CDI-5: DRUG EDUCATION and

VICE CONTROL
Drugs
- Any chemically active substance
rendering a specific effect on the
central nervous system of
man.
- A chemical substance that
affects the functions of living
cells and alters body or mind
processes when taken into the
body or applied through the skin.
- Is a chemical substance that
brings about physical,
emotional or behavioral change
in a
person taking it.
- Any chemical substance,
other than food, which is
intended for used in the
diagnosis,
treatment, cure, mitigation or
prevention of disease or
symptoms.
- The term drug derives from
th
the 14 century French word
drogue, which means a dry
substance.
When are drugs harmful?
Any drug may be harmful when
taken in:
- Excess;
- Dangerous combinations;
- By hypersensitive (allergic)
person
Drug Abuse
- Is the overuse or consumption of
drugs other than for medical
reasons.
- Any non-medical use of drugs
that cause physical, psychological,
legal, economic, or social
damage to the user or to the people
affected by the user’s behavior.
- Using drugs without prescription.
- Abuse of drugs and other
substances can lead to physical and
psychological dependence.
DRUGS COMMONLY ABUSED
1) STIMULANT
- Drug that excite the central
nervous system, increasing
alertness, decreasing fatigue,
delaying sleep, also impale
appetite and cause weight loss.
a) Shabu – street names, poor
man’s cocaine, S, ice, Shabs, Ubas,
bato, Siopao
Methamphetamine
hydrochloride/SHABU - a type
of amphetamine also known as
“poor man’s cocaine”. Other
names are Shabu, Ubas, Siopao,
Sha and Ice.
CDI-5: DRUG EDUCATION and
VICE CONTROL
Drugs
- Any chemically active substance
rendering a specific effect on the
central nervous system of
man.
- A chemical substance that
affects the functions of living
cells and alters body or mind
processes when taken into the
body or applied through the skin.
- Is a chemical substance that
brings about physical,
emotional or behavioral change
in a
person taking it.
- Any chemical substance,
other than food, which is
intended for used in the
diagnosis,
treatment, cure, mitigation or
prevention of disease or
symptoms.
- The term drug derives from
th
the 14 century French word
drogue, which means a dry
substance.
When are drugs harmful?
Any drug may be harmful when
taken in:
- Excess;
- Dangerous combinations;
- By hypersensitive (allergic)
person
Drug Abuse
- Is the overuse or consumption of
drugs other than for medical
reasons.
- Any non-medical use of drugs
that cause physical, psychological,
legal, economic, or social
damage to the user or to the people
affected by the user’s behavior.
- Using drugs without prescription.
- Abuse of drugs and other
substances can lead to physical and
psychological dependence.
DRUGS COMMONLY ABUSED
1) STIMULANT
- Drug that excite the central
nervous system, increasing
alertness, decreasing fatigue,
delaying sleep, also impale
appetite and cause weight loss.
a) Shabu – street names, poor
man’s cocaine, S, ice, Shabs, Ubas,
bato, Siopao
Methamphetamine
hydrochloride/SHABU - a type
of amphetamine also known as
“poor man’s cocaine”. Other
names are Shabu, Ubas, Siopao,
Sha and Ice.
CDI-5: DRUG EDUCATION and
VICE CONTROL
Drugs
- Any chemically active substance
rendering a specific effect on the
central nervous system of
man.
- A chemical substance that
affects the functions of living
cells and alters body or mind
processes when taken into the
body or applied through the skin.
- Is a chemical substance that
brings about physical,
emotional or behavioral change
in a
person taking it.
- Any chemical substance,
other than food, which is
intended for used in the
diagnosis,
treatment, cure, mitigation or
prevention of disease or
symptoms.
- The term drug derives from
th
the 14 century French word
drogue, which means a dry
substance.
When are drugs harmful?
Any drug may be harmful when
taken in:
- Excess;
- Dangerous combinations;
- By hypersensitive (allergic)
person
Drug Abuse
- Is the overuse or consumption of
drugs other than for medical
reasons.
- Any non-medical use of drugs
that cause physical, psychological,
legal, economic, or social
damage to the user or to the people
affected by the user’s behavior.
- Using drugs without prescription.
- Abuse of drugs and other
substances can lead to physical and
psychological dependence.
DRUGS COMMONLY ABUSED
1) STIMULANT
- Drug that excite the central
nervous system, increasing
alertness, decreasing fatigue,
delaying sleep, also impale
appetite and cause weight loss.
a) Shabu – street names, poor
man’s cocaine, S, ice, Shabs, Ubas,
bato, Siopao
Methamphetamine
hydrochloride/SHABU - a type
of amphetamine also known as
“poor man’s cocaine”. Other
names are Shabu, Ubas, Siopao,
Sha and Ice.
WHAT IS ANABOLIC STEROIDS

Technically called anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs)Trusted Source, steroids are a

type of artificial testosterone. They can be taken as a supplement to replace or add to
your body’s natural levels of testosterone.

Testosterone (T) is a hormone typically associated with the male body. The average
male has about 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of this hormone in their
body.

Testosterone is most known for causing changes to the male body during puberty,
making the voice deeper and the body hairier. It also increases sperm production in the
testicles.

The female body also produces TTrusted Source. But it’s usually found in smaller
amounts, where it’s used to keep bones strong and sexual function healthy.

And having testosterone levels that are higher than normal, such as through use of
steroids, can help create proteins that are used to support:

 muscle growth

 hair growth

 sexual functions

 bone density

That’s why steroids are associated with athletes like bodybuilders. It’s thought that the
more anabolic steroids you take, the more potential for strength and muscle growth you
have. That’s why you may hear these referred to as performance-enhancing drugs
(PEDs).

What are anabolic steroids used for?

Steroids aren’t always harmful when used appropriately. They’re used for a variety of
both health and athletic purposes, including:

 gaining body mass from more protein production in the body (about 4.5 to 11
pounds)

 lowering your overall body fat percentage

 gaining muscle strength and endurance

 increasing how dense your bones are

 increased red blood cell production

  improve performance in strength-related sports, such as weightlifting

 “stacking” steroids with other substances, such as growth hormones and insulin,
for increased muscle mass

 maintaining muscle mass when you have a condition like liver disease or cancer
that causes your muscles to waste away

What are the side effects of anabolic steroids?

In small doses for short amounts of time, when their use is monitored by a doctor,
anabolic steroids have lower risk of long-term or harmful side effects.

Your genesTrusted Source can influence how steroids affect you.

There’s also a ratio of androgenic to anabolic components for most steroids:

 anabolic components help grow muscle

 androgenic components affect male sex traits like body hair or sperm production

But using high amounts of steroids, even for a short time, or using them for a long
period can lead to numerous side effects, including:

 raising your risk of heart disease and heart attacks

 making you act more aggressivelyTrusted Source and impulsively

 making you feel worse about your body (body dysmorphiaTrusted Source)

 damaging your liver

 causing fat tissue to grow in your breasts (called gynecomastiaTrusted Source in

men) because of a loss of hormone balance, especially if you stop taking steroids

 reducing how much testosterone your body makes naturally (hypogonadism), as

your body gets used to the extra dose from steroids and stops producing as
much

 reducing your chance of having childrenTrusted Source because of lower sperm

production

 causing male-pattern baldness or making it start earlier in life

Side effects for women

Steroid use can have specific side effects in the female body in addition to the others
listed above, including:

 deeper voice

 changes in face shape

  facial hair growth

 clitoris growing larger than normal

 period becoming irregular

 shrinking breasts

 infertility

How are anabolic steroids misused?

Many people who use anabolic steroids recreationally take much more than is typically
used for medical conditions. This is especially true if the steroids are in a supplement or
injection that contains high concentrations.

The way they’re misused can make them dangerous too:

 cycling: using a large amount of steroids and then stopping for a while before
using them again

 stacking: use multiple types of steroids at once, or using different delivery forms
(like injections and supplements together)

 pyramiding: starting with small doses and then taking more and more, followed
by reducing the amount again

 plateauing: changing to another steroid suddenly to keep the steroid from

become ineffective and then switching back

Some people can become used to the feeling of strength or endurance that steroids
give them and become dangerously addicted.

Are there safe alternatives to anabolic steroids?

There are plenty of safe, natural ways to get the performance, strength, and bulk you’re
looking for:

 Eat a healthy, balanced diet high in proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. Add in
foods like eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, and grains like quinoa.

 Work closely on different muscle groups. Focus on sets of muscles like

biceps, triceps, or quads during a single workout. Alternate between muscles
groups for the best long-term results.

 Get on a consistent exercise plan. Use a fitness app or work with a personal
trainer to keep yourself on track and accountable whether you’re trying to get fit,
compete, or bulk up.
Takeaway

When used in moderation under medical supervision, anabolic steroids aren’t

dangerous.

But like any artificial supplement, they can be dangerous or even deadly when misused,
whether you use too much or for too long a time.

Talk to a doctor before you add steroids to your workout routine or just because you
want increase muscle mass. Steroids get the best results if your dosage is specifically
recommended for your body by an expert.

The Controlled Substances Act: Overview

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated March 01, 2019

Throughout much of the twentieth century, the United States made numerous attempts to outlaw
certain drugs, eventually resulting in a hodgepodge of more than 200 separate laws that were
hard to keep track of. In an attempt to remedy this, President Richard Nixon signed
the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, combining all prior existing federal drug laws into one
single statute.

What Does the Controlled Substances Act Do?

The Controlled Substances Act is the federal statute that regulates the manufacture and
distribution of controlled substances such as hallucinogens, narcotics, depressants, and
stimulants. The Act categorizes drugs into five classifications or “schedules” based on their
potential for abuse, status in international treaties, and any medical benefits they may provide.
Generally speaking, drugs included in Schedule 1 are the most strictly regulated, because they
are deemed to have no medical value. Some examples of drugs and their classifications are:

 Schedule 1: Ecstasy, LSD, and heroin. Marijuana is also considered a Schedule 1 drug,
despite studies finding it to have medical uses.
 Schedule 2: Cocaine and methamphetamine.
 Schedule 3: Anabolic steroids, ketamine, testosterone.
 Schedule 4: Ambien, Xanax, and Valium.
 Schedule 5: Lyrica and cough suppressants.

The grouping of controlled substances makes it easier for legislators to draft or modify rules
covering multiple drugs at a time. Some states have borrowed the federal schedules' definitions
in their own drug legislation.

The penalties for drug crimes typically depend on the schedule that the drug falls into. In general,
trafficking in a Schedule 1 controlled substance will carry a heavier range of potential criminal
penalties than a similar offense involving a substance that appears in Schedule 4. However,
marijuana and some other drugs have standalone penalty statutes that provide specific
punishments for them.

Although marijuana is included in federal Schedule 1, many states have legalized it for medical
or recreational use. Because federal law normally takes precedence, the outcome of this conflict
between different levels of government hinges on whether federal authorities choose to enforce
the prohibition in the face of state opposition.

The Drug Enforcement Administration

 The Controlled Substances Act mandates that every manufacturer, distributor, importer, or
exporter of any drug must register with the government. Registrants are required to keep accurate
records of their inventory and transactions in the event they should ever become the focus of
a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation.

The DEA, created in 1973, is a federal agency tasked with regulating the use of controlled
substances. It may initiate proceedings to add new drugs to the federal schedules or erase others
from them. The agency also ensures that registrants abide by security controls and storage
requirements for legally produced drugs. Finally, the DEA works cooperatively with state and
local law enforcement in special task forces to thwart drug trafficking and gang-related drug
violence nationwide.

Facing Drug Charges? An Attorney Can Help

If you've been charged with a violation of the Controlled Substances Act, it's essential to
establish your defense for trial or explore plea bargain options. An experienced lawyer who
knows the ropes will be able to advise you about your specific situation. Contact a
qualified criminal defense attorney near you today.

Cocaine

General characteristics: Cocaine is usually a white odorless powder that often comes in the
corner of a tightly wound plastic baggie – especially sandwich baggies without a closure.
Methods of use: Cocaine is most often snorted, but it can also be smoked (sometimes with
other drugs, most notably marijuana), eaten (users will often spread the powder on their teeth
and gums using their finger in order to obtain a numbing effect in the mouth), and injected.
Associated equipment: corners of plastic baggies, credit cards, ID cards (or similar cards used
for cutting and arranging lines of cocaine to be snorted), razors blades (used for same purpose
as cards), needles and syringes, lengths of rubber tubes or belts used to secure and put pressure
on a vein, short lengths of straws or rolled currency used for insufflation (snorting), mirrors for
cutting lines and similar paraphernalia.
Signs of Cocaine Use in Your Loved One

Using an illicit stimulant substance like cocaine can cause your loved one to exhibit a number of
troubling signs. Depending on the severity of their use, these signs can range from being mild
to severe and their behaviors can change rapidly. 1
Some of the most common signs of cocaine use include the following: 1
 Chaotic behavior
 Aggression
 Social isolation
 Sexual dysfunction
 Headaches
 Hallucinations
How to Recognize a Cocaine Overdose & What to Do

A cocaine overdose can be a scary and life-threatening event. In 2020 alone, approximately
19,447 Americans died of a cocaine overdose. 2 It is important to not only be aware of what
cocaine overdose looks like, but also what to do in the event that a loved one overdoses.
Someone who is experiencing a cocaine overdose can exhibit some or all of the following
symptoms:3
 Problems breathing

 High blood pressure

 High body temperature

 Agitation

 Anxiety
 Hallucinations

 Irregular heart rhythm

 Stroke

 Heart attack

 Seizures
If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing a cocaine overdose, there are steps you should
take immediately:4
1. Evaluate them for signs of overdose, such as those listed above. Your loved one may also be
experiencing other symptoms including unconsciousness and bluish tint around the mouth and
fingertips.
2. Call 911. Tell the dispatcher that your loved one is non-responsive and provide your location. If
you are already aware of how to provide rescue breathing and chest compressions, do so after
alerting 911. In some situations, the dispatcher may guide you through this step to ensure you
are executing it properly.
3. Continue providing rescue breathing until first responders arrive.
It is just as critical to understand what to do if a loved one is overdosing on cocaine as it is what
not to do. If you believe your loved one is overdosing on cocaine, be sure that you do not:4
 Place them in the bath or shower.
 Leave them lying on their back.
 Try to stimulate them by slapping or with any other form of physical force.
 Make them vomit.
If you are unsure if your loved one is overdosing on cocaine and have access to Narcan
(naloxone), administer it to them after calling 911. Naloxone will not cause any harm to them.
This is a life-saving measure that can be provided, especially if later results show that they were
also under the influence of opioids at the time of the overdose. 5
Learn more about cocaine use.
Have you lost control of your substance use?
Our Miami - Ft. Lauderdale area detox & rehab facility is committed to supporting your journey.
Learn more about substance addiction treatment.

Treatment Options

Heroin

General characteristics: Heroin most often comes in a white, off-white, brown and in some
cases black powder or tar-like substance, often sold in tightly wrapped plastic bags, clear or
brown vials and in paper-wrapped bricks when in large quantity.
Methods of use: Heroin can come in many forms, but the most intense (and dangerous) effects
are achieved when heroin is injected directly into the blood stream. Heroin can also be smoked
or snorted.
Associated equipment: glass or plastic vials with residue inside, plastic baggies, scales,
blackened or browned household spoons (for cooking the heroin to use with a syringe) tinfoil,
needles and syringes, tourniquets and other implements used to create a pressure on a vein,
lighters, straws and rolled bills for snorting, mirrors and similar items used to cut up and process
heroin, various types of pipes including those made from household items including
tinfoil, and/or makeup used to disguise the presence of needle marks and injuries.
Signs of Heroin Use in Your Loved One

If your loved one is using heroin, some of the immediate, short-term effects you may notice can
include the following:6
 Flushed, warm skin

 Nausea
 Vomiting

 Clouded thinking

 Nodding off

 Itching
These signs fade when an individual is no longer under the influence of heroin. However, if your
loved one is regularly using heroin, they can develop more serious, long-term symptoms,
including:

 Pulmonary complications

 Liver and/or kidney disease

 Infection in the heart

 Constipation

 Insomnia

 Sexual dysfunction (men)

 Irregular menstrual cycles (women)

 Depression

 Anxiety
Heroin and Fentanyl: How the Drug is Causing Mass Overdoses

Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid that is derived from opium poppy plant. 7 This means that it
possesses both natural and synthetic properties. Fentanyl, on the other hand, is a fully synthetic
opioid that is 80-100 times more potent than morphine. 8 While fentanyl is a substance that is
often specifically sought out and used, many people who end up consuming fentanyl do so
unwillingly. This is a result of a newer trend where individuals who deal heroin are “cutting” their
stashes with fentanyl to increase the effects and expand the amount of drug they can sell. This is
a dangerous and deadly trend that has resulted in countless overdose deaths.
Opioid Overdose Statistics

Opioid overdose deaths drastically increased from April 2020 to April 2021, with 75,673 people
dying as a result of opioids like fentanyl. This is a significant increase in overdose deaths, as in
the year prior, 56,064 people died from this specific type of overdose. 9
Unfortunately, with the introduction of fentanyl, opioid overdose has become more common
than ever before. If you suspect that your loved one is overdosing on opioids, you can help
them by following these steps:10
1. Call 911
2. Administer naloxone if available
3. Attempt to keep your loved one conscious and breathing
4. Lay your loved one in the recovery position, which is on their side, to prevent choking
5. Stay with your loved one until emergency services arrive
Methamphetamine

General characteristics: Meth can take on a surprising variety of appearances. From a brown
soft rock or powder substance to brown, clear, or white crystals, meth is not typically uniform
because each manufacturer uses different methods, cutting agents, processing chemicals, and
other important precursors.
Methods of use: Many individuals who use meth smoke the drug or directly inject it.
 Associated equipment: tinfoil sheets and makeshift tinfoil pipes, “light bulb” pipes, short
sections of straws (used both for snorting and for inhaling fumes from meth heated in a crease
of tinfoil, in a light bulb, etc.), rolled bills, metal pipes, needles and syringes, belts, rubber hoses
and other tourniquets, plastic baggies, scales, vials and/or other packaging.
Signs of Meth Use in Your Loved One

If a loved one is using meth, they can begin displaying signs and symptoms of that use,
especially if their use is moderate to severe. Some signs of meth use in your loved one can
include the following:11
 Loss of appetite

 Problems sleeping

 Aggressive or violent behavior

 Irregular heartbeat

 High blood pressure

 Dental problems

 Hallucinations

 Paranoia

 Mood disturbances

 Anxiety
Ecstasy

General characteristics: Ecstasy is usually a brightly colored pill, often with some type of
proprietary markings, doodles, characters, etc.
Methods of use: Typically ingested in pill or capsule form, ecstasy can also be dissolved in water
or other substances and consumed.
Associated equipment: pills, empty capsules, plastic baggies, Vicks Vapo Rub or similar
products (popular at raves), pacifiers, (used to help prevent teeth grinding), items commonly
associated with sex such as condoms, sex toys, etc, (many use ecstasy as a sex-enhancement
drug).
Signs of Ecstasy Use in Your Loved One

Ecstasy is a stimulant substance, meaning that when it is used, it produces stimulant effects. If
your loved one is using ecstasy, they may experience some of the following effects: 12
 Sleep disturbances
 Irregular heartbeat
 Anxiety
 Aggression
 Lack of appetite
Your loved one may also develop other issues as a result of their ecstasy use, such as: 12
 Problems concentrating.
 Heart disease.
 Impaired memory and attention.
 Decreased cognitive function.

Marijuana & Hash

General characteristics: This substance consists of the dried leaves and flowers of
the marijuana plant. Plant materials are usually light to dark green, sometimes with significant
portions of white, purple, red or orange and have a strong, distinctive smell similar to a potent
sage or other herb.
Hashish is a drug made from collecting the resin glands on the outside of a marijuana flower.
This results in brown or black masses of material that is highly resinous and often sticky. In large
quantities this is formed\ into bricks, while individual portions come in small bits or chunks of
the brick.

Methods of use: Marijuana and hash are usually smoked but can also be ingested or vaporized.
Associated equipment: Marijuana is smoked in a variety of ways that require a number of
different types of equipment, such as water bongs, metal, wooden, clay or other pipes,
makeshift pipes like aluminum soda cans, pipe fittings, etc., vaporizing equipment, rolling papers
and rolling machines, grinders and more. Lighters, candles, “roach clips” (used to hold the small
end of a burning joint), scales, baggies and trays to use for processing the drug and doling out
individual portions and rolling joints, etc, are all common parts of a marijuana user’s
paraphernalia.
Signs of Marijuana Use in Your Loved One

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used substances in the United States. Similar to alcohol,
marijuana has become more widely accepted throughout the nation despite the many risks it
carries. If you have a loved one who is using marijuana, you may be able to tell by identifying
some or all of the following symptoms:13
 Changes in mood

 Problems thinking

 Difficulty problem-solving

 Impaired memory

 Hallucinations

 Delusions

 Paranoia

 Nausea and/or vomiting

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Using marijuana can cause marijuana use disorder, which is characterized by symptoms such as
dependence and problems stopping use despite the consequences that result from it. Studies
show that approximately 9% of people who use marijuana will develop an addiction to it. That
number increases to 17% if marijuana use begins during one’s teenage years. 14
Marijuana has been frequently referred to as a “gateway drug”, meaning that those who use it
tend to go on to use other substances. While research is not fully clear on whether or not this is
true15, there is some evidence that those who use marijuana may continue to experiment with
other drugs. For example, a study that utilized data from the National Epidemiological Study of
Alcohol Use and Related Disorders determined that those who used marijuana were more likely
to develop an alcohol use disorder than those who did not use marijuana at all. 16
Learn more about marijuana use.
Crack

General characteristics: Crack usually comes in the form of small to medium

sized “rocks,” although in most cases, the rocks are easily breakable. Crack rocks can be white,
brown, or any variation of either, and in some cases may appear yellow.
Methods of use: While some users inject and even ingest crack directly, the preferred method
for most users is smoking.
Associated equipment: Crack pipes – often made from glass but sometimes from other
materials – are the most common type of paraphernalia associated with crack. However,
because crack can be easily made from cocaine, other items associated with this drug include
household spoons to cook the mixture down, lighters and tea candles, needles and syringes,
sections of straws and rolled bills, tourniquets, etc.
LSD/Acid

General characteristics: LSD can be found in liquid form, on sheets of highly decorated paper,
in sugar cubes, and gel tabs.
Methods of use: LSD is almost always orally ingested; this is particularly true of paper LSD,
which is dissolved on the tongue. However, some people have been known to let the substance
absorb through their skin.
Associated equipment: Other than the acid itself, there is generally no equipment required in
order to use this drug.

Prescription Pills

General characteristics: Prescription pills come in far too many varieties for the purpose of this
list, however the most common of these include Valium, Xanax, Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet,
Ativan, Adderall, Ritalin, fentanyl, methadone and others.
Methods of use: While some users orally ingest pills, many prefer to crush and snort them when
possible, although most modern pharmaceutical companies now produce specially-formulated
medications that make this task difficult or even impossible.
Associated equipment: pill bottles, razor blades and credit cards to cut and set out lines,
mirrors, short glasses of water to help aid in insufflation, straws and rolled up currency for
snorting, etc.
Signs of Prescription Pill Use in Your Loved One

Approximately 16% of Americans ages 12 and older misuse prescription drugs, while 12% of
them are addicted.17 If you suspect that your loved one is using prescription drugs, you may be
able to recognize some signs of use, including the following: 1
 Experiencing strong cravings for prescription pills
 Continually using prescription pills in situations where it is physically dangerous to do so
 Making attempts at stopping prescription pill use but being unsuccessful
 Developing tolerance
 Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to use as much as normal or at all
How to Identify What Kind of Prescription Pill My Loved One is Using

There are countless prescription pills available, therefore attempting to determine which one
your loved one is using can feel like an overwhelming, daunting task. However, when aware of
the signs and symptoms associated with the types of prescription pills, you can get a better idea
of what pill your loved one may be using.

Opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, produce depressant effects. If your loved one is
using prescription opioids, they may exhibit symptoms including drowsiness, constipation,
nausea, and slowed breathing.18
Stimulants, including amphetamines like Adderall and Ritalin, can create symptoms such as
anxiety, jitteriness, headaches, weight loss, and palpitations. 19
Benzodiazepines, or “benzos”, include prescription pills like Ativan, Xanax, and Klonopin. When
misused, they can produce effects such as drowsiness, changes in mood, weakness, and
confusion.
Bath Salts
General characteristics: Bath salts do not conform to a set of standards other than the fact that
they are powdery substances, most often white, brown or crystalline (although sometimes
colored). Bath salts come in jars, canisters, and other packaging that can vary from generic to
ornate and may feature warning labels such as “Not for human consumption.” This type of drug
may also be sold as “plant food.”
Methods of use: Most users smoke or snort bath salts, while some
prefer to inject it.
Associated equipment: In addition to the special packaging bath salts come in, nearly all of the
same implements, equipment and paraphernalia used for cocaine, heroin, crack and meth are
also used for bath salts.
Peyote

General characteristics: Peyote is a small, low-lying cactus that looks like a type of gourd as it
has no spines. It is typically green in color but can be a shade of brown after harvesting and
drying. When processed for consumption, peyote is often cut into slices.
Methods of use: oral ingestion; either raw or in foods or beverages
Associated equipment: Peyote requires no equipment to process or use, but because many
users also use marijuana simultaneously with peyote, weed-related paraphernalia may be
present.
PCP/Phencyclidine

General characteristics: PCP is generally sold as a white, off-white or crystalline powder, but
can also come in pill or capsule form.
Methods of use: PCP can be smoked, snorted, injected or ingested.
Associated equipment: razor blades, credit cards, smooth surfaces and other items to cut and
distribute the powder or pills, spoons, lighters and tea-candles, needles, syringes, and items
used as tourniquets.

Steroids

General characteristics: Since steroid manufacturers are constantly adapting their chemical
formulations in order to avoid testing and detection, steroids can come in almost any form.
From a little bit of powder in a plastic baggie to an injectible liquid to brightly colored pills, it
can be difficult to distinguish steroids from other types of drugs.

Methods of use: Steroids are commonly injected, but can also be

mixed in food or beverages or consumed orally.
Associated equipment: all intravenous drug-use-associated equipment listed previously, vials,
baggies, bottles and other packaging, measuring equipment, scales and other steroid-specific
items
Signs of Steroid Use in Your Loved One

If your loved one is using steroids, they can begin exhibiting a number of physical and
psychological symptoms, including:20
 Paranoia.

 Delusions.

 Aggression.

 Kidney/liver damage or failure.

 Cardiac complications (i.e., enlarged heart, changes in blood cholesterol).

 Increcased risk for blood clots.

 High blood pressure.

  Stunted growth.
Additionally, men who use steroids can experience baldness and develop of breasts, while
women can begin to grow facial hair and experience a cessation of their menstrual cycle. 20
Are Steroids Really Dangerous?

Steroids can be addictive, but not in the same way that drugs and alcohol can be, as they do not
produce the same mind-altering high. But, that does not mean that steroids aren’t dangerous. In
fact, there are several dangers associated with steroid use, including increased risks for: 20
 Short-term and long-term health problems.
 Contracting blood borne diseases like HIV or hepatitis (if injecting).
 Developing an addiction.
 Physical changes to the body and reproductive parts.
The misuse of steroids can be deadly, as continued health problems can create life-threatening
situations
resent. For
example, plant
matrial shouldotb
packaged in plastic
due to the moisture
content and
tendency to grow
mold. If
investigators
collect a
syringe or other
sharp object, those
are packaged in
hard-sided
packaging such as
cardboard cartons
or
glass vials and
labeled as a
potential
biohazard. Any
biological samples
collected would be
packaged
according to
proper evidence
handling proce