Drug abuse at sea Contents

Transcription

1 Drug abuse at sea

2 Drug abuse at sea Cntents Page N. Intrductin 1 Drug abuse 2 The safety implicatins 4 The legal implicatins 5 The benefits f a drug plicy 6 Cmbating the menace f drugs 7 Legal cnsideratins 12 Methds f drug testing 14 What t d in an emergency 17 Appendix Amphetamines 20 Cannabis 22 Ccaine 24 Crack 26 Ecstasy 27 Gases, glues and aersls 28 GHB 29 Herin 30 Ketamine 32 LSD 33 Methadne 34 Sedatives 35 Acknwledgements With thanks t: The Metrplitan Plice Service Lndn and Central Narctics Bureau Singapre fr phtgraphs The Nautical Institute fr extracts frm the bk Illegal Drugs by Sea The recvery psitin illustratin taken frm the Ship Captain s Medical Guide 22 nd editin, page 15 is Crwn cpyright and reprduced with the permissin f the Cntrller f Her Majesty s Statinery Office

3 Drug abuse at sea Intrductin Over the last few years we have seen an alarming increase in the number f accidents at sea in which drugs have been a causative factr. In sme areas f the wrld and n certain types f vessel drug abuse is becming a serius safety hazard. The pattern f life at sea fr many seafarers invlves perids cut ff frm the diversins and entertainments enjyed by thse ashre. Perids f islatin and tedium induce a strng desire in many t party when they cme ashre. Seafarers ften pay ff with large sums f cash either frm their wages, r in the case f a fishing vessel, frm their share f the catch. This cmbinatin f liquid assets and a thirst fr excitement make them a target fr varius business ventures designed t part the seafarer frm his mney. In the past these have tended t revlve arund alchl and the ppsite sex but nw the seafarer has becme an attractive target fr drug dealers. While it might be argued that the use f drugs whilst ashre n leave is n business f the shipwner, peratr r emplyer, the argument des nt stand up. It has been shwn that mst drugs have lng term effects which cntinue lng after drug taking has ceased. It may als nly be a matter f time befre the seafarer develps such a taste fr the drugs that he takes them t sea with him. In mst cuntries f the wrld the law impses a duty n the shipwner, peratr r emplyer t prvide a safe place fr the seafarer t wrk. This includes prviding fellw crew members wh are fit and capable f carrying ut their duties safely. Seafarers wh are under the influence f drugs clearly present a safety hazard fr which an emplyer may find himself bth civilly and criminally liable. The symptms and effects f alchl are widely knwn thrughut the marine industry. The signs f drug abuse are nt s well knwn, nr is there a widespread appreciatin f the effects f varius drugs n wrk perfrmance, attitude and behaviur. The purpse f this bklet is t help wners, peratrs and emplyers f seafarers t becme aware f the risks, t educate them in the effects f drugs and help eradicate this menace frm ur industry. 1

4 Drug abuse What is a drug? A drug is any substance that alters the functin f mind r bdy. What is drug abuse? Abuse is the inapprpriate taking f illegal r prescribed drugs, whether deliberate r unintentinal. What are the effects f drug abuse? Drug abuse at sea is a serius prblem which nt nly affects the abuser but als the safety f his crewmates and indeed the vessel itself. When taken in excess the chemicals cntained in drugs can cause bth physical and mental harm t the abuser. Mst drugs adversely affect physical c-rdinatin, making the abuser a danger t all arund him whilst he remains under the influence f the drug. Drug abuse alters the way a persn thinks, perceives and feels, leading t impaired memry, judgement and cncentratin which can cause harm bth t the abuser and t ther peple. Abuse may be accmpanied by neglect in persnal health and wellbeing and wrk perfrmance usually suffers. Simultaneus use f drugs and alchl is particularly dangerus. Statistics suggest that within tw years f develping a drug prblem, a crew member s wrk perfrmance will deterirate t the extent where they becme unemplyable. Wh is at risk? Drug abuse falls mainly int the years ld age grup. 2

5 Hw can I tell if there is a drugs prblem n bard? There are n scial divisins f class r classes f drug users. They may be fund in all walks f life and at all scial levels. The physical characteristics f drug addicts depends n the type f drug used and the time that has elapsed since the last dse. The drug user generally develps an ability t lie abut his habit and keeps it secret. Crew members may nt ntice a drug user amngst their clleagues. In a clsed cmmunity such as a ship s crew there may be a strng bnd f grup lyalty which may result in an unwillingness t believe the wrst abut a clleague. The nly way f establishing with any degree f certainty whether there is a drugs prblem n bard yur vessel is t embark n a drug testing prgramme. There are hwever a number f ther indicatrs which might help identify thse with a drug prblem. These are: Sudden unexplained md changes Unusual irritability and aggressin Tendency t becme cnfused Abnrmal changes in cncentratin Pr jb perfrmance Pr timekeeping Lss f shrt term memry Lss f interest in jb Deteriratin f relatinships with fellw crew Dishnesty and theft frm bat r fellw crew Unexplained changes in financial circumstances 3

6 The safety implicatins Safe wrking practices are f prime imprtance n an efficient well run ship. All drugs, including alchl and prescribed drugs, may have side effects which increase the risk f accidents n bard. The effects f a drug may nt be limited t the time immediately after it is taken. Even in mderate dses sme drugs remain in the bdy and affect the user fr hurs r days. Slw reactin times, pr c-rdinatin and lss f memry caused by drugs can turn everyday tasks int a nightmare fr the affected persn and seriusly increase shipbard hazards, nt nly fr the drug abuser but fr everyne invlved in vessel peratins. Perfectly legal drugs can adversely affect crew perfrmance and can be ptentially just as dangerus as illegal drugs. Cmpanies shuld encurage and require crew members t advise the cmpany f any medicatin they are taking that has been prescribed by their dctr. This is particularly imprtant because certain prescribed drugs may als give a psitive result in a drugs test. At sea everyne is respnsible, nt nly fr their wn safety, but the safety f thers. It is in everyne s interest that drug abuse be eliminated frm every part f marine industry. Drugs and safety dn t mix 4

7 The legal implicatins The pssessin f sme drugs is illegal, expsing the user t risk f criminal charges as well as causing harm t his psychlgical and physical health. If fund n bard ship they may expse the wner/peratr t criminal charges. If yu knwingly permit the pssessin, trafficking r use f illegal substances t take place n yur ship, yu culd be cmmitting a criminal ffence. If yu knwingly allw an emplyee under the influence f drugs t cntinue wrking yu may be prsecuted, especially if his behaviur places thers at risk. If yu knwingly allw an emplyee under the influence f drugs t cntinue wrking and that emplyee causes an accident, yu will be liable fr any damage r injury which results. The discvery f illegal drugs n bard a vessel by custms fficers can result in the vessel being detained and the wners r peratrs being fined. In extreme cases the vessel itself may be cnfiscated. Drug users are mre likely t be tempted int becming invlved in smuggling peratins as a means f financing their expensive habit. Smuggling activities clearly increase the risk f a shipwner r peratr being fined r having his vessel cnfiscated. Can yu affrd this risk? 5

8 The benefits f a drug plicy Successfully tackling drug abuse is beneficial t crew safety and the vessel s earning pwer: By reducing the risk and cst f accidents caused by impaired judgement By reducing the cst f absenteeism r pr wrk perfrmance f the drug abuser By saving n the cst and incnvenience f recruiting and training replacement crew when drug abusers becme unreliable By reducing the pssibility f fines and vessel detentin By imprving crew mrale A drug and alchl plicy has been prven t attract a higher quality f jb applicant Tackling a drug prblem saves mney 6

9 Cmbating the menace f drugs What can I d? Yu shuld: Devise and implement a written plicy n drugs Implement a preventin and educatin prgramme t prvide the seafarer with clear factual infrmatin abut the nature f drugs, the shrt and lng term effects f their use and the implicatins fr the seafarer and persnal safety n bard ship Intrduce a drugs and alchl clause t yur seafarer s cntract f emplyment Implement a drug screening/ testing prgramme Many industries have develped systems f drug screening and testing t cmbat drug abuse in the wrkplace. Until relatively recently testing in the marine industry was uncmmn hwever within the last 15 years it has becme accepted practice, particularly in the il related trades where the il cmpanies have instituted drug and alchl clauses in charterparties. As yet there is n widespread use f drug testing in the fishing industry but in respnse t an increasing drug prblem amngst fishermen sme peratrs in America, Canada, New Zealand and ther parts f the wrld have successfully implemented screening and testing prgrammes. They reprt psitive results in eliminating drug abuse at sea and raising standards f safety n bard. The initial reactin f many small vessel peratrs is that these methds are nly suitable fr large cmpanies. While it is true that they were pineered by airlines, il cmpanies and ther large crpratins, the methds are equally applicable t very small peratins. Effective drugs plicies have been implemented by the smallest peratrs. Small size is in many ways actually an advantage, fr example a system f randm drug testing is easily shwn t be truly randm when the entire crew can sit arund the messrm table and smene literally draws the shrt straw. 7

10 Cmpany plicy A clear and unambiguus cmpany plicy n drugs and alchl shuld be prepared in cnsultatin with jint venturers, business partners, seafarers, their unins and any ther relevant industry bdy. It is imprtant t stress the paramunt imprtance f safety at sea. A drug free ship nt nly prvides a safer wrking envirnment but als enhances each individual seafarer s lng term health prspects. The plicy statement shuld make it clear that failure t cmply with the plicy will be cnsidered serius miscnduct. In the case f jint venturers and business partners nn-cmpliance shuld terminate their cntract. In the case f emplyees nn-cmpliance shuld lead t disciplinary prcedures. This plicy shuld: Identify drugs n bard as a safety issue Clearly state the cmpany s psitin that the use r pssessin f any unauthrised drug n bard any f their vessels is unacceptable Intrduce the cncept f drug testing 8

11 Educatin The secnd stage in tackling the drug risk is thrugh educatin. There is a cnsiderable amunt f inaccurate infrmatin and miscnceptins circulating in relatin t drugs and their use. The first pririty must be t prvide clear factual infrmatin abut the nature f drugs, the shrt and lng term effects f their use and their implicatins fr the seafarer and safety n bard ship. Many peple believe fr instance that cannabis is nt addictive and is relatively harmless. Hwever in 1996 the Natinal Drug and Alchl Research Centre in Australia fund that 92% f lng term cannabis users were dependent n the drug and 40% were severely dependent. As fr cannabis being harmless research has prven that this is a fallacy and that cannabis smkers are far mre likely t develp lung, neck and head cancer than cigarette smkers. The mental health rganisatin SANE pints ut that cannabis can cause hallucinatins with paranid delusins similar t thse in schizphrenia in additin t inducing memry lss. Similar miscnceptins apply t the effects f the drug. In a recent gvernment survey 10% f drivers in fatal accidents tested psitive fr cannabis, which disprves the widely held belief that small quantities f the drug d nt impair the ability t drive. Mre wrrying are the results f tests carried ut in the USA n experienced airline pilts using flight simulatrs. 24 hurs after smking a single jint they all experienced difficulty in landing their aircraft yet befre testing they felt nrmal and had n idea that their cmpetence was impaired. Educatin t dispel cmmnly held miscnceptins and t prvide infrmatin abut the true effects f drugs n safety at sea is a fundamental step twards creating a drug free envirnment. 9

12 Crew cntracts The inclusin f a drugs and alchl clause within a seafarer s cntract clarifies the respnsibilities and bligatins f bth parties, irrespective f whether the seafarer is a jint venturer, such as a share fisherman, r a direct emplyee f the cmpany. If the seafarer is a direct emplyee a drug and alchl plicy may be required by natinal law. It is particularly imprtant that by signing the cntract the crew members give their cnsent t submit t the cmpany s drug testing prgramme and authrise the cmpany t receive the results f thse tests. We wuld recmmend that such a clause shuld: Reiterate that the cmpany s drug and alchl plicy is a safety issue f prime imprtance Stress that n persn shall take n bard r be in pssessin f any unauthrised drug Define an unauthrised drug as a drug which has nt been prescribed by a fully qualified medical practitiner fr use by the particular crew member Stress that crew members shall disclse t the Master details f any prescribed drugs which they are carrying/using State that they specifically cnsent t prvide urine samples r bld samples n request State that being in pssessin r under the influence f any unauthrised drug n bard the vessel r reprting fr duty under the influence f any unauthrised drug is serius miscnduct which will result in immediate suspensin and further disciplinary actin State that refusal t prvide bld r urine samples when requested t d s will in itself be cnsidered serius miscnduct 10

13 Hw d I implement a drug testing and screening prgramme? Shipwners/emplyers wrking tgether with industry grups/trade unins and maritime training establishments can wrk effectively tgether t prmte the cncept f drug testing as an integral part f Health and Safety at Sea. Screening becmes acceptable when it is seen as an ccupatinal health plicy designed t prevent unnecessary risks t the abuser and his clleagues in the wrkplace. T successfully implement a drug screening and testing prcedure yu must first cmplete an educatin and cnsultatin prcess with yur wrkfrce. Mst cmpanies have fund that the vast majrity f seafarers are supprtive f drug educatin and testing prgrammes. Supprt is particularly strng amngst thse wh had had first hand experience f the prblems that drugs can create n bard ship. The minrity wh ppsed the prgramme were mstly cncerned abut the pssible infringement f human rights. Sensitive handling f these issues and the way that the prgramme is implemented can alleviate mst f these cncerns. Drug testing by its nature is persnal and must therefre be undertaken tactfully with apprpriate cncern fr the rights f the individual crew member. It shuld be brne in mind that every test has the ptential t have a prfund effect n an individual s future and shuld therefre be carried ut with care using internatinally accepted prcedures. 11

14 Legal cnsideratins In sme cuntries it is a criminal ffence t emply peple at sea wh have been cnvicted f drug ffences. In thers, althugh mst supprt the cncept f remving drugs frm the wrkplace there may be restrictins n the steps that the shipwner r emplyer may take t ensure his vessels remain drug free. Drug testing is recgnised and prmted by the Internatinal Maritime Organisatin, Oil Cmpanies Internatinal Maritime Frum, Internatinal Ship Management Assciatin, the New Zealand Fishing industry and ther industry and Trade Unin rganisatins. Mst cuntries permit drug testing in ne frm r anther where it can be demnstrated that there is a serius safety related aspect t an individual s emplyment. The extent f any restrictins varies cnsiderably frm ne cuntry t anther. Fr example sme cuntries limit an emplyer s right t carry ut drug screening tests as part f the interviewing and recruitment prcess. In thers an emplyer s ability t carry ut randm testing f existing emplyees may be limited. Prblems are hwever nt simply cnfined t the testing prcess. Human rights and emplyment laws can limit the curses f actin pen t an emplyer when evidence f drug abuse is discvered. In sme cuntries identified drug abusers can be categrised as disabled and entitled t the benefits and prtectin f legislatin designed t enhance the emplyment psitin f disabled persns. Sme laws place restrictins n the emplyer s ability t dismiss seafarers, thers require their dismissal. Sme cuntries require the emplyer t prvide medical treatment and rehabilitatin. We recmmend that emplyers shuld btain detailed advice abut the psitin frm lawyers specialising in emplyment law. The advice shuld encmpass the law nt nly in the flag state but als in any ther cuntry cnnected with the seafarer, including his cuntry f residence, the cuntry in which he was recruited, and the cuntry f dmicile f any crewing r manning agent. 12

15 What frm shuld testing take? Drugs can be detected in bld, sweat, urine, saliva and hair. Urine testing is the mst ppular methd used at sea, being relatively simple and capable f being administered by shipbard persnnel. There are a number f ways f testing samples, ranging frm d-it-yurself kits thrugh t detailed labratry analysis. The kits currently available n the market prvide a simple, quick and relatively cheap screening test. The drawback is that they are nt particularly accurate. Where an accurate result is required a full analysis by an independent labratry wrking t internatinal standards shuld be carried ut. Many cmpanies successfully perate a tw tier system f testing, utilising bth n the spt and labratry testing. D it yurself kits are used as a screening test, i.e. if a negative result is btained n further testing is required. If hwever it shws a psitive result the sample is sent ff t an independent labratry fr full analysis. We wuld recmmend that where disciplinary actin is cntemplated a full labratry test is cnducted. Whichever system yu adpt it is imprtant t ensure that the prcedures are prperly defined and fllwed. Fr example cllectin prcedures shuld make sure that there is n pprtunity fr the individual t dilute r substitute r therwise adulterate the sample. Any sample sent t a labratry must be sent in a tamper-prf cntainer with a unique identifier linking the individual, the sample and the chain f custdy f dcumentatin. It may be necessary fr the cmpany t prve that the samples culd nt have been tampered with. 13

16 Methds f drug testing The effectiveness f a drug screening and testing prgramme depends entirely upn its deterrent value. In ther wrds it depends n whether the crew members believe that drug users will be detected r whether they believe that the system can be beaten. Fr example if seafarers feel that nce a ship has been tested they are safe fr six mnths, its effectiveness is greatly diminished. There are a number f different methds f drug and alchl testing. These include: Pre-emplyment Rutine medical Reasnable cause Pst incident Randm Each has advantages and disadvantages. We recmmend that mre than ne methd f testing is utilised and that every prgramme shuld, if pssible, include randm testing. Type Advantages Disadvantages Establishes cmpany s attitude t drugs and alchl Deters drug users jining cmpany Des nt require changes t terms and cnditins f emplyment Helps t intrduce cncept f testing t ther emplyees Preemplyment Rutine medicals Pst accident/ pst incident Reasnable cause, i.e. behaviural indicatrsa Unannunced, randm selectin Easy t administer Indicates whether drugs r alchl might have cntributed t incident Demnstrates that drugs/alchl did nt cntribute t incident which brings PR benefits May cnfirm suspicin f drug/alchl cnsumptin cntributing t impairment and/ r deterirating wrk perfrmance If negative, may direct attentin t sme medical cnditin r ther cause Unpredictable Cnstant pssibility f selectin means cnstant threat f detectin Impartial selectin methd can be inspected by crew representatives Deterrent effect encurages peple t recgnise prblem use at an earlier stage Nil r belw average psitive rate is psitive image fr cmpany Demnstrates cmpany s pr-active apprach t safety Result is nly valid fr the day f the test N deterrent factr fr future use May create blacklist f applicants in sme sectrs Needs recrd-keeping t avid peple reapplying fr the same jb May be prhibited by lcal emplyment law Advance ntice f dates means alchl/illegal drug use can be adjusted t avid detectin If drugs/alchl are fund this may mean that ther cntributry factrs are ignred If drug r alchl related this is identified after the event, i.e. t late Perceptin f victimisatin Is nt seen t apply equally t all crew, e.g. wh tests the Master? If behaviur is drug r alchl related then prblem use has prbably already develped Risk that administrative cnvenience can lead t bias in selectin prcess Need t clsely define and mnitr reasns fr unavailability fr test 14

17 Drug clearance times The times shwn belw are based n a persn f average stature and n established tlerance t the drug taken, (with the exceptin f cannabis), in a mderate dse. The clearance times shwn are minimum perids necessary t reduce the amunt f drug remaining in the bdy t internatinally accepted levels. Traces f drugs may remain in the bdy fr much lnger. These times may increase depending upn individual metablism, drug purity and quantity invlved. DRUG Ccaine Amphetamines Opiates LSD Methadne Cannabis 1-2 jints ral ingestin mderate (4 times per week) heavy (daily) chrnic (mre than 5 jints per day) TIME 2-4 days 1-4 days 2 days 1-3 days 3 days 2-3 days 1-5 days 5 days 10 days days 15

18 What d I d if a drugs test prves psitive? A psitive screening test shuld result in the immediate suspensin f the seafarer frm seaging emplyment pending cnfirmatin f the result frm an independent testing labratry. Further disciplinary actin shuld nly be taken after full and fair investigatin in which the crew member has the pprtunity t challenge the results and t give their side f the stry. If it becmes clear that drugs have been abused then disciplinary actin shuld fllw in accrdance with the prvisins f the crew cntract and natinal law. Every psitin n bard ship has safety-related aspects. It is therefre essential that if a drug abuser is nt dismissed, fr example where rehabilitatin treatment is mandatry under natinal law, his/her subsequent emplyment is restricted t land-based, nn safety-related wrk. In any event a drug abuser shuld be made aware f the dangers drugs pse t himself and thers at sea and shuld be encuraged t seek assistance frm his dctr and ther specialised agencies. 16

19 What t d in an emergency Amphetamines (speed), cannabis, ecstasy and LSD can smetimes make the user feel tense and panicky. If this happens: Calm the persn and be reassuring. Try nt t panic. Speak in a nrmal vice and if yu 15 feel scared r wrried, try nt t let them see it Explain that the feelings will pass Encurage them t settle in a quiet, dimly lit rm If they start breathing very quickly calm them dwn and tell them t take lng, slw breaths Herin, tranquillisers and misuse f gases, glues and aersls can make the user feel very drwsy. If this happens: Calm the persn and be reassuring. Speak in a lw, quiet vice and try nt t panic D nt frighten r startle them, r let them exert themselves NEVER give cffee t ruse them If symptms persist, place them in the recvery psitin Obtain medical advice by radi if they d nt start t becme mre alert 17

20 An verdse f mst drugs will cause uncnsciusness. This can als happen if smene suffers a bad reactin t ecstasy r if an ecstasy user dances energetically withut taking regular breaks r drinking enugh fluids. If this happens: Place the persn in a recvery psitin s they will nt chke if they vmit Check breathing. Be prepared t d muth-t-muth resuscitatin Keep them warm, but nt t ht. Hwever if smene has taken ecstasy and yu think they may have verheated, make sure they have plenty f cl, fresh air and remve any excess clthing such as a hat, glves, etc. Stay with them at all times Call fr medical assistance by radi. If the casualty is evacuated send any drugs fund in their pssessin with the casualty The recvery psitin: Pull up the leg and the arm n the side t which the head is facing, pull up the chin; Stretch ther arm ut as pictured 18

21 Appendix This Appendix cntains details f the drugs mst cmmnly encuntered at sea. Included within each descriptin is a reference t the degree f addictin. Drug dependence can take varius frms such as: Physical Addictin This is defined by the Wrld Health Organisatin as: a state that shws itself by physical disturbances when the amunt f a drug in the bdy is markedly reduced. The disturbances frm a withdrawal r absence syndrme cmpsed f psychsmatic and mental symptms and signs which are characteristic fr each drug type. In the case f physical addictin the bdy develps a craving fr the drug, withdrawal symptms ccur when the drug is withheld and sme f the symptms are physically visible in the frm f excessive sweating, a cnstant desire fr liquids, scratching, twitching f muscles, irritability, diarrhea, muscle spasms and in extreme cases, cma and death. Psychlgical Addictin The Wrld Health Organisatin defines this as: a cnditin in which the drug prmtes a feeling f satisfactin and a drive t repeat the cnsumptin f a drug in rder t induce pleasure r avid discmfrt. In this case the mind develps a dependence n the drug althugh there may be n physical dependence. Withdrawal symptms are nt as prnunced as in physical addictin but there may still be irritability, fits f anger, fixatin n taking a further dsage, irratinal behaviur, feelings f victimisatin etc. Envirnmental Addictin This can ccur when the addict becmes accustmed t a particular lifestyle, scial meetings r meeting places, nt just with pium r cannabis users, have been cnducive t envirnmental addictin and prvide pprtunities fr bth addicts and pushers. If drugs circulate in particular places the addict has a permanent surce and the pusher a cnstant market. Bdily Tlerance When physical addictin ccurs the bdy requires prgressively larger dses f the drug t achieve the same level f intxicatin r high. The quicker this increase is nted the higher the bdy tlerance is said t be. 19

22 Amphetamines (speed, whizz) Descriptin Amphetamine prducts, legally manufactured, cntain the drug in the frm f the sulphate r phsphate salt. In pure frm all are white pwders except ipradl which is fund as white crystals. There are hundreds f brand names. They are als fund in pill r tablet frm r as capsules, but ccasinally in ampules fr injectin. Illicit prducts vary in clur frm a white r ff-white pwder t yellw r brwn depending n the type and amunt f impurities and adulterants. They are ften damp, with a characteristic unpleasant dur due t the presence f slvent residues. Smell All are nrmally durless. Pure frms f amphetamine may smell faintly ammniac r fishy. Administratin Pills are usually taken rally r as a pwder either sniffed, smked r disslved in water and injected. They are frequently taken in assciatin with alchl. Assciated Equipment Usually nne, except empty wrappings. Occasinally hypdermic syringes and needles. Degree f Addictin Psychlgical addictin: strng Envirnmental addictin: fairly strng Physical addictin: nne Bdy tlerance high It is a stimulant drug which prduces sensatins f alertness, cnfidence and well being, appears t raise levels f energy and stamina, and lessens the desire t eat and sleep. Regular use can prduce a need t increase the dse t achieve the same effect and can prduce a pwerful craving fr the drug. Lng term use can prduce serius mental and physical prblems. Its use may cause cmpulsin r dependency and extended use can cause psychsis. 20

23 When the drug wears ff there can be an unpleasant cmedwn. Users feel tired, lethargic and depressed and can lead them t take mre f the drug t try t avid the cmedwn. There is als the added risk f dangerus infectins being spread such as HIV and hepatitis B r C if injecting equipment is shared. Many users becme physically run dwn, leaving them susceptible t a wide range f infectins Ppular Myths Fictin: They are ttally harmless. They just pep yu up Fact: Instances f renal failure have been reprted and these substances are knwn t affect ther internal rgans Fictin: They are all different Fact: Each f the types has many hundreds f brands. Only the clur and the presentatin are different 21

24 Cannabis Origin Cannabis, the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), is a bushy plant which grws wild thrughut mst f the trpical and temperate regins f the wrld, especially in the Middle East, suth west Nrth America, suth east Asia and Mexic. It can be grwn virtually anywhere in the wrld althugh the majr cmmercial mvements generally riginate in the West Indies, Africa, Turkey, the Indian subcntinent and Thailand. The mst imprtant active ingredients are cncentrated in the resin at the tp f the plant. Hashish r hash is resin scraped frm the plant and cmpressed int blcks. Cannabis is the mst cmmn illicit drug. It can be fund in three frms: Herbal (marijuana): This is fund as a green, yellw r brwn herbal material, rugh r fine in texture depending n the grade f the sample and similar in appearance t dried stinging nettles r hay. Stalks, stems and twigs may be present as well as small white seeds. The substance smells f spicy damp earth and mild rtting vegetatin. There is a nticeably acrid bnfire smell when being smked. The smell will linger in a nn-ventilated envirnment. Resin: This appears as beige t dark brwn r black (ccasinally with a yellwish r greenish tinge) and is nrmally fund as slabs r small chunks, althugh ccasinally in pwdered frm r mulded shapes. It is slightly sticky in texture. The substance can be mulded int varius shapes such as the sles f shes, beads, carved heads, etc. Oil: This appears as a dark green t black, ccasinally glden, viscus ily liquid, and has a smell similar t herbal cannabis but strnger. Smell In general, all frms f cannabis have a spicy smell reminiscent f damp earth and rtting vegetatin. It is likely t cause nausea where expsure is prlnged. The smell varies with the age f the sample but is mre nticeable in il than in resin, which is itself strnger smelling than the herbal variety. The smell f the drug lingers in the clthing and the atmsphere where it has been smked. Administratin The herbal and resin frms f cannabis are usually smked, but they may be eaten r chewed. In its il frm it can be painted n cigarettes. Cking it and eating it makes the effects mre intense and hard t cntrl. 22

25 Assciated Equipment Lng cigarette papers, ften several layers, small earthenware bwls, wd pipes r any wide-bred article such as animal hrns, water pipes, r crude cardbard tubes r filters are used all designed t cl the temperature f the smke. Cmmercial cigarettes may als be fund with a line f il painted arund them. Degree f Addictin Psychlgical addictin: Envirnmental addictin: Physical addictin: Bdy tlerance: fairly strng fairly strng nne nne t slight Influence and Symptms The mst cmmn effects are talkativeness, buts f hilarity, relaxatin and a greater appreciatin f sund and clur. The substances can induce drwsy and uninhibited behaviur with the addict exhibiting markedly slw reactins. There will be a marked inability t fllw reasned argument, the pupils f the eye will dilate and the user may exhibit aggressin when cnfrnted. Cannabis may induce cravings fr certain fds. With higher dses there may be perceptual distrtin and persns using the drug when anxius r depressed may find their feelings magnified. Fr peple with disturbed persnalities, heavy use can precipitate a temprary psychtic disrder. Its use affects shrt term memry, the ability t cncentrate and c-rdinatin thereby increasing the risk f accidents. Its use can make users paranid and anxius. Many users find cannabis hard t give up. Ppular Myths Fictin: Cannabis is an aphrdisiac Fact: The drug can reduce sperm cunt and fertility Fictin: It is harmless Fact: Sme experts believe it is stred in the brain and lwers the intelligence rating. It is als carcingenic 23

26 Ccaine Origin Ccaine is derived frm the leaves f the Andean cca shrub and has pwerful stimulant prperties similar t thse f amphetamine. It is prduced mainly in the nrthern half f Suth America, especially Clmbia and Venezuela, where ccaine prfits are a majr influence n the ecnmy. It is mved in three frms: cca leaf, cca paste and ccaine. Cca Leaf: This appears as an elliptical leaf, greenish brwn t red in clur, similar t large bay leaves in appearance, usually dried. It is durless. Cca Paste: This appears as a white t ff-white r creamy clured putty-like substance. It has a strng chemical dur, rather like linseed il. Ccaine: This appears as a fluffy white crystalline pwder which glistens like sw, thugh ccasinally transprted as a clurless slutin. It is durless. Administratin The substance can be inhaled, injected r rubbed int gums, genitals r the anus. Regular users with sufficient supplies (and wealth) might cnsume 1-2 grams a day. Injectin carries with it the added risk f cntracting HIV r hepatitis C if needles etc. are shared. Assciated Equipment Equipment cnsists f hypdermic syringes, needles, eye-drppers, snuff spns, razr blades, mirrrs, fancy phials r pill bxes, straws, etc. The sniffing paraphernalia can be antique r expensive metal tubes encrusted with precius stnes wrn as rnaments. Less wealthy addicts use plastic spns, straws, empty ball pint pen refills, etc. Degree f Addictin Psychlgical addictin: strng Envirnmental addictin: strng Physical addictin: nne t slight Bdy tlerance: slight 24

27 Influence and Symptms Like an amphetamine, ccaine prduces psychlgical arusal accmpanied by exhilaratin, decreased hunger, indifference t pain and fatigue and feelings f great strength and mental capacity. Users will exhibit pinpint pupils and suffer frm a highly excitable state and erratic behaviur. They will be talkative and may have an increased heart rate and respiratin. Repeated dses ver a shrt perid f time can lead t an extreme state f agitatin, anxiety, parania and perhaps hallucinatin. Cntinued use can als cause heart prblems and chest pain. Heavy use can cause cnvulsins and can als damage the lungs. When sniffed, the physical effects peak after abut minutes and then diminish. The after effects will include fatigue and depressin. This means that the dse may have t be repeated every 20 minutes r s t maintain the effect. Withdrawal symptms include depressin, anxiety fr anther dsage and feelings f victimisatin. The physical signs f abuse include injectin marks, abscesses n gums, etc., running nse, sniffing and streaming eyes. Ppular Myths Fictin: It is nt physically addictive like herin Fact: Althugh there are n physical withdrawal symptms there is a very strng psychlgical addictin. The drug can als damage the membranes lining the nse and als the structure separating the nstrils Fictin: It des nt d any real harm Fact: HIV has cmmnly been transmitted by cntaminated needles r syringes. There is n knwn cure fr HIV 25

28 Crack Crack Crack is a smkeable frm f ccaine. Crack emerged as the in drug in the early 1980s, initially in the United States. Its use has nw spread t ther cuntries. It is prduced by mixing ccaine hydrchlride with baking sda r ammnia and/r amphetamine pwder. Water is then added t frm a paste which is heated and dried. After drying the Crack is brken int small pieces. Administratin Crack crystals are heated until they evaprate and the resulting smke inhaled. Assciated Equipment Equipment cnsists f snuff spns, razr blades, mirrrs, fancy phials r pill bxes, glass r metal tubes r empty ball pint pen refills. Degree f Addictin Psychlgical addictin: strng Envirnmental addictin: strng Physical addictin: nne t slight Bdy tlerance: slight Influence and Symptms Smking Crack is much mre dangerus than sniffing ccaine. The symptms f Crack are an immediate high lasting n mre than 30 minutes and smetimes as little as 10. The high is fllwed by intense depressin. The user can becme psychtic, vilent, paranid and extremely cnfused. Physical effects are brain seizure, lss f cnsciusness and lung damage. Crack like ccaine prduces tlerance and users need t keep taking larger amunts t get the same effect, thereby increasing the risk f verdse. Users ften chase the high by repeating the dse. Heavy users may take herin t dull the craving caused by the use f Crack. Heavy use can lead t ptentially fatal heart prblems, cnvulsins and can seriusly harm the lungs and cause chest pain. Crack is highly addictive. 26

29 MDMA (Ecstasy) Ecstasy is a drug called MDMA (methylene dixymthylamphetamine), a natural versin f which is fund in nutmeg and il f sassafras. Ecstasy is a stimulant drug with sme f the prperties f LSD but it des nt cause hallucinatins. It has nly been used widely as a recreatinal drug since the mid 1980s and little is knwn abut the pssible lng term effects. Ecstasy is a white pwder but usually cmes in tablet r capsule frm which vary widely in clur and size. These different brands f ecstasy are sld under different names. Tablets change frm week t week and cunterfeit tablets are sld widely s descriptins and brand names are pintless. Hwever many are based n cartn characters, animals, cars r ther symbls and an impressin is shwn n the face f the tablet. Half f all ecstasy tablets seized cntain n MDMA but cntain LSD, amphetamine MDA and ketamine. Administratin Tablets are swallwed. Assciated Equipment Nne. Degree f Addictin Psychlgical addictin: mderate Envirnmental addictin: strng Physical addictin: nne Bdy tlerance: mderate Influence and Symptms The effects f ecstasy depend n the amunt taken and the surrundings in which the drug is taken. These include sweating, dry muth, increased heart rate and lss f appetite. This may be fllwed by feelings f serenity and calm, emtinal clseness and understanding with peple arund. There is ften an increase in the sensitivity f bth tuch and hearing. Ecstasy is nt a truly hallucingenic drug but sme images are smetimes seen when high dses are used. The effects usually peak fr abut tw hurs althugh they may persist fr several hurs in ttal. Ecstasy can leave users feeling tired and depressed fr days and has been linked t liver and kidney prblems. Other side effects include nausea, dizziness and jaw tensin. When taken in larger dses users may suffer anxiety and panic attacks, insmnia and cnfusin. Ppular Myths Fictin: Ecstasy is harmless Fact: Because ecstasy increases heart rate and bld pressure there is a risk fr anyne with heart prblems r high bld pressure. Many experts nw believe that ecstasy can lead t brain damage. 27

30 Gases, glues and aersls (slvents) Descriptin Slvents are substances that are inhaled t get high. They include glue, lighter fuel, petrl and aersls. The prduct used is ften determined by availability and sme prducts als cntain mre dangerus chemicals. Administratin Sniffed r breathed int the lungs frm a clth, sleeve r bag. Gas prducts are smetimes squirted directly int the back f the thrat. Assciated Equipment Nne. Degree f Addictin Psychlgical addictin: mderate Envirnmental addictin: nne t slight Physical addictin: nne t slight Bdy tlerance: nne t slight Influence and Symptms The effects f sniffing slvents are similar t thse f alchl and may bring n light-headedness, giddiness and a sense f adventure and in larger dses cnfusin, drwsiness and feeling ut f cntrl. The effects d nt usually last lnger than half an hur. Inhaling slvents can cause nausea, vmiting, blackuts, headaches and heart prblems that can be fatal. Squirting gas prducts dwn the thrat may cause the bdy t release fluids that flds the lungs, causing instant death. Lng term abuse can damage the brain, liver and kidneys. Ppular Myths Fictin: Slvents are n wrse than alchl Fact: Lng term abuse can damage the brain, liver and kidneys 28

31 GHB Descriptin GHB, (smetimes knwn as GBH) is shrt fr gamahydrxybutyrate. It was riginally develped as a medicine fr use during surgery and can als be used as an alternative t anablic sterids. It is a clurless liquid which nrmally cmes in small bttles r capsules. GHB has n smell but a salty taste. Administratin The liquid is swallwed, usually by the capful. Assciated Equipment Nne. Degree f Addictin Nt knwn. Influence and Symptms GHB has sedative prperties and can prduce feelings f euphria. The effects have been knwn t last fr up t ne day. Abuse f GHB can lead t sickness, stiff muscles, fits and cllapse. It is very dangerus and can be fatal when mixed with alchl r ther drugs. The lng term effects f GHB are nt yet fully knwn. 29

32 Herin Descriptin Herin is a chemical derived frm pium. Opium is cnverted t mrphine in a relatively simple chemical prcess that usually takes place in a makeshift labratry near the pppy fields. It takes abut 10 kg f pium t prduce 1 kg f mrphine and 3 kg f mrphine t prduce 1 kg f herin. Herin is a name cmmnly used t describe a preparatin cntaining diacetyl mrphine base r its salts. Herin is similar t face pwder in appearance and is perhaps slightly carser. It cmes as a white pwder when pure but street herin is usually cream t light brwn in clur and is generally durless but may have a faint vinegary smell. Degree f Addictin Administratin Herin may be smked, inhaled r injected. Assciated Equipment Psychlgical addictin: strng Envirnmental addictin: strng Physical addictin: strng Bdy tlerance: high Influence and Symptms This may cnsist f pipes, prcelain bwls, skewers, small peanut il lamps, rags, charred silver fil, matchbx cvers, hypdermic needles, eye drppers, etc. Pssessin f pium utensils is in itself an ffence in many cuntries. Like sedatives herin depresses the nervus system activity including reflex functins such as cughing, respiratin and heart rate. It als dilates bld vessels, giving a feeling f warmth and depresses bwel activity, resulting in cnstipatin. Thse wh start by smking r snrting herin smetimes switch t injecting it t maximise the high. There may be needle marks n addicts veins. 30

33 Immediately after taking the drug the user s eyes will becme cnstricted. Subsequently the pupils will dilate and the drug will induce a drwsy trpid state in the addict, with dilated pupils, cnstipatin and a slw respnse t stimuli. Herin is very addictive and can dminate a user s life, resulting in them taking the drug just t feel nrmal. In the lnger term lss f appetite and general apathy may result in the addict becming emaciated and in pr health with pr hygiene. Symptms are similar t influenza r malaria but lnger lasting effects will appear if the drug is withdrawn. Excessive use can result in verdse, cma and.pssibly death. Injecting adds the risk f dangerus infectins being spread such as HIV and hepatitis B r C if equipment is shared. Ppular Myths Fictin: The high purity f black market piates is guaranteed Fact: Purity at street level varies greatly. Sugar, caffeine, milk pwder, benzcaine, diazepam and phenbarbitne are knwn adulterants t scalled pure smack (diamrphine) Fictin: It is easy t be cured Fact: Research shws that f treated addicts, 10% have stayed ff fr mre than six mnths but nly 2% r 4% fr mre than tw years Fictin: The substance is nt really dangerus Fact: The average life expectancy f a herin r mrphine addict is abut 6-8 years. Sme can survive much lnger. Many die within 4-5 years. HIV can be transmitted by using infected needles r syringes 31

34 Ketamine (special K, vitamin K, K) Descriptin Ketamine is an anaesthetic drug with painkilling and psychedelic prperties. It is very similar t the anaesthetic drugs used by vets when they perate n animals. Ketamine is an ff-white t white-brwn pwder which is ften pressed int tablets. Administratin In pwder frm ketamine is inhaled up the nse. Tablets are ingested. Assciated Equipment The pwder frm is nrmally inhaled thrugh a tube which may be purpse designed. Alternatively straws and empty ballpint refills may be used. Degree f addictin Psychlgical addictin: mderate Envirnmental addictin: mderate Physical addictin: nne t slight Bdy tlerance slight Influence and Symptms Ketamine is a hallucingenic which makes users feel that their mind has been separated frm their bdy. These ut f bdy and hallucinatry experiences can last fr up t three hurs, during which time the user may be unable t mve much, if at all, and can feel dizzy. Like LSD the drug s effects are influenced by the user s md and envirnment. Experiences can be very alarming. Because the drug numbs pain, users can seriusly injure themselves withut realising it. The drug carries a risk f heart failure and breathing prblems and is extremely dangerus if mixed with alchl and ther drugs. 32

35 LSD (acid) Descriptin Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) is a synthetic white pwder which can be frmed int crude pills r shapes. It is als fund as impregnated papers the size f pstage stamps, ften with mystic signs r sheets f cartn characters r miniature pictures printed n it. It is a pale r clurless slutin in its pure frm. All frms f the drug are durless. Administratin This can be by eating r by rubbing int gums, genitals r anus. Assciated Equipment This may include silver fil wrappings r phtgraphic paper (LSD degenerates in daylight). Clear gelatine capsules may als be fund. Degree f Addictin Psychlgical addictin: strng Envirnmental addictin: fairly strng Physical addictin: nne Bdy tlerance: nne t slight Influence and Symptms It is a hallucingenic drug and has a pwerful effect n the mind. The effects are knwn as a trip and can last anything between 5 and 24 hurs althugh 6 t 12 is mre usual. While under the influence f the drug the user will experience their surrundings in a very different way and the user s md and envirnment influence the effects. Their sense f mvement and time may speed up r slw dwn, and bjects clur and sund may becme distrted. The experience differs every time the drug is used. Once the effects have begun there is n way f stpping them, and the experience may be terrifying. Users may feel very threatened and can even frget that the drug is respnsible. Feeling paranid r ut f cntrl can leave users shaken fr a lng time afterwards. Users may experience flashbacks where parts f a trip are briefly relived sme time after the event. LSD can cmplicate mental prblems such as depressin, anxiety and schizphrenia. Ppular Myths: Fictin: Gd trips bring yu int cntact with Gd, the Universe, Nature, etc. Fact: Smetimes the trips are bad and permanently scar the persnality 33

36 Methadne (met, linctus, physeptne) Administratin Descriptin Methadne is an piate. This means that it falls int the same grup f drugs as herin and mrphine which are derived frm the pium pppy. Methadne hwever is artificially prduced. The brand name fr methadne is physeptne. Methadne usually cmes in the frm f a green r blue syrup r linctus but it als cmes in injectable and tablet frms. Methadne is prescribed t peple wh take herin r ther piates t help reduce the risk f their illicit drug use. Methadne can be ingested r injected. Methadne syrup/linctus cntains a substance that makes it painful and ptentially dangerus t inject. Assciated Equipment Equipment may cnsist f hypdermic syringes and needles. Degree f Addictin Psychlgical addictin: strng Envirnmental addictin: strng Physical addictin: strng Bdy tlerance: high Influence and Symptms Like herin methadne is a painkiller, making the user feel drwsy and giving a feeling f warmth. The sense f wellbeing and absence f stress prduced is much less intense but much lnger acting than that prduced by herin. The effects f methadne are much lnger lasting than fr herin and therefre it is nt usually necessary t take it mre than nce every 24 hurs. As with herin if injecting equipment is shared there is the added risk f dangerus infectins being spread such as HIV and hepatitis B r C. Ppular Myths Fictin: It is nt as addictive as herin Fact: Methadne is n less addictive than herin. Sme users feel that it is mre addictive and reprt that withdrawal lasts lnger 34

37 Sedatives (tranquillisers, sleeping tablets) Smell All frms are nrmally durless. Assciated Equipment Usually nne except empty wrappings. Degree f Addictin Descriptin Psychlgical addictin: strng Envirnmental addictin: fairly strng Physical addictin: fairly strng Bdy tlerance: fairly strng Influence and Symptms Sedatives depress the nervus system in the same way as alchl and prduces similar effects. There are many hundreds f brand names n the market cntaining a variety f active ingredients including barbiturates, methaqualne and benzdiazepines. Sedatives are smetimes used t ffset the effects f stimulant drugs r with ther dwner drugs such as alchl and herin. Sme users inject them which carries the added risk f cntracting HIV and hepatitis B r C and can als damage veins. In their pure frm all are white pwders but they are nrmally fund as pills, tablets and capsules and may be clured. The user may exhibit dilated pupils, have a drwsy appearance and slurred speech. Side effects include frgetfulness, cnfusin, depressin and digestive prblems. Sme users may becme ver-excited and ccasinally vilent. Large dses can prduce uncnsciusness, eventual respiratry failure and death. Withdrawal symptms may include anxiety, sleeping prblems, panic attacks, nausea, fits and ccasinally hallucinatins. The drugs stay in the bdy fr a lng time and withdrawal symptms can last fr mnths r lnger after stpping the tablets. Ppular Myths Fictin: It is nt a dangerus drug. Easy t get hld f and cheaper than hard drugs Fact: It is easily verdsed and is extremely dangerus when mixed with alchl r if the cntents f capsules are injected. Black market prices can be high 35

38 Ntes 36

39 T rder mre cpies f the Drug Abuse at Sea bklet please visit ur web site: 37

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