amphetamines produce a wakeful state accompanied by a sense of increased energy, self-confidence, well-being and even euphoria. Prolonged and/or high dose use of amphetamines can result in irrational behavior, poor mental acuity and paranoid behavior including psychosis.⁶

Amphetamines are usually taken orally, intravenously or by nasal inhalation (snorting).

PCP

PCP is a hallucinogenic drug available in powder, capsule or tablet form. It may be taken by nasal inhalation (snorting), intravenously or orally. It may also be smoked after mixing with marijuana or other shredded leaves such as parsley or oregano.⁷

The effects of PCP are dose related but vary in severity from individual to individual. These effects vary from simple stimulation to schizophrenic psychosis. With large doses, mood changes are totally unpredictable and irrational, violent actions may occur. Trauma is one of the leading causes of death from PCP intoxication.⁸