Pubdate: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 Source: Gazette, The (London, CN ON Edu) Page: 19 Copyright: 2014 The Gazette Contact: http://www.westerngazette.ca/contact/ Website: http://www.westerngazette.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2548 Author: Conrad Floryan DRUGS: ADVICE FOR YOUR WESTERN EXPERIENCE According to Statistics Canada, 20 per cent of youth aged 15 to 24 have used marijuana at least once in the past year and 6.5 per cent have tried one of five illicit drugs, excluding cannabis (cocaine or crack, speed, ecstasy, hallucinogens or heroin). Most freshmen will enter Western with no experience consuming narcotics. It's thus essential that if you do decide to indulge, you at least have some idea of what you're doing. Narcotics can kindle extraordinary experiences but they generally have health drawbacks. The high is only temporary and seeking drugs to escape personal troubles will ultimately prove unrewarding. Narcotics in moderation are a beneficial tool but they are habit-forming - and that's where the trouble starts. Deciding whether or not to try an illegal narcotic is a tough decision many first-years have to face when often times, they are encountering them for the first time in a new environment and in the presence of people they don't know. Doing drugs safely is even tougher. For the last 18 years, your parents and teachers have not only neglected to instruct you in the art of getting high, they have actively rallied against it. Fortunately, it's an art that can be learned. Which is what university is for - to learn. Weed is a ubiquitous drug. You could try other drugs first but most likely marijuana will be the first drug you encounter. Marijuana is consumed for its psychoactive and physiological effects, which can include mild euphoria, relaxation and increased sensory perception including appetite. Unwanted side effects may include anxiety and paranoia, decrease in short-term memory and impaired motor skills. The effects of marijuana and other narcotics vary from person to person and with each dose. When first sampling a drug it's best to be in a familiar environment with friends. The high is dependent on the user's state of mind so think positive and relax - it will help make the difference between a bad trip and a delightful high. There are a million ways to smoke marijuana. That smelly vase that your cousin hides under his bed despite its crystalline charm is called a bong. For the uninitiated lungs, a bong is the best way to smoke weed because it cools the smoke by filtering it through water-filled chamber(s) to reduce the harshness of those first tokes. Now that you're stoned some fun activities to try include watching a movie, listening to music and munching. Gorge mindfully because it's easy to get carried away and you'll regret it the next day. Just as hip-hop initiated a resurgence in marijuana use in the early 90s, the current dance music explosion has popularized ecstasy, the drug of the moment. Ecstasy, or MDMA, induces euphoria, intimacy with others, sensory awareness and an appreciation for music. After trying it at home with a friend, it's best to take it for a rave or some social event with music. It's crucial to stay amply hydrated - especially if gyrating like a hyena to Avicii. Cocaine is another popular party drug. It's a powerful central nervous system stimulant that increases awareness, induces euphoria, energy and motor activity. Its effects last only around half an hour and during the comedown anxiety can occur. It's addictive and can cause sudden cardiac death in extreme doses. Be cautious of who gives you coke because it can be adulterated with dangerous foreign chemicals. The same goes for all drugs. For the health-conscious who still want to get tanked, psychedelic mushrooms are a great choice. They are non-toxic to the body's organ systems, although in large doses they can incite fear and dangerous behaviour. Magic mushrooms induce mild visual and aural hallucinations. They increase self-awareness and can produce moments of clarity and resounding spiritual awakenings. There are millions of drugs out there but the specimens mentioned above are the most common. If you are considering trying any drug, research it thoroughly beforehand by going to website such as www.erowid.org. Remember, if you can't exercise control, are in an uncomfortable space physically or mentally, or are feeling pressured by anyone, do just like mom said and DON'T DO DRUGS. There's always alcohol. And hookers too. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D