GLOSSARY OF DRUG TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

A-Motivational Syndrome - (anti-motivational) because of build-up of THC in fat cells, user becomes lethargic, lacks drive, energy and motivation and suffers from impaired memory and concentration and a reduced ability to perform tasks which require fine motor co-ordination. Marijuana can be accurately traced in urine up to 14 days after use in novice user and 30 days in regular user.

Active Cut - when cocaine has been adulterated (cut or stepped on), the "bite" is removed...therefore, "duping substances" are added to the cocaine to give the impression that it is strong. Since cocaine numbs the tongue of the user and produces a giddiness, three (3) local anesthetics are added; Lidocaine, Procaine, Xylocaine (anesthetics used in dental profession).

Adulteration - the process by which a drug is made impure or inferior by the addition of an improper substance. Additionally, other drugs are often adulterated with active substances in order to increase the desired effects or to make users think they are getting a more potent drug.

Amyl Nitrite - chemical known as "Locker Room", "Jock", "Popper", "Rush"...very pungent odor...user often times uses room deodorizers to mask the aroma...usually comes in small glass tube with chemical surrounded by wire mesh and cotton or in bottle marked with lightning bolt.

Automatism - during the speed cycle, and eventual re-entry into the speed cycle, the user forgets when he/she used last and, therefore, uses more speed.

Buffalo Breath - pungent, fruity odor of the breath after using volatile solvents.

Butyl Nitrite - cousin of amyl nitrite. This chemical is known as "Toilet Water" or "Bullet".

Casey Jones Syndrome ("Jonesing") - derived from lyrics of a Grateful Dead song; this is a "cocaine run" whereby the user has extreme difficulty in stopping the use; similar to an alcohol binge.

Designer drugs - a chemical that is similar to an existing drug but whose chemical structure is altered so as to create a different drug; China White, MPTP (Ecstasy), MDMA.

Dopamine Kindling — Cocaine-related condition whereby the chemical ingredient in the brain, dopamine, is kindled or burnt off. Dopamine is responsible for producing the body's energy, motivation, and drive. This is why cocaine addicts pose a significant greater risk of suicidal ideation or attempts.

Drug automatism - taking drugs without being aware of the amounts; a state that often occurs with heavy barbiturate use when tolerance has developed. In order to produce sleep, the user takes more of the drug because of an amnesia about the amount previously taken.

Formication - Cocaine-related condition whereby the user has a sensation that bugs or insects are crawling over the external layer (epidermis) of skin. User will literally "gnaw" at or "pick" at their body, sometimes leaving scars or body sores.

Gynecomastia - a condition affecting male users of marijuana whereby the male breast becomes enlarged and fatty. This can be pre-cancerous and the effects are irreversible. Condition develops because estradiol, the female hormone, and THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, are so closely similar in chemical make-up. The brain is duped into believing that it is taking on artificial estradiol, therefore, telling the male breast to grow.

Half-life - amount of time it takes for the body to remove half of the drug from the system. For drugs with a half-life of 24 hours or more, such as Valium, half of the first dose may still be in the body when the next dose is taken.

Hyperprexia - sudden malignant rise in body temperature (cocaine related).

Inactive Cut - "bulking" agents are added to cocaine to return body and consistency after the cocaine has been cut; Mannitol, Inositol, Flour, Starch, Sugars, etc.

Legal high - a term for substances that can alter the mind and produce a high and are readily available without a prescription.

Overamped - a speed-related condition whereby the speed user has used too much speed over a short period of time...user is conscious, but unable to move or speak (condition can mimic a stroke).

Polydrug use - the use of two or more drugs simultaneously. (1) to enhance or potentiate one drug's effects or (2) to neutralize or counteract undesirable effects of one of the drugs or (3) to achieve a less expensive high by combining an inexpensive drug with a small amount of an expensive one.

Psychoactive drugs - drugs that alter thinking, perception, emotions, or consciousness.

Speedballing - injection of heroin and cocaine.

Speed Cycle - usually lasts for 7 days; injection (first 1 to 2 days), the run (days 3-5), and the crash (days 6-7)...the user often times re-uses speed because of unpleasant feelings during the crash phase.

Synergy - when two or more drugs are taken together; the combined action increases the normal effect of each drug. This condition is also referred to as potentiation.

Synesthesia - a primarily speed-related condition which usually occurs during the speed run (days 3-5)...the user "hears colors" and "sees sound".

Tetra Hydro Cannabinol (THC) - active fat soluble chemical ingredient in marijuana which produces the high and stores in body fat cells and tissues.

Tolerance - a state of acquired resistance to the effects of a drug. When it occurs, a person must increase the dosage to obtain the original effects.