95 Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers RISKS OF ABUSING DRUGS People who abuse drugs risk harming their physical and mental health, relationships with others, performance at school or work, and more. Different kinds of drugs have different risks, but many risks are common to all. SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF DRUGS Drugs do not have the same effects on everyone. People could have a bad reaction for a number of reasons. > Instead of making a person feel calm and > relaxed, the drug might make them feel > anxious, depressed, nauseated or paranoid. > The drug could interact badly with > something else a person may take, such as: » over-the-counter medication, » prescription medication, » alcohol, or » other illlegal drugs. > A person might overdose. Even if none of these things happen, people can never know if their next experience will be harmful. THE DRUG IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS Even when people know the person who sold or gave them the drug, they cannot be sure what is in it. Perhaps it was the drug they wanted and paid for. Or perhaps it was something else entirely. > The marijuana people smoke may be much > stronger than they thought. It may also be > contaminated with pesticides, or mould. > Sellers may mix the real drug with things > like cornstarch, soaps, or other drugs such > as methamphetamine. For example, many > pills sold may contain little or no MDMA. > Sometimes drugs are mixed with other > potent drugs (for example, heroin mixed > fentanyl), a lethal combination that can > result in death. DRUGS IN AN UNFAMILIAR SETTING When people use a drug, especially for the first time, they may not know what to do if something goes wrong. They might find themselves in a situation they cannot control and be unable to: > find someone to help them, > get home, or > reach medical help if they need it. THINKING YOU CAN MANAGE DRUG ABUSE Many people, when they start to take drugs, believe they can control the effects. They think they can keep their use at a safe level, so the drug does not affect their life. But the harmful effects of regular drug use can often build up slowly over time. Sometimes it may take months or years for some of the harmful effects to appear. Photo credit - drugfreekidscanada.org
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