OVERCOME drug addiction Part 4
In Part 3 we looked at Cannabis, Mandrax, LSD and Ecstasy. In this study I want us to look at Amphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin and Crack. (All information comes from Francois de Jager's book Extreme Youth Evangelism. For more information about this book, email us at info_salvationten.com)
5.AMPHETAMINE
South Africa once again is the leader when it comes to the use of amphetamine-type drugs! The most common being TIK. It is highly addictive! TIK was unknown as late as 2003. Today, particularly in Cape Town, it is the drug of choice! Grant Jardine, Director of the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre, says that more than 50% of their clients use TIK as their main drug of abuse! There has been an unbelievable rapid increase of use over a very short time.
People might ask why young people use TIK? There are many reasons, but one is that TIK is marketed as an easy way to loose weight. This makes it very popular amongst teenage girls! Prof. Charles Parry says: "The danger with crystal meth is that is attractive to non-typical drug users." The greatest percentage of TIK users is under the age of 20! There are cases where teenagers as young as 13 are being treaded for TIK addiction in South Africa. Another reason it is so popular, is also due to its availability and cheap prize. It is easy to make, with the recipe available even on the Internet!
General names of Amphetamine-type drugs: TIK, crystal, straws, globes, meth, uppers, candy, crank, glass.
Trade method: Powder, pills, crystals, capsules.
Methods of use: Sniffed, injected, smoked, drunk (In drinks)
People who use Amphetamine-type drugs experience unnatural energy, increased heart rate, rapid weight loss, abnormal thirst and enlarged pupils. Those who use TIK in particular experience a 20-40 minute rush. Thereafter a 3 day high and then a "crash". TIK can stay in the users system for up to 5 days! TIK users have intense paranoia, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations and out of control rages. This is a very dangerous drug!
6.COCAINE
Cocaine originated from the South American Coca Plant. It is a white or off-white powder. According to Captain Pieter Mans, cocaine is the strongest natural stimulant. It is interesting to know that cocaine was the secret ingredient of Coca-Cola till 1903! It is seen as a status drug due to its high prize. In 1991 the prize of cocaine was about R450 per gram. Now its between R200 and R300 per gram.
General names: Coke, snow, snort, powder.
Trade methods: Crystalline powder.
Methods of use: Sniffed - Cocaine is placed on a smooth area, for example a mirror, and an object such as a razor blade will be used to arrange it in lines. This powder is then snorted up through the nose by means of a straw or rolled up banknote.
Cocaine powder can also be dissolved in water and injected.
Injected - The well known method of injecting is known as the so-called "Speed Ball". This is when Cocaine and Heroin is mixed and injected and the nervous system is immediately stimulated and suppressed.
A lot of people have died because of this method, such as the well-known actor, River Phoenix.
A person who use cocaine may experience an enthusiasm for life, self-confidence, chattiness, hyper activity, increase in blood pressure, weight-lose, bloody nose, skin rashes, runny nose, anxiety, hallucinations and paranoia.
7.HEROIN
Heroine is considered to be one of the most addictive and most dangerous drugs in the entire world! It is a semi-synthetic opiate synthesised from morphine. Heroin is obtained from the poppy seed. There are different grades of heroin, for example, "black tar", "brown sugar" and "white China".
Heroin was also expensive (±R250 - R300 per gram), but currently addicts can find Heroin for as little as R30.
The low price of the drug and the strong physical effects of Heroin have made it very attractive for the youth. Therefore it is common to find school children from the ages 12 - 14 that are addicted to this drug!
General names: Black tar, brown sugar, white China, H, herries, horse, Mexican, brown, mud, smack .
Trade method: Raw opium (Solid form), powder, syrup,
Methods of use: Injecting, sniffing, smoking, and inhaling.
People who use heroin may experience a very high level of relaxation and it seems as if the person has gone into a very deep trance or coma. The long-term use of Heroin can lead to very serious decay of the body like serious heart valve regurgitation, brain damage as well as damage to the organs of the body, such as the kidneys, liver and the lungs. Because it is such a very strong depressant and muscle relaxant it has happened that during overdosing the heart valves were affected and the heart just stops beating.
The person will also experience a loss of appetite, which explains the rapid weight loss associated with heroin users.
8.CRACK
Crack Cocaine is a crystal that is derived by mixing normal Cocaine Hydrochloride with Bicarbonate of Soda and putting it through a chemical process whereby the crystals are formed. Only a small amount of Cocaine is needed to make a large quantity of Crack Crystals. These crystals are then smoked. The name crack comes from the sound the crystals make when being smoked. Crack has a pure cocaine base that is instantly absorbed. It reaches the brain in about 4-6 seconds! It has an extreme effect.
General names: Crack rock.
Trade method: In a crystal form.
Methods of use: Crack is usually smoked by means of a pipe that is called "Rockpipe". The most common form of a "Rockpipe" is a glass tube that contains a copper wire filter. The rock is placed on the filter and then burnt with a lighter. As soon as the gasses are released it is inhaled.
People who use crack may experience the same result as with cocaine combined with anger and aggression.
It is clear from this short summery of drugs, that the Youth of South Africa are in desperate need of help! We need to get the Gospel to them as soon as possible!
No delays!
God bless.
Francois de Jager
