This week is the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)’s National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. S.A.D.D. will be participating through sharing brief facts on GTV each morning pertaining to various drugs. The facts will also be shared here.
Heroin – Heroin, also referred to by a variety of other names, is derived from the poppy plant. It can be introduced to the body in a variety of ways with injection being the most potent, and riskiest, due to increased risks of abscesses as well as diseases like hepatitis, and HIV. Despite the fact that as per the CDC, the number of heroin users has been gradually rising since 2007, thankfully the general use of heroin at large is relatively low and heroin-related deaths have been steadily decreasing since 2018.
Alcohol – Alcohol is among the most used drugs. It plays a large role in many societies and cultures around the world, and greatly impacts public health. More people over age 12 in the United States have used alcohol in the past year than any other drug or tobacco product. Alcohol use disorder is the most common type of substance use disorder in the United States. Around 84% of adults reported alcohol use in 2023, which has not shown change for better or worse when compared to the past five or ten years. Daily drinking on the other hand, has decreased over time and hit its lowest level ever in 2023 (at only 8%).
Marijuana– Marijuana or cannabis refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. The plant has many different chemical compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC can cause changes in mood, thoughts, and perceptions of reality. These products can also cause harmful health effects on the brain and other parts of the body. Marijuana’s strength has significantly increased since the 1960’s. In the 60’s THC levels were less than 2% and has had a steady increase to, in some cases, 95%. This has also increased the risk of addiction to the drug and mental health problems being heightened.
Cocaine– Considered an addictive stimulant, cocaine is made from the coca plant, specifically the leaves. Any usage of cocaine, via whichever administration of the drug, may lead to toxic bodily absorption causing a variety of health issues ranging but not limited to: heart attacks, strokes, seizures, or even death. Any use: single, sporadic, or continual/consistent, can cause long-term negative effects on both body and brain, with significant exposure/overuse further negatively impacting decision-making, ability to adapt, and the ability to self-reflect.
Fentanyl – Fentanyl (“Fent”) is a potent synthetic opioid, first developed in the 1950s. It is 50 times stronger than heroin and roughly 100 times stronger than morphine. As per the DEA, Fentanyl (an already very powerful and addictive drug on its own) is being combined with other drugs to increase its potency. This has led to numerous deaths, as those drug concoctions often contain lethal doses of fentanyl due to a lack of official oversight or quality control of these counterfeit pill creations. To put it into perspective, a lethal dose of Fetanyl is just 0.2 mg (that’s 1250 times lighter than a penny), making it extremely dangerous. Fentanyl is a highly-addictive drug that should not be used unless prescribed to your licensed medical professional and dispensed by a legitimate pharmacy.
Stay safe, and stay Drug Free Eagle Nation.
