| |
DRUG
ABUSE
Over the last decade drug use has been gradually increasing within
the Muslim community. In some areas it has reached crisis point
and some are still under the impression that it is not an issue
within the community. In the long term a single drug
user has an impact upon the whole community.
Yet, with virtually no Islamically
oriented treatment options available and with very few Muslims skilled
in drug related work, Muslim parents are often left in a state of
confusion. Nevertheless, they are often the first ones who seek
help for their son or daughters drug use!
So what is a parent to do? Be patient and develop a strong trust
based relationship with your son/daughter from a very young
age as a preventative
measure to such problems.
If you suspect that your child is using a substance try not to shout
at them as this may cause an argument. Besides this, your suspicions
may be wrong. If you have clear evidence that they are using drugs,
approach the subject with them in a calm, controlled manner. Encourage
them to open up to you, listen to them and advise.
The drug user can only be helped when they are ready to accept change.
One of your roles will be that of a motivator. Seek to understand
addiction in all its forms. More extreme forms of addiction create
very strong inner tension. The pull can be so great that even highly
motivated individuals will have a struggle to ‘break-free’ from
drug misuse. Explain the detrimental influence their habit is having
on all spheres of their life, family, social and work. Coming off
drugs can be a long process. Don't expect instant results. Learning
lessons from the process is as important as the end result. Make
it clear to them that you have their best interests at heart but
also
make clear to them what you will not tolerate.
Don't suffer in silence. Speak to someone you trust for support.
Make contact with your local Drugs Project. Ensure that they can
provide an Islamically sensitive service for you.
Below we have summarised some of the common
drugs prevalent in our society today.
 Cannabis
Cannabis comes in three forms: oil, resin and herbal.
Other names: Hash, weed, dope, pot, ganja, grass, marijuana, and many
more.
What is it?
Cannabis is a naturally occurring plant found in many parts of the
world. Many young people are under the impression that it is not
addictive but this is far from true. Many young people are now smoking
a particularly
potent strain of this plant known as 'skunk weed'.
How is it used?
Cannabis is generally rolled up with tobacco and smoked. Cannabis
oil is usually mixed with tobacco. Herbal Cannabis is sometimes
smoked on its own. It can also be smoked in a pipe, brewed into
a drink or
put into food.
What are the short-term effects?
Feeling of enhanced awareness, relaxation and increased appreciation
of sound (music). Other effects: talkative, laughter, dry mouth, bloodshot
eyes, increased appetite, short-term memory loss, inability to perform
manual tasks e.g. driving.
What are the long-term effects?
Long term effects: Irritability, restlessness, insomnia, decreased
blood pressure, respiratory disorders e.g. bronchitis. Some people
suffer from distress and confusion, as well as anxiety, panic attacks
and paranoia.
Crack
Cocaine
Cocaine comes in two forms: Powder and small pebble sized waxy 'rocks'
- 'crack' (named after the sound it makes when smoked).
Other names: Scud, stones, bones, rocks, lick.
What is it?
Crack is a smokable form of cocaine. It gives a very powerful
psychological addiction. Crack is a stimulant, which means it
will speed up the
workings of the body and mind.
How is it used?
Crack is smoked - usually in a glass crack pipe, makeshift pipe
or smoked in a 'spliff'.
What are the short-term effects?
Euphoria, exhilaration, sense of physical strength, sweating, unable
to communicate effectively, anxiety, pounding heart, mood swings,
insomnia, dehydration.
What are the long-term effects?
Debt, respiratory failure, mass paranoia, irritability, aggression,
heart failure, depression, psychosis, lung damage, psychological
addiction, skin problems.
Other dangers: Over-dose
Heroin
Heroin comes in three forms: Liquid, powder, blocks.
Other names: H, junk, smack, gear, khala, shit, powder, goo, scag.
What is it?
Heroin is a painkiller and depressant made from morphine. It is grown
in many Muslim countries. By the time it hits the street it can be
as little as 5% 'pure'. It is both extremely psychologically and physically
addictive.
How is it used?
Can be smoked or injected.
What are the short-term effects?
Initial nausea, vomiting, warmth, constipation, reduced blood pressure
and heart rate, feelings of safety from physical/psychological pain.
What are the long-term effects?
Loss of appetite, weight loss, respiratory problems, self-neglect,
lack of hygiene, skin problems, intense cravings and diarrhoea.
Other dangers: HIV, hepatitis, Death by over-dose.
Cocaine
Other Names: Charlie, Coke, C and Snow
What is it?
Cocaine is an alkaloid found in the leaves of the South American Erythroxylon
Coca plant. It is a powerful psycho-stimulant that has short-lived
effects. Its other form crack, is stronger and more addictive.
How is it Used?
An expensive habit, cocaine is a white powder which is usually laid
out in straight lines on a flat surface and snorted. It can also be
smoked.
What are the Short Term Effects?
As a powerful stimulant, coke speeds up the heart and induces a sense
of exhilaration. The user feels confident, courageous, bold, talkative
and ‘on top of the world’ for some 30-40 minutes.
What are the Long-term Effects?
A very addictive substance, regular usage can bring on a strong dependency
and craving. Adversely effects the heart and blood pressure. Side
effects such as panic attacks and paranoia can ensue.
Other Dangers: Depression, Respiratory problems, Death by Overdose.
Ecstasy
Other Names: E, Brownies
What is it?
In its real form it is known as the chemical MDMA, is a synthetic,
psychoactive, neurotoxic drug with many negative side effects. One
of the more popular designer drugs, used by thousands of people
at clubs and concerts.
How is it Used?
Usually swallowed in the form of coloured tablets.
What are the Short-term Effects?
Takes some 30-60 minutes before effects appear. Stimulates a strong
energy buzz, making a person feel very alert and energetic. User
feels a greater intensity in colours, sounds and emotions, allowing
them
to dance and talk for hours.
What are the Long-term effects?
Can cause panic attacks, paranoia, insomnia, dehydration, aggression
and anxiety. Can play havoc on body temperature with sudden, dangerous
increases. Has been linked to kidney, liver and heart problems.
Other Dangers: Death, psychological dependency/problems, and depression.
LSD
Other Names: Trips, Acid, and Microdot
What is it?
Lysergic Acid Dielhylamide is a hallucagenic substance which in
a liquid form is placed on and absorbed by blotting paper. This
is then
cut and sold as small squares of paper with different images on
them.
How is it Used?
Small square paper is placed on or under the tongue where it dissolves.
Can also be taken in the form of little pellets
What are the Short-term Effects?
Known as a trip, the effects will surface between 30 minutes to 1
hour after taking. It can not be stopped once it has started. A trip
can either be a ‘fun’ experience or a persons worse nightmare.
A multitude of sensations follow, enhancement of colour, surroundings,
sound, hallucinations, slow down in movement/time all depending on
the type of person, the setting, how they feel and whom they are with.
A terrifying experience can include, confusion, double vision, panic
and sheer horror.
What are the Long-term Effects?
Not addictive as such, however flashbacks a long time after taking
LSD can be frightening. Someone suffering from mental health problems
or people with temperamental, moody or sensitive personalities maybe
more susceptible to a bad trip, when people have been known to harm
themselves.
Other
organisations, projects and drug related assistance available throughout
the UK:
London
Nafas 020 7729 0044
An initiative of the BDP - Bangladeshi Drugs Project
Web: www.nafas.org
Muslim Youth Helpline 020 8795
5321
Provide counselling & befriending services to youth in need
www.myh.org.uk
National Drugs Helpline 0800 776 600
24hr per day drugs advice
www.talktofrank.com
Release 0207 729 5255
Advice in relation to drug related legal issues.
www.release.org.uk
Trashed
Drug information from the Health Education Authority
www.trashed.co.uk
Coventry
Community Drugs Team 024 7655 3845
www.covdrug.org.uk
Liverpool
Drug Free 0151 207 1133
www.c-I-c.co.uk
Oldham
Noor Project 0161 624 9595
|
|
