TODAY'S DRUGS OF CHOICE, A PRIMER OF WHAT TO WATCH FOR

GHB: pill, white powder or clear, odourless liquid. Duration: 2-6 hours.
Effects: an alcohol-type high without the hangover. Low
doses can cause amnesia, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness,
hypertension, and a lack of co-ordination and impaired judgement.
High doses can cause respiratory depression, lack of consciousness, slowed
heart rate, seizure-like activity and coma. What to watch
for: Disoriented, sluggish, thick/slurred speech, drunk-like behavior,
stumbling, droopy eyes, and lowered pulse.

Crystal Meth: off-white powder, brown granules or transparent crystals.
Duration: 2-16 hours. Effects: increased motor activity,
high euphoria, anxiety, depression, mental confusion, aggressiveness,
increased respiration and body temperature, restlessness,
delusions, visual and auditory hallucinations. What to watch for: fidgeting,
excited, talkative, grinding of the teeth, runny nose,
loss of appetite, dryness of mouth, increased pulse, weight loss, picking at
skin.

Ecstasy: Various coloured tablets and capsules, white, yellow or light brown
powder. Duration: 2-6 hours. Effects: increased heart
rate, dry mouth, hyperthermia (overheating), tachycardia (abnormally rapid
heartbeat), breakdown of skeletal muscle with kidney
failure, paranoia, anxiety, panic, intensified sense of touch, taste, and
interpersonal feelings. What to watch for: hyper
alertness, sweating, fatigue, rapid pulse, dry mouth, jaw clenching,
increased emotional responses.

Ketamine: clear liquid or white powder. Duration: 2-3 hours. Effects:
hallucinations, euphoria, dizziness, inability to feel pain,
intense visual distortions, respiratory depression, convulsions, combative
behaviour, impaired judgement. What to watch for: Blank
stare, warm to touch, perspiring, repetitive speech, confusion/agitation,
incomplete/delayed verbal response, and increased pulse.