If you’ve used recreational drugs, you might think: “It’s not that bad! I’ve enjoyed getting high, with no consequences.” The problem, however, is not just the drug itself, but all the extras that gets added in. Narcotics, like heroin, tik and cocaine, don’t just have dangerous short term effects, but cause significant damage to the structure of your brain when used over time.
So, before you drop one, pop a tab or do another line, take a look at the facts:
What makes it so dangerous?
Because street drugs are uncontrolled, dealers will use anything to mix, dilute or bulk up drugs – it means more money for them. Tests have found substances such as:
- rat poison
- pool chemicals
- anti-retroviral drugs
- milk powder
- bicarbonate of soda
- pool cleaner
Some of the drugs can even laced with a cheap form of heroin. Often these mixes make the drug even more addictive, so you end up with a cheap-to-make (not cheap-to-buy!), highly addictive and potentially deadly substance.
How do they work?
Street drugs work by stimulating neurotransmitters in your brain; especially dopamine and serotonin, which over-stimulate your “reward” pathways and give you a euphoric high. These abnormally high levels can cause long term damage by depleting your brain of essential hormones – which means that your brain can no longer function as it should and structural damage begins.
Some street drugs affect blood flow to the brain causing strokes, such as cocaine.  The abnormal spikes in neurotransmitter levels can cause violent behaviour, psychosis and paranoia. And that’s just while you’re high. Then comes the low where users can get muscle spasms, seizures and even heart attacks.
What Drugs Have Been Chemically Changed?
Here is a list of common chemically changed or processed street drugs. Processed means that the drug may have started out as a natural substance, but it’s been changed into another form.
- Ecstasy
- Crack cocaine
- Heroin
- Meth (methamphetamine)
- Crystal meth (Tik)
- Cat (Methcathinone hydrochloride)
- LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide)
- Nyaope – also known as whoonga or sugars
What if you or your loved one battles with addiction?
Drugs affect people in all age groups and social circumstances, from the very rich to the very poor. Addiction can occur after a single use, so experimentation is just not worth the risk.
If you or anyone you know are struggling with addiction, call Narcotics Anonymous at 083 900 69 62. Alternatively, email Narcanon at [email protected] or visit the SANCA site for information: http://www.sancawc.co.za/master/article.php?id=103
Take a look at our drug infographic, if you’d like to see what drugs do to your body.
Private Online Support For Addicts
If you use cocaine and are over 18, you may be eligible to participate in a program that trains you to resist cocaine-related cues and provides you with coping skills. This project is web-based with an optional Skype session with the main researcher and six online training programs. Your identity throughout is completely anonymous.
How to access help: https://www.lab.uva.nl/lotus/cocaine_training/registration/