Amphetamine
What is an Amphetamine?
Amphetamines are psycho-stimulant drugs–within the phenethylamine classâthat produce increased focus and wakefulness in association with decreased appetite and fatigue. Common brand names of amphetaminesâoffered via prescriptionâinclude Adderall, Dextrostat, Desoxyn, ProCentra and Desoxyn.
In addition to prescription use, amphetamines are used recreationally as performance enhancers. Recreational amphetamine users have coined various colloquial names for the drugs, including âspeed.â
Physical Effects of Amphetamines:
Physical effects of amphetamine will include the following: dilated pupils, blood shot eyes, hyperactivity, restlessness, dry mouth, headaches, hypertension, fever, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, tremors, convulsions; and with chronic usage: seizure, stroke, heart attack, coma and death.
Psychological Effects of Amphetamines:
Amphetamine use will impose the following psychological side effects: anxiety, euphoria, increased libido, concentration, self-esteem, alertness, self-confidence, sociability, irritability, repetitive and obsessive behaviors, paranoia, aggression and psychosis with chronic use.
Amphetamine use also yields severe withdrawal symptoms that typically consist of mental depression, mental fatigue and an increased appetite. These symptoms may last for days or months with chronicâwithdrawal severity is proportional to the length of use and the dosage strength. Anxiety, agitation, vivid dreams, excessive sleep and suicidal thoughts are also common withdrawal symptoms associated with amphetamine use.
Laws Surrounding Amphetamine Use:
Amphetamine use in the United States is deemed illegal without the appropriate prescriptionâAdderall and other amphetamines are legal with prescription. Amphetamine and methamphetamine are classified as Schedule II drugs under the title CNS (Central Nervous System) stimulants.
According to U.S. law, it is illegal to distribute, manufacture or possess any controlled substance. An individual who is convicted of possessing, distributing or manufacturing more than 5 grams of methamphetamine will be subject to the following penalties:
¡ Prison sentence between 5 and 40 years
¡ If the use or sale of amphetamine sparks a death, the minimum prison sentence will increase to 20 years
¡ A fine of up to $5 million may be imposed
¡ For a repeat offense, the minimum prison sentence will increase by 10 years; the applicable fines will increase by up to as much as $10 million.
¡ The associated penalties will be increased for individuals convicted with more than 50 grams of methamphetamines
Schedule II drugs are deemed highly addictive with a high potential for abuse, with a currently-accepted medical use, if and only if, they are attached with severe restrictions or evaluated by a licensed medical physician. Laws surrounding illegal amphetamine use are stringent; the drugs, as deemed by the United States Federal Government, have a high possibility of physiological dependence and severe psychological addiction.
Amphetamines are regarded as Class B drugs in the United Kingdom. Penalty for the unauthorized possession of amphetamines in the United Kingdom is an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison. The maximum penalty associated with supplying amphetamine is 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
The Netherlands defines amphetamines as List 1 drugs of Opium lawâamphetamines are deemed legal only in prescription in the form of 5 and 10 mg generic tablets or 5 and 10 mg gel capsules.
In Canada, amphetamine possession is regarded as a criminal offense labeled under Schedule II of the nationâs Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Amphetamine use or possession in Canada holds a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to one year and maximum fines of $2,000.
Dextroamphetamine
What is Dextroamphetamine?
Dextroamphetamine is a psycho-stimulant drug known to produce increased focus and wakefulness along with a decrease in fatigue and appetite. Dextroamphetamine is far more potent than racemic amphetamine and has a number of stimulant properties to racemic methamphetamines. Dextroamphetamine is the leading ingredient in the ADHD combatant Adderall, which is composed of racemic amphetamines.
Because of its ability to mitigate the effects of ADHD and narcolepsy, Dextroamphetamine possesses a number of legal benefits. Moreover, Dextroamphetamine is also used to combat treatment-resistant depression and exogenous obesity. Due to the drugâs ability to intensify focus and alertness, the United States Air Force commonly prescribes Dextroamphetamine to pilots and soldiers on long missions.
Effects of Dextroamphetamine:
Psychological Effects of Dextroamphetamine:
Psychological effects of Dextroamphetamine include: anxiety, euphoria, increased libido, increased energy, alertness, concentration, sociability, aggressiveness, psychosomatic disorders, delusions of grandiosity, hallucinations, excessive feelings of invincibility and power, paranoia, repetitive and obsessive behaviors and amphetamine psychosis can occur with chronic and/or excessive dosage.
Physical Effects of Dextroamphetamine:
Physical effects of Dextroamphetamine will include: anorexia, hyperactivity, restlessness, dry mouth, headaches, dilated pupils, flushing, twitching, insomnia, palpitations, tremors, hypertension, blurred vision, dizziness and with chronic and/or high dosage a user may experience convulsions, heart attacks, strokes and severe cases, death.
Withdrawal Symptoms Associated with Dextroamphetamine:
Withdrawal symptoms of Dextroamphetamine will consist of depression, fatigue and an increased appetite. These symptoms may last a few days for users who occasionally take Dextroamphetamine or may last months with chronic use. The severities of Dextroamphetamineâs withdrawal symptoms are directly elastic to the userâs length and frequency of dosage. Withdrawal symptoms may also include anxiety, headaches, irritability, agitation, vivid dreams and suicidal ideation.
Legal Status of Dextroamphetamine:
Commonly referred to as Dexedrine, Dextroamphetamine is a brain stimulant which perpetuates awareness, self-confidence and a decreased appetite. For decades, Dextroamphetamine was used to suppress an individualâs appetite; however, because of the drugâs potent toxicity, Dextroamphetamine is no longer legally approved for this purpose.
Once approved for the treatment of obesity, depression, attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy, the availability of Dextroamphetamine is now diminished due to safer alternatives. The drug is now only available to combat the effects of ADHD; Dextroamphetamine is available in 5 or 10 mg tablets, which are consumed orally, to offset the effects associated with ADHD.
Because Dextroamphetamine is an amphetamine, the drug is classified under the terms of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 as a Schedule II drug. Schedule II drugs are regarded as prescription medications that yield a genuine medical benefit, but also pose a high risk for addiction and abuse. All Schedule II drugs require a medical prescription before they may be legally used.
Doctors and pharmacies that dispense Schedule II drugs are required to register with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Furthermore, regulations are placed on the amount of Dextroamphetamine produced by domestic manufacturers.
Substance Abuse
What is Substance Abuse?
Commonly referred to as âdrug abuseâ, substance abuse refers to an individualâs habitual use of and dependency for a controlled substance. Substance abuse has a wide range of definitions related to ingesting (or taking) a performance enhancing drug or a psychoactive drug for a non-medical or non-therapeutic effect.
Drugs that are often the subject of substance abuse include: alcohol, barbiturates, amphetamines, cocaine and opioids. The perpetual use of these drugs may lead to criminal punishment and possible social, physical and/or psychological harmâthese adverse effects depend on the region or jurisdictionâs laws, as well as the userâs tolerance levels, the type of substance being abused, as well as the frequency and dosage attached to the abuse.
Medical Definition Regarding Substance Abuse:
In the modern medical profession, substance abuse is used as a blanket term to include the recreational abuse or addiction to narcotics, drugs and other substances. Substance abuse refers to the harmful use of a substance that ultimately leads to the displacement of psychological or physical harm on the abuser. Individuals deemed as substance abusers must exhibit a physical dependence for the drug, must habitually use the drug and must experience a significant withdrawal from the drug.
How Can I Tell if Someone is Abusing Substances?
Depending on the type of drug, substance abuse (including alcohol) may lead to a series of social problems, health problems, violence, motor vehicle accidents, injuries, suicides, homicides, deaths, or psychological and physical dependency.
Substance abuse can induce mental illness; the dependency for the drug inhibits the user from perceiving realityâeverything they do, say and think about revolves around the euphoria of the high. Substance abuse triggers numerous effects on the userâs central nervous system, which in turn, produces several changes in mood, perceptions, sensations and levels of awareness.
Signs of substance abuse will be illuminated in a variety of settings; however, the most tangible sign comes in the form of the abuserâs behavior. A substance abuser will organize and plan his or her life around the next high. Furthermore, physical symptoms, such as glassy or bloodshot eyes, decreased appetites and severe fluctuations in mood will be present. The addiction to the substance impedes the user from maintaining responsibilities and commitmentsâvictims of substance abuse will tend to frequently miss work, school or appointments. Furthermore, the addiction will ostracize the user from his or her family and circle of friends. Again, the high supersedes legitimately every aspect of the abuserâs life.
Treatment for Substance Abuse:
Treatment methods for substance abuse is essential for the millions of victims around the world. Before treatment can be secured, a formal intervention is typically necessary to convince the abuser to submit to help. A behavioral intervention and medication is available to help abusers reduce or discontinue their use. The following forms of interventions have emerged to convince and motivate a substance abuse victim:
¡ Motivational therapy
¡ Community Reinforcement Approach
¡ Exposure Therapy
¡ Contingency Management
¡ Pharmacological Therapy
In addition to these therapies, victims of substance abuse will often be submitted into rehabilitation facilities where they will be isolated from society, the drug itself and other influences. Rehab facilities offer counseling and educational resources to enable the user to curb his or her addiction.
Marijuana Laws
Federal Governmentâs Laws Concerning Marijuana:
Marijuana laws are among the most confusing and diverse for controlled substances in the United States. Because cannabis is regarded as relatively innocuousâwhen compared to other illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin etc.âthe laws surrounding possession, use and cultivation will vary from state to state. A number of states in the U.S. have decriminalized the substance; these states institute only fines for possession or use of marijuana. That being said, the marijuana lawsâand their attached punishmentsâwill vary in regards to stringency, based on the amount of cannabis in question and intent.
That being said, the federal government lists marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug. This broad classification is then interpreted for the stateâs to elucidate the attached penalties and the coordinating amounts.
The United States government regulates illicit substances through the Controlled Substances Act of 1970âthis legislation does not acknowledge the difference between medical and recreational use of cannabis. The laws expressed through this act are typically applied only against individuals who cultivate, possess or distribute large quantities of marijuana.
According to Federal law, marijuana is treated like every other illegal drug. The schedules or classifications offered by the Federal Government are organized based on the drugâs relative potential for abuse and medicinal benefit. Under the Controlled Substance Act, marijuana is defined as a Schedule I drug. This classification denotes that the government views marijuana as highly addictive and in possession of no medical value.
Federal marijuana laws are exceedingly serious; punishment for people found guilty of violating federal marijuana laws is frequently steep. There are two different forms of federal sentencing laws: mandatory sentencing laws and sentencing guidelines. The latter takes into account the amount of marijuana in question and prior convictions. Although not all marijuana convictions require jail time under these guidelines, all are eligible for imprisonment. The higher the amount the in question, the more severe the sentence will be. Low-level offenses typically yield probationary periods. Possession of over 1 kilogram of marijuanaâwith no prior convictionsâwill result in a prison sentence between six months to one year.
Marijuana Laws: Federal vs. State
Although the federal government claims that marijuana does not offer medical benefits, states are able to institute provisions to alter the federal sentencing guidelines attached to marijuana possession and use. A number of states (such as California and Colorado) also have instituted their own medical marijuana laws. These states recognize marijuanaâs medicinal value and have either passed laws through their congress or adopted them based on initiative.
Under Americaâs federalist system of government, the states are entrusted to exercise a police power for the benefit of their particular residents. Due to this constitutional divide, states may elect to decriminalize conduct, such as marijuana possession or medical marijuana activity, which remains actively illegal under federal law. As a result of the stateâs ability to tinker with federal marijuana laws, all local law enforcement agents are required to uphold state-specific marijuana laws. For example, under Californiaâs medical marijuana laws, caregivers and patients are exempt from prosecution by the state, notwithstanding contrary federal law.
List of Drugs At A Glance
List of Drugs
What are Drugs?
A drug, in a broad sense, is any substance that, when ingested or absorbed into the body, alters normal bodily functions. There is no single definition, as there are different meanings, throughout government bodies, various regulations, and the field of medicine, society and drug control law. In the simplest sense, however, drugs can be classified in two extremely broad categories: illegal drugs, that are taken or distributed for recreational purposes and legal drugs, or medicines that are taken to subdue ailments or medical conditions. The following represents a list of drugs that are commonly taken for recreational purposes and are deemed illegal by the majority of societies throughout the world.
Marijuana
Marijuana is a naturally occurring, controlled-substance which is classified as a plant that sprouts from Marijuana seeds; when answering the question of âHow to grow Marijuana?â individuals granted the expressed permission to grow Marijuana do so upon the employment of a cross-fertilization process:
How to Grow Marijuana?
Unless granted the expressed permission by applicable, governmental departments, the act(s) of growing, possessing, using, selling, transporting, or buying Marijuana is a punishable and illegal act
Heroin
Heroin is a byproduct of opium; upon the extraction of morphine â which is inherent to the naturally-occurring Poppy Plant â this substance can be ingested in a variety of methods. Despite the effects of Heroin, which have been classified as a sedating and numbing, Heroin is considered to be one of the most addictive drugs in circulation.
How is Heroin Administered?
Heroine can be smoked or ingested through the nasal cavity; however, a prominent form of Heroin usage involves its injection through the use of intravenous needles â this method of usage has accounted for a multitude of contracted diseases and infections
What are the Dangers of Heroin?
The dangers of Heroin are vast; they can range from psychological devastation to physical damage. Consistent Heroin usage results in an advanced tolerance to the drug on the part of the user, requiring them to gradually increase the amount of the drug needed to achieve the desired results â the has accounted for a multitude of Heroin-related death as a resulting from an overdose of the drug
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine â also known as âMethâ â is a chemical-based drug that can be created from a variety of toxic chemicals that are considered to be deadly upon human ingestion. Meth has been held responsible for a variety of crimes, changes in behavior, injuries, and deaths resulting from its usage; Meth is considered to be one of the most addictive drugs currently in circulation
What are the Effects of Meth?
Meth users report an initial sense of energy, which can last for undisclosed amounts of time; subsequent to a Meth high, there have been reports of users experiencing insomnia, rage, nausea, harmful behavior, and an inability to controls oneâs thoughts or actions
Cocaine
Cocaine is derived from the Coca leaf found on the Coca plant; the leaf is dried, pulverized, and reduced to powder form; users of the drug have reported its effects to include alertness, euphoria, increased talkativeness, agitation, increased energy, and insomnia – Cocaine is an illegal drug, which is unlawful to possess under any circumstance
Is Cocaine Naturally-Occurring?
Although Cocaine is a byproduct of the Coca Leaf that is abundant in South America, it is typically synthetically altered
What are the Punishment for Cocaine Offenses?
The offenses attributed to Cocaine can include any of the following punitive measures: probation, random drug screening, fines, incarceration, mandatory rehabilitation, mandatory drug treatment programs, and the loss of license in the event of a Cocaine-DUI
Read This For A List of Illegal Drugs
What are Illegal Drugs?
Illegal drugs are substances, which an individual, by law, is not allowed to possess, use or distribute. The penalties attached to such use as associated with illegal drugs are dependent on the type of drug, the location in which the individual was arrested or detained, the quantity of the drug and the presence of prior arrests for a similar offense. Illegal drugs are often addictive and deadly in nature; illegal drugs are often damaging to an individualâs mental state and physical healthy.
The classification of which drugs are considered legal or illegal will vary from country to country. Furthermore, the punishments tied-into possession, use and the intent to distribute such drugs will also vary based on location. For instance, being found with a certain illegal drug may be legal (subject to fine) in one location, but it may carry grave felonious charges in another.
Legal Drugs versus Illegal Drugs:
Legal drugs are drugs that an individual is allowed to have. This classification of course depends on the jurisdiction in which the individual is located in. If an individual purchases legal or over the counter drugs, they will not be punished by a governing body or law enforcement agency. Additionally, an illegal drug can carry legal use, typically for a medicinal application. Heroin or Morphine for example, is an effective painkiller, but in a generic setting, these drugs are deemed illegal and highly dangerous.
By contrast, illegal drugs are drugs that a person is not allowed to possess, use or distribute. If an individual is caught with illegal drugs they will be punished according to the applicable drug laws of the respective location. In some instances the individual in possession will be fined, but for more serious illegal drugs, the individual will have to go to court for a pending jail sentence.
List of Illegal Drugs:
Ecstasy: Also referred to as MDMA, Ecstasy is a partial derivative of amphetamine and possesses effects similar to other drugs within the classification. Users of Ecstasy will feel a heightened sense of euphoria and an increased feeling of emotion, as well as sensitivity.
Cocaine: When in powder form, cocaine is snorted or ingested by the user. Cocaine is a stimulant that leaves the user feeling more alert, talkative, strong and confident. Cocaine is extremely addictive and is a popular street drug. In a crystallized form, Cocaine is referred to as Crack; when solidified, the Cocaine is smoked by the user. Highs from crack are typically very short and powerful in nature. Crack cocaine is cheaper than the powderized form and highly addictive.
Hallucinogens: Also referred to as psychedelic drugs, hallucinogens create a range of perceptual distortion and various psychological symptoms. When a user is under the influence of these drugs, mushrooms, LSD or peyote for example, the individual will observe vibrant colors, transforming shapes and enhanced visions.
Amphetamines: Amphetamines and methamphetamines are stimulants commonly abused by young people at parties or raves. These types of illegal drugs enhance the userâs energy levels, allowing the individual to stay up all night. Aside from recreational use, these forms of stimulants can be used to medicate individuals stricken with attention-deficit disorder.
Rohypnol: This type of illegal drug is a tranquilizer similar to Valium or painkillers but approximately 10 times more potent. This classification of drugs is extremely addictive; Rohypnol is commonly abused either for itâs intoxicating, sedative or numbing characteristics.
Steroids: These types of drugs are used as supplements to increase performance in athletics.
Heroin: This type of opiate is extremely addictive, relatively cheap and popular in urban environments. Heroin is fast acting and poses a number of deadly health risks. Because street heroine may contain a number of impurities, the drug can obstruct blood vessels that are crucial for the brain, liver, lungs and kidneys. Heroin may be taken via a pill form or injected straight into the veins.
PCP: A synthetic drug, that comes in a white powder. PCP is easily dissolved in water or alcohol and is typically ingested via pill form. Users of PCP will experience severe distortions and heightened senses as well as vibrant illusions or images.
Marijuana: This popular drug comes from the leaves of the cannabis plant. Marijuana is smoked through a variety of instruments, such as a pipe, joint or bong. The typical effects of marijuana leave the user feeling relaxed and talkative. These effects typically plateau for roughly 90 minutes then taper off.
Interesting Facts about the International Court of Justice
What is the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
The International Court of Justice is the title given to the component of the United Nations responsible for the administration and regulation of judicial review concerning countries and nations existing on an international basis.
The International Court of Justice was established in June of 1945 upon the passing of a charter mandated by the United Nations through which the International Court of Justice was granted administrative power and oversight concerning the facilitation of mediation and dispute resolution undertaken on a global level; the International Court of Justice provides a legal venue that is non-partisan in nature, which conforms to standard and uniform legislation and statutory terms and conditions to which any participating nation must adhere:
As a result, the International Court of Justice is considered to be the primary institution associate the provision of judicial review, conflict resolution, as well as the provision for legal advice and counsel concerning international conflict
In certain cases, the administrative power afforded to the International Court of Justice has been considered to be limited in its inherent nature, due to the fact that both the development process, as well as the structure of legislative procedure is a source of debate with regard to the collective and global acceptance of these terms and conditions
In response to certain aspects of dissatisfaction with the International Court of Justice, which have been expressed by a variety of countries and nations, the United Nations implemented a statute that allows the United Nations Security Council the administrative ability to not only review findings furnished by the International Court of Justice, but also the ability to veto any finding determined by the International Court of Justice
International Court of Justice Quick Facts
The following facts and details exist in accordance to both the administration of the International Court of Justice, as well as the procedural terms and conditions associated with it:
The International Court of Justice is located within the Netherlands; the venue that houses the International Court of Justice is The Peace Palace, which is located in The Hague â The Hague is considered to be the 3rd most-populated city within the Netherlands
With regard to the United States of America, the residence of the International Court of Justice within The Hague result in the ICJ being the only agency of the United Nations not residing within the United States
Currently, the President of the International Court of Justice is identified as Hisashi Owada, who is a diplomat from Japan; he was elected for office in 2009
The Standards and Practices of ICJ Judicial Elections
The terms and conditions implemented regarding the election of the 15 judicial officers and judges serving the International Court of Justice includes a maximum term of 9 years served; in addition, each International Court of Justice judge is allowed the opportunity to undergo reelection no more than 2 times. This process is implemented is this fashion in order to create a schedule within which the respective terms of 3 judges expire every 3 years, which allows for a steady and regimented selection process.
Leader of Baltimore Heroin Distribution Ring Sentenced
On November 30, 2012, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland reported that Walter Powell of Baltimore was sentenced to 121 months in prison and five years of supervised release for leading a heroin distribution ring. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake.
The co-defendant, Diego Amparo, was sentenced to seven years in prison and one year of supervised release for the same charges in another case.
During their guilty pleas, Powell and Amparo admitted to activities the FBI intercepted through telephone calls. During the investigation, Powell arranged for the purchase of large amounts of heroin from Danilo Garcia and Amparo.
In one case on July 22, 2011, federal agents set up surveillance and intercepted phone calls from Powell to Amparo. The deal was brokered by Garcia, and they arranged a meeting place in Philadelphia a short time after the phone call. After the meeting, Powell proceeded to drive back to Maryland, but he was pulled over in a traffic stop on I-95. Police found 144 grams of heroin on his possession.
Other investigations overheard Powell selling heroin to other co-conspirators, and a courier was stopped by law enforcement on August 15, 2011. The police found 497.8 grams of heroin.
During Powell’s guilty plea, he admitted to distributing between one and three kilograms of heroin.
Danilo Garcia did not plead guilty but was sentenced one multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute. Garcia will be sentenced on February 1, 2013.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, Maryland State Police, and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ayn B. Ducao and Christopher J. Romano were in charge of prosecution.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Effects of Drugs
What are Drugs?
A drug, in a general sense, refers to any substance that, when ingested or absorbed, interferes with normal bodily functions. Because there are different meanings–as stated by government bodies, the field of medicine and society–there is no singular definitions for drugs.
In a general sense, however, a drug may be classified into two broad categories: illegal drugs (those that are taken or distributed for recreational means) and legal drugs (refer to medicines that are taken to treat or subdue medical ailments.
Effects of Drug Use:
Different types of drugs yield different side effects. The effects of drugs are classified by the United States Federal Government according to the probability that the user becoming addicted and the severity of the adverse effects, which stem from drug use.
When a person becomes addicted to a drug there are numerous physical, as well as psychological, warning signs; as stated before, each drug will yield different adverse effects. For instance, an addiction to heroin is considered far more serious, in regards to the physical and emotional side effects, when compared to an addiction to marijuana. For sake of clarity and brevity, we will only discuss a broad addiction to recreational drugs.
Physical Effects of Drug Abuse:
When an individual becomes addicted to drugs they will be stricken with numerous physical side effects. The userâs eyes will often be bloodshot and his or her pupils will appear larger or smaller than usual. Furthermore, the individual will experience severe changes in appetite and sleeping patterns and a subsequent fluctuation in weight.
The individual, as a result of the dependency on drugs, will experience a deterioration of his or her physical experience and an indifference towards personal grooming habits. Additionally, the individual will experience perpetual tremors, slurred speech and impaired coordination.
Behavioral Effects of Drugs:
The behavioral effects of drugs are intense and debilitating; an individual who binges or perpetually uses recreational drugs will experience a significant drop in attendance and performance at work or school. The individual may also run into financial problems and may resort to borrowing or stealing to satisfy his or her need for a high.
Furthermore, the individual will experience a drastic change in temper marked by sudden mood swings and uncontrollable fits of rage or depression. If the individual is addicted or abusing a stimulant they will go through periods of hyperactivity, instability and irritability. They will also be marred by a lack of motivation and often appear fearful, anxious or paranoid.
