Street drugs are defined as “substances purchased from a drug dealer; may be a legal substance, sold illicitly (without a prescription, and not for medical use), or it may be a substance that is illegal to possess.” Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine.
Street drug abuse is a recurring pattern of use that causes detrimental personal, professional, and social consequences for the user as a result of using drugs. Specifically, in the case of street drug abuse, the use of illegally obtained controlled substances. Street drug addiction in Nevada is at an all-time high level. The prevalence of heroin use in the state accounts for a major percentage of the overall problem. Most officials agree that the street drug addiction …show more content…
Morphine binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors involve the perception of reward and pain, and are also involved in controlling automatic processes such as blood pressure and respiration.
Signs that someone may be addicted to, or using, heroin include extreme drowsiness or fatigue, thirst, flushed-skin, and lumbered or heavy movements. Unfortunately, one of the most difficult aspects of heroin use is that often, after the initial rush of use, the user’s demeanor may seem normal for intents and purposes. At times, it may be difficult to tell that there is a problem.
There is not a lot of difference between the short and long term effects of heroin abuse and addiction. Some of the most serious consequences of use, including the deadliest, can happen with the first use. Health effects include pulmonary complications, gastrointestinal cramping, overdose, damage to vital organs, brain damage, respiratory distress, heart attack, stroke, toxicity, infectious diseases, spontaneous abortion, and hypoxia. Chronic heroin use can cause development of collapsed veins, abscesses, infection of the heart lining and valves, pneumonia, and liver or kidney disease. …show more content…
Crystal Meth
Crystal methamphetamine is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. It is a central nervous system stimulant drug developed from the drug amphetamine. Rarely prescribed, it is a legally available with a non-refillable prescription only. It has been prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and very rarely as a short-term weight-loss treatment of an extreme nature. It should also be noted that prescribed doses are far lower than the typical illicit street use.
Other names it is known by include meth, ice, chalk, and crystal, among others. It is a white, odorless, crystalline powder that is bitter-tasting and dissolves easily in water (or alcohol).
Signs and symptoms of use include increased alertness, wakefulness, insomnia, increased activity, loss of appetite, euphoria, increased respiration, rapid or irregular heartbeat, hyperthermia,
Long-term