Victory Over Addiction

Over

FREE COPY

ADDICTION

NATIONAL DRUG AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Visit Us On: gideons300.wordpress.com

Volume: 1

PARENTS Be Drug Smart

BREAKING NEWS

GIDEONS

300

INTRODUCING

New Life Training Program

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Index

4 Editorial

6 Be Drug Smart 9 Alcohol 11 Dagga 13 Mandrax 15 Crystal Meth / Tik 17 CAT 19 Crack/Coccaine 21 Heroin 23 Ecstacy 25 Hallucigens / LSD 27 Inhalants 29 Prescription Drugs 31 Victory Over Addiction 33 House Benjamin 35 Gideons 300 37 Breaking News 39 General Info Victory Over Addiction - 3

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Editorial

Our nation is burdened with a serious evergrowing problem that is destroying the lives and promising futures of our youth, tearing families apart, placing people on the streets without work leading to an ever increasing crime rate.

The problem originates mainly from the use and abuse of drugs and illegal substances. According to reports drug usage in South Africa is twice the norm.

With the average starting age of the user starting at 12 years and is still dropping. Even though these statistics is highly argued it is reported that 15% of the national population has a drug related problem. The number of drug syndicates is growing at an alarming rate to the point that it cannot be controlled by drug laws and police enforcement anymore. The drug types and mixes is getting more varied and increasingly lethal due to dangerous and cheap chemicals being used.

Something needs to be done.......

Therefore we have initiated a national drug awareness and educational campaign to educate both users and family members about the dangers and implication of both legal and illegal substance abuse.

Hence we would like to proudly introduce the pilot edition of our “VICTORY OVER ADDICTION” publication and the first of the GIDEON'S ARMY participators. We will keep up the quality and appeal of this publication and soon release our full coffee table edition that will be distributed nationwide to schools, churches and various community centers and relative places of interest.

This print publication will be the main vehicle driving our drug awareness campaign and we are eager to fight this war against drug abuse in our country with the “GIDEON'S 300” members.

Tokkie Van Wyk

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Parents - Be Drug Smart Our Drug Culture

Due to the escalation of drug abuse in our culture it is very important for parents, family members and employers to educate themselves about the nature of drug misuse. The education and awareness of all the aspects of drug problem is paramount to the effective rehabilitation and maintaining a safe working environment.

For this reason we have compiled a drug informational section that is designed to provide the most relevant information on the popular drug types that is mostly abused.

Additionally we have added a breaking news section that contains the most recent known drug related social problems and new drug mixtures that has surfaced.

We appeal to all our readers that should you require any additional information and guidance in finding help for your loved ones and workers to please refer to our info section for the contact details of New Life Drug Rescue and House Benjamin New Life Centre. Who will provide the needed help and guidance to approaching and finding right treatment for your loved ones.

considerable cost and prolonged process means it is not often used.

SALIVA TESTING This is a recent developed test. However this type of testing is limited to detecting very recent drug use that is confined to only detecting current intoxication. Therefore these tests are not a preferred method.

BLOOD TESTING Blood testing is the most accurate confirmation of drug use.

However it is an expensive and intrusive method of testing and is mostly reserved for legal requirements.

URINE TESTING This is the most commonly used testing method used for screening urine samples. These tests are best known as Immunoassays and works on the principle of antogenantibody interaction. These tests are commonly available and cost effective.

DRUG TESTING There are various methods being used in the testing and detecting of drug chemicals in the human body. We have briefly listed and described the most commonly used methods below. For any additional information and how to obtain such testing kits you can contact House Benjamin New Life Centre for further assistance.

TESTING METHODS HAIR TESTING When drug metabolites are circulated in the blood, it enters the sculp’s blood vessels and are filtered thru the hair. These metabolites remain in the hair and provide a permanent record of drug use. It is a highly sensitive test, but the

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Alcohol

FACTS: STREET NAMES: Dop, Booze, PARAPHERNALIA: Empty alcohol bottles, cups and glasses that smells like alcohol.

SMELL: Distinctive alcohol smell EFFECTS: Slurred speech, unsteadiness, vomiting, changes in mood and emotions. Visual responsive impairment. Possible alcohol poisoning.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: Heart damage, high blood pressure, liver damage, extreme dementia, risk of strokes, immune system depression. Gastrointestinal track infection and ulceration

It is classed as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an inability to react quickly.

ingredients in the food, creating alcohol.

Abusers are typically heavy drinkers who continue drinking regardless of the results.

As for how it affects the mind, it is best understood as a drug that reduces a person's ability to think rationally and distorts his or her judgment.

Alcohol can be an addictive substance.

Not everyone who consumes alcohol will become addicted. However, certain people may be more susceptible to addiction.

Although classified as a depressant, the amount of alcohol consumed determines the type of effect. Most people drink for the stimulant effect, such as a beer or glass of wine taken to “loosen up”. But if a person consumes more than the body can handle, they then experience alcohol's depressant effect. They start to feel “stupid” or lose coordination and control.

It should be noted that alcohol addiction and abuse are not the same. It's important to understand the facts on alcohol abuse. Alcohol addiction refers to a psychological and physical dependency on alcohol. Individuals who suffer from alcohol addiction may build up a tolerance to the substance, as well as continue drinking even when alcoholrelated problems become evident.

Alcohol overdose causes even more severe depressant effects (inability to feel pain, toxicity where the body vomits the poison, and finally unconsciousness or worse, coma or death from severe toxic overdose). These reactions depend on how much is consumed and how quickly.

Alcohol abusers are not necessarily addicted to alcohol. Abusers are typically heavy drinkers who continue drinking regardless of the results. Abusers of alcohol may not drink on a consistent basis. For example, an individual who abuses alcohol may only drink once a week. However, when that individual drinks, he puts himself into risky situations or drinks enough to cause problems, such as alcohol poisoning. Certain individuals who abuse alcohol may eventually become dependent on it.

There are different kinds of alcohol. Ethyl alcohol (ethanol), the only alcohol used in beverages, is produced by the fermentation of grains and fruits.

Fermenting is a chemical process whereby yeast acts upon certain

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Dagga

Marijuana refers to the seeds, dried leaves, and stems of the cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in South Africa. It is usually smoked in a pipe or a cigarette. It can also be eaten.

The mind-altering ingredient in marijuana is called THC, which stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The amount of THC in marijuana varies. It is common for marijuana to contain anywhere from one to seven percent THC.

FACTS:

STREET NAMES: Boom, Hash, Weed, Joint, Ganga APPEARANCE: Dry, shredded green/brown mix of stems, seeds and leaves.

PARAPHERNALIA: Seeds, dust in pockets of clothing, rizzla papers, excessive use of lip balm and eye drops. Empty small bags and matchboxes.

SMELL: Peppery aroma. Oily herb smell when smoked METHOD OF USE: Usually smoked EFFECTS: Feels relaxed, giggly and talkative. Sedated with bloodshot eyes.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: Chronic lung disease. Increased risk of cancer. Amotivational Syndrome and psychosis.

Abusing marijuana can have negative health effects. It can also lead to addiction.

When marijuana enters the body, THC passes through the bloodstream and to the brain. The chemical targets certain brain cells called cannabinoid receptors.

A large percentage of these receptive cells exist in the parts of the brain that influence memory, coordination, sensory perception, and thinking.

Marijuana has several effects on the body and mind. Abusing marijuana can cause: ·

memory problems ·

difficulty solving problems

·

increased appetite

·

decreased coordination

·

decreased concentration

As with cigarettes, smoking marijuana causes damage to the lungs.

Long-term marijuana use can lead to learning and psychological problems even years after stopping the drug.

As with other types of illicit drugs, marijuana abuse can lead to addiction.

About one in every 11 marijuana users will become addicted. It is difficult to say how much marijuana use causes dependence. This varies between individuals.

Marijuana potency has increased in the past 20 years. A stronger drug increases the chances of addiction and is likely both physical and psychological.

In physical addition, the user's body craves the drug. In psychological addiction, the user consciously desires the drug's effects.

Additional risk factors for substance abuse include: ·

having a family history of addiction ·

having a psychiatric disorder

·

lack of family involvement

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Mandrax

FACTS:

STREET NAMES: Buttons, White Pipe APPEARANCE: Originally in white tablet form that is crushed.

PARAPHERNALIA: Broken bottles and bottle necks, Home made filters, containers for spitting and Lotto papers.

SMELL: Smoky sweetish smell.

METHOD OF USE: Usually crushed and smoked with dagga.

Also swallowed or injected.

EFFECTS: Yellow stained hands, bloodshot eyes, rotten teeth, unnatural sleeping patterns. Increased saliva secretion. Loss of appetite. Acne and boils on the skin.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: Serious emotional problems, depression, drastic weight loss, insomnia, aggression, toxic psychosis.

South Africa is the largest abuser of Mandrax in the world.

Statistics show that Mandrax smoked with Dagga is still the drug of preference in the largest parts of Cape region. Mandrax is mainly sold in the form of a tablet and is highly addictive. It is usually crushed and smoked, but can be injected and swallowed as well. Mandrax is a synthetic drug that is compiled by means of the mixing of chemicals in a chemical process and a tablet is then produced.

The active ingredient in Mandrax is Methaqualone. This chemical provides a similar effect to barbiturates which is a general central nervous system depressant. This makes the user feel calm, relaxed and happy. This feeling can last for up to a couple of hours after use.

In the sixties and early seventies these tablets were prescribed as sleeping tablets. Other medicinal uses included illnesses like high blood pressure and anxiety attacks. Mandrax was originally known as a safe and non-dependent drug. It was the drug that people reckoned was going to be the miracle cure of the world at its time.

It was however found that Mandrax had various side effects, especially if it was

mixed with Dagga and alcohol, which was life threatening because it caused psychological and physical dependency. This caused a drastic increase in burglaries, especially at pharmacies, where it was found that Mandrax specifically was stolen. Mandrax was banned in most parts of the world because of the misuse, and is illegally sold in South Africa.

The banning of Mandrax caused crime syndicates to use this opportunity to continue producing it by means of clandestine laboratories. The market was already established and the need for the drug made it a profitable business.

Experience has shown Mandrax is smoked to get a greater "rush". This is because of the toleration effect of the body of a human who started experimenting with small amounts of Dagga but later have to add Mandrax to achieve the same effect.

Mandrax is highly addictive. People become physically dependent on it and have severe withdrawal symptoms in rehabilitation. Some withdrawal symptoms include sleeping disorders, nervous, anxious and irritable feelings, headaches, restlessness and eating disorders.

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Crystal Meth Tik

FACTS: STREET NAMES: Ice, Meth, Crystal, Tik APPEARANCE: Resembles glass fragments or shiny white rocks of various sizes.

PARAPHERNALIA: Straws, light bulbs and glass pipes.

SMELL: Odorless METHOD OF USE: Swallowed, snorted, injected or smoked.

EFFECTS: Dilated pupils, loss of appetite, anxiety, aggression and insomnia.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: Depression, paranoia, psychosis, irreversible brain damage. Memory loss and mood disturbances. Severe dental problems.

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Also known as TIK, meth, chalk, ice, and crystal, among many other terms, it takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.

Methamphetamine was developed early in the 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Like amphetamine, methamphetamine causes increased activity and talkativeness, decreased appetite, and a pleasurable sense of well-being or euphoria. However, methamphetamine differs from amphetamine in that, at comparable doses, much greater amounts of the drug gets into the brain, making it a more potent stimulant. It also has longer-lasting and more harmful effects on the central nervous system. These characteristics make it a drug with high potential for widespread abuse.

The pleasure received from TIK can mostly be attributed the high release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This also enables the user to stay awake for days.

The initial high can last between 4 and 16 hours that often makes the user feel

aggressively smarter becoming argumentative. The delusional effect can cause the user to become intensely focused on insignificant objects and tasks, like cleaning the same windowsill for several hours. A TIK abuser is most dangerous when he goes thru a phase called “Tweaking�.This is where the drug no longer provides a rush or a high.

Unable to relieve the intense feeling of emptiness and craving, the user can completely loose his/her sense of identity.

During this time he can become extremely hostile and a danger to himself and those around him.

The user can also go thru a crash where the body can no longer cope with the drug effects overwhelming it. Even the most violent user can become almost lifeless during this time.

During withdrawal the user can become depressed and loose his ability to experience pleasure. This often makes the user become suicidal. This is why statistically 93% of users return to the drug after trying to quit on their own.

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CAT

FACTS: STREET NAMES: Cat, Kitty APPEARANCE: White powder PARAPHERNALIA: Straws, Small glass or mirrors. White powder stained surfaces. Rolled up paper or notes.

SMELL: Odorless METHOD OF USE: Mostly snorted, injected or taken orally.

EFFECTS: Anxiety, fever, headaches, insomnia, muscle twitching, rapid breathing and dilated pupils.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: Paranoia, anxiety, depression, tremors and convulsions. nose bleeds, stomach pains, nausea and permanent brain damage.

Methcathinone is a monoamine alkaloid and psychoactive stimulant, a substituted cathinone. It is used as a recreational drug due to its potent stimulant and euphoric effects and is considered to be addictive, with both physical and psychological withdrawal occurring if its use is discontinued after prolonged or high-dosage administration. It is usually snorted, but can be smoked, injected, or taken orally.

Methcathinone is listed as a Schedule I controlled substance by law in south Africa by the Controlled Substances Act, and as such it is not considered to be safe or effective in the treatment, diagnosis, prevention, or cure of any disease, and has no approved medical use. Possession and distribution of methcathinone for the purpose of human consumption is illegal under any/all circumstances and is either illegal or highly regulated in most jurisdictions world-wide.

In preclinical studies, methcathinone hydrochloride produces an abuse potential similar to that of the amphetamines.

like withdrawal, which is somewhat less in intensity than methamphetamine.

Methcathinone hydrochloride evokes responses similar to those induced by both dextroamphetamine sulfate and cocaine hydrochloride. When examined in particular pharmacological assays for psychomotor stimulant-like activity. Some street dealers are selling methcathinone as methamphetamine but the drug is more dangerous to people who inject it than the more common amphetamine.

The initial high of “CAT� can last between 4 - 6 hours and the effects has been described to being very similar to that of cocaine. This drug can usually be associated to clubbing and raves. CAT can turn out to be very costly to the user seeing that a quick physical tolerance is build up towards the drug and the user may develop a psychological dependance with frequent use.

There is no medical or pharmaceutical use for this substance meaning that it is produced in illicit Cat labs for recreational purposes.

Methcathinone is a highly psychologically addictive substance, and can produce a methamphetamine-

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Crack Coccaine

FACTS:

STREET NAMES: Crack, Crumbs, Rock(s), APPEARANCE: Blocks or crystals varying from pale yellow to white.

PARAPHERNALIA: Glass pipes, light bulbs, steel wool, copper wire, foil, straws, pipes made from aluminum cans.

SMELL: Like burning plastic.

METHOD OF USE: Heated and smoked EFFECTS: Dilated pupils, insomnia, hypertension, weight loss. Aggression and volatile mood swings.

Risky sexual behavior.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: High cardiovascular risk, marked cognitive decline, contusion and delirium. Psychotic symptoms. Damage to lips, mouth and teeth.

Crack cocaine is the crystal form of cocaine, which normally comes in a powder form. It comes in solid blocks or crystals varying in color from yellow to pale rose or white. Crack is heated and smoked in glass or metal pipes. It is so named because it makes a cracking or popping sound when heated on a wire mesh inserted in the pipe. Crack, the most potent form in which cocaine appears, is also the riskiest. It is between 75% and 100% pure, far stronger and more potent than regular cocaine.

Smoking crack allows it to reach the brain more quickly and thus brings an intense and immediate but very short-lived high that lasts about fifteen minutes. And because addiction can develop even more rapidly if the substance is smoked rather than snorted (taken in through the nose), an abuser can become addicted after his or her first time trying crack.

Because of cocaine's high cost, it has long been considered a “rich man's� drug. Crack, on the other hand, is sold at prices so low that even teens can afford to buy it at first. The truth is that once a person is addicted, the expense skyrockets in direct ratio to the increasing amount needed to support the habit.

The word cocaine refers to the drug in a powder form. The powder is usually mixed with substances such as corn starch, talcum powder and/or sugar or other drugs such as procaine (a local anesthetic) or amphetamines.

Cocaine is one of the most dangerous drugs known to man. Once a person begins taking the drug, it has proven almost impossible to become free of its grip physically and mentally. Physically it stimulates key receptors (nerve endings that sense changes in the body) within the brain that, in turn, create a euphoria to which users quickly develop a tolerance. Only higher dosages and more frequent use can bring about the same effect.

Users encompass all ages, occupations and economic levels, even schoolchildren as young as eight years old.

Cocaine use can lead to death from respiratory (breathing) failure, stroke, cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) or heart attack. Children of cocaine-addicted mothers come into the world as addicts themselves. Many suffer birth defects and many other problems.

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Heroin

Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal drug. It is used by millions of addicts around the world who are unable to overcome the urge to continue taking this drug every day of their lives knowing that if they stop, they will face the horror of withdrawals.

Heroin (like opium and morphine) is made from the resin of poppy plants.

Milky, sap-like opium is first removed from the pod of the poppy flower. This opium is refined to make morphine, then further refined into different forms of heroin.

FACTS:

STREET NAMES: H, Thai White, Brown Sugar, Smack APPEARANCE: Powdery or crumbly substance. Varying from off white to dark brown.

PARAPHERNALIA: Syringes, dirty spoons, belts or rubber tubing.

Stained or burnt foil. Tiny plastic baggies.

SMELL: Vinegar smell METHOD OF USE: Smoked, snorted and injected.

EFFECTS: Tiny pupils, sleepy eyes, slow breathing, runny nose, flushed skin, itches and vomiting.

Suppressed appetite. Needle marks on body.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: Bad teeth, weakened immune system, loss of memory and intellectual performance, Insomnia, respiratory problems. muscular weakness and partial paralysis.

Most heroin is injected, creating additional risks for the user, who faces the danger of AIDS or other infection on top of the pain of addiction.

The origins of heroin Heroin was first manufactured in 1898 by the Bayer pharmaceutical company of Germany and marketed as a treatment for tuberculosis as well as a remedy for morphine addiction.

A vicious cycle During the 1850s, opium addiction was a major problem in the world. The “solution” was to provide opium addicts with a less potent and supposedly “non-

addictive” substitute morphine.

Morphine addiction soon became a bigger problem than opium addiction.

As with opium, the morphine problem was solved by another “non-addictive” substitute. “Heroin”. However, heroin proved to be even more addictive than morphine. With the heroin problem came yet another “non-addictive” substitute the drug now known as methadone. First developed in 1937 by German scientists searching for a surgical painkiller, it was exported to the US and given the trade name “Dolophine” in 1947. Renamed methadone, the drug was soon being widely used as a treatment for heroin addiction. Unfortunately, it proved to be even more addictive than heroin.

By the late 1990s, the mortality rate of heroin addicts was estimated to be as high as twenty times greater than the rest of the population.

Despite its dangers, cocaine use continues to increase likely because users find it so difficult to escape from the first steps taken down the long dark road that leads to addiction.

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Ecstacy

FACTS:

STREET NAMES: E, MDMA, Love Drug, XTC, APPEARANCE: Tablet form usually with various unique designs and colors.

SMELL: Odorless METHOD OF USE: Swallowed, snorted or dissolved in a liquid and drank.

EFFECTS: Jaw clenching, dry mouth, loss of appetite, high energy levels and trans like effects.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: Brain damage, irregular sleeping patterns, depression, anxiety, kidney failure, psychosis, cardiovascular problems and convulsions.

Ecstasy was originally developed by Merck pharmaceutical company in 1912. In its original form, it was known as “MDMA.” It was used in 1953 by the US Army in psychological warfare tests, and then resurfaced in the 1960s as a psychotherapy medication to lower inhibitions. It wasn't until the 1970s that MDMA started being used as a party drug.

By the early 1980s, MDMA was being promoted as “the hottest thing in the continuing search for happiness through chemistry”, and the “in drug” for many weekend parties. Still legal in 1984, MDMA was being sold under the brand name “Ecstasy”, but by 1985, the drug had been banned due to safety concerns.

Since the late 1980s, Ecstasy has become an embrasive “marketing” term for drug dealers selling “Ecstasy-type” drugs that may, in fact, contain very little or no MDMA at all. And while MDMA itself can produce harmful effects, what is called Ecstasy today can contain a wide mixture of substances from LSD, cocaine, heroin, amphetamine and methamphetamine, to rat poison, caffeine, dog deworming substances, etc. Despite the cute logos dealers put on the pills, this is what makes Ecstasy

particularly dangerous; a user never really knows what he is taking. The dangers are increased when users increase the dose seeking a previous high, not knowing they may be taking an entirely different combination of drugs.

Ecstasy is most commonly available in pill form but can also be injected and used in other ways. Liquid Ecstasy is actually GHB, a nervous system depressant. A substance that can also be found in drain cleaner, floor stripper and degreasing solvents.

Often referred to as the “Love Pill” because it is said to heighten the perceptions of color, sound and amplifies sensations of touch, particularity during sex. However ecstacy contains hallucinogens that acts on the mind causing the user to see and feel things that is not really there.

Ecstacy is emotionally damaging and users often suffer from depression, confusion, severe anxiety, paranoia, psychotic behavior and other physiological problems. Ecstacy smothers the natural alarm signals given out by the body and an individual risks going beyond his natural physical limitations and endurance.

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Hallucigens LSD

Hallucinogens are drugs that cause hallucinations. Users see images, hear sounds and feel sensations that seem very real but do not exist. Some hallucinogens also produce sudden and unpredictable changes in the mood of those who use them.

“At the age of 16 I was introduced to a drug that I abused for over three years. LSD. What I was unaware of was the fact that LSD is the most potent hallucinogen known to man.

FACTS: STREET NAMES: Acid, Microdots, Paper caps APPEARANCE: Small tablets(Microdots). Small square papers with designs or cartoon characters.

SMELL: Odorless METHOD OF USE: Used orally EFFECTS: Dilated pupils, very high or low body temperature, loss of appetite, hallucinations, extreme mood changes. Loses concept of space and time. Sweating and chills with goose bumps.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: Mental psychosis, reoccurring flash backs, acute anxiety and severe depression.

Schizophrenia. Damage to vision. Suicidal thoughts and panic attacks

“The drug came on a small piece of paper no bigger than my index finger, called a blotter. Fifteen minutes after putting the paper on my tongue my entire body got hot and I began to sweat. Some other reactions that I experienced while on the drug included dilated pupils, nausea and goose bumps. While high on LSD I felt like there was a huge distortion both in my mind and body. The visual changes as well as the extreme changes in my mood were like some strange scary tripone in which I felt like I had no control over my mind and body.”

WHAT IS LSD? LSD is one of the most potent, mood-

changing chemicals. It is manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in the ergot fungus that grows on rye and other grains. It is produced in crystal form in illegal laboratories, mainly in the United States. These crystals are converted to a liquid for distribution. It is odorless, colourless, and has a slightly bitter taste.

Known as “acid” and by many other names, LSD is sold on the street in small tablets (“microdots”), capsules or gelatin squares (“window panes”). It is sometimes added to absorbent paper, which is then divided into small squares decorated with designs or cartoon characters. Occasionally it is sold in liquid form. But no matter what form it comes in, LSD leads the user to the same place a serious disconnection from reality.

LSD users call an LSD experience a “trip,” typically lasting twelve hours or so. When things go wrong, which often happens, it is called a “bad trip,” another name for a living hell. Not only do users completely disassociate themselves from their usual activities in life they can also experience severe, terrifying emotional thoughts and feelings, fear of losing control, fear of insanity, death and despair. In fact some people never recover from an acid induced psychosis.

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Inhalents

FACTS:

CHEMICALS USED: Paint thinners, adhesives, petrol, deodorants, butane gas, poppers, acetone, PARAPHERNALIA: Chemical containers. Cloths with chemicals on. Plastic bags.

SMELL: Strong chemical smell depending on the substance used.

METHOD OF USE: Sniffed directly from containers or huffed from a cloth saturated with the chemical. Sniffing chemical from a bag.

EFFECTS: Dizziness, vomiting, loss of sensation and/or consciousness, intoxication, suffocation.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: Can kill unpredictably. Damage to the brain, liver, kidneys and central nervous system.

Blackouts, and/or heart failure.

“Inhalants” refers to the vapors from toxic substances which are inhaled to reach a quick high. Of more than 1,000 household and other common products that could be abused as inhalants, most often used are glue, toluene, petrol, lighter fluid, nitrous oxide or “whippets”, spray paint, nail polish remover, correction fluid, cleaning fluid, amyl nitrite or “poppers”, locker room deodorizers or “rush”, lacquer thinner and other paint solvents.

Most of these produce effects similar to anesthetics, which slow down the body's functions. Most inhalants act directly on the nervous system to produce a mind altering effect. After an initial high and loss of inhibition comes drowsiness, lightheadedness and agitation.

The chemicals are rapidly absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and quickly reach the brain and other organs, sometimes causing irreversible physical and mental damage.

Users inhale the chemical vapors directly from open containers (“sniffing”) or breathe the fumes from rags soaked in chemicals (“huffing”). Some spray the substance directly into the nose or mouth, or pour it onto their collar, sleeves or cuffs and sniff them periodically. In

“bagging,” the user may inhale fumes from substances inside a paper or plastic bag. Bagging in a closed area greatly increases the chances of suffocation.

“Poppers” and “whippets,” sold at concerts and dance clubs, are composed of poisonous chemicals that can permanently damage the body and brain.

Inhalants can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, liver, bone marrow and other organs. It starves the body of oxygen and force the heart to beat irregularly and more rapidly. An inhaler user risks “Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome” where oxygen in the lungs is replaced by the deadly chemical which directly effects the central nervous system causing breathing to cease.

Death can occur the first time or the hundredth time an inhalant is used.

Inhalants can be physically and psychologically addictive. Habitual users coming off inhalants suffer from withdrawal symptoms which can include nausea, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, headaches, chills, agitation with shaking and hallucinations. Severe cases of withdrawals can cause convulsions.

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Prescription Drugs

Recreational use and addiction to prescription drugs is a serious problem with teens and adults. National studies show that a teen is more likely to have abused a prescription drug than an illegal street drug.

Many teens think prescription drugs are safe because they were prescribed by a doctor. But taking them for non medical use to get high or “self-medicate� can be just as dangerous and addictive as taking illegal street drugs.

FACTS:

TYPES: Stimulants, Opiates, Tranquillizers, Sedatives PARAPHERNALIA: Medicine bottles, containers.

SMELL: Usually odorless METHOD OF USE: Usually orally. It can also be smoked, snorted of injected.

EFFECTS: Dependant on medication type.

LONG TERM EFFECTS: Damage to central nervous system, brain liver, kidneys. Impaired cognitive functions.

Various other heath dysfunctions depending on medication type that includes depression and mood swings, weight loss and suicidal tenancies.

There are very serious health risks in taking prescription drugs. This is why they are taken only under the care of a doctor.

And even then, they have to be closely monitored to avoid addiction or other problems.

Many pills look the same. It is extremely dangerous to take any pill that you are uncertain about or was not prescribed for you. People can also have different reactions to drugs due to the differences in each person's body chemistry. A drug that was okay for one person could be very risky, even fatal, for someone else.

Prescription drugs are only safe for the individuals who actually have the prescriptions for them and no one else.

been categorized in the category as opium or heroin.

Many illegal street drugs were at one time used or prescribed by doctors and psychiatrists but were later banned because their harmful effects could no longer be ignored.

Prescription drugs that are abused can include the following major categories:

! ! ! !

Depressants Opiates and Morphine Derivatives Stimulants Antidepressants

Abuse of prescription drugs can be even riskier that the abuse of illegally manufactured drugs. The high potency of some of the synthetic drugs available as prescription drugs creates a high overdose risk.

An alarming fact is that almost 20% of school children admits to using prescription drugs on a regular basis that were not prescribed to them.

Almost 60% of overdose deaths is attributed prescription medication.

Further the abuse of prescription drugs is on the rise with an already alarming rate.

Due to their potential for abuse and addiction, many prescription drugs have

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Victory Over Addiction Program INTRODUCTION TO THE VICTORY OVER FAILURE PROGRAM You can never truly understand or OVERCOME your addiction problem unless you first look thoroughly into your own life and deal with your own failures without compromise, excuses, or evasion (based on Matthew 7:1-5; II Corinthians 1:3-5).

OVERVIEW The VICTORY OVER FAILURE PROGRAM is a biblically based tool that can help you apply God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit, so that you may overcome any difficulty of life, including your ADDICTION PROBLEM, with the full expectation of complete and lasting victory.

To live victoriously in a lasting, fruitful way, we first need to see how we have failed to live God’s way, hence the phrase “victory over failures”. By victory over “failures” we don’t mean failures at business or failures in school. We mean having victory over failures to live biblically (Missing the mark, obtaining your full potential, what God calls sin) that keep us from having a joyful, vibrant, growing relationship with the Lord. Part of the process involves putting off the old manner of life and putting on new, righteous practices in their place (Ephesians 4:22-24).

The VICTORY OVER FAILURE PROGRAM describes how to do that in very practical ways and gives you a format you can follow. This life application study focuses on how to live for God and for others, rather than living for “self”. It presents biblical principles that are fundamental to living the kind of victorious, contented life God intended for you, regardless of the circumstances, reaching your full potential and a successful life. This program explains these and other biblical principles about how to have lasting change in your life. It asks you to identify a problem area in your life that you can then work on, applying the principles from God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. The objective is to help you to rely wholly on the Scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit Himself, rather than to rely on the superficial remedies of the world, or on your own strength. There are vast contrasts between God’s way of dealing with problems and the world’s way (Isaiah 55:8-11). Only through applying God’s principles can you expect lasting change. As you walk according to the biblical principles written in your VICTORY OVER FAILURE PROGRAM, you will develop Christlike character in your life. The changes will be enduring and meaningful, and you will be a faithful,

fruitful vessel in God’s hands.

The program starts with an explanation of why you should develop a written plan. Then, it describes the materials you will need, the purposes of the plan, foundations for biblical change, biblical hope for change, and the process for putting the plan together. The VICTORY OVER FAILURE PROGRAM is not just a one-time exercise, but is an organised, biblical approach that you can use to deal with tests, temptations, addictions and sin throughout your life. You can also use it in helping others with their problems.

Why develop a written plan?

Problems in life are not unusual, but many believers, even those who have known Christ for years, have not learned how to deal biblically with difficult problems as part of the process of sanctification. They may experience grave difficulties at home or at work, disappointments with others, financial losses, health problems, etc. For most of their lives, many believers fluctuate between living in victory and living in defeat. The Scriptures tell us that believers will always undergo spiritual battles (John 16:33; Galatians 5:17). It is also true that God has given us victory in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28-38).

Sadly, many have not learned how to live victoriously in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Often in ignorance, they continue to respond to problems the same way they responded as unbelievers. Therefore, it is vital that all believers learn how to face, deal with, and endure problems as they progress through life. Each believer needs a simple, organized way of evaluating the situation according to God’s truth and developing a plan that, if followed, will bring complete and lasting change. This VICTORY OVER FAILURE PROGRAM has been developed to help believers become established in living God’s way. You might ask the question, “Why should I actually have a plan written out to deal with a difficulty in my life?” One reason is found in a careful study of I Corinthians 10:12-14. In this passage, verse 13 provides great hope that God will not allow a temptation or trial in your life that is more than you can handle. The previous verse, I Corinthians 10:12, warns that we must take heed (to our spiritual walk), or we might fall into sin. Isn’t it interesting that in the very passage where God gives us a great promise of His sovereignty, He also tells us not to be presumptuous or arrogant about our ability to withstand temptation on our own? He tells us to “be careful” or “be prepared.”

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House Benjamin

NEW LIFE TRAINING CENTRE

HOUSE BENJAMIN is the finest comprehensive addiction treatment inpatient centre available.

0ur facility is conveniently located in the beautiful De Wildt area between Pretoria and Brits. We are also situated close to the Lanseria airport to accommodate residents from the distant corners of South Africa.

The centre is run according to a “kibbutz” style agricultural working environment. Our mission is to provide a confidential and a personalised Victory Over Addiction Program and New Life Training classes.

Medical treatment and mental health Services are available at the close by George Mukhari Hospital. We deal with addiction and any underlying mental or emotional issues, (such as dual-diagnosis persons) in a safe, peaceful and restorative environment.

We are dedicated to the recovery and health of the individual, the family, and the community. We provide physician monitored detox and withdrawal assistance.

All medical issues are dealt with at the local clinic, hospital or by our private physician.

The program concludes with the completion of a Victory Over Failure Plan and a Re-entry Crisis Counseling Course.

We serve adult men and women (18 and older) with drug & alcohol addiction who seek a path to a healthy, meaningful and fulfilling life. We treat the addictive behavior and its underlying causes in a nonjudgmental, caring and safe environment. We personalise treatment to meet our clients’ physical and medical health, psychological and psychosocial needs, personal history and spiritual development. House Benjamin combines individualised treatment, physician care and holistic health in a faith based setting to rebuild relationships and transform lives.

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will raise enough funds to ensure that we can achieve our goals in fighting addiction among the youth.

The goals of the project will be;

In Judges Chapter seven, we read that God used an army of 300 men to overwhelm a powerful enemy that greatly outnumbered them.

Verse seven says, The Lord said to Gideon, “I will deliver you with the 300". God delivered on his promise, and by His great power, used a mere 300 individuals to conquer a dreadful and massive military force.

Similar to Gideon's dilemma, we have a massive enemy to fight in drug addiction. To succeed we need finances. Our aim is to raise funds to make a successful "VICTORY OVER ADDICTION" program available to everybody in need of recovery, irrespective of their financial situation.

We are looking for 300 business people willing to stand with the " New Life Drug Rescue" in this battle by advertising in our monthly "VICTORY OVER ADDICTION� publication. This

! A drug awareness campaign through the publication and distribution of the "VICTORY OVER ADDICTION " publication. ! Sponsorship for addicts to attend a New Life Training course at the "HOUSE BENJAMIN" New Life Training Centre. ! To create employment for students at completion of their program.

To accomplish this goal we have created an innovative way where companies can assist us in this campaign and receive substantial business exposure at the same time, making our campaign a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The package we offer for our donators includes: -Advertising in our print publication.

-Advertising in our e-magazine publication.

-Ad space and unique company profile page on our web page.

-Local and National Exposure.

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Breaking News NYAOPE

KROKODIL (The Zombie Drug)

Drug manufacturers are always on the lookout to manufacture drugs cheaper for more profit.

This along with an uneducated public makes Nyaope one of the biggest drug scares to hit the streets.

This drug derives its name from the green, bumpy and scaly appearance on the skin of the users. This drug is loosely manufactured from codeine and a mixture of toxic chemicals in an effort to create desomorphine. These chemicals includes the like of hydrochloric acid, various household cleaners, paint thinners and red phosphorous.

Nyaope is a cheaper alternative to Heroin and is mixed with a range of dangerous chemicals that ranges between, cleaning chemicals, detergents, arsenic, poison, tv tube powder, various psychiatric, depressant and ARV medications. Each batch is different.

The actual effects on the user is difficult to determine due to the range of chemicals used and mixtures concocted.

However it will take your family, your dreams and most likely your life.

SANBS issues warning about “Bluetoothing”

Desopmorphine is said to be 10 x stronger than morphine, with a quick onset but working out much quicker than its Heroin counterpart leaving the user with the urge to constantly use in order to avoid withdrawals. Krokodil has serious effects on the user like, skin infections, soft tissue infections, inflamation of the veins, skin ulceration, gangrene, limb amputations and necrosis(death of living tissue).

Should the user survive, the rehabilitation from this drug is the most difficult. The withdrawals can lead to a month of excruciating pain, and should a person get clean from krokodil he is almost always left with permanent after effects like speech impediment, a vacant gaze, erratic movement and permanent tissue damage.

Concern over “Synthetic” Drugs known as

“Spice”.

A very dangerous trend has been noted by the S.A.P.S that became known as “Bluetoothing”. This is where addicts out of pure desperation will draw blood from another user who already had his “fix” and then inject himself with the blood to “share the high”.

Over and above the obvious high risk of obtaining blood related diseases, the act itself comes with its own set of risks.

According to Dr Thompson from the SANBS. Mixing incompatible blood types can have fatal reactions that includes: severe blood clotting, shock, jaundice, collapse of the circulatory system, organ failure and death.

Such actions is very difficult to prevent seeing that an addict at the low point of real desperation will still engage in this practice while even knowing the risk that is involved.

Parents and family members are urged to educate themselves on the signs of drug abuse and its withdrawal symptoms in order to find such a person help before it gets to the point of such dangerous acts.

A synthetic drug with the similar effects of marijuana is being marketed as a legal drug in South Africa. It is described as a designer drug in which herbs, incense and other leavy materials are sprayed with lab-synthesised liquid chemicals that has been identified as a variation of the JWD synthetic chemical. This is a chemical not covered by the South African drug laws because it is not a derivative of the “dagga” plant.

Companies also complained that the drug is not detected by traditional tests and the manufacturers often alter the molecular structure to make it even more difficult be detected by standard drug tests.

The effects on the body is also inconclusive because there are various mixtures added to these drugs.

Numerous proposals has been made to the SA Medicine Control Board to ban this synthetic chemical.

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Contact Information House Benjamin

Find us on:

New Life Training Centre

076 521 1324 House-BenjaminNew-Life-Training-Centre132209200197946/

gideons300.wordpress.com gideons300campaign@gmail.com

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