Addictive behaviours and substance misuse cont.
Cocaine Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that gives a very strong euphoric effect. People can develop dependence on cocaine after using it for a very short time. With long term use, people can develop poor mental health such as depression, anxiety, and paranoia. Cocaine use may also bring on an episode of drug- induced psychosis. Cocaine can cause fits, heart attacks and strokes. If mixed with some other drugs, an overdose is likely (249). Amphetamines Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, speed, and crystal meth, belong to the stimulant group of drugs. They have the temporary effect of increasing energy and apparent mental alertness. Amphetamines can be in the form of powder, tablets, capsules, crystals, or liquid. Young people may use amphetamines to enable them to stay awake for long periods of time – partying, studying, or working without sleep. As the effect wears off, a young person may experience depression, irritability, agitation, craving, increased appetite, and sleepiness. A particular mental health risk is amphetamine psychosis. The young person usually recovers as the drug wears off but is vulnerable to further episodes of psychosis if the drug is used again (250). Hallucinogens Hallucinogens are drugs that affect a person’s perceptions of reality. Examples include LSD, mescaline, ketamine, hallucinogenic (‘magic’) mushrooms, salvia divinorum (‘sage’), and DMT (dimethyltryptamine). As well as heightened senses and feelings of ‘mind expansion’, they cause the person to experience hallucinations. Some hallucinogens also produce rapid, intense
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