Clarity Coaching and Counselling believes there are common misconceptions surrounding what impact drugs have amongst the general public.

Cocaine is a stimulant drug derived from the coca plant. It is most commonly found as a white powder that can be snorted, injected, or rubbed on gums. A freebase form known as crack cocaine is smoked. It is known as an illicit drug in most countries due to its high potential for addiction, health risks, and harmful consequences.

Cocaine increases levels of dopamine in the brain by blocking its reuptake, however it is short-lived, often leading to repeated use or binge usage. High doses of cocaine can cause anxiety, paranoia, aggression, tremors, sweating, nausea, seizures, heart attack, or strokes.

Chronic use of cocaine can lead to addiction and dependence; damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and brain; weight loss and malnutrition; poor memory, concentration and decision-making and severe mood swings, depression, paranoia and psychosis.

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug made from morphine, which comes from the seed pods of the opium poppy plant. It is usually found as a white or brown powder, or a sticky black substance. Heroin is most commonly injected, smoked, or snorted and it is illegal in most countries because of its extreme risk of dependence, overdose, and health damage.

Once heroin enters the brain, it is converted to morphine, which binds to opioid receptors, which produces intense euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief, often described as a “rush.” However, it also slows breathing, heart rate, and other body functions thus creating a high risk of overdose.

Heroin causes heavy limbs and drowsiness, slowed breathing and heart rate and dry mouth, itching, nausea and vomiting in the short term. In the long term, regular use of heroin can lead to strong cravings and inability to stop using; collapsed veins, abscesses, and infections from injecting; liver, kidney, and lung damage; damage to the brain’s white matter and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and antisocial behaviour

Amphetamines are a class of stimulant drugs that speed up the messages between the brain and body. They are used both for medical use and illegally for recreational purposes. They can be found as powders, tablets, capsules, or crystals, and may be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected.

Amphetamines increase levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain, creating feelings of euphoria, energy, alertness, and confidence. They also increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Short term effects include suppressed appetite, dilated pupils, dry mouth, sweating and faster breathing.

They are dangerous in the short and long term, as more immediate effects can include anxiety, panic, agitation, or paranoia; restlessness and insomnia and aggressive behaviour. Repeated use can lead to strong cravings and loss of control; malnutrition and significant weight loss; dental, heart and lung problems; anxiety, depression, paranoia, and psychosis and memory loss, poor concentration, and cognitive decline.

Cannabis, which is also commonly referred to as marijuana or weed, comes from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. The main psychoactive compound is THC. It can be consumed by smoking, vaping, eating, or using oils.

The THC - which creates “the high” - interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, influencing mood, memory, appetite, sleep, and perception. This can create feelings of relaxation, euphoria, altered perception of time, and increased appetite.

High doses can incite anxiety, panic, or paranoia; impaired judgement and slower reaction time; difficulty concentrating and learning new information and even hallucinations or temporary psychotic symptoms. Repeated use can lead to dependence and addiction; problems with memory, learning, and motivation; respiratory issues and increased risk of anxiety, depression, or psychosis.