Pubdate: Fri, 21 Oct 2005
Source: Bowen Island Undercurrent (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Bowen Island Undercurrent
Contact:  http://www.bowenislandundercurrent.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3852
Author: Wilf Schwartz, Substance Abuse Counsellor
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n1591.a05.html

WAKE UP ABOUT LOCAL DRUG USE

It is known that marijuana has a substantial higher component of THC
than in the 1960s and '70s. Psychiatric studies show that 18% of
schizophrenia is caused by marijuana. Unlike the '70's and '80's,
today, many people smoke the drug in a chronic, compulsive way and
have difficulty discontinuing their use. Marijuana does have the
ability to induce compulsive use in spite the negative consequences it
may be causing in the user's life.

"I used to say that everyone in my high school used marijuana, but
then I realized I was only hanging around with the kids who used
marijuana so of course I thought everyone used. Then I talked to my
brother who's straight, and he said no one he knew used marijuana.

Then I realized he only hung around kids who were drug free, like
himself."- High school marijuana user, from Uppers, Downers,
All-Arounders by Daryl S. Inaba Pharm.D. and William E. Cohen.

MDA "crystal-meth" is highly addictive, availability easy. It is today
one of the most abused drugs. Treatment and recovery facilities admit
more and more people with the dependency of crystal-meth. To say that
it is much unlikely that crystal-meth is available on Bowen Island is
a statement of naivity.

"MDMA or ecstasy, is a 'rave drug' and the physical effects are that
MDMA has many stimulant effects similar to amphetamines such as
increased heart rate, faster respiration, excess energy, and
hyperactivity.

Others claim that it has the opposite effect and calms these bodily
functions. Some of this contradiction has to do with amount ingested.
The more it is used, the greater the physical effects. Since tolerance
develops rapidly to its mental effects, increased doses can result in
greater physical harm." Uppers, Downers, All Arounders by Daryl S.
Inaba Pharm.D. and William E. Cohen.

"Freebase cocaine or 'crack': unbalances the brain chemicals more
quickly than snorted cocaine, leaving the brain hormonal balance in
disarray.

Physically you feel like you are dying, are real depressed, exhausted
and wasted, burned out, you know? Like you need to do some more even
to function, even to do anything at all." - Crack user. Uppers,
Downers, All Arounders by Daryl S. Inaba Pharm.D. and William E. Cohen.

These are just some pure facts. The drugs are real, some are easier to
attain tan others. As teenagers will tell you, it is easier to get
some dope than it is to get a six pack of beer. Wake up, Bowen. Be
aware. Your children, whatever age they are, are vulnerable. Educate
yourself.

Don't listen to the gossip about how harmless it is to use designer
drugs or marijuana just because you [did it] in the '60s, '70s or '80s
and are clean today. The drugs out there today are much more potent.

Wilf Schwartz

Substance Abuse Counsellor
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin