Today's topic is about a few more classes of powerful drugs that you may have heard about before. We will be discussing street, prescription, and other the counter (OTC) drugs. It has been said that people have a perception that over the counter drugs and prescription drugs are far less risky than using street drugs when really that's not accurate. So, before we dive deeper into OTC drugs, prescription and street drugs, let's talk about risk.
A simple way to define the word risk is by a chance someone takes. That chance includes the risk of something going wrong and the possibility that consequences can happen like damage or loss. Now, risk does not always have to be viewed in a negative way. It can also sometimes be beneficial. For example, if the risk is not too dangerous, then someone might try something new like a sport or joining a new club. You may take the risk of learning something new, meeting new people, or gain experience to enhance your future. All those can be considered a positive risk to take which can be beneficial as long as it is reasonable and does not present a real danger. By taking positive risks, it can lead you to step outside your comfort zone to try something new or something you were scared to do, boosting your confidence.
However, risk taking can sometimes be pretty dangerous. Any guesses on how it may put someone in a dangerous position? Risk taking can be a dangerous thing because of the negative consequences of an activity. Engaging in dangerous activities places the risk of harming not only yourself but others as well. You may be wondering, "Well, how do I identify a reasonable risk?" Identifying a reasonable risk is not always easy but definitely possible. It takes time and a lot of thought. My best advice to you when trying to figure out a reasonable risk is learn to weigh the potential benefits against the potential negative consequences of a choice at hand. Utilize your decision making skills to know the difference between stepping outside your comfort zone to push yourself to do something you were afraid of or if that choice poses the risk of harm or regret.
Consider these scenarios on whether they would be a reasonable or unreasonable risk. Weigh the positive potential benefits to the negative consequences.
Taking up an extreme sport like snowboarding, reasonable or unreasonable?
Taking an illegal street drug for the feeling of excitement or danger, reasonable or unreasonable?
Misusing a prescription drug or taking someone else's to find out what would happen, reasonable or unreasonable?
About Them All.
When you think of the term "street drugs", what comes to your mind? Some possible answers could be, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, meth, etc. The reason they are called street drugs is because they are sold on the street and not in a legit pharmacy or prescribed by a doctor. Street drugs like cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine serve no medical purpose and can be very harmful to the body.
Majority of teens know that using an illegal street drug can be harmful and unreasonable. However, there are still some teens who think it's safe to take someone else's prescription drug or one that was not prescribed to them. Why do you think this is true? See the list we have below and compare.
It's prescribed by a doctor
Prescription drugs help people get better
They're made in a licensed lab & sold in pharmacies
When a person tries either a street drug, over the counter drug or a prescription drug, they put themselves at risk of developing a tolerance. The word tolerance means getting used to a drug and when this happens a persons body needs more and more of that specific drug to maintain that same effect. By using more and more of the drug that person is at a higher risk of experiencing an overdose which can be deadly.
You may be thinking to yourself, "Don't over- the-counter drugs & prescription drugs have a legitimate use in medical treatment?" Well you are certainly correct, they do indeed but are dangerous when used incorrectly or abused. Misusing prescription drugs & some over-the-counter drugs can actually have very similar health risks to those of street drugs which is why the government regulates them through the Controlled Substance Act.
Know The Names & Effects
The best way to be aware of the dangers of street drugs, OTC, and prescription drugs are knowing the effects of their abuse. See below for some helpful information about a few different substances.
Street Drugs
Methamphetamine (Ice, Glass, Meth, Crystal): Effects can include the following,
Anxiety
Dry mouth
Erratic & violent behavior
Hallucinations
Increased body temperature
Irritability
Sweating & skin sores
Cocaine ( Crack, coke, snow, blow): Effects can include the following,
Anxiety
Dilated pupils
Increased energy level
Panic attacks
Sweating
Nausea
Talkativeness
Prescription (Rx) & Over-the-Counter Drugs
Rx Stimulant (Bennies, speed, uppers, r-ball): Effects can include the following,
Increased energy levels
Dilated pupils
Dry mouth
Loss of appetite
Sweating
Irritability
Rx Depressants (zanies, barbs, downies, phennies) Effects can include the following,
Confusion
Dizziness
Decreased breathing
Drowsiness
Slurred speech
Loss of coordination
Vomiting
Impairment of memory & judgement
There are many other different drugs that are out there and I encourage you to look more into them to know the different street names and the effects they can have on your body. Tell a friend what you discovered so they can be knowledgeable as well. Protect yourself & stay away from these substances because using is not cool. Misusing or abusing these street drugs have both long & short term effects that can be harmful & fatal. Push yourself to take healthy risk so you can better yourself in the future and try your best to avoid the dangerous ones that could cost you your future.
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As always, join the SQUAD & stay HYPE!
