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Drug Awareness: Understanding the Risks

Drug Awareness

FACT 1: Different Drugs Cause Different Feelings and Physical Responses
  • Various drugs, including dagga, heroin, Ecstasy, Mandrax, tik, and cocaine, are illegal and can lead to unpredictable effects.
  • A substance may induce pleasant sensations for some while causing frightening reactions in others—even leading to fatal outcomes.
  • The illicit drug trade is profit-driven, prompting dealers to cut drugs with various substances, some of which may be more harmful than the drugs themselves.
  • You can’t always trust the appearance of drugs; what you receive today may differ from yesterday’s experience.
  • The safest choice is to avoid taking drugs altogether. They can be ingested in multiple ways—swallowed, smoked, inhaled, or injected.
  • Never underestimate the potential impact of drugs. Experience does not guarantee safety; even seasoned users can suffer fatal overdoses.
  • Drug addiction compels users to seek stronger substances, often against their will, leading to serious health consequences.
UPPERS (Cocaine, Ecstasy, Speed, Crack-Cocaine, Tik)
  • Uppers are designed to energize and elevate your mood, making you feel alive and dynamic.
  • However, they can also trigger anxiety, paranoia, and even death due to the immense strain they place on the heart.
  • Long-term use can damage your nerves, diminish your appetite, and disrupt sleep, often leading to the need for downers to manage withdrawal symptoms.
  • This can create a cycle of depression and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.
DOWNERS (Dagga, Heroin, Mandrax)
  • Downers can induce relaxation, but this effect is unpredictable.
  • Long-term use may lead to lethargy, affecting daily functioning and relationships, particularly for students who may struggle with studies and assignments.
  • Excessive use of potent downers like heroin can shut down bodily systems, potentially leading to death.
HALLUCINOGENS (LSD, Mescaline)
  • These substances can cause intense hallucinations, altering your perception of reality.
  • You cannot foresee whether these experiences will be enjoyable or horrific, and bad trips can result in lasting psychological effects.
FACT 2: Different People Respond Differently to the Same Drugs
  • Individual reactions to drugs can vary significantly. Never base your decision to use a drug on someone else’s experience.
  • Likewise, do not pressure others to use drugs based on your experiences.
FACT 3: The More Drugs You Take, the More You Need
  • The initial high from a drug can be exhilarating, but as your body adjusts, you’ll require increasing amounts to achieve the same effect.
  • This escalating tolerance signals a growing addiction, which often comes at a high financial cost.
  • Many users turn to crime or high-risk behaviors to sustain their habits, leading to arrest or even tragic outcomes, including death at a young age.
  • It’s important to note that addiction can happen to anyone, and no one starts using drugs expecting to become dependent.
FACT 4: Life Is Tough Enough, but Drugs Only Make It Tougher
  • Facing life’s challenges can make drug use tempting as a means to feel vibrant or to escape reality temporarily.
  • While drugs may promise instant gratification and a sense of peace, they ultimately strip away your ability to manage your life.
  • Combining different types of drugs can be particularly dangerous, and the repercussions of drug use can exacerbate existing problems.
  • If you find yourself overwhelmed, seek genuine help from someone who cares. Those who offer drugs often prioritize profit over your well-being.
Help Is Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, organizations like SANCA provide support and professional assistance.

SANCA 24-Hour Helpline: 0861 472 622

Remember, seeking help is a vital step toward recovery. You are not alone.

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