Pills, Potions, & Other Products

“I messed up my entire life because I got high” -Lyrics from “The Good Times” by Afroman Facts : Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. However, slightly over half of surveyed college students reported NEVER using marijuana. Methods Of Consumption : Smoking in hand-rolled cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or water bongs. Can be eaten in food or seeped in teas. Side Effects: Increased heart rate and appetite, dry mouth and throat, red eyes, delayed reaction time, impaired coordination and balance, anxiety, diminished short-term memory Long-Term Effects : Increased risk for lung cancer and upper respiratory infections

“Now I'm losing touch with reality and I'm almost out of blow.” -Lyrics from “Cocaine” by Jackson Browne Facts : Cocaine is a highly addictive Central Nervous System stimulant. Less than 10% of college students surveyed reported using cocaine. Methods Of Consumption : Snorted through the nose, smoked, or injected. Cocaine comes in a white powder form and an off-white chunky material Side Effects: Increased temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, constricted blood vessels, feelings of restlessness, irritability, and anxiety Long-Term Effects : Acute respiratory problems, such as coughing, shortness of breath, and severe chest pains with lung trauma and bleeding

“ Let the X destroy your spinal cord... ” - Lyrics from “Drug Ballad” by Eminem Facts : Ecstasy has psychedelic and stimulant effects, it started out on the “club scene” in what is referred to as raves. Slightly over 10% of surveyed college students reported using ecstasy in their lifetime. Methods Of Consumption : Pill form, comes in many colors with shapes stamped on them. Side Effects: Anxiety, sleeplessness, paranoia, confusion, muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, tremors, rapid eye movement, sweating or chills Long-Term Effects : Dehydration, hyperthermia, heart or kidney failure, and brain damage

“Doing crystal meth will lift you up until you break- It won't stop, I won't come down…” -Lyrics from “Semi-Charmed Kinda Life” by Third-Eye Blind Facts : Crystal Meth is a highly addictive stimulant. Only 5% of high school seniors surveyed reported using Crystal Meth in their lifetime. Methods Of Consumption : Smoked in a glass pipe or another similar device, such as a light bulb. The drug can also be injected or snorted. Side Effects: Erratic behavior, panic, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia Long-Term Effects : Malnutrition, tooth decay, seizures, inflammation of the heart lining, and psychotic symptoms that can last months or years

“Under the bridge downtown, is where I drew some blood… I gave my life away” - Lyrics from “Under The Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers Facts : Heroin is a highly addictive drug. Though more common in the general population, only 1% of surveyed college students reported ever using heroin. Methods Of Consumption : Heroin can be injected, smoked, or snorted Side Effects: Dry mouth, flushing of the skin, feeling of heavy extremities, and an alternating sensation of wakefulness and drowsiness Long-Term Effects : Respiratory failure, pneumonia, overdose, collapsed vein, impaired mental functioning

-Lyrics from “Purple Pills” by D-12 “Nothin’ Compares To These Blue and Yellow Purple Pills… ” Facts : Prescription pills are increasingly being abused. Some of the pills abused are downers and some are stimulants. The rates of prescription pill abuse are hard to estimate at this time. Methods Of Consumption : Pill form Side Effects: Depressants- Slow brain function, sluggishness, slowed pulse and breathing, fatigue, slurred speech, fever, weight gain, depression. Stimulants- Increased blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar, and breathing, nervousness, hostility, irregular heartbeat. Antidepressants- Insomnia, agitation, tremors, hallucinations, aggression, mania, paranoia.

“Purple Haze All Around, Don’t Know If I’m Comin’ Up Or Down…” -Lyrics from “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix Facts : LSD was highly popular in the 1960’s and has since declined in popularity. Approximately 8% of high school seniors surveyed reported using LSD at some point Methods Of Consumption : LSD is commonly sold on blotting squares with designs on them or small tablets called microdots. Side Effects: Increased body temperature, sweating or chills, dry mouth, sleeplessness, tremors, vivid hallucinations, and loss of appetite Long-Term Effects: Distorted perception of time, disoriented perception of shapes, colors, sounds, and sense of touch, severe depression or psychosis can occur, as well as, flashbacks of the trip

“I Thought I Could Leave, But Couldn’t Get Out The Door.” Many people are unsure if their drug use is considered “abuse” or “addiction.” Addiction is usually identified if two or more of these symptoms are present: Loss of C ontrol over the use of the drug C ontinued use despite adverse consequences C ompulsive use C raving when the drug is withheld If you or a friend are struggling with drug abuse or addiction please contact ECU Student Health Services (252) or ECU Counseling Center (252) Lyrics from “Amazing” by Aerosmith