Why Do People Start Using?

There is no single reason why people start abusing alcohol or other drugs. Pressures at work or with family often lead adults to begin drinking or using drugs, and young people naturally want to "fit in" - to be accepted by their classmates or friends.

Drug abuse often starts with the illicit use of legal drugs like alcohol and tobacco. Some users, including more than half the teenagers who drink or smoke, may eventually turn to illegal drugs or combinations of drugs. For this reason, alcohol, tobacco and marijuana are frequently called "gateway" drugs. It is unusual for people who have not previously used alcohol, tobacco or marijuana to begin using heroin or cocaine.

The Statistics Speak For Themselves

Many people begin experimenting with alcohol, tobacco and drugs at a very young age, and studies show that the age at which somebody begins using drugs strongly indicates whether or not that person will become a substance abuser. People are especially prone to abusing drugs or alcohol if they begin using before age 15. Since 1999, the percentages of alcohol and/or drug abuse among high school seniors that have been surveyed, has declined. However, the numbers are still staggering.

Of the high school seniors recently surveyed,

• 79.7% had used alcohol;
• 61 % had smoked cigarettes;
• 49% had used marijuana; and
• 8.2% had used cocaine.

Things To Look Out For

There are some universal symptoms that drug abusers display. While the symptoms may vary with the drug that is being used, the following guidelines can alert you as to whether someone you know is abusing drugs.

• Eyes that are often bloodshot;
• Declining performance or attendance at job or school;
• Forgetfulness;
• Increased or decreased appetite;
• Insomnia;
• Hostile, depressed or apathetic behavior;
• Abrupt changes in attitude or mood;
• Impaired relationships with family or friends;
• Associating with a new group of people, especially those who use drugs;
• Increased borrowing of money;
• Stealing from the home, at school or in the workplace; and or
• Unusual secrecy about actions and possessions.

Where to Go for Help and Treatment

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) has an extensive network of community-based services, as well as directly operating 13 Addiction Treatment Centers (ATC) through- out New York State. The criteria for admission to these centers is, in general:

• a patient must be 18 years of age or older;
• patients under 18 must have an evaluation by admitting medical doctors and written permission of a parent or guardian;
• the patient is alcohol dependent and the primary need for admission is for alcoholism treatment;
• the patient must not be in need of detoxification or other acute medical services; and
• the patient must reside in the center's area of operation.

For more information and the ATC directory, visit OASAS on-line at: www.oasas.state.ny.us/atc/atc.htm.

Alcohol

Alcohol is illegal for all those under 21. It is a "psychoactive" drug that can alter moods, cause changes in the body and become habit forming. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, causing slowed reactions, slurred speech and sometimes, even unconsciousness.

Because alcohol reduces inhibitions, people who drink are more likely to engage in other problematic behaviors. Compared to those who don't use alcohol, drinkers have a greater chance of using other drugs, being in or causing an accident, or hurting themselves and others.

In fact, the three leading causes of death among young people - accidents, homicides and suicide - are all related to alcohol use. It is also clearly linked to vandalism, fights and poor grades.

Marijuana

Contrary to what many people might think, marijuana is a harmful drug, especially since its potency has increased more than 275% over the last decade. In spite of this, marijuana is still the most extensively used illicit drug, and is easy to get in schools or on the street.

There are more known cancer-causing agents in marijuana smoke than in cigarette smoke. In fact, because marijuana smokers try to hold the smoke in their lungs as long as possible, one cigarette can be as damaging to the lungs as four tobacco cigarettes.

Even in small doses, marijuana can impair memory function, distort perception, hamper judgment and diminish motor skills. Chronic marijuana use can cause brain damage and changes in the brain similar to those that occur during aging. Studies have also noted increased apathy, decreased concentration and decline in school or work performance. Smoking a single marijuana cigarette impairs driving skills for at least 4 to 6 hours.

PCP and LSD

PCP and LSD are chemical hallucinogens. Chemical drugs produce profound alterations in sensation, mood and consciousness that distort all the senses. PCP produces an inability to feel pain, which can lead to serious bodily injury. Since the effects of these drugs are highly unpredictable - including bizarre behavior and disorientation - the risk of accidental injury or death is significant.

Cocaine

Cocaine is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs - and a drug that can kill. Cocaine can be snorted through the nose, smoked or injected. It can cause the heart to accelerate, while at the same time, constricting the blood vessels, which are trying to handle the additional flow of blood. Pupils dilate and temperature and blood pressure rise. These physical changes may be accompanied by seizures, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest or stroke. Nasal problems, including congestion and a runny nose often occur with the use of cocaine, and with prolonged use, the mucous membrane of the nose may disintegrate.

Cocaine users report feelings of restlessness, irritability and anxiety. Cocaine can even trigger paranoia. Users report being depressed when they don't have the drug, and often resume use to alleviate further depression. In addition, cocaine users frequently find that they need more cocaine more often to acquire the same "high."

"Freebasing" (smoking concentrated cocaine) is very dangerous. The cocaine reaches the brain within seconds, resulting in a sudden and intense high.  However, the high  disappears quickly, leaving the user with an enormous craving to freebase again. The user usually increases the dose and the frequency to satisfy this craving, resulting in addiction and debilitation.

"Crack" is the street name given to one form of freebase cocaine that comes in small lumps or shavings. The psychological and physiological dangers of crack are virtually the same as cocaine, with a significant exception - the intense euphoria produced in 1 to 3 minutes with cocaine is experienced in 4 to 6 seconds with crack. While the intoxication lasts 20 to 30 minutes with cocaine, it lasts 5 to 7 minutes when crack smoke is inhaled. Consequently, users tend to repeat doses, which, in turn, increase tile likelihood of physical damage as well as addiction.

Heroin

Heroin is another illegal and highly addictive narcotic that, unfortunately, is making a come- back in both large and small cities across the country. This trend is particularly disturbing in light of the fact that heroin sold on the streets today is up to 90 percent pure - compared to 5 to 10 percent in years past - making it even more addictive and dangerous to users. Intravenous injection, a common use of the drug, is especially risky. Uncertain dosage levels, the use of un-sterile equipment or using heroin in combination with other drugs, like alcohol or cocaine, can cause serious health problems - such as serum hepatitis, skin abscesses, inflammation of the veins or cardiac disease. Since heroin users never know whether the next dose will be unusually potent, there is a great risk of overdose. This can lead to coma and even death.

Heroin users also risk the possibility of contracting AIDS. It is estimated that one in three persons with AIDS acquired the virus through needle sharing.

The signs and symptoms of heroin use include euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils and nausea. Withdrawal symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, loss of appetite, chills, sweating, nausea, muscle cramps and insomnia.

Where To Go For Help

If you or someone you know has an alcohol or drug problem, you can get additional information and help from the State Division of Substance Abuse Services by calling this toll- free hotline 1.800.522.5353. Referrals and other assistance will be kept confidential. 

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