Some teens start by using prescription drugs at a party or with friends because they are curious or think it will make them feel good. Others start taking prescription drugs when prescribed by a doctor after an injury or dental procedure. Legitimate use of a prescription opioid can turn into dependence, abuse, addiction and then heroin use.

Heroin has many of the same characteristics as prescribed opiates. It is easily accessible when prescriptions run out and is much less expensive.

According to new federal data, heroin–related deaths quadrupled in the U.S. within three years. A report for the National Center for health Statistics (NCHS) indicates that from 2010 to 2013, drug-poisoning deaths involving heroin increased fourfold.

Heroin Related Deaths Have Quadrupled in America: read article at
http://time.com/3730128/heroin-deaths-painkillers/

Drug-poisoning Deaths Involving Heroin: United States, 2000-2013 full report can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db190.pdf

Cocaine

 Cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that is made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America. Popular names include:

• Blow
• Coke
• Crack
• Rock
• Snow

While typically the powdered substance is snorted through the nose, it can be injected adding heroin. This is called Speedball. Cocaine increases dopamine in the brain (the feel good chemical) which controls pleasure and movement. For more information go to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) web site:www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine

Ecstasy/Molly

Ecstasy is a synthetic drug that alters ones mood and perception. It is chemically similar to stimulants and hallucinogens and produces feelings of increased energy and emotional closeness. It severely distorts ones perception of time and increases intensity of the 5 senses.

Ecstasy, also called Molly, affects three brain chemicals causing a surge in euphoria, and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It alters mood, appetite and sleep and triggers hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust.

Much of the Molly sieved by the police contains additives such as cocaine, ketamine, methamphetamine, over-the-counter cough medicine or synthetic cathinones, (bath salts).

For more information go to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) web site:
www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasymolly

Spice/ Synthetic Marijuana

“Spice” is the name given to a wide variety of herbal mixtures that produce experiences similar to marijuana. They are labeled as safe, legal alternatives to marijuana and labeled “not for human consumption”.

Spice is sold under the names of:K2

• Fake weed
• Yucatan Fire
• Skunk
• Moon Rocks

The mixtures contain dried plant material and chemical additives that result in mind-altering effects. Often sold as incense, it resembles potpourri. Because of the unknown chemical composition of many of the products sold under Spice, it can lead to a powerful, unpredictable effect that can cause rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. It is illegal to buy, sell or possess the product.

For more information on Spice, visit:
http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/drug-profiles/synthetic-cannabinoids