Securing Our Community... Strengthening Our Commitment 33RD ANNUAL CRIME PREVENTION GUIDE Teenagers Drug Abuse Awareness
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2 www.rnca.ca Proud Sponsors of the RNC Association 33rd Annual Community Guide, Teenager Drug Abuse Prevention. MDI Contracting is a locally owned & operated multi-service commerical diving company with its base on the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada.
3 www.rnca.ca Thank you to the residents and businesses of Newfoundland and Labrador for supporting our 33rd Annual RNCAssociation Crime Prevention Guide! Over the past 30 years, the generous support from citizens and businesses in our community has helped us to deliver valuable public safety information to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. This year’s community guide focuses on “Teenage Drug Abuse Awareness” as a “Teenagers Drug Abuse Prevention Handbook” to help show High School Age Children the consequences of consuming street drugs that may include life threatening Fentanyl and other potentially deadly substances. We are proud to support community programs including NL Addiction Services with a portion of the proceeds from our community guide. We hope that you find value in the information contained within this community guide and use it as a resource to start a conversation with your loved ones. On behalf of the Royal Newfoundland ConstabularyAssociation Executive Board and its membership, thank you again for your support! Sincerely, Mike Summers President RNC Association “Supporting our Community…Strengthening our Commitment” PRESIDENT’S m e s s a g e
4 www.rnca.ca We Care About The Future Of Our Youth! Director: mcarroll@qalipu.ca For More Infor On Our Programs. Call Or Visit www.qalipu.ca Box 460, St. Georges, NL (709) 647-3096 , Q A F P ™
5 www.rnca.ca 33rd Annual Community Guide Teenagers Drug Abuse AWARENESS Teenagers Drug Abuse Awareness RNCA Messages Message from the Premier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Message from the RNCA President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 RNCA Executive Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Publisher’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 RNCA supports Patient Care at Newfoundland & Labrador Drug Rehabilitation Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Reasons To Talk With Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Learn More About Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Know the Risks and Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Stigma Around Drug Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 What Is Addiction? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Addiction Statistics In Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Driving Under The Influence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Signs And Symptoms Of Drug Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Inspired by addiction and tragedy, these 2 moms are trying to save lives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Get Help With Substance Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 RNCA News & Photo Album Newfoundland and Labrador Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Ottawa 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Detective Sgt. Thomas Fraize Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 In The Community - Corner Brook Detachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 In The Community - Labrador Datachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Need Help But Don’t KnowWhere To Start? Contact ‘211’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
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7 www.rnca.ca EXECUTIVE BOARD “Supporting our Community…Strengthening our Commitment” Teenage Drug Abuse Awareness Staff Sergeant Mike Summers President Cst. Michael Hunt 1st Vice President Cst. Shane McClafferty 2nd Vice President Cst. Justin Dawe Treasurer Sgt. Scott Harris Secretary Sgt. Andrew Wright Director, NCO Cst. Talia Soper Director, Support Services Cst. Colin Rowe Director, Labrador Cst. Glenn Green Director, Corner Brook Cst. Eric Learning Director, CID Cst. Vanessa Babstock Director, Platoon A Cst. Brittany Hierlihy Director, Platoon B Cst. Michael Hoddinott Director, Platoon C Cst. Richard Tilley Director, Platoon D
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9 www.rnca.ca On behalf of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each and every advertiser and sponsor of our Annual Telephone Appeal, allowing this unique publication to be distributed throughout the community, to schools, libraries and public facilities and also available online at www.rnca.ca, making it easily accessible to everyone. The RNCA publishes an Annual Crime Prevention Guide to educate the public on important community concerns. This 33rd Annual Crime Prevention Handbook focuses on Teenagers DrugAbuse Awareness and is designed to help show High school-aged children the consequences of consuming street drugs that may include life threatening Fentanyl and other potentially deadly substances. This publication is made possible as a result of financial support from residents and business representatives throughout the province. With their generous support for the activities of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association, the RNCA is also able to give back to their communities through donations to various local charities and programs for youth, including a special donation this year for Patient Care at Newfoundland & Labrador Drug Rehabilitation Facilities. We welcome comments or suggestions regarding these publications and always look forward to speaking with you each year during our Annual Telephone Appeal. Respectfully, Mark T. Fenety President Fenety Marketing Services PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE “Providing quality, professional marketing and fundraising services on behalf of high-profile, non-profit organizations.” WWW.FENETY.COM
10 www.rnca.ca 96 Clyde Ave., Suite 101 Donovans Industrial Park Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4S2 T: 709-745-8884 F: 709-745-8288 www.nuquest.com 11 Cartwright Plaza Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 1L7 (709) 489-5566 Proud to support the RNCA
11 www.rnca.ca RECOVERY CENTRE The Recovery Centre is a 19bed provincial inpatient withdrawal management service located in Building 532, Pleasantville. The service is available to anyone 16 years and older, who is intoxicated or experiencing withdrawal from alcohol, and drugs. Admissions can be selfreferrals or through hospital emergency units, health professionals and community agencies. The length of stay is determined by individual need. To get started (you don’t need a referral, but you do need to call yourself): Call us at 7097524980 or 18777524980. THE GRACE CENTRE The Grace Centre is a livein addiction treatment Centre located in Harbour Grace. If you are a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador and over the age of 18, The Grace Centre may be able to help with your drug and/or alcohol concern. The Grace Centre offers a structured program that focuses on your needs through individual, group and family counselling. There are 18 private rooms and the usual stay is 28 days. For more information: call 7099454500. TUCKAMORE TREATMENT CENTRE Tuckamore is a livein treatment Centre for 12 – 18 year olds in the Newfoundland and Labrador who have complex mental health concerns. Tuckamore is located in Paradise and the average length of stay for young people is between 6 – 12 months. The program includes individual, group and family counselling as well as life skills training, recreation, and art and music therapy. Tuckamore provides a safe homelike environment, a school area, a multipurpose room, a physical fitness area and an apartment for family visiting overnight. For more information: Call 7097523914 HOPE VALLEY TREATMENT CENTRE Hope Valley is a livein treatment center for 1218 year olds in the province who are concerned about their drug or alcohol use. Hope Valley is located in Grand FallsWindsor and the average stay is 34 months. The Centre houses up to 12 youth and provides a variety of services such as detox, counselling, schooling and life skills training.For more information: Call 7092928360 or discuss Hope Vally with your health care provider. Proceeds from our 33rd Annual Crime Prevention Guide on Teenagers Drug Abuse have allowed the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association to make a donation to Patient Care at NL's Drug Rehabilitation Facilities. HUMBERWOOD TREATMENT CENTRE Humberwood is a livein, nonmedical treatment Centre located in Corner Brook. If you are a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador and over the age of 19, Humberwood may be able to help with your drug, alcohol and/or gambling concerns. Humberwood offers a structured program that focuses on your needs through individual, group and family counselling. There are private rooms and the usual stay is 21 days. For more information: Call 7096344506 or visit:westernhealth.nl.ca/home/healthtopicsmain/humberwoodtreatmentcentre/ CHARLES J. ANDREW YOUTH AND FAMILY TREATMENT CENTRE The Centre is a tenbed residential youth and family healing centre located in Sheshatshiu, Labrador. It serves Innu, Inuit, and First Nations youth and families from Atlantic Canada and across Canada. The Centre is an accredited facility with certified, trained staff. Their mission is to empower indigenous families through the provision of a Holistic Healing Program. The program is strongly influenced by traditional indigenous values, beliefs and practices through spirituality and a reconnection to the Land. For more information, please see www.cjay.org RNCA donates to Patient Care at Newfoundland & Labrador Drug Rehabilitation Facilities.
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13 www.rnca.ca ReasonsToTalkWithTeens Alcohol and drugs (including cannabis, illegal drugs and prescription medications) can be dangerous, especially to a teenager's developing brain. Talk with your teen about drugs and alcohol regularly, and before there is an urgent need. This is important because your teen may: • need information to make informed choices about drugs and alcohol • hear wrong information from their friends, the media or other sources • think that "everyone uses drugs or alcohol", which is not true • be concerned about someone else who is using drugs or alcohol • already be using drugs or alcohol and might need help • have questions but are too nervous to ask Why teens use drugs and alcohol • To cope with trauma, stress, or pain Some teens may attempt to deal with mental or physical health issues, such as pain, by using drugs or alcohol • Social norms Teens may see parents or other adults drinking alcohol, using cannabis or other drugs. Also, the advertising and promotion of alcohol use, including through social media, can normalize it • Popular culture Movies, television and music often glamorize drug and alcohol use, and so teens may imitate this to stand out or look cool • Pressure from peers Many teens use drugs or alcohol to try and fit in with others • To experiment Teens are curious and often seek new experiences, especially those that seem risky or exciting • For perceived benefits Teens may think that drugs or alcohol will improve their focus, physical appearance or fitness, or other areas of their life continued
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15 www.rnca.ca Reasons to talk with teens continued • To feel good Drugs and alcohol can produce feelings like euphoria, pleasure, or relaxation which make them appealing Tips for talking about drugs and alcohol Know your goals for the conversation • Before the conversation, think about what you would like to achieve, for example: to start an ongoing conversation to understand how your teen feels about drug or alcohol use to express concern and offer support Find the right time and place • Pick a place where you both feel comfortable or offer them control to pick the time and place • Don't rush the conversation, come back to it another day if needed Set the tone • Be casual • Be aware of your body language Actively listen • Listen openly • Do not interrupt • Your teen is more likely to have a conversation if they feel respected and understood • Try to have an open, 2way conversation so your teen can participate and ask questions Show you care • If you are worried, tell them why and reassure them that your main concern is their wellbeing • Tell them you are trying to help them make good decisions by giving them information that they may not know Avoid being judgmental and keep an open mind • Be positive, open and remain calm • Resist the urge to lecture or use scare tactics • If your child feels judged or blamed, they may be less receptive to what you have to say • If your teen has used drugs or alcohol, try to understand the reasons why • Be honest about your own drug and alcohol use • Answer any questions honestly Give factual information • Factual information can help your teen make good decisions • Ensure the conversation is ageappropriate • Focus on facts rather than emotions or fear • Talk about the short and longterm effects that drugs and alcohol can have on their mental and physical health and safety • Explain that they may not always know what they are taking, and that some drugs are deadly (for example: counterfeit pills mixed with fentanyl) • Remind them about the laws around drugs and alcohol in your province or territory, like the legal drinking age or legal age to buy, possess, or use cannabis www.canada.ca
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17 www.rnca.ca Learn More About Drugs Learn more about drugs to help you have informed and effective safety talks with your kids Alcohol Underage drinking is very common in Canada. ALSO KNOWN AS: booze, cocktails, firewater, grog, hooch, juice, liquor, moonshine, rotgut, sauce, spirits, tipple, vino. The average age of first time alcohol use in Canada is 13 years old. Close to 80% of young Canadians 15 years and older have reported drinking alcohol during the past year. It is the substance that the majority of young people in grades 7 through 12 will try first.1 There are several reasons that a teen might decide to drink alcohol. Adolescence is an exciting time, but it can also be a time where peer pressure, boredom, risktaking and the need to ‘fit in’ become important factors in a teenager’s life. Sometimes the opinions and actions of your teen’s friends matter more to them than yours. Young people may drink because they may feel a need to be like their friends or older siblings, or because they may see it happening all around them, on social media or at parties. They may be copying your drinking habits, or they may use alcohol to help them relax or deal with stress or anxiety they may feel. Whatever the reason, the younger the person is when they begin drinking, the higher the risk for poor health and problems related to alcohol consumption later in life.2 Alcohol, also known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol, is a legal substance known for its psychoactive properties. Pure ethanol is clear and colourless liquid that is present at varying levels in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine or spirits. Alcoholic beverages get their distinctive colours from their ingredients and from the process of fermentation. What does alcohol look like & how is it used? Beer, wine and cider are made through the fermentation process – a natural process in which yeast changes sugar into alcohol. Typically, this biological process creates alcoholic drinks with lower concentrations of alcohol – in the range of 4% to 15%. Spirits, such as gin, rum, whiskey and vodka are created when alcohol is distilled. Distillation is an industrial process that makes spirits with higher alcohol concentrations – 40% or more. There are two other types of alcohol – these are never safe to drink. Isopropyl Alcohol (known as rubbing alcohol) is used in sterilization agents, such as hand sanitizers and in everyday cleaning products and cosmetics. Methyl Alcohol (known as methanol or wood alcohol) is used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze and fuel for camping stoves Signs and symptoms of alcohol use For many people, a single drink of alcohol releases tension and reduces inhibition, making them feel more at ease and outgoing. Some people feel happy or excited when they drink, while others become depressed or hostile. Suicide and violent crimes often involve alcohol. continued
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19 www.rnca.ca continued Learn more about drugs continued Women are generally more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than men, and all adults become increasingly sensitive to alcohol’s effects as they age. When someone is more sensitive, it takes less alcohol to cause intoxication and more time for the body to eliminate the alcohol consumed. Early signs of alcohol intoxication include: • flushed skin, • impaired judgment • reduced inhibition. Continued drinking increases these effects and causes other effects, such as: • impaired attention • reduced muscle control • slowed reflexes • staggering gait • slurred speech • double or blurred vision. A severely intoxicated person may “black out,” and have no memory of what was said or done while drinking. Effects of extreme intoxication include inability to stand, vomiting, stupor, coma and death. 3 1 – Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey, October 2018 2 – Health Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/healthcanada/services/s ubstanceuse/alcohol/about.html 3 – CAMH – https://www.camh.ca/en/healthinfo/mentalillnessandaddictionindex/alcohol Cannabis ALSO KNOWN AS: marijuana, bud, blunt, chronic, dab, dope, ganja, grass, green, herb, joint, loud, Mary Jane, MJ, pot, reefer, skunk, smoke, trees, wax, or weed. Variants include: hash, shatter, K2, spice. Cannabis is the second most commonly used substance in Canada, after alcohol. Cannabis is a product of the plant Cannabis Sativa. The main active chemical in cannabis is THC (delta9tetrahydrocannabinol). Of the roughly 400 chemicals found in the cannabis plant, THC affects the brain the most. It is a mindaltering chemical that gives those who use cannabis a high. Another active chemical in cannabis is CBD (cannabidiol), which is being studied for its potential medical applications and its ability to moderate the effects of THC. What does cannabis look like & how is it used? Cannabis can be consumed in several ways; inhaled, ingested, or applied topically, and there are significant differences in the way the effects are felt. Dried cannabis can be rolled into a cigarette, called a “joint” or in a cigar, called a “blunt”. It can be smoked in a water pipe or “bong” or vaped in an ecigarette or other vaping devices. Cannabis edibles can be brewed as tea, infused into drinks, or mixed into food and ingested as candies, cookies, and brownies. Consuming cannabis edibles like brownies or cookies is considered by some youth to be a less risky way of consuming than smoking it. Ingesting cannabis can have delayed and unpredictable effects. A long waiting time is recommended when ingesting cannabis products to avoid the accumulation of effects. Cannabis extracts, which include oils and tinctures can also be ingested or inhaled in a pipe or bong and/or vaped with an ecigarette or other vaping devices. Cannabis extracts can often have more concentrated levels of THC. All cannabis products are legal for retail sale only at licensed outlets. Cannabis should be
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21 www.rnca.ca produced by licensed producers and purchased only from licensed vendors. Evidence suggests that illegal cannabis products can be contaminated with pesticides and harmful chemicals. 1 Synthetic cannabinoids like K2 or Spice should be completely avoided. Depending on how it is consumed, cannabis affects the body in different ways. When cannabis or cannabis extracts like oils are inhaled or vaped, THC is delivered directly to the lungs, passes through the bloodstream, and on to the brain where the effects (the “high”) are felt within minutes of inhaling. • A few seconds or minutes to start to feel some of the effects • 30 minutes to feel the full effects • 6 hours for some of the acute or immediate effects to subside • Some residual effects last up to 24 hours The number of Ontario high school students (grades 7 12) vaping cannabis doubled between 2015 (5%) and 2019 (10%) 2 Important to know: Vaping is considered to be a smoking cessation aid for adults who already smoke. Vaping is not considered safe at all for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or any adult who does not already use tobacco products. The effects of ingesting cannabis are delayed – they can take much longer to appear. When cannabis edibles or beverages are ingested, THC travels to the stomach, then to your liver before reaching your bloodstream and brain. The liver metabolizes the THC to a stronger chemical called 11hydroxyTHC, which combined with the THC consumed, can make the “high” seem more intense. Depending on the individual, the effects of eating cannabis can take 30 minutes to two hours to be felt. • 30 minutes to 2 hours to start to feel some of the effects • 4 hours to feel the full effects • Up to 12 hours for acute effects to subside • Some residual effects can last up to 24 hours Cannabis edible consumption by Ontario high school students in Grades 7 through 12 increased between 2017 and 2019 – from 11% to 14%. 3 There is no single reason why a young person might choose to use cannabis. A teen or young adult may try cannabis for social reasons, as a way to fit in or socialize with their peers, or because they think “everyone is doing it.” They may also use cannabis as a coping mechanism to deal with life stresses,4 to help them sleep, stimulate their appetite or reduce worry or stress.5 If a young person is selfmedicating with cannabis to cope with anxiety or stress, they may be more likely to continue if it works for them. They might think “ When I feel stressed out, I smoke pot and it relaxes me”. They may continue to use cannabis instead of finding healthy behaviours as alternatives – like sports, hanging out with a friend, playing music, talking to someone about their feelings, or reading a book – that can help in coping with the stress they feel. Frequent or regular use of cannabis can lead to cannabis use disorder or addiction. It has an effect on the brain’s reward system – as do all other addictive drugs – the likelihood of developing problem use or addiction increases considerably for those who start young.6 The rate of cannabis use is over two times higher among Canadian youth and young adults than adults.7 Canadian youth continue to have one of the highest rates of cannabis use worldwide. In 2018, the World Health Organization compared lifetime cannabis use among Learn more about drugs continued continued
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23 www.rnca.ca Learn more about drugs continued continued youth aged 15 across 40 countries and found that use by Canadian youth was the thirdhighest, 23% of boys and 21% of girls. 8 An estimated one in 5 Ontario students in grades 712 (22%) used cannabis in 2019.9 Cannabis use by students across Canada increased from 16.7% in 2016 – 2017 to 18.1% in 2018 – 2019 10 It’s estimated that 1 in 6 teens who consume cannabis will develop a cannabis use disorder. 11 Cannabis was the most common substance associated with substancerelated hospitalizations for youth aged 10 to 24 years in 2017–2018. 12 1 – Journal of Toxicology, 2013 Nicholas Sullivan et al. 2,3 – OSDUHS 2019 4,5 – McKiernan &Fleming 2017 Canadian Youth Perceptions on Cannabis, CCSA 6 – Drug Alcohol Depend, Winters and Lee 2008. 7 – Canadian Drug Summary – CCSA May 2020 8 – Health Behaviour in Schoolaged Children 2018, World Health Organization 9 – OSDUHS 2019 10 – Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey 2018–2019 (CSTADS) 11 – Government of Canada. (2019). Addiction to cannabis. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/healthcanada/services/d rugsmedication/cannabis/healtheffects/addiction.html 12 – Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2019). Hospital Stays for Harm Caused by Substance Use Among Youth Age 10 to 24 Cocaine & Crack ALSO KNOWN AS: Angie, blow, C, Charlie, coke, crack, flake, freebase, hard, Henry, nose candy, rock, snow, stardust Cocaine is a powerful stimulant made from the leaves of the coca plant. The purified chemical, cocaine hydrochloride, was isolated from the plant more than 100 years ago. Before the development of synthetic local anesthetic, surgeons used cocaine to block pain.1 It was considered safe and used in toothache drops, nausea pills, energy tonics, and, of course, the original “CocaCola” beverage.2 However, research has since shown that cocaine is a powerfully addictive substance that can alter brain structure and function if used repeatedly.3 The two main varieties available are a watersoluble white powder, which is often mixed with other substances such as cornstarch, to be snorted or injected, and a waterinsoluble whitish opaque crystal, known as crack.4 Crack cocaine or “freebase” are smokeable forms of cocaine which look like crystals or rocks that can be smoked or dissolved and injected. These cheaper forms of cocaine are made by chemically processing cocaine powder with baking soda or ammonia. In 2019, cocaine was the most commonly used illegal drug, accounting for approximately half (49%) of illegal drug use.5 What do cocaine & crack look like and how are they used? The major ways of taking cocaine are sniffing or snorting, injecting, and smoking (including freebase and crack cocaine). Health risks of use exist regardless of whether cocaine is inhaled (snorted), injected, or smoked. A regular cocaine snorting habit is evident by a red, chapped, runny nose. A person may lose his/her sense of smell and develop sinus infections. The wall that separates the nostrils may develop a hole and bleed often. Smoking allows extremely high doses of cocaine to reach the brain very quickly and results in an intense and immediate high, it appears that compulsive cocaine use may develop even more rapidly when smoked rather than snorted.
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25 www.rnca.ca Learn more about drugs continued continued Sharing crack pipes can lead to the transmission of diseases like Hepatitis C through saliva or blood and the injection of cocaine places the user at risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV infection/AIDS if needles or other injection equipment are shared. Signs & symptoms of cocaine & crack use A person on cocaine may feel agitated and nervous. Cocaine can also produce euphoria (“high”) and can make a person feel mentally alert, energetic and talkative. The senses of sight, sound, and touch are heightened. A person may feel more calm and in control. However, all of these effects do not last long. When the “high” wears off, the person may feel anxious or depressed and have intense cravings for the drug. Some people stay “high” by using the drug for hours or days. Shortterm use of cocaine can produce many other effects: • postponement of physical and mental fatigue • reduced appetite • increased blood pressure and heart rate • exaggerated reflexes • rapid breathing • dilation of pupils • dry mouth • anxiety • paranoid thinking In addition, a person could potentially experience: • severe agitation • paranoid psychosis • nausea and vomiting • elevated body temperature and cold sweat 1. National Institutes of Health – NIDA 2. June 2022, Cocaine Toxicity, John R. Richards, Jacqueline K. Le , National Library of Medicine 3. National Institutes of Health – NIDA 4. Cocaine (Canadian Drug Summary), Canadian Centre on Substance Use & Addiction 5. Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CADS) 2021 Fentanyl Fentanyl is much stronger than most opioids – 40 times more potent than heroin and 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is extremely dangerous if used nonmedically – even a small amount can cause an accidental overdose and death. Street names include: Apache, China girl, China white, dance fever, Friend, Green beans, Goodfella, Jackpot, Murder 8, Poison, TNT, as well as Tango and Cash. Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opiate analgesic that is similar to but much more potent than morphine. As the most potent opiate pain relief medication available, it is typically prescribed to treat patients with severe pain, or to manage pain after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat people with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to opiates. Like heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, fentanyl works by binding to the body’s opiate receptors, highly concentrated in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. When opiate drugs bind to these receptors, they can drive up dopamine levels in the brain’s reward areas, producing a state of euphoria and relaxation. What does fentanyl look like and how is it used? In its prescription form, fentanyl is known as Actiq, Abstral, Duragesic, Onsolis and Sublimaze. When prescribed by a physician, fentanyl is administered via injection, transdermal patch, or in lozenge form. When used correctly, it can be very effective and safe.
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27 www.rnca.ca Learn more about drugs continued continued In nonmedical situations, fentanyl is injected, smoked, snorted or ingested in high doses, causing an experience of wellbeing (euphoria) that is followed by a period of calm lasting 1 to 2 hours. 1 Pharmaceutical grade vs illegal fentanyl Illegal fentanyl refers to the fentanyl analogues that are designed to mimic the pharmacological effects of the original drug. Illegal fentanyl is produced in clandestine laboratories and mixed with (or substituted for) heroin, cocaine or other drugs in a powder form or pill form, and is associated with accidental overdoses and death. This type of illegal fentanyl analogue is extremely potent, much more so than prescriptiongrade fentanyl. When it is mixed with street drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and MDMA, it markedly increases their potency. This is especially dangerous because people are often unaware that fentanyl has been added. The Public Health Agency of Canada reported an estimated 22, 828 Canadians died from an apparent opioidrelated overdose between January 2016 and March 2021. According to Health Canada, the major drivers of this country’s opioid crisis are illegal fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. 2 • 87% of accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths involved fentanyl in 2021 (Jan to Mar). • 90% of accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths from January to March 2021 involved a nonpharmaceutical opioid. Fentanyl enters the Canadian illegal drug market in three ways: 3 • illegal import from other countries • product from illegal laboratories in Canada • theft of medical fentanyl products (mainly skin patches) People who use substances, such as opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine are experiencing a number of increased risks. Because fentanyl can not be seen, tasted or smelled when mixed with other street drugs, many aren’t aware they are consuming it. There has been a rise of over 2,000 % in street drug samples testing positive for fentanyl. Health Canada reports that the COVID19 outbreak made the already deadly and ongoing public health crisis of opioid overdoses and death even worse. Since the onset of the COVID19 pandemic, 6,946 apparent opioid toxicity deaths occurred (April 2020 to March 2021), representing an 88% increase from the same time period prior to the pandemic (April 2019 to March 2020 – 3,691 deaths). A number of factors have likely contributed to a worsening of the overdose crisis during the pandemic, including the increasingly toxic drug supply, increased feelings of isolation, stress and anxiety and limited availability or accessibility of services for people who use drugs. 4 Like other opiates, fentanyl has a sedative effect that slows down the way the body and brain function. The heart rate and breathing slows. A person may experience euphoria at first and then depression or confusion. They can have a numbing effect that produces drowsiness if a lot is taken. Constricted pupils – Opiates including fentanyl can cause the user to have constricted pupils, making them look like pinpoints or small dots. Nodding – Temporarily falling asleep at an unusual time, like while talking or standing Covering Arms – A person may wear long sleeves even when it’s hot in order to hide needle marks Needle Marks – If someone is injecting fentanyl, they may have needle marks on their arms, on their ankles, feet, or behind their knees
28 www.rnca.ca 2-4 West End Industrial Park, Pasadena, NL A0L 1K0 (T) (709) 686-2185 (F) (709) 686-2540 JC VARIETY STORE PO Box 39 Port Hope, Simpson NL, A0K 4E0 Proud to Support the RNCA 2 Locations To Serve You Better South Dildo Office 709-582-4500 Cooper Building - 75 Main Road, South Dildo, NL Fax 709-582-4501 Carbonear Office 709-596-4500 Powell Plaza - 110 Columbus Drive, Carbonear, NL Fax 709-596-4501 marccooperlaw.ca Free Consultations • No Fees Until You Collect On All Personal Injury Matters • Free Vault Storage For All Wills 198 Station Road Glovertown, NL (709) 533-2375 sales@Fab-tech.ca Brimstone Head Lions Club Proud to Support the RNCA
29 www.rnca.ca Learn more about drugs continued continued Itching – Someone using fentanyl nonmedically will scratch and itch frequently Bad coordination – Their balance might be affected, causing them to trip or stumble while walking Other signs that someone is using fentanyl may include: • Stiffness of muscles • Dizziness • Fainting • Shaking • Slurred speech • Drowsiness • Nausea and vomiting • Hallucinations • Urine retention • Dry mouth • Loss of appetite • Sleeping problems • Swollen arms or legs It can be difficult to recognize the signs of fentanyl use in a young person. Multiple signs of problematic substance use combined with drugseeking or other addictive behaviours may point to use of the drug. 1. Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/healthcanada/services/su bstanceuse/controlledillegaldrugs/fentanyl.html#a1 2. HealthInfobase Canada https://healthinfobase.canada.ca/substancerelatedharms/opioidsstimulants/#fn3 3. Health Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/healthcanada/services/su bstanceuse/controlledillegaldrugs/fentanyl.html#a1 4. HealthInfobase Canada https://healthinfobase.canada.ca/substancerelatedharms/opioidsstimulants/#fn3 Heroin Heroin is a highly addictive substance and withdrawal symptoms can be extremely painful. It is processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seedpod of the Asian poppy plant. It’s important to know that illegal heroin found on the streets increasingly contains illegal fentanyl, a more powerful synthetic opioid, and carries a great risk of overdose. ALSO KNOWN AS: Brown, China White, H, Hero, Horse, Junk, Skag, Smack. What does heroin look like & how is it used? In its pure form, heroin is a fine white, bitter tasting powder. Illegal heroin sold on the streets is usually mixed with powders that look similar, such as starch or sugar, and can vary in purity, colour and consistency. It can look like a white powder, a dark sticky gum or a brown grainy substance. Heroin can be injected, inhaled in powder form, or smoked – each method of use acts quickly on the brain and can lead to addiction. Those who snort or smoke heroin face the same high risk of overdose and death as intravenous users. Prescription Opioids and Heroin – an intertwined problem Prescription opioid pain medicines have effects that are similar to heroin. Research suggests that the problematic use of these drugs may open the door to heroin use. Data from 2011 showed that an estimated 4 to 6 percent who used prescription opioids switched to heroin and about 80 percent of people who used heroin first used prescription opioids. In a study of those entering treatment for opioid use disorder, approximately onethird reported heroin as the first opioid they used regularly to get high. This might suggest that the problematic use of prescription opioids can be one factor leading to heroin use.1 The shortterm effects of heroin use appear soon after a single dose and disappear in a few hours.
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31 www.rnca.ca Learn more about drugs continued continued Heroin enters the brain rapidly and binds to opioid receptors on cells located in many areas, especially those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure and in controlling heart rate, sleeping, and breathing. Upon initial use, people who use this drug feel a surge of euphoria (“rush”) and a sense of wellbeing and pleasure, accompanied by a warm flushing of the skin, and a dry mouth. Other short term effects can include: • heavy feeling in the arms and legs • nausea and vomiting • severe itching Following this initial euphoria, the user goes “on the nod,” an alternately wakeful and drowsy state, this period of calm can last up to about an hour. Mental functioning becomes clouded due to the depression of the central nervous system. Other shortterm effects may last for about 3 to 5 hours. The strong feelings associated with heroin can leave a user wanting more, which quickly leads to tolerance and addiction. 1. National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/dr ugfacts/heroin#ref Meth (Methamphetamine) Meth is a harmful illegal drug used recreationally for the rush of energy and feelings of invincibility it can produce. While meth use is not prevalent in the general population, the harms caused by its use are on the rise, causing concern about the risks meth poses to the health and safety of communities. 1 ALSO KNOWN AS: Speed, Jib, Crank, Meth, Tina, Trash, Chalk, Ice, Crystal, Glass. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that strongly activates certain systems in the brain. It is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but the central nervous system effects of methamphetamine are much greater. Street methamphetamine is made in illegal labs with fairly inexpensive, and often toxic or flammable, ingredients. The chemicals and processes used vary from lab to lab, affecting the strength, purity and effect of the final product. 2 What does meth look like & how is it used? Methamphetamine is referred to by many names, such as “speed,” “meth,” and “chalk.” It can be eaten, sniffed, snorted, smoked or injected. Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking, is referred to as “ice,” “crystal,” and “glass.” Some of the most common signs and symptoms are extremely dilated pupils, dry or bleeding nose and lips, chronic nasal or sinus problems and bad breath. Because meth is a stimulant, users also experience hyperactivity, rapid mood shifts and irritability. This includes a lack of interest in sleep and food, leading to drastic weight loss or anorexia. It may also cause users to be aggressive, nervous, and engage in disconnected chatter. Some shortterm effects are irritability, anxiety, insomnia, Parkinsonlike tremors, convulsions, and paranoia. Users may become obsessed or perform repetitive tasks such as cleaning, handwashing, assembling and disassembling objects, or scratching to the point of causing sores. Longerterm effects can include increased heart rate and blood pressure, damage to blood vessels in the brain, stroke, and even death. Psychotic symptoms can sometimes persist for months or years even after the user has stopped taking the drug. Withdrawal is characterized by excessive sleeping, eating, and depressionlike symptoms, often accompanied by anxiety and drugcraving. 1. Canadian Centre on Substance use and Addiction 2020 2. CAMH: https://www.camh.ca/en/healthinfo/mentalillnessandaddictionindex/methamphetamines
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33 www.rnca.ca Learn more about drugs continued continued Ecstasy MDMA, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine, called “Ecstasy”, “Molly”, “XTC” or “Adam” on the street, is a synthetic, psychoactive (mindaltering) drug with hallucinogenic and amphetaminelike properties. Its chemical structure is similar to two other synthetic drugs, MDA and methamphetamine, which are known to cause brain damage. Beliefs about MDMA are reminiscent of similar claims made about LSD in the 1950s and 1960s, which proved to be untrue. According to its proponents, MDMA can make people trust each other and can break down barriers between therapists and patients, lovers, and family members. Physical and psychological symptoms. Many problems users encounter with MDMA are similar to those found with the use of amphetamines and cocaine. They are: Psychological difficulties, including confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, severe anxiety, and paranoia during and sometimes weeks after taking MDMA (in some cases, psychotic episodes have been reported). Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movement, faintness, and chills or sweating. Increases in heart rate and blood pressure, a special risk for people with circulatory or heart disease. Longterm effects. Recent research findings also link MDMA use to longterm damage to those parts of the brain critical to thought and memory. It is believed that the drug causes damage to the neurons that use the chemical serotonin to communicate with other neurons. MDMA is also related in structure and effects to methamphetamine, which has been shown to cause degeneration of neurons containing the neurotransmitter dopamine. Damage to dopaminecontaining neurons is the underlying cause of the motor disturbances seen in Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms of this disease begin with lack of coordination and tremors, and can eventually result in a form of paralysis. Prescription Drugs Some young people think that prescription medications are safe to use – even without a prescription. Kids may have easy access to prescription or overthecounter medications in their own homes that could pose a serious risk to their health. Below are the details of the most commonly prescribed medications in Canada: Opioids/ Painkillers Opioid drugs act by effectively changing the way a person experiences pain. Commonly referred to as painkillers, Opioids are drugs that contain opium or are derived from and imitate opium. They are prescribed for pain relief and are only available by prescription. Most opioid or painkilling drug prescriptions are nonrefillable and, when used properly under a medical doctor’s supervision, are safe and effective. Morphine derivatives, or narcotics, come from opioids and are used to therapeutically treat pain, suppress coughing, alleviate diarrhea, and induce anesthesia. When using these narcotics, people who use experience a general sense of wellbeing by reduced tension, anxiety, and aggression.
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35 www.rnca.ca Learn more about drugs continued Although painkillers have different potencies and are taken in different ways, when they are used incorrectly they all pose a risk for addiction and other serious effects. Some of the most well known painkillers are listed below with the names you might find on a prescription label. Codeine: like morphine, this is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used especially as a painkiller. Fentanyl (and fentanyl analogs): a manmade opioid painkiller similar to morphine that is administered as a skin patch or orally. Morphine: the powerful, active ingredient of opium is used as a painkiller and sedative. Opium: from the opium poppy, formerly used in medicine to soothe pain but is now often replaced by derivative alkaloids (as morphine or codeine) or manmade substitutes (opioids). Hydrocodone: often combined with acetaminophen for use as a painkiller. Vicodin (which is not available in Canada, but can be found in the USA) is an example. Oxycodone: a narcotic painkiller, for example Percocet and Percodan. Street or slang terms for painkillers Oxies, OC, oxycotton, 80s, percs, vikes, and vikings are commonly used Opioid painkillers are the prescription drugs most often used nonmedically by young people. According to the 2019 CAMH OSDUHS study, one in ten high school students (Grade 7 – 12) reported using a prescription opioid pain reliever at least once during the past 12 months. In Ontario alone that represents 95,000 students. In Canada as a whole, it’s estimated that approximately 310,000 Canadian students have taken prescription drugs not prescribed to them. (DFKC estimate based on 2019 CAMH OSDUHS study) There are several ways painkillers can be taken. Most teens report swallowing pills, but they can also be crushed and snorted for an intensified effect. Since these substances slow breathing, their combined effects could lead to lifethreatening respiratory depression. If you or your teen is already taking a prescribed painkiller, always consult with your physician before taking any other medicine. Know the signs of an opioid overdose! Physical signs of opioid overdose include pinpoint pupils, cold and clammy skin, confusion, convulsions, severe drowsiness, and slow or troubled breathing, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, respiratory arrest, unconsciousness, coma, and death. Naloxone is one kind of medication called opiate receptor antagonists which acts by blocking the effects of opiate drugs. If someone in your family is problematically using opioids and/or street drugs or who has a substance use disorder to opioids, be sure to keep Naloxone in the home. If you see your teen or anyone else in this state, call 911 immediately. Please refer to www.drugfreekidscanada.org for more info on prescription drugs, illegal drugs & other substances
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