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.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D