Methamphetamine

Street Slang: Meth, Gas Speed, Goey, Whizz, Pepp
Amphetamines/Methamphetamines are widely used by a broad range of people for a number of reasons. Some use it for the euphoric rush it initially produces. Others use it to party and dance all night long at parties, raves, and festivals.

Some take it to keep them awake for longer periods of time (e.g. taking it for a long drive, a long shift at work, or for sexual enhancement).It can be swallowed, snorted, smoked and injected.

Powder - Low to Medium Purity
Powdered Methamphetamine is generally referred to as “Speed” and is usually of a lower purity compared to other forms of Methamphetamine. The powder can range in quality from a fine powder to a coarse crystalline dust like salt and can range in colour from white to pink to brown. The differences in colour and texture differ due to the quality of the precursor chemicals used, and the expertise of the cook.

Base - Medium to High Purity
Base is an oily, damp, sticky powder/paste and is of a relatively high purity compared to powdered meth. Base was originally produced by accident during the usual process of making speed.

Ice - High Purity
Ice is a far more potent form of Methamphetamine when compared to base or powder. It generally comes as translucent crystals or as a really coarse crystalline powder, but may have a pink or blue tinge to it. Purity is around 80% and it is readily available.

Ecstasy

Street Slang: X, Eccy, Pills, Pingas, Smileys, E
Ecstasy is the most common street name of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). It is sold in pill form varying in size, colour and purity, and comes with a range of different logos pressed in to the pill. It is classified as a stimulant but has some minor hallucinogenic properties. Being an illicit substance which is cooked and pressed in backyard labs, it is impossible to know exactly what is in the pill.

Roughly half of the pills sold in Australia contain little to no MDMA in them. The pills are often lethal concoctions which can include Methamphetamine, 2C-B, Ketamine, PMA, MDA, Caffeine, and other bulking agents. Some Ecstasy pills have been found to contain crushed glass in the mix.

Ecstasy is generally taken before/during dance parties, gigs, raves, festivals and is becoming more common in the night club scene and at house parties. People using Ecstasy will generally feel the effects within an hour of taking it.

The effects experienced can include:

• Emotional openness
• Bursts of energy and euphoria
• Feelings of peace, comfort and love
• Enhanced audio and visual sensations

An Ecstasy comedown usually consists of:

• Body aches
• Sleeplessness and restlessness
• Depression, Anxiety, and paranoia
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing

Research has shown that prolonged and excessive use of Ecstasy can cause damage to serotonin production in the brain which can lead to severe depression and/or Serotonin Deficiency Syndrome.

Cocaine

Street Slang: Coke, Blow, Charlie, Pick Me Up

Cocaine is derived and extracted from the leaves of the Coco plant which is grown throughout areas of South America. In Australia cocaine generally comes in a white, bitter tasting powder form, however it can also come in the form of freebase which is a form of the drug that can be smoked.

The effects of snorting Cocaine are quite short lasting. Generally the high produced will last anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes.

The effects of Cocaine can include:

• Increased sex drive
• Elevated mood and energy
• Feelings of exhilaration and euphoria
• Increased confidence/sense of power
• Increased concentration and alertness

These effects can vary due to the amount taken and the tolerance of the person. Cocaine has negative effects, especially with excessive or prolonged use.

Negative effects can include:

• Sexual problems
• Violent behaviour
• Sleep disturbance
• Nausea and vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Headaches and dizziness
• Agitation, paranoia and anxiety disorders
• Increased body temperature or heart rate
• Ulcerations to the nose and severe nose bleeds

As the effects start to wear off rather quickly in comparison to other ATS, people often take frequent doses which can quickly lead to addiction. Long term snorting cocaine and other ATS drugs can result in ulcerated holes in the cartilage of the nose, causing severe nose bleeds, sinus problems, headaches, dizziness and/or problems breathing through the nose.

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