• A person who has been assaulted will not necessarily be“ hysterical;” survivors exhibit a spectrum of emotional responses including, but not limited to, hysteria, calm, laughter, anger, apathy, shock. Each person copes with the trauma of assault in a different way and that must be respected
Information and Health Risks Associated with Other Drug Use
Cannabis / Marijuana Tetrahydrocannabinol( THC) is the mind-altering ingredient in cannabis. The typical amount of THC in cannabis ranges from 5 % to 8 % which is much more potent than it was a few decades ago. Cannabis smoke contains more than 400 chemicals and many are known carcinogens and some are the same found in tobacco. Since cannabis smokers tend to inhale deeply and hold their breath longer than cigarette smokers, their lungs are exposed to even more smoke.
Heroin
Short-term effects include: Delusions, increased appetite, increased heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat, loss of short-term memory, dizziness, altered sense of time, impaired judgment, mood swings, inability to concentrate, loss of coordination, and loss of depth perception.
Long-term effects include: Risk of brain damage, mental depression, reduced immunity to infections, impaired memory and ability to learn, hallucinations and paranoia, chronic lung disease, heart disease, increased risk of lung cancer, irregular ovulation in females, and decreased sperm count in males.
Even a single dose of heroin can start a person on the road to addiction.
Short-term effects include: Depressed respiration, clouded mental functioning, nausea and vomiting, sedation, drowsiness, hypothermia, coma or death( due to overdose).
Long-term effects include: Bad teeth, inflammation of the gums, constipation, cold sweats, itching, weakening of the immune system, coma, respiratory illnesses, paralysis, reduced sexual capacity and long-term impotence in men, menstrual disturbance in women, inability to achieve orgasm( men and women), loss of memory and intellectual performance, introversion, depression, pustules on the face, loss of appetite, insomnia.
Prescription Drugs Prescription drugs that are taken for recreational use include the following major categories:
Depressants: Often referred to as central nervous system( brain and spinal cord) depressants, these drugs slow brain function. They include sedatives( used to make a person calm and drowsy) and tranquilizers( intended to reduce tension or anxiety). Some drugs in this category( Zyprexa, Seroquel, and Haldol) are known as“ antipsychotics;” some drugs( Xanax, Klonopin, Halcion, and Librium) are referred to as benzodiazepines(“ benzos”); and some drugs( Amytal, Nembutal, and Seconal) are classed as barbiturates( sleeping pills).
Short-term effects include: Slow brain function, lowered blood pressure, confusion, dizziness, fever, visual disturbances, disorientation, lack of coordination, difficult or inability to urinate, slowed pulse and breathing, poor concentration, fatigue, slurred speech, sluggishness, dilated pupils, depression, and addiction. Higher doses can cause impairment of memory, judgment, and coordination, irritability, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts. In addition, some people can experience the opposite of the intended effect, such as agitation or aggression.
Long-term effects include: Rapid development of tolerance, depression, chronic fatigue, breathing difficulties, sexual problems, sleep problems, and increases the risks of high blood sugar, diabetes, weight gain, and withdrawal systems such as insomnia, weakness, and nausea if use is reduced or stopped. As a dependency on the drug increases, cravings, anxiety, or panic are common if the user is unable to get more.
Opioids and morphine derivatives: Generally referred to as painkillers, these drugs contain opium or opium-life substances and are used to relieve pain. Some well-known brand names are OxyContin, Demerol, Tylenol with Codeine, and Dilaudid.
Short-term effects include: Drowsiness, slowed breathing, constipation, unconsciousness, nausea, and coma.
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