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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
Crack Cocaine
Heroin
Cocaine
Ecstasy
LSD
Support Organisations

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

 
 
 


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