Drugs in Pragnency

Pregnancy, whether planned or a pleasant surprise, brings with it important concerns about prescription and over the counter drugs. Not every medication poses a risk to your unborn baby. However, some do. Talk to your doctor. Discuss the relative risks and benefits of any prescribed drug therapy and do NOT take over-the-counter drugs or naturopathic remedies without first consulting your physician.
If you are currently planning your pregnancy, supplement your diet now with appropriate amounts of folic acid.

If you are already pregnant, Motherisk's published research can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about possible drug therapy. Since 1985, Motherisk has reviewed data from around the world, conducting controlled, prospective studies to determine the potential risks of therapeutic drugs during pregnancy. It is now clear that there are many drugs that are safe for use in pregnancy.

दृग्स इन pragnency

Pregnancy, whether planned or a pleasant surprise, brings with it important concerns about prescription and over the counter drugs. Not every medication poses a risk to your unborn baby. However, some do. Talk to your doctor. Discuss the relative risks and benefits of any prescribed drug therapy and do NOT take over-the-counter drugs or naturopathic remedies without first consulting your physician.
If you are currently planning your pregnancy, supplement your diet now with appropriate amounts of folic acid.

If you are already pregnant, Motherisk's published research can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about possible drug therapy. Since 1985, Motherisk has reviewed data from around the world, conducting controlled, prospective studies to determine the potential risks of therapeutic drugs during pregnancy. It is now clear that there are many drugs that are safe for use in pregnancy.

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Inhalants

Common inhalants include some types of model cement, cooking sprays, hair spray, deodorant, liquid paper, aerosol sprays, paint, paint thinner, gasoline, and solvents. Inhalants are used by spraying or pouring the substance on a rag and the vapors (fumes) inhaled. This induces a short-lived, light-headed euphoric state in the abuser.

Hashish

Hashish is produced from the THC-rich secretions of the Cannabis plant (marijuana plant). Hashish is the resinous substance taken from the tops of female plants, which contains the highest concentration of THC. "Hash" is usually sold in balls or cakes. Most commonly used by smoking (pipe, bong) or ingesting (eating foods containing hash).

Hashish

Hashish is produced from the THC-rich secretions of the Cannabis plant (marijuana plant). Hashish is the resinous substance taken from the tops of female plants, which contains the highest concentration of THC. "Hash" is usually sold in balls or cakes. Most commonly used by smoking (pipe, bong) or ingesting (eating foods containing hash).

Depressants

Depressants As the name implies, depressants interact to depress the activities of the central nervous system. There are three categories of depressants: hypnotics--which induce sleep; sedatives--which do not induce sleep but produce a relaxing effect; and tranquilizers, such as Valium and Xanax. Depressants can be synthetic (barbiturates) or occur naturally in plants. Depressants can also be referred to as benzodiazepines. Trade names include Valium, Librium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Tranxene, and Dalmane.

Crack Cocaine Powder

Powder cocaine cannot be smoked unless chemically altered--thus crack cocaine. A chemically altered form of powder cocaine that is a hard, rock-like substance that is easy to handle and conceal. Crack cocaine is smokeable and creates an intense, immediate high. Because crack cocaine is nearly pure cocaine, doses are smaller and cheaper to obtain than cocaine. Crack cocaine can be instantly addictive.

Cocaine

Cocaine is one of the most powerful stimulants found in nature. Cocaine is derived from Coca plant leaves. The leaves are treated with salt and gasoline and allowed to sit. The liquid is later drained and refined into cocaine base. Cocaine base can be smoked but typically is refined into a powder form. Powder cocaine (HCL) is inhaled into the nasal passages or can be dissolved in water and injected into the body via a syringe. Because of cocaine's high melting point, it cannot be smoked. In order to be smoked, it must be altered using the chemical process known as freebasing. Freebasing involves mixes the cocaine with other solvents over a heat source. This process can (and often is) deadly for the abuser.

Amphetamine/Methamphetamine

Both are chemical stimulants were primarily developed to treat various medical conditions. However, the street versions of these compounds are cooked up in clandestine "kitchens" using a variety of hazardous and volatile chemicals. Both stimulants can be inhaled, smoked, and injected by the abuser.

Alcohol

Any number of intoxicating beverages, including beer, wine, whiskey, gin, vodka, etc. Primary effect is as a sedative.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse:
Alcohol affects the central nervous system as a depressant, resulting in a decrease of activity, anxiety, tension, and inhibitions. Even a low level of alcohol within the body slows reactions. Concentration and judgment become impaired, and in excessive amounts, intoxication or poisoning results.
Alcohol irritates the gastrointestinal tract, causing an erosion of the stomach lining, resulting in nausea and vomiting. Liver disease (hepatic cirrhosis) may develop with long-term use of alcohol. The cardiovascular system is compromised and sexual dysfunction can occur. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause problems for the developing fetus known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Changes in tolerance occurs as the alcohol dependence develops and memory lapses related to drinking episodes may follow.
Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse may include:
» Tolerance to the effects of alcohol» Need for daily or frequent use of alcohol» Lack of control over drinking/intake» Solitary drinking» Making excuses to drink» Episodes of memory loss associated with drinking» Episodes of violence associated with drinking» Behavioral problems » Absenteeism» Shaking in the morning» Neglect of appearance or personal needs» Redness and enlarged capillaries in the face (especially the nose)» Difficulty focusing» Availability and consumption of alcohol becomes focus of social activities» Changes in peer-group associations » Tremors» Rapid heart rate» Unexplained mood swings» Hostility when confronted about drinking» Neglect of food intake

Ease of Obtaining Illicit Drugs

Overall, 55 percent of all youths aged 12 to 17 reported it would be easy to obtain marijuana. More than one in four youths felt that it would be easy to obtain crack, compared to 25 percent for cocaine, 19 percent for LSD, and 16 percent for heroin.3 Females were more likely than males to report that LSD, cocaine, crack, and heroin were easy to obtain, but females and males were equally likely to report that marijuana was easy to obtain (Figure 1). Youths aged 16 or 17 were more likely to indicate that marijuana, LSD, cocaine, crack, and heroin were easy to obtain than youths aged 12 to 15 (Figure 2).
Youths in metropolitan areas were more likely to report that LSD or cocaine were easy to obtain than youths in non-metropolitan areas. Youths living in large metropolitan areas were more likely to report that heroin was easy to obtain than those living in small metropolitan or non-metropolitan areas. Perceptions of the ease of obtaining marijuana or crack were similar among youths living in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.

Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use among Youths

In 2002, almost 3 million youths (12 percent) aged 12 to 17 used an illicit drug in the past month. Marijuana was the illicit drug used most frequently by youths in the past month (8 percent). During the past month, 4 percent of youths used prescription-type drugs nonmedically, 1 percent used inhalants, and 1 percent used hallucinogens, including LSD. Cocaine (including crack) and heroin were each used by less than 1 percent of youths.

Cannabis

Cannabis which is also known on the streets, bars etc...as dope, pot, draw, grass and weed. When you smoke it it makes you talk alot, cheers you up, relaxes you and you can find things much more colourful and beautiful. Many users can also find themselves on the eating buzz.
Cannabis causes bloodshot eyes, toubles your heartbeat and makes your mouth and throat very dry. It can also cause panic attacks and make you very paranoid but the symptoms usually disappear after a few hours.
Heavy cananbis user's can cause brain damage, short term memory, and may cause lung cancer, in some women it can cause irregular periods or even heavy periods, and agressive behaviour.

Cocaine

Cocaine which is also known as coke, or snow. Cocaine is a white crystaline powder mix with talcum powder or fine sugar, it can be sniffed through a straw or a rolled paper or it can also be smoked or injected into the body. Sniffing cocaine can damage the nasal membrane.
Cocaine is know as a medicine used by many doctors around the world as a pain killer.

Ecstacy

Ecstacy which is also known as tab, ecty, happy face, disco burgers, doves etc..... Ecstacy is a tablet that is hand made using very dangerous chemicals. Ecstacy has become a very popular drug aken by hundreds of people around the world. It is mainly taken for the party moods, where you can dance the whole night away.
Ecstacy usually takes effect 20 to 30 minutes after you have taken it, it is taken by the mouth and wears off about 3 to 4 hours after it has been consumed. The taker can feel and see things much nicer then it was and also your hearing sounds are better which put you in a dancing mood particularly when the music has a strong rythm. Ecstacy puts you in a relaxing mood, sleepiness, sexual behaviour and in easy temperment.
Afterwards, it can cause exhaustion and depression after ecstacy has been consumed and worn out of the body system. The side effects are sweating constantly, chills, blurry vision, increase of the heart rate, it can also cause internal bleeding, damage the liver and kidney and cause heavy period for girls.

Smoking

Smoking - effects on your body.Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco that causes smokers to continue their habit. When they get their dose of nicotine, smokers also inhale about 4,000 other chemicals. These chemicals trigger profound changes in the body.

Inhalants.Some chemical substances release fumes at room temperature. Breathing in these fumes produces a quick 'high', which is similar to feeling drunk.

Heroin.

Heroin is an illegal drug that slows down the brain and nervous system. It is seductive and highly addictive because its immediate effects include feelings of intense pleasure and a cessation of all physical pain.

Hallucinogens.Hallucinogens are illegal drugs that alter the user's perception of reality by distorting their experience of sight, sound, taste and touch. These drugs are either synthetically manufactured or derived from plants.

GHB.

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is also known as 'fantasy', 'grievous bodily harm' ('GBH'), 'liquid ecstasy' and 'liquid E'.

FReeZA

FReeZA - The Line Up.The Line Up is an online multimedia database of all ages event performers, developed by the FReeZa Program to assist young people in booking entertainment for all ages drug and alcohol free events across Victoria.

Drugs

Drugs - teenagers.Teenagers try drugs for many reasons, including relaxation, socialising, curiosity or peer pressure. Alcohol and tobacco are the most commonly used drugs. Around two thirds of teenagers have tried marijuana at least once.

Cocaine.

Cocaine is an illegal stimulant drug. It is highly addictive because it 'hijacks' the brain's chemical reward system. This means that, over time, the user can no longer feel any pleasurable sensations without the trigger of cocaine.

Amphetamines.Amphetamines are psychostimulant drugs that speed up the workings of the brain and prompt the 'fight or flight' response. Long term abuse of amphetamines can lead to serious problems, such as risk of brain damage, malnutrition and psychosis.

Alcohol

Drinking large amounts of alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer and spirits can lead to every day drinking and put you in financial problems. What may seem as a little bit of light fun to loosen you up could end up becoming an every day habit that you may not be able to control. The dangers of consuming alcohol are enormous from kidney and liver damage, cancerous tumors and damage to your brain and eyesight. Consuming alcohol whilst pregnant can be very harmful to the unborn baby causing premature birth and birth defects. In the long run, it can delay the development of the child throughout its growth as well as cause bad behavior, falling back in school, and various health problems. There is a high risk of fetal alcohol syndrome in the offspring of alcoholic women. Smoking cigarettes doesn't help and can cause lung cancer and be harmful to unborn babies.
The effects of alcoholism, both physical and psychological, are devastating with the consequences being harmful to not only the drinker, but those around him or her. From your first drink, the effects are immediately apparent as one's judgment and coordination becomes impaired. It becomes abused when it takes control of one's physical and mental health and negatively impacts on family, social and work responsibilities.
Here are five physical alcohol effects:
Reduced inhibitions
Memory loss/passing out
Losing control of muscles and body coordination
Coma
Stupor

Things to remember

Moderate alcohol intake can be beneficial for your heart. Heavy and binge drinking can cause serious health effects. Drinking while pregnant may affect your baby.

How to drink responsibly

You can monitor your drinking if you: Start with a non-alcoholic drink. Eat before and while drinking to slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. Avoid salty snacks that make you thirsty and make you drink more. Make every second or third drink non-alcoholic. Try low alcohol drinks. Always keep your drink with you to minimise the risk of drink spiking.

How to drink responsiblyYou can monitor your drinking if you: Start with a non-alcoholic drink. Eat before and while drinking to slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. Avoid salty snacks that make you thirsty and make you drink more. Make every second or third drink non-alcoholic. Try low alcohol drinks. Always keep your drink with you to minimise the risk of drink spiking.

Alcohol and driving

It is safest to avoid drinking alcohol if you need to drive or operate heavy machinery.
If you do drink, the following is a general guide for staying under 0.05 BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration): Men – no more than two standard drinks in the first hour. After that, one standard drink per hour for a maximum of three hours. Women – no more than one standard drink in the first hour. After that, one standard drink per hour for a maximum of three hours.These are guidelines only. The rate of alcohol absorption in the body varies depending on several factors including body size, gender, body fat and amount of food in the stomach. If in doubt, don't drink if you are going to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Learner and probationary drivers, and drivers of trucks, buses, trams and trains must maintain a zero blood alcohol limit.
Remember that alcohol takes time to leave the body. You may still have alcohol in your body several hours or even the day after drinking

Alcohol and breastfeeding

Alcohol is excreted into breast milk and can reduce milk supply. During the first 12 months of a baby's life, alcohol can cause damage to the developing brain.
Women who are breastfeeding are advised to avoid consumption of alcohol.
If you choose to drink alcohol while breastfeeding, it is suggested that for each standard drink you wait up to two hours before breastfeeding your baby. For example, if you have two standard drinks, you should wait four hours before you breastfeed.

Alcohol and breastfeeding Alcohol is excreted into breast milk and can reduce milk supply. During the first 12 months of a baby's life, alcohol can cause damage to the developing brain.
Women who are breastfeeding are advised to avoid consumption of alcohol.
If you choose to drink alcohol while breastfeeding, it is suggested that for each standard drink you wait up to two hours before breastfeeding your baby. For example, if you have two standard drinks, you should wait four hours before you breastfeed.

Drinking alcohol could affect your unborn baby

Women who drink alcohol while pregnant are more likely to give birth to babies who are: Smaller Premature Born with abnormalities, including foetal alcohol syndrome.It may be that even a low intake of alcohol - up to two standard drinks per day - is harmful to your unborn baby. Therefore pregnant women are advised to drink no alcohol.

Health benefits of alcohol

Very moderate amounts of alcohol may contain health benefits for older people by reducing the risk of some types of cardiovascular disease. Research suggests the benefits are limited to men over the age of 40 who consume no more than two standard drinks daily, and women over the age of 50 who drink one standard drink daily or less.
The risk of cirrhosis, some cancers and other diseases becomes greater with increased alcohol consumption.
These benefits do not extend to younger people. Alcohol may severely impair development in young people.

Effects of alcohol on your health

Alcohol can affect a number of body systems, including:
Cardiovascular system – raised blood pressure and triglycerides (especially after binge drinking), damage to the heart muscle and stroke.
Nervous system – brain damage, tremors, dementia and nerve damage. Alcohol is a depressant drug and affects your coordination, self-control, judgment and reaction times.
Gastrointestinal system – stomach inflammation (gastritis) and bleeding.
Liver – cancer, hepatitis (inflammation), fatty changes, cirrhosis and liver failure.
Endocrine system – problems controlling blood sugar, loss of libido and reduced fertility.
Nutrition – malnutrition (alcohol displaces nutrients from your body) and obesity.
Women who drink alcohol are at a higher risk of breast cancer and other gynaecological problems.
"Binge drinking" or drinking heavily over a short period of time or drinking continuously over a number of days or weeks can be very harmful to a persons health and wellbeing. Large amounts of alcohol can result
in confusion, blurred vision, poor muscle control, nausea, vomiting, sleep, coma or even death.

Large amounts of alcohol can impair a persons judgement and decision-making skills which may increase the risk that they may do silly things and put themselves in dangerous situations.

considerable risk,

Alcohol intake guidelinesThe following guidelines can help you determine if your alcohol intake is harmful. Men – up to four standard drinks a day puts you at low risk for health problems. Five to six standard drinks a day puts you at considerable risk, while seven or more standard drinks a day is considered high risk for developing health problems. Women – up to two standard drinks a day puts you at low risk for health problems. Three to four standard drinks a day puts you at while five or more standard drinks a day is considered high risk for developing health problems. Men and women should have one or two days free of alcohol a week.How alcohol is absorbed and removed from the bodyAlcohol gets into the bloodstream through the stomach and the small intestine. If a person has food in their stomach it will slow down the rate at which the alcohol is absorbed, but it will not stop a person becoming drunk. Eventually all the alcohol that was consumed will reach the bloodstream.
Most of the alcohol in the body (about 91 percent) is broken down by the liver. A small amount also leaves the body in urine, sweat and the breath. Since the liver can only break down of about three-quarters of a standard drink an hour, sobering up takes time. Cold showers, exercise, black coffee, fresh air or vomiting will not speed up the process.

Standard drinksA standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol.

However the size of a ‘standard’ drink can vary according to the type of alcohol. The size of a drink served in some hotels, restaurants or even at home may be much bigger than a ‘standard’ drink.
One standard drink equals:
285ml or approximately one pot of regular beer (4.9% alcohol content) 375ml or one stubbie of mid-strength beer (3.5% alcohol content) 100 ml or one small glass of table wine (12% alcohol content) 30ml of spirits plus mixer (40% alcohol content).Cocktails can contain as much alcohol as five or six standard drinks, depending on the recipe.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most widely used social drug in Australia. Moderate use may be beneficial to the heart for some people. However, a moderate intake of alcohol may not benefit all people, and heavy alcohol use or binge drinking can cause a number of serious health problems.

Binge drinking is particularly a problem among younger people. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may affect your baby.

PCP

PCP is applied to cigarettes or marijuana and smoked
Phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP, is the most dangerous of the hallucinogens. It is sold on the streets under at least fifty other names that reflect its range of bi zarre and volatile effects. Included in those names are angel dust, supergrass, killer weed, K J, embalming fluid, rocket fuel and sherms. In some areas of the country, it is called crystal (not to be confused with methamphetamines). PCP is sometimes passed off as other drugs such as mescaline, LSD, THC, or cocaine.
In its pure form, PCP is a white, crystalline powder that readily dissolves in water. Most PCP is manu- factured in makeshift laboratories containing contaminants that cause the drug's color to range from tan to brown and the consistency from powder to a gummy mass. It is seen most often in powder or liquid form, and is commonly applied to dark brown cigarettes or leafy materials such as parsley, mint, oregano, marijuana, or tobacco, and then smoked. When in its liquid form, PCP is packaged in small vials or other small glass containers.
If your child is under the influence of PCP, he or she may show many of the signs of LSD use, such as appearing detached from reality or estranged from his or her surroundings. Other symptoms include rapid and involuntary eye movement, an exaggerated walk, numbness, slurred speech, blocked speech, and a loss of coordination.
PCP is unique because of its power to produce psychosis indistinguishable from schizophrenia. It can cause extraordinary strength, a sense of invulnerability, and extreme image distortion. The user may become violent, causing injury to himself or others. Although such extreme psychotic reactions are usually associated with repeated use of the drug, they have been known to occur in some cases after only one dose. As with LSD, if your child is under the influence of PCP, he or she should be closely supervised so they do not harm themselves or others.
PCP episodes, or flashbacks, may occur long after the drug has left the body.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens cause distortions of reality, particularly with sight, smell, and touch. Included in this category are LSD, mescaline, peyote, psilocybin mushrooms, and phencyclidine (PCP). Hallucinogens are normally swallowed, but PCP is usually smoked.
There is no evidence that hallucinogens cause a physical dependence; however, extended use may result in permanent brain damage. The most commonly abused hallucinogens are LSD and PCP.