Communication activities.

Task 21 a) Read the information about drugs.

What are narcotics?

The medical term “narcotic” refers to drugs derived from poppy plant. Narcotics are used to relieve intense pain or suppress coughs. The group of narcotics that comes from the resin of the Asian poppy includes opium, morphine, heroin and codeine. Other narcotics are manufactured synthetically.

What is opium?

The opium poppy grows in the hot dry climates of Turkey, China, India, Iran and Mexico. Sap from the seed pods are collected to make raw opium which is a painkiller and very addictive. Opioid receptors are throughout the brain, spinal cord, nervous system, and intestines.

What is morphine?

Morphine is the most effective drug derived from opium. It is the most active ingredient in most narcotic drugs. Morphine relaxes the muscles, decreases physical activity, relieves pain and nervousness, and creates a sense of euphoria. In limited amounts, morphine and other legal opiates are still used in prescription medicines.

What is heroin?

Heroin is made from morphine. Pure heroin is a white powder with a bitter taste. Heroin may be sniffed or injected. It slows the body functions including breathing and heartbeat, affects the brain. Diseases commonly found among heroin addicts include blood poisoning, the HIV virus, hepatitis, syphilis, and malaria. AIDS is now the leading cause of death among heroin addicts. Due to its low cost, heroin is widely abused.

What is marijuana?

It is a plant called Cannabis sativa, and grows wild in temperate and tropical climate. When prepared as a drug, marijuana consists of dried and crushed leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. The potency of marijuana varies depending on the type and part of plant used. Public opinion often shows marijuana to be a mild non-addictive substance. This is false. Marijuana is a gateway drug. When it is inhaled into the lungs, marijuana reaches the brain within 14 seconds and remains in the body tissues for up to 30 days. Marijuana alters moods, coordination, memory, and self-perception. As use increases, it causes hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, and paranoia.

What is cocaine?

Cocaine is the strongest stimulant of natural origin, obtained from leaves of Erythroxylon coca. The plant grows naturally in Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, and may be cultivated in other countries as well. Chewing coca leaves hid the effects of working at high altitude since it raise the body temperature, give energy, and reduce hunger and fatigue. Cocaine increases the heartbeat, blood pressure, and strains the heart muscles, producing a brief, but intense, euphoria followed quickly by severe depression. Cocaine users increase the risk of sudden heart attacks (regardless of age), due to its stimulating effect. When ingesting cocaine, an individual may stay awake for hours or even days until exhaustion sets in, and an individual sleeps for many hours.

What is crack?

Crack is a chemically made purer form of cocaine more suitable for smoking. It is more concentrated and more lethal than cocaine. Individuals call it “crack” for the cracking sound it makes when smoked. Crack is the white or tan residue. It is dried and broken into pieces to be sold on the street. The effects of crack are dramatic. The euphoria is increased, the depression is severe, the side effects are more dangerous, the chances of dependence are higher. The stress to the heart can cause chest pain when the heart is beating irregularly.