Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 73 ILLEGAL DRUGS (continued) harder to think clearly and make good decisions for a person who is using drugs. Depending on the drug, there may be long-term effects from using, including substance use disorder and addiction. When people use drugs they may do risky or dangerous things that could hurt them or other people. A person of any age can accidentally overdose when using drugs, whether they are someone experimenting for the first time, or someone who is using street drugs regularly. Illegal drugs are not all the same. Different drugs have different dangers associated with them. These drugs cause different experiences and reactions for different people. How a drug will affect a person can depend on many things; dosage, the age of the user, body type, or mental state. Just because someone else has tried it and had a certain feeling, does not mean it will be the same for everyone. In general: Sedatives – opioids, heroin, tranquilizers – have a sedative effect that slows down the way the body and brain function. They can have a numbing effect that produces drowsiness if a lot is taken. Sedatives can cause an accidental overdose. Stimulants – amphetamine, cocaine, crack, and ecstasy – have a stimulant effect giving a rush of energy and making people more alert. Hallucinogenics – LSD and magic mushrooms and to a lesser extent cannabis and ecstasy – tend to alter the way the user feels, sees, hears, tastes, or smells. OTHER SUBSTANCES Other substances with negative health impacts There are additional substances that have made their way into our modern culture – some with dangerous health consequences. Some of them, like inhalants, are relatively easy for kids to access. Whether they promise bigger muscles or a cheaper high, these substances can be extremely dangerous. Learn more about some of the other substances your kids may have heard about below. Having informed and meaningful conversations with your kids about what to do or say if they are ever offered any of these substances is a good way to prevent the harm they can cause to youth. ANABOLIC STEROIDS About Steroids “Steroids” refers to the class of drugs used to treat a wide variety of conditions, from supporting reproduction (e.g., estrogen) and regulation of metabolism and immune function, to increasing muscle and bone mass and treating inflammation and asthma (e.g., cortisone). What Are Anabolic Steroids? “Anabolic” steroids are the class of steroids used to increase muscle and bone mass. These drugs are manufactured in a laboratory to imitate the male sex hormone, testosterone. Despite the fact that there are various types of steroids, teens tend to use the “anabolic” muscle-building kind. While anabolic steroids are available legally by prescription, they are most often prescribed to treat conditions that occur when males produce abnormally low amounts of testosterone, which can result in delayed puberty, osteoporosis (weak bones), and impotence. They are also prescribed to treat body wasting in patients with AIDS and other diseases that result in loss of lean muscle mass. However, the improper use of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health problems, some irreversible. Street or Slang Terms for Steroids Arnolds, gym candy, juice, pumpers, stackers, and weight trainers are all commonly used terms to refer to steroids. continued
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