| GHB
Facts
Since about 1990, GHB (gamma- hydroxybutrate) has been abused in the U.S.
for euphoric, sedative, and anabolic (body building) effects. As with Rohypnol
and clonazepam, GHB has been associated with sexual assault in
cities throughout the country.
Reports from Detroit indicate liquid GHB is being used in nightclubs for
effects similar to those of Rohypnol. It is also common in the club scene in
Phoenix, Honolulu, and Texas, where it is known as "liquid ecstasy,"
"somatomax," "scoop," or "grievous bodily harm."
In Miami, poison control center calls have reflected problems associated with
increased GHB use, including loss of consciousness. In New York City, there have
been reports of GHB use among those in the fashion industry. In Atlanta, it is
commonly used as a synthetic steroid at fitness centers and gyms.
Coma and seizures can occur following abuse of GHB and, when combined with
Methamphetamine, there appears to be an increased risk of seizure. Combining use
with other drugs such as alcohol can result in nausea and difficulty breathing.
GHB may also produce withdrawal effects, including insomnia, anxiety,
tremors, and sweating. Because of concern about Rohypnol, GHB, and other
similarly abused sedative-hypnotics, Congress passed the "Drug-Induced Rape
Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996" in October 1996. This legislation
increased Federal penalties for use of any controlled substance to aid in sexual
assault.
Protecting yourself is simple.
1.Don't leave your drink unattended and don't let it out of your sight.
2.Don't accept drinks that you don't purchase yourself... even from a
"friend".
3.Always have a trusted friend with you who can help you to safety should you
find yourself passing out from a spiked drink.
Rohypnol Facts
Rohypnol is a brand name for Flunitrazepam which belongs to the family of
medications called "Benzodiazepines" which include Valium diazepam),
Librium (chlorodiazepoxide) and Xanax (alprazolam).
Rohypnol is manufactured worldwide, particularly in Europe and Latin America,
in 1 and 2mg tablets by Hoffman-LaRoche Incorporated, a large pharmaceutical
manufacturer, however the drug is neither manufactured or approved in the USA or
Canada.
This drug is very potent (10 times more potent than Valium) and produces
sedation, amnesia, muscle relaxation and a slowing of psychomotor responses
within 20-30 minutes of ingestion, which can cause blackouts that can last from
8 to 24 hours.
Rohypnol can be slipped into the drink of an unsuspecting sexual assault
victim by an assailant. The result is that the victim remembers nothing of the
sexual assault or that they knew something was happening but couldn't do
anything about it. Mixing Rohypnol with alcohol intensifies its effects.
It is fast becoming a "club drug" used by youths by mixing it with
other drugs and alcohol. the drug is often distributed in its original
"bubble packaging" which adds an air of legitimacy and makes it appear
to be legal.
The drug has been added to punch and other drinks at high school, college and
university parties, where it is reportedly given to female party guests in hopes
of lowering inhibitions and potential sexual conquest.
Police departments across the continent are taking reports of young women
waking up without their clothing on, finding themselves in unfamiliar
surroundings with unfamiliar people, or having actually been sexually assaulted
while under the influence of the drug. The victims now have the trauma of the
assault and the added worries of having been subjected to unprotected sex.
As insidious and perilous as this may sound the dangers don't stop there...
Rohypnol, particularly when mixed with alcohol or other drugs may lead to
respiratory depression, aspiration and even death. When taken repeatedly, in can
lead to physical and psychological dependence which is thought to increase with
both the dose and duration of use.
Rohypnol is known by various street names:
Roachies, La Roche, Rope, Rib, Roche, Rophies, Roofies, Ruffies,
Stupefi
 Ecstasy
Ecstasy, or MDMA (3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a synthetic drug
that acts simultaneously as a stimulant and a hallucinogen. Users sometimes take
Ecstasy for the sense of well-being, the sensory distortions caused by the drug,
or to stay awake through an hours-long rave. It stimulates the central nervous
system and produces hallucinogenic effects. The price of Ecstasy depends on the
supply and demand in the area, but usually ranges from $10 to $40 per dose.
Ecstasy has been shown to cause brain damage in animals. It depletes a very
important chemical in the brain, serotonin, which regulates mood, sleeping and
eating habits, thinking processes, aggressive behavior, sexual function, and
sensitivity to pain.
Ecstasy is an amphetamine-like drug, and belongs to a class of drugs known as
designer drugs. Designer
drugs, especially Ecstasy, are often associated with "raves,"
all-night underground parties with techno music and extensive drug use. Raves
are often frequented by teens and college students. Users who take Ecstasy at
raves risk exhaustion and dehydration from a combination of the drug and
non-stop dancing, and users have died from heat stroke.
A designer drug is created by changing the molecular structure of an existing
drug or drugs to create a new substance. The street names of designer drugs vary
according to time, place, and manufacturer, and the names change frequently.
Designer drugs are created in clandestine laboratories and can be extremely
dangerous.
Source: NIDA
Ecstasy and Chemical Warfare 11/16/01
Ketamine Facts Sheet
YABA
Ya Ba (Thai for "crazy medicine") are very cheap, locally
manufactured Methamphetamine powder form tablets sweeping Thailand and
Burma. Also referred to as 'Hitler's drug' because it is said to have been
originally created by German chemists on instructions by Adolf Hitler to find a
stimulant that would help his soldiers to fight round the clock. The drug, which
creates an intense hallucinogenic effect and can enable users to stay awake for
days on end. For comparison, the biological effect of Methamphetamine is
said to be about 10 times higher than ecstasy.
AMPHETAMINES
A group of drugs which stimulate the central nervous system
PMA
A new variety of amphetamine. Chemical name: Paramethoxyamphetamine
PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine)
Although rare, PMA is one of the most dangerous hallucinogens. Sold as a beige,
white, or pink powder, PMA is often misrepresented as MDA. However, at doses
considered safe for MDA, PMA is highly toxic.
The hallucinogenic effects of PMA are similar to LSD.
Physical effects of PMA include racing pulse, high blood pressure, increased and
labored breathing, high fever, erratic eye movements, muscle spasm, and
vomiting. At high doses, convulsions, coma, and death can result.
Drugs
in Britain
Club
Drugs: Just the Facts
Substance
Abuse Resource Center
OxyContin
U
of M Prescription Drugs Index
Overdoses and sexual assaults:
If you or a friend has overdosed, call 9-1-1 immediately.
If you have been sexually assaulted, call police or a 24-hour crises center.
Poison Control Center
Emergency Phone: (800) 764-7661 (Michigan only)
Detroit
Poison Control Center*
Children's Hospital of Michigan
Harper Professional
Office Bldg., Suite 425
Detroit, MI 48201
Business: 313-745-5335
Emergency: 313-745-5711
Grand Rapids
Blodgett Regional Poison Control Center*
Blodgett Memorial Medical Center
1840 Wealthy St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Business: 616-774-5329
Emergency: 800-764-7661 (MI only)
For substance abuse treatment programs in your area call
1-800-626-4636
Other contact places in East Michigan
Detroit Rape Counseling Center: (313) 833-1660.
First Step, in Western Wayne County: (888) 453-5900.
HAVEN, in Oakland County: (248) 334-1274.
Turning Point, in Macomb County: (810) 463-6990.
Related web sites
GHB Kills
www.drugfreeamerica.org.
www.dancesafe.org.
Ecstasy
and club drugs information center
Ecstasy
Hotline OnLine
Ecstasy,
a not so bright idea
Get
the facts about club drugs 08/20/00
Date
Rape Drugs: Keep your Eye on that Drink!
Community
Drug Alert Bulletin
www.ashesonthesea.com/ghb
www.health.org/pubs/qdocs/depress/ghb/frame.htm
www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/ghb.html
www.fda.gov
www.clubdrugs.org
http://www.addictions.brocato.net/
Teen page
TeenCentral.net
Trends
in Drug Abuse
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