04-10-1996 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Other Effects: * a rush of pleasurable sensations * a heightened, but momentary, feeling of confidence, strength, and endurance * accelerated pulse, blood pressure and respiration * impaired driving ability * paranoia, which can trigger mental disorders in users prone to mental instability * irritation of the nostrils and nasal membrane * mood swings * anxiety * reduced sense of humor * compulsive behavior, such as teeth grinding or repeated hand washing. Amphetamines are drugs that stimulate the central nervous system and promote a feeling of alertness and an increase in speech and general physical activity. Some common street names for amphetamines are "speed ", "uppers ", "black beauties ", "wake- ups ", "footballs ", and "dexies ". People with a history of sustained low -dose amphetamine use quite often become addicted, believing that they need the drug to get by. These users frequently keep taking amphetamines to avoid the "down" mood they experience when the drug wears off. Even small, infrequent doses can produce toxic effects in some persons. Restlessness, anxiety, mood swings, panic, heart rhythm disturbances, paranoid thoughts, hallucinations, convulsions and coma have been reported. Long -term users often have acne resembling measles, trouble with their teeth, gums and nails, and dry, dull hair. Heavy, frequent use can produce brain damage resulting in speech disturbances. Other Effects: * loss of appetite * irritability, anxiety, depression * increased heart rate and blood pressure * difficulty in focusing eyes * exaggerated reflexes * distorted thinking * perspiration, headaches, dizziness * short -term insomnia Opiates include heroin, morphine, codeine and narcotics used to relieve pain and induce sleep. Heroin, also called "junk" or "smack ", accounts for 90% of the narcotic abuse in this country. Sometimes narcotics found in medicines are abused. This includes pain relievers containing opium and cough syrups containing -10- Page 62