DRUGS
A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function
KINDS OF DRUGS
...Cocaine
...heroin
...hydrocodone
...inhalants
...lsd
...marijuana
...mdma (ecstasy)
...methamphetamine
...oxycontin.
...steriods
COCAINE
-Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain. Cocaine is not a new drug. In fact, it is one of the oldest known drugs. The pure chemical, cocaine hydrochloride, has been an abused substance for more than 100 years, and coca leaves, the source of cocaine, have been ingested for thousands of years.
HEROIN
-Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug. It is both the most abused and the most rapidly acting of the opiates. Heroin is processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants. It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder or as the black sticky substance known on the streets as “black tar heroin.” Although purer heroin is becoming more common, most street heroin is “cut” with other drugs or with substances such as sugar, starch, powdered milk, or quinine. Street heroin can also be cut with strychnine, fentanyl or other poisons. Because heroin abusers do not know the actual strength of the drug or its true contents, they are at risk of overdose or death. Heroin also poses special problems because of the transmission of HIV and other diseases that can occur from sharing needles or other injection equipment.
HYDROCODONE
-Hydrocodone is an antitussive (cough suppressant) and analgesic agent for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Studies indicate that hydrocodone is as effective, or more effective, than codeine for cough suppression and nearly equipotent to morphine for pain relief.
INHALANTS
-Inhalants are a diverse group of substances that include volatile solvents, gases, and nitrites that are sniffed, snorted, huffed, or bagged to produce intoxicating effects similar to alcohol. These substances are found in common household products like glues, lighter fluid, cleaning fluids, and paint products. Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhaling or sniffing of these substances to get high, and it is estimated that about 1,000 substances are misused in this manner. The easy accessibility, low cost, legal status, and ease of transport and concealment make inhalants one of the first substances abused by children.
LSD
-LSD is sold on the street in tablets, capsules, and occasionally in liquid form. It is an odorless and colorless substance with a slightly bitter taste that is usually ingested orally. It is often added to absorbent paper, such as blotter paper, and divided into small decorated squares, with each square representing one dose.
MARIJUANA
-Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. A dry, shredded green/brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves of the plant Cannabis sativa, it usually is smoked as a cigarette (joint, nail), or in a pipe (bong). It also is smoked in blunts, which are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with marijuana, often in combination with another drug. It might also be mixed in food or brewed as a tea. As a more concentrated, resinous form it is called hashish and, as a sticky black liquid, hash oil. Marijuana smoke has a pungent and distinctive, usually sweet-and-sour odor.
MDMA (-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-)
-is a synthetic, psychoactive drug chemically similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline. MDMA is an illegal drug that acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic, producing an energizing effect, as well as distortions in time and perception and enhanced enjoyment from tactile experiences.
METHAMPHETAMINE
-Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug with potent central nervous system stimulant properties.
OXYCONTIN
-OxyContin is a prescription painkiller used for moderate to high pain relief associated with injuries, bursitis, dislocations, fractures, neuralgia, arthritis, lower back pain, and pain associated with cancer. OxyContin contains oxycodone, the medication's active ingredient, in a timed-release tablet. Oxycodone products have been illicitly abused for the past 30 years.
STERIODS
-Anabolic steroids are synthetically produced variants of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. Both males and females have testosterone produced in their bodies: males in the testes, and females in the ovaries and other tissues. The full name for this class of drugs is androgenic (promoting masculine characteristics) anabolic (tissue building) steroids (the class of drugs).
Friday, October 30, 2009
EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE
...When an individual becomes a chronic and a regular user of drug, then his addiction to the drugs develops an irrevocable dependency for the drug. In such scenarios, thinking about withdrawal is itself tough.
...With the chronic and regular drug addiction, the individual often faces weight loss. In some cases, he becomes obese. Other physical effects of drug abuse include irritability, enlarged pupils, red watery eyes, nausea, running nose, slurred vision, lack of coordination, excessive sleep, unusual changes in daily routine, drowsiness and visible needle marks all over the body.
...Drug addiction does not only affect the physical appearance of the individual but also tarnishes the emotional, behavioral and mental aspects of the individual concerned in the long run. A drug addict often fails to become a part of social gatherings. He seldom participates in a social get together. He becomes a person who enjoys being alone. He experiences sudden changes in his circle of friends. Things which were once giving him pleasure and happiness becomes things that irritate him. He becomes absent minded beyond limits.
...Drug abuse not only ruins the health of the individual but also brings the family to shambles in the long run. Often, the family of the drug addict becomes mentally perturbed. They family members experience an inexplicable financial distress.
...When an individual becomes a chronic and a regular user of drug, then his addiction to the drugs develops an irrevocable dependency for the drug. In such scenarios, thinking about withdrawal is itself tough.
...With the chronic and regular drug addiction, the individual often faces weight loss. In some cases, he becomes obese. Other physical effects of drug abuse include irritability, enlarged pupils, red watery eyes, nausea, running nose, slurred vision, lack of coordination, excessive sleep, unusual changes in daily routine, drowsiness and visible needle marks all over the body.
...Drug addiction does not only affect the physical appearance of the individual but also tarnishes the emotional, behavioral and mental aspects of the individual concerned in the long run. A drug addict often fails to become a part of social gatherings. He seldom participates in a social get together. He becomes a person who enjoys being alone. He experiences sudden changes in his circle of friends. Things which were once giving him pleasure and happiness becomes things that irritate him. He becomes absent minded beyond limits.
...Drug abuse not only ruins the health of the individual but also brings the family to shambles in the long run. Often, the family of the drug addict becomes mentally perturbed. They family members experience an inexplicable financial distress.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG USE
Physical Signs
* Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits,
unexplained weight loss or gain.
* Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.
* Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.
* Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
* Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
* Puffy face, blushing or paleness.
* Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
* Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
* Runny nose; hacking cough.
* Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
* Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
* Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
* Irregular heartbeat.
Behavioral Signs
* Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
* Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn't want to
talk about new friends; friends are known drug users.
* Change in activities or hobbies.
* Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.
* Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
* Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
* General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, "I don't care" attitude.
* Sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.
* Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
* Silliness or giddiness.
* Paranoia
* Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.
* Secretive or suspicious behavior.
* Car accidents.
* Chronic dishonesty.
* Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
* Change in personal grooming habits.
* Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Physical Signs
* Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits,
unexplained weight loss or gain.
* Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.
* Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.
* Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
* Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
* Puffy face, blushing or paleness.
* Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
* Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
* Runny nose; hacking cough.
* Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
* Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
* Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
* Irregular heartbeat.
Behavioral Signs
* Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
* Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn't want to
talk about new friends; friends are known drug users.
* Change in activities or hobbies.
* Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.
* Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
* Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
* General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, "I don't care" attitude.
* Sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.
* Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
* Silliness or giddiness.
* Paranoia
* Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.
* Secretive or suspicious behavior.
* Car accidents.
* Chronic dishonesty.
* Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
* Change in personal grooming habits.
* Possession of drug paraphernalia.
-=DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT=-
...Is cure or prevention the best answer to drug and alcohol abuse? It probably seems a pretty obvious answer to most of us. Most of us would rather prevent abuse of any substance than have to try and come up with a cure for it but unfortunately the fact is that a massive amount of people become dependent on drugs or alcohol and there is no known cure for either. That is to say, there is no tablet you can take, there's no medicine the doctor can give sufferers.
...Firstly, we must remember that alcohol or drug addiction is a disease which can not be treated in the traditional medicinal sense of the word. Strong will and stubbornness are the most important factors in recovering from addiction as well as having invaluable support from friends, family and loved ones.
...An alcohol treatment center can offer support for both sufferers and their families but it really is down to the individual to help themselves through the rehabilitation process.
...The first step to prevention is identification. If we can identify that someone may have or will have a problem with drug and alcohol abuse the first thing we should do is remove temptation. Unfortunately, it isn't always that easy. Many alcoholics or drug users conceal their addiction and are very good at it. Of course, unless we suspect someone it is highly unlikely that we will be looking for any of the signs of drug and alcohol abuse and that is why many cases often go undetected until it is too late.
...With so many injuries and deaths caused by drug and alcohol abuse it is essential that we try to prevent addiction that can lead to this.
...Is cure or prevention the best answer to drug and alcohol abuse? It probably seems a pretty obvious answer to most of us. Most of us would rather prevent abuse of any substance than have to try and come up with a cure for it but unfortunately the fact is that a massive amount of people become dependent on drugs or alcohol and there is no known cure for either. That is to say, there is no tablet you can take, there's no medicine the doctor can give sufferers.
...Firstly, we must remember that alcohol or drug addiction is a disease which can not be treated in the traditional medicinal sense of the word. Strong will and stubbornness are the most important factors in recovering from addiction as well as having invaluable support from friends, family and loved ones.
...An alcohol treatment center can offer support for both sufferers and their families but it really is down to the individual to help themselves through the rehabilitation process.
...The first step to prevention is identification. If we can identify that someone may have or will have a problem with drug and alcohol abuse the first thing we should do is remove temptation. Unfortunately, it isn't always that easy. Many alcoholics or drug users conceal their addiction and are very good at it. Of course, unless we suspect someone it is highly unlikely that we will be looking for any of the signs of drug and alcohol abuse and that is why many cases often go undetected until it is too late.
...With so many injuries and deaths caused by drug and alcohol abuse it is essential that we try to prevent addiction that can lead to this.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
-=HERBAL MEDICINE=-
...-AMPALAYA-...
Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) with a scientific name Momordica charantia, is a climbing vine and the tendrils of which grow up to 20 centimeters long. This herbal plant belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae, and it is a
tropical as well as a subtropical vine. Ampalaya leaves are heart-shaped, which are 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. The fruits of the ampalaya vine are fleshy green with pointed ends at length. It can never be mistaken
for any other variety because its ribbed and wrinkled surface had always been ampalaya’s distinct physical structure. The bitter taste of the ampalaya fruit had also been the distinguishing factor from the rest of the
fruits with medicinal value, and this is due to the presence of a substance known as momorcidin.
Ampalaya has been a folkloric cure for generations but has now been proven to be an effective herbal medicine for many aliments. Most significant of which is for Diabetes. The Philippine variety has proven to be most
potent. Ampalaya contains a mixture of flavanoids and alkaloids make the Pancreas produce more insulin that controls the blood sugar in diabetics. Aside from Ampalaya's medicinal value, it is good source of vitamins
A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium.
Ampalaya has been for used even by the Chinese for centuries. The effectively of Ampalaya as an herbal medicine has been tried and tested by many research clinics and laboratories worldwide. In the Philippines, the
Department of Health has endorsed Ampalaya as an alternative medicine to help alleviate various ailments including diabetes, liver problems and even HIV. Aside from these, ampalaya also helps treat skin diseases
and cough. Its herbal value extends to increasing the sterility of women, in parasiticide, antipyretic, and has purgative functions, as well. Note: In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a purgative and abortifacient.
Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) with a scientific name Momordica charantia, is a climbing vine and the tendrils of which grow up to 20 centimeters long. This herbal plant belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae, and it is a
tropical as well as a subtropical vine. Ampalaya leaves are heart-shaped, which are 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. The fruits of the ampalaya vine are fleshy green with pointed ends at length. It can never be mistaken
for any other variety because its ribbed and wrinkled surface had always been ampalaya’s distinct physical structure. The bitter taste of the ampalaya fruit had also been the distinguishing factor from the rest of the
fruits with medicinal value, and this is due to the presence of a substance known as momorcidin.
Ampalaya has been a folkloric cure for generations but has now been proven to be an effective herbal medicine for many aliments. Most significant of which is for Diabetes. The Philippine variety has proven to be most
potent. Ampalaya contains a mixture of flavanoids and alkaloids make the Pancreas produce more insulin that controls the blood sugar in diabetics. Aside from Ampalaya's medicinal value, it is good source of vitamins
A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium.
Ampalaya has been for used even by the Chinese for centuries. The effectively of Ampalaya as an herbal medicine has been tried and tested by many research clinics and laboratories worldwide. In the Philippines, the
Department of Health has endorsed Ampalaya as an alternative medicine to help alleviate various ailments including diabetes, liver problems and even HIV. Aside from these, ampalaya also helps treat skin diseases
and cough. Its herbal value extends to increasing the sterility of women, in parasiticide, antipyretic, and has purgative functions, as well. Note: In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a purgative and abortifacient.
Herbal Benefits of Ampalaya:
• Good for rheumatism and gout
• And diseases of the spleen and liver
• Aids in lowering blood sugar levels
• Helps in lowering blood pressure
• Relives headaches
• Disinfects and heals wounds & burns
• Can be used as a cough & fever remedy
• Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea
• Helps prevent some types of cancer
• Enhances immune system to fight infection
• For treatment of hemorrhoids
• Is an antioxidant and parasiticide
• Is antibacterial and antipyretic
• Good for rheumatism and gout
• And diseases of the spleen and liver
• Aids in lowering blood sugar levels
• Helps in lowering blood pressure
• Relives headaches
• Disinfects and heals wounds & burns
• Can be used as a cough & fever remedy
• Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea
• Helps prevent some types of cancer
• Enhances immune system to fight infection
• For treatment of hemorrhoids
• Is an antioxidant and parasiticide
• Is antibacterial and antipyretic
Preparation & Use of Ampalaya:
• For coughs, fever, worms, diarrhea, diabetes, juice Ampalaya leaves and drink a spoonful daily.
• For other ailments, the fruit and leaves can both be juiced and taken orally.
• For headaches wounds, burns and skin diseases, apply warmed leaves to afflicted area.
• Powdered leaves, and the root decoction, may be used as stringent and applied to treat hemorrhoids.
• Internal parasites are proven to be expelled when the ampalaya juice, made from its leaves, is extracted. The ampalaya juice, and grounded seeds is to be taken one spoonful thrice a day, which also treats diarrhea,
dysentery, and chronic colitis.
• For coughs, fever, worms, diarrhea, diabetes, juice Ampalaya leaves and drink a spoonful daily.
• For other ailments, the fruit and leaves can both be juiced and taken orally.
• For headaches wounds, burns and skin diseases, apply warmed leaves to afflicted area.
• Powdered leaves, and the root decoction, may be used as stringent and applied to treat hemorrhoids.
• Internal parasites are proven to be expelled when the ampalaya juice, made from its leaves, is extracted. The ampalaya juice, and grounded seeds is to be taken one spoonful thrice a day, which also treats diarrhea,
dysentery, and chronic colitis.
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