Straight Facts About Drugs and Drug Abuse is a Health Canada publication produced in
partnership with:• Health and Enforcement in Partnership• Addictions Foundation of Manitoba• Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission• Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police• Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport• Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health• Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Health Canada would like to acknowledge Dr. Joan Marshman, Faculty of Pharmacy, University
of Toronto for a scientific review of Straight Facts and Kathryn Joly, Abacus Services for
preparing and formatting this document.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHY THIS BOOKLET?
This booklet was written primarily
are used as examples. This part is
For quick reference, the booklet
as a resource for police, educators,
divided into six major sections,
also includes a summary listing of
trainers, social service and health
each one dealing with a separate
each of the drug families and an
care providers, and senior high
drug-related issue. The sections
index of individual drugs.
school, college and university
Prescription drugs are listed by
• What is a Drug?
their generic designations; for each
It provides information on
• Why Do People Use Drugs?
drug, an example of a widely-used
commonly used mood-altering or
brand name product which
psychoactive drugs. In this
• When Does Drug Use Become a
contains that drug is also listed and
booklet, the term "drug" is used to
is indicated by the symbol "®". It
refer to any psychoactive or
• What Are the Harmful
should be recognized that some
mood-altering substance, including
Consequences of Drug Use?
drugs may be available under other
alcohol, inhalants, tobacco,
• What is Canada's Drug
brand names and in other forms
over-the-counter and prescription
(e.g., capsule rather than tablet).
medication and psychoactive
substances which are illegally
• What are Canada's Drug Laws?
The final section of the booklet
possessed or distributed. Today,
The second part of the booklet
lists useful names and addresses
there are more drugs available than
consists of nine charts designed as
and sources of information.
ever before, both legally and
a quick, ready reference for more
For additional information and
detailed information on drugs.
statistics on drug use, see the web
Each chart covers a major drug
Drug-related problems, including
sites listed in this section.
personal and family unhappiness,
Information specifically on
dependency, physical and mental
• Hallucinogens
substances that are banned by
health problems, premature death,
national and international athletic
Opioid Analgesics
lost productivity, increased crime,
and sports regulatory bodies is
highway crashes, and
• Alcohol and Inhalants
available from the Canadian
ever-growing costs of law
• Benzodiazepines
Centre for Ethics in Sport, whose
enforcement and health care, are a
• Barbiturates/Other Sleeping
toll-free number is listed on
major social concern.
Pills/Other Psychotropic Drugs
The widespread availability
and use of drugs means that
drug-related problems will impact
• Antidepressants
The information in this booklet is
all Canadians in one way or
based on current knowledge and
another. As a result, there is a need
• Anabolic Steroids
may change as new research
for accurate information about
The charts contain detailed
information becomes available.
different types of drugs and their
information on the individual
Much is known about drugs and
effects, how people use them, and
drugs within each drug group or
their possible risks and benefits.
how they can affect our lives.
family, including a description of
Much remains to be found out.
each drug, its origin and medical
Many of the long-term effects of
uses, its short- and long-term
How This Booklet Works
drugs may not be discovered for
effects, its tolerance and
There are three main parts:
dependence properties, and legal
While many drugs have legitimate
The first part looks at drug issues
uses, no drug should be used
from a general point of view,
The third part of the booklet, the
without proper caution as to its
without going into detail about
Appendix, contains more
possible short-term and long-term
individual drugs except when they
information on specific topics
associated with drug use.
WHAT IS A DRUG?
Definitions and Terms
tobacco which can be purchased or
drug on an occasional or social
In general, a drug is defined as
used legally by almost anyone who
basis, or using medication as
any substance, other than food,
is of legal age.
directed. The continuum ranges
which is taken to change the
from no use to dependence.
Some drugs are usually
way the body and/or mind
obtained illegally. These
No use - the person does not use
include cannabis (marijuana
alcohol or other drugs.
[marihuana], hashish [hash] and
Experimental Use - the person
called psychoactive (sy-ko-
hash oil), cocaine, heroin and
tries a drug out of curiosity and
active) drugs—are drugs that
LSD. Such drugs are usually
may or may not use the drug again.
can change or affect the way a
produced (grown or
person thinks, feels or acts.
manufactured in illegal
Social or Occasional Use - the
These drugs usually have
laboratories) for sale on the
person uses the drug in an amount
physical effects as well, but the
street. Prescription drugs are
or frequency that is not harmful
thing that sets them apart from
also sold and possessed illegally
(e.g., a drink on a social occasion).
other drugs is that they work on
when the transaction does not
the mind and the senses. The
involve the legal filling of a
Medication Used as Directed -
word "psychoactive" literally
valid prescription (e.g.,
the person uses a drug as
means working (active) on the
Ritalin® and Percodan® are
prescribed, under medical
mind or behaviour (psycho).
often sold on the street).
supervision. The risk of harm is
The effects of a drug are also
When the term "drug" is used in
influenced by how it is taken
this booklet, it includes drugs
Harmful Use - the person
and by factors such as the ag
used for medicinal and non-
experiences negative consequences
and gender of the person who
medicinal purposes, whether
of drug use, e.g., health problems,
uses the drug. (For more
used legally or illegally.
family, school, work problems,
information on this topic see the
legal problems.
Drugs can come from plants
sections on Absorption,
growing wild in fields or
Dependence - the person is
Metabolism and Elimination
planted as a crop, or they can be
psychologically and/or physically
and Gender Differences in the
manufactured in laboratories.
dependent on a drug, which is used
They can be helpful or harmful
excessively and the use continues
Drug use is often described as
and they may or may not have
despite the person experiencing
being legal or illegal (although,
recognized medicinal properties
serious problems.
for most drugs, it is the
or purposes.
possession, manufacture,
cultivation and/or sale of the
Continuum of Risk
drugs which may be judged
technically to be legal or
The continuum of risk provides
illegal). Most drugs used for
a framework for understanding
medicinal purposes are legally
drug use and its hazards and
available by prescription or sold
consequences as discussed in
over-the-counter. A large
the following sections. People
number of drugs prescribed in
who use drugs may be at
Canada each year are
different points on the
psychoactive drugs that can be
continuum of risk for different
used to relieve pain, calm
drugs, e.g., a person may be
nervousness or aid sleep. Drugs
using one drug at a level that
used for non-medicinal
results in negative
purposes include alcohol and
consequences, but using another
WHY DO PEOPLE
USE DRUGS?
The Most Common
minor ailments; characters in
plays or films may provide
Some people use psychoactive
models for healthy or unhealthy
The majority of adult Canadians
drugs to relieve various
substance use; the Internet
use some type of mood-altering
emotional problems, such as
provides access to information
drug, though most do not
anger, stress, anxiety, boredom
on drugs through sources
experience problems or misuse
or depression. Others take
ranging from government public
psychoactive drugs to boost
awareness materials to "how to"
their self-confidence. Some
People use different drugs for
manuals advising on the illegal
young people may use drugs as
different reasons. The reasons
use or manufacture of drugs.
a way of rebelling or to express
can vary from drug to drug,
their alienation from
from person to person or from
mainstream society.
occasion to occasion. A person
may have more than one reason.
A person may use a drug and
People may also use drugs to
People may start using a drug
keep using a drug because the
help them forget about or cope
for one reason (curiosity,
effects are pleasurable or
with traumatic life events or
pleasure, social pressures, or for
situations or to relieve the
medical reasons) and may
Examples of such pleasurable or
symptoms of severe psychiatric
continue using it for quite
positively reinforcing effects
another (such as tension relief
can include: feeling "high",
relaxation, disinhibition, relief
from pain, tension or unpleasant
emotions, being able to sleep or
The social pressures to use
Media and
to stay awake or achieve
drugs can be very strong. Both
enhanced athletic performance.
young people and adults may
Advertisements on radio or TV
feel social pressure to use drugs
and in magazines or
(e.g., alcohol on social
newspapers, product
occasions). Children may be
sponsorship of sporting and
Drugs are talked and written
especially influenced by their
artistic events, portrayal of
about a lot these days. They are
parents' use of alcohol, tobacco
substance use in plays and films
a frequent topic of conversation.
or other drugs, and use their
and availability of information
Some people may have friends
parent's use to justify their own
on the Internet can all affect the
or acquaintances who use drugs
way people think about drugs in
illegally. Since curiosity is a
In some groups, drug-taking is
general, including how they
natural aspect of human
the fashionable thing to do. It is
regard illegal drug use.
behaviour, it is not surprising
the badge of belonging and the
Advertisements may promote
that many people, especially
key to social acceptance.
drinking or smoking as a social
young people, are tempted to
Abstainers are excluded. It is
activity or link use to the
experiment with drugs, both
hard to be different; so people
achievement of success;
legally and illegally.
go along. Going along may
mean using cannabis or drinking
advertisements may also
heavily to be part of a group in
promote use of over-the-counter
which this is the norm without
medications as treatments for
The use of drugs such as
alcohol, may be part of a family
regard to potential negative
occasion, cultural or religious
celebration or practice.
Group pressures of a different
kind exist for those engaged in
competitive sports or body
Some people use drugs because
building. People may use
they have become physically or
substances, particularly
psychologically dependent on
anabolic steroids, because they
them. It does not matter whether
view such drug use as an
the drug is mild or strong,
accepted part of a successful
whether it was first used for
training regimen.
medical or non-medical
purposes, or whether it is used
legally or illegally. When
Previous Drug Use
people continue using a certain
For most people, trying a drug,
drug because they experience
particularly using a drug
discomfort or distress when use
illegally, for the first time is a
is discontinued or severely
major step. A single experiment
reduced, they can be said to be
does not mean a person will
become a regular user of drugs,
but it may remove some of the
barriers against trying drugs
again.
In some cases, people who
regularly use one drug are more
likely to use other drugs as well.
For example, regular smokers
are more likely to be heavy
drinkers than nonsmokers. Not
surprisingly, there is also a high
correlation between smoking
tobacco and cannabis use.1
Also, those who start to smoke
or drink early in adolescence
are more likely to develop drug
problems in later life, than those
who begin smoking or drinking
in later adolescence.2
1 Health Canada (1997) Canada's
Alcohol and Other Drugs Survey 1994:
A Discussion of the Findings. Minister
of Public Works and Government
Services Canada. Cat. No. H39-338/1-
1994E.
2 Grant, Bridget F. (1998) Age at
Smoking Onset and Its Association
with Alcohol Consumption and DSMIV
Alcohol Abuse and Dependence:
Results from the National Longitudinal
Alcohol Epidemiology Survey, Journal
of Substance Abuse, Vol. 10, 59-73.
WHEN DOES DRUG USE
BECOME A PROBLEM?
drug despite adverse
cause problems. These
Drug use becomes a problem
consequences and usually, but
problems may occur because of
when use of a drug results in
not always, the presence of
side effects from the
negative consequences for the
tolerance and withdrawal
medication, or because the drug
person who uses the drug.
is used for too long, at the
These may be physical, mental,
wrong dosage or because the
Although the term "addiction"
social, emotional, legal,
person does not use it as
is no longer used as a medical
economic or environmental
diagnosis, it is still commonly
consequences. When a person
used to describe a range of
continues to use a drug despite
compulsive behaviours,
Different Types of Drug
negative consequences to him
including drug abuse and
or herself or to other people
gambling problems. It is also
such as family, friends or
often used to describe
Drug problems can develop for
employer, this use is often
specialized services (as well as
a variety of reasons and from
informally referred to as drug or
related policies and activities)
use of any type of drug.
substance abuse. Other terms
for people with drug abuse
used to describe drug use
associated with negative
Using Drugs Too Much
consequences include "misuse",
Drug abuse can result in
Use of a drug can cause a
"dependence" and "addiction".
increased risk of health
problem if too much of the drug
As well as being used
problems such as illness,
is taken at one time or if the
informally to describe the
injuries and physical damage to
drug is taken too frequently.
negative consequences of drug
the body or death.
use, the terms "abuse" and
These problems may include
"dependence" are also used by
Drug abuse can result in
immediate consequences such
professionals in classifying
personal problems such as loss
as unpleasant side effects or
of motivation, or physical
even a harmful or fatal
e.g., drug dependence, alcohol
and/or psychological
overdose. Other problems may
dependence, problems at work
take some time to develop, such
as needing more of the drug to
"Drug or substance misuse" is
achieve the same effect and
generally used to describe drug
Drug abuse can result in family
becoming dependent on the
problems that are less serious or
problems like strained and
longstanding or, in some cases,
unhappy family relationships
inadvertent, such as not
and family breakdown.
Some medicinal drugs can have
complying with prescription
a beneficial effect if taken at the
Drug abuse can contribute to
correct dose for that person, but
social problems like increased
cause problems if too large a
When used informally,
crime and traffic crashes.
dose of the drug is taken or if
"dependence" refers to when a
Drug abuse can also result in
the drug is used more frequently
person who uses drugs feels
financial costs to society for
than prescribed. In the same
unable to function without
things like health care, crime or
way, a drug like alcohol may
taking the drug. Dependence
lost productivity. (See section
not be harmful if taken in
may be either psychological of
on the Costs of Substance Abuse
moderation. Many of the
physical or both. Dependence
in Canada in Appendix.)
problems caused by alcohol
includes continued use of the
result from drinking too much at
Sometimes even the use of a
drug for medicinal purposes can
Using Drugs for Too
health problems and premature
death among Canadians, and
A drug can cause problems if it
they result in enormous costs to
A drug can cause problems if it
is taken in combination—either
both the individual and society.
is taken regularly for a long
knowingly or unknowingly—
period of time. Some medicinal
with certain other drugs. Some
Illegal use of drugs is more
drugs, like pain killers, as well
combinations can produce
common among adolescents and
as drugs taken to aid sleep or
unwanted and unexpected
young adults than other age
reduce anxiety, can cause
effects. Using alcohol with a
groups. Several surveys have
problems if they are taken after
benzodiazepine increases the
found that as many youth report
they are no longer needed. For
likelihood that the person who
using cannabis in the past year
instance, people who use drugs
uses the drugs may feel
as tobacco. In contrast, use of
may have difficulty stopping
increased effects such as
medication to aid sleep or
use of the drug because they
drowsiness, dizziness and
reduce anxiety is more common
have become dependent on it.
confusion. Other combinations,
among seniors than other age
like barbiturates with alcohol,
can cause death.
Taking Drugs for the
A drug can cause problems if it
is taken for the wrong reason. A
common example is using
With a few drugs, like PCP
alcohol as a way of coping with
(Angel Dust), and inhalants
unpleasant feelings, rather than
such as gasoline, the potential
drinking as part of a social or
dangers are extremely high and
there are no legitimate human
uses. These drugs can cause
serious problems no matter how
Taking Drugs Without
or when they are taken. With
such drugs there is no
Taking drugs without paying
difference between use and
attention to label directions and
abuse. To use them is to abuse
warnings can also lead to
serious problems, especially
with drugs that can impair
Commonly Used and
driving performance and drugs
Abused Drugs
that should not be mixed with
alcohol. Taking a drug
Caffeine is the most commonly
prescribed for someone else is
used psychoactive drug in our
another example of not
society. However, alcohol and
following directions as a
tobacco are the most widely
prescription label designates
abused drugs by both young
that the prescription is for a
people and adults. Abuse of
particular individual. Also,
these two drugs results in
taking less than the prescribed
enormous costs to both the
dose of a drug or stopping its
individual person who uses
use too early can result in
drugs and society. Among
smokers, those who begin
smoking as adolescents often
become regular, lifelong
smokers. Smoking and heavy
drinking are major causes of
WHAT ARE THE HARMFUL
CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG USE?
combination of drugs. Also,
break. Many people who use
Drugs can be considered
effects such as reduced physical
drugs in this way come to
harmful when their use causes
coordination and impaired
believe that they cannot
physical, mental, social, legal or
judgment can lead to falls and
function normally without
economic problems.
other serious accidents. People
drugs. People with histories of
who have taken alcohol or other
serious emotional or mental
Not all drugs are equally
drugs are often unaware of the
health problems may also turn
hazardous. Drugs sold legally in
extent of their impairment.
to drugs as a way of coping with
Canada for medicinal purposes
unpleasant feelings. Also,
are generally considered safe
This makes the risk that much
experience of physical or sexual
when taken according to the
greater. (See sections on Server
abuse is common among people
directions on the label.
Liability and Drugs and Driving
with alcohol or other drug
However, some of these drugs
in Appendix.)
problems. (See section on
may produce unpleasant side
Concurrent Disorders in
effects even when used under
Physical Health Problems
medical guidance. Drugs
obtained illegally are more
All psychoactive drugs have
likely to be hazardous; their
effects other than those for
Violence and Crime
effects are much less
which they are used, and some
Use of drugs is sometimes
predictable and potentially
of these can be very damaging
associated with violence and
dangerous. Many drugs are
to physical health. Smoking
crime. Although, alcohol or
harmful when used in large
marijuana or tobacco, for
other drugs do not cause
doses, or in combination with
example, can cause lung
violence, both the victims and
other drugs.
damage. Alcohol abuse can
perpetrators of violence may be
cause liver damage. Sniffing
using certain drugs. Date rape is
The specific hazards or
cocaine can damage the inside
one example, where the effects
problems of individual
of the nose. People who inject
of benzodiazepines or alcohol
psychoactive drugs are listed in
drugs by hypodermic needles
may put the victim at increased
the charts in the second half of
can get infections such as
risk for such violence. Two
this booklet. Here we will
hepatitis or HIV. (See section
discuss these hazards or
on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis in
(flunitrazepam) and GHB
problems in a general way and
define some widely-used terms.
been associated with date rape
Mental Health Problems
because their effects
incapacitate the victim and
Some drugs can cause short-
make the person unable to resist
Most psychoactive drugs can
term confusion, anxiety or
the sexual assault. Because they
reduce physical coordination,
mental disturbance ("bad
are colourless, odourless and
distort the senses or impair
trips"). In the longer term, drug
tasteless, the victim may not be
memory, attention and
abuse can result in personality
aware that the drug has been
judgment. These effects can
disturbances, learning problems,
deliberately added to their
lead to serious safety risks,
and loss of memory, and can
especially if the person who
contribute to mental health
uses the drugs drives a vehicle
problems. A person who turns
People may also commit crimes
or operates machinery. Many
to drugs as a way of avoiding
in order to make money to buy
road injuries and fatalities are
normal anxiety and sadness may
drugs, and drug problems are
caused by drivers intoxicated by
be establishing a pattern of
frequent among criminal
alcohol or some other drug or
behaviour that can be hard to
cause of continued drug use. An
individual may be both
Tolerance means that, over
Physical dependence occurs
psychologically and physically
time and with regular use, a
when a person's body becomes
dependent on a drug.
person who uses drugs needs
so accustomed to a particular
more and more of a drug to get
drug that it can only function
the same effect.
normally if the drug is present.
If people who use drugs
Tolerance increases the physical
An overdose of any drug is a
drastically reduce their level of
health risks of any drug simply
dose that can cause serious and
use or stop using the drug
because it can result in
sudden physical or mental
abruptly, they may experience a
increased drug use over time.
damage. An overdose may or
variety of signs and symptoms
Tolerance also increases the
may not be fatal, depending on
ranging from mild discomfort to
risk of dangerous or fatal
the drug and the amount taken.
seizures. These effects, some of
overdose, for two reasons.
Dangerous overdoses are more
which can be fatal, are
likely to occur in people who
First, the body does not
collectively referred to as
have developed a tolerance for
necessarily develop tolerance to
some effects of a drug more
all the effects of the drug to the
Withdrawal symptoms are often
than others, those who return to
same extent. Long-term use of
opposite to the effects produced
drug use after a long period of
barbiturates, for example,
by taking the drug, e.g. when a
abstinence, or those who use
causes a person to become
person stops using a stimulant
drugs illegally and have no way
tolerant to the mood-altering
drug such as cocaine they may
of knowing the exact potency of
effect of barbiturates, but less
become depressed, need to sleep
what they are buying. Sudden
so to their depressant effect on
a lot, and have increased
increases in the purity of some
respiration. When this happens,
appetite when they awaken. To
illegal drugs (e.g., heroin), have
the dose required to achieve the
avoid the discomfort of
resulted in unintentional fatal
mood-altering effect may be
withdrawal, the person who
dangerously close to the lethal
uses drugs may start to use
dose and death can result from
again or feel unable to stop
Hazards of Using Drugs
using the drug. Not all drugs
Second, if a person has not
produce physical dependence,
taken the drug in a long time,
but they may still be abused
Using drugs illegally has its
the expected tolerance may
because the person who uses
own set of risks. People who
actually have decreased. So,
drugs becomes psychologically
use drugs that have been
after a long period of
dependent on the drug's effects.
obtained illegally can never
abstinence, the size of the dose
know exactly what they are
the person had previously
taking. Dealers may not know
become accustomed to may
(or reveal) exactly what they are
actually be enough to cause a
Psychological dependence
selling. Some drugs are laced
life threatening or fatal
exists when a drug is so central
with other drugs or chemicals,
to a person's thoughts, emotions
or contaminated by fungi or
and activities that it is
moulds, that can be harmful.
As people age, physiological
extremely difficult to stop using
Often one drug is sold in place
changes may mean they need
it, or even stop thinking about
of another, e.g., PCP sold as
less of a drug to get the same
it. A strong desire or craving to
LSD. As a result, many bad
use a drug may be triggered by
drug reactions, including fatal
This result may be compounded
internal or external cues such as
overdoses, have occurred.
if their liver or kidneys have
the end of a meal for smokers or
People who use drugs heavily
been damaged by chronic
seeing injection equipment for
may use any drug that is
people who inject drugs. Like
available at the right price.
physical dependence,
psychological dependence is a
As well, people who regularly
depressed breathing, coma and
result in being banned from
use drugs illegally, particularly
participating in sports and may
people who inject drugs, are at
also have consequences for their
increased risk for a range of
Some antidepressants and many
future career opportunities.
health, legal and social
drugs taken to treat epilepsy,
nausea, allergies and colds also
have depressant effects. When
taken with other depressants
like alcohol, they can
Many drugs become more
dangerously slow or stop
dangerous when they are mixed.
breathing. Alcohol can also
People may combine drugs
interact with common
intentionally to enhance the
medications for heart problems,
effects, or to counteract
blood clotting disorders, fungal
undesirable side-effects, or they
and bacterial infections, and
may use a hazardous
diabetes, either making them
combination of drugs without
less effective or producing
intending to do so. For example,
unexpected and undesirable
they may take sleeping
medications after drinking
Although classed as a stimulant,
alcohol without being aware
cocaine can also cause irregular
that using these drugs together
and shallow breathing. Taking
is hazardous. Even if the person
cocaine with heroin, a
is aware that mixing drugs is
depressant, increases the risk of
dangerous, they may do so
death from respiratory
anyway. Today a mixture of
heroin and cocaine is a common
example. People who use drugs
Combining drugs may also
illegally may mix drugs
seriously impair a person's
unknowingly because they do
ability to operate a motor
not know what they are taking.
vehicle or other machinery.
Many drugs taken together have
the potential to interact with one
another to produce greater
A drug-related conviction can
effects than either drug taken by
have serious consequences for
itself. Or, the combination of
the individual. The conviction
drugs may produce a new or
may result in a fine or prison
unexpected effect. For example,
sentence as well as a criminal
alcohol, opioid analgesics (like
record. Having a criminal
codeine), barbiturates (like
record may restrict employment
Seconal®) and benzodiazepines
opportunities and travel outside
(like Valium®) are all
the country. A subsequent
depressant drugs. When taken
conviction may result in a
alone, they can cause relaxation,
harsher sentence.
disinhibition, loss of
coordination and sleepiness. If
Athletes who use a substance
these depressant drugs are taken
that is banned by their local,
at the same time, these effects
provincial, national or
are increased. Such
international sporting
combinations may result in
organization may be convicted
confusion, injuries from falls,
of a doping infraction. This may
WHAT IS CANADA'S
Canada's Drug Strategy
Canada's Drug Strategy is a national, concerted
nongovernmental organizations, professional
effort to address alcohol and other drugs in
associations, law enforcement agencies, the private
Canada. The long-term goal of Canada's Drug
sector and community groups.
Strategy is to reduce the harm associated with the
use of alcohol and other drugs to individuals,
A comprehensive framework provides the basis for
families, and communities. This is accomplished
the federal government's drug strategy. The
through pursuing the following five goals:
framework recognizes the importance and
interdependence of seven components:
? Reducing the demand for drugs
research/knowledge development; knowledge
? Reducing drug-related mortality and morbidity
dissemination; prevention programming; treatment
? Improving the effectiveness of and accessibility to
and rehabilitation; legislation, enforcement and
substance abuse information and interventions
control; national coordination; and international
? Restricting the supply of illicit drugs and reducing
the profitability of illicit drug trafficking
The effectiveness of individual interventions is
? Reducing the costs of substance abuse to Canadian
linked to the degree to which six principles have
been recognized: sensitivity to gender, culture, and
Canada's Drug Strategy reflects a balance between
age; involvement of target groups; attention to the
reducing the supply of drugs and reducing the
needs of people who use drugs; the underlying
demand for drugs. It involves federal, provincial
determinants associated with drug abuse; the need
and territorial governments and addiction agencies,
for an appropriate legislative framework and
prevention as the most cost-effective approach.
WHAT ARE CANADA'S
DRUG LAWS?
Controlled Drugs and
dental and veterinary
resulting in a criminal record
practitioners). A prescribed
may apply for a pardon three
drug may, of course, be legally
years after conviction, while
The importation, production,
possessed and used only by the
those convicted of an indictable
distribution and possession of
person for whom it was
offence may apply for a pardon
various drugs and substances in
prescribed. A conviction for
five years after conviction.
Canada are governed primarily
trafficking, or unlawful
by the provisions of the
possession, export, import, trade
It is also an offence under the
Controlled Drugs and
or production of a drug can
CDSA for a person to seek or
Substances Act (CDSA), which
result in imprisonment, a fine
obtain a controlled substance
replaced the Narcotic Control
or, in some cases, both.
from a practitioner without
Act and Parts III and IV of the
disclosing to that practitioner all
Food and Drugs Act on May 14,
Not all offences under the
other controlled substances
1997. Some provisions of this
CDSA result in a criminal
obtained by that person from
legislation will not apply to
record upon conviction.
other practitioners within the
certain drugs and substances
Offences under the CDSA
previous thirty days. The
until regulations, to be made on
which are summary conviction
maximum punishment for this
the recommendation of the
only offences do not normally
offence upon indictment is
Minister of Health, are enacted.
result in a criminal record
seven years, five years less a
Consequently, the legal status
(criminal record refers to a
day, three years and eighteen
sections of the charts in this
conviction entered in a register
months, respectively. For a first
publication describe both those
maintained by the RCMP, and
offence upon summary
provisions that are currently in
known as the Canadian Police
conviction, the maximum
force, as well as those (shown
Information Centre [CPIC]). For
punishment is a fine of up to
in light italics) which will come
example, the offence of simple
$1,000 and up to six months
into force when regulations are
possession of 30g or less of
imprisonment, and for a
enacted. Legal status
subsequent offence, a fine of up
information concerning the
or 1g or less of cannabis resin
to $2,000 and up to one year
various substances described is
(hashish) is a summary
intended solely to provide
conviction only offence and
general guidance and should not
does not normally result in a
be taken to be a complete
criminal record. However,
statement or interpretation of
simple possession of more than
Judges have considerable
30g of cannabis or 1g of
discretion in sentencing
cannabis resin is an example of
offenders under the CDSA.
The CDSA prohibits the
a dual offence under CDSA and
Sentences may take into
may be either a summary
account aggravating factors
production, sale, provision and
conviction or indictable offence,
such as selling drugs to
possession of a wide variety of
and upon conviction will result
children, using or involving
controlled drugs and substances
in a criminal record. Offences
children under 18 years in the
except where permitted by
which are indictable offences
commission of the offence or
regulations. Controlled drugs
only, such as possession of
selling drugs in or near schools
and substances for medical
cannabis for the purposes of
or school grounds, or other
treatment may be legally
trafficking or trafficking will
public places where youth
obtained only with a
also result in a criminal record
prescription from a licensed
upon conviction. Those
medical practitioner (including
convicted of a summary offence
and the limitations of
enforcement, and builds on the
trends in community policing
Section 462.2 of the Criminal
and collaboration in addressing
Code of Canada addresses drug
community problems such as
paraphernalia. Under this
section, it is a summary
conviction offence to import,
require those convicted of
export, manufacture, promote or
impaired driving offences to
sell instruments or literature for
attend substance abuse
illicit drug use. However, in
education and/or treatment
1994, a lower court in Ontario
ruled that this prohibition in
relation to "drug literature" was
unconstitutional. This ruling
does not apply to any other
province/territory or to drug
Canada has also ratified a
number of international
conventions to control drugs.
Sale of Alcohol and
These include: the 1961 Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs,
as amended by the 1972
Sale and use of tobacco and
Protocol; the 1971 Convention
alcohol is subject to both
on Psychotropic Substances;
federal and provincial/territorial
and the 1988 Convention
legislation, e.g., sale to minors,
Against Illicit Traffic in
use in public places.
Narcotic Drugs and
Impaired Driving
As well, the Criminal Code of
Banned and Restricted
Canada contains offences
related to driving while
Sport Drugs
impaired by alcohol or other
drugs. Provinces/territories have
Sports regulatory bodies, both
also enacted legislation to
in Canada and internationally,
address impaired driving.
have banned the use of many
Diversion to Treatment
Some legislation allows for
diversion of persons from the
criminal justice system to
treatment (alternative
measures). This legislative
reform will enhance the
expanding collaboration that is
occurring across Canada
between the police/justice
system and the health/social
service system. Diversion to
treatment also recognizes the
reality of overcrowded courts
THE CHARTS
The following pages contain a
emotions and mental processes.
Regular use of CNS depressants
series of charts with detailed
They distort the senses and can
can result in physical and
information on specific drugs.
Each chart represents a different
images similar to dreams or
group or family of drugs. Each
nightmares. Hallucinogens are
Opioid Analgesics are highly
individual drug within a group is
sometimes called "psychedelic
addictive painkilling drugs that
described by its physical
drugs". They are most often used
may also produce an extreme sense
appearance, its origin and medical
for their so-called "mind-
of well-being. Some are natural
uses, its short-term effects, its
expanding" effects. The best
drugs that come from the opium
long-term effects, its addictive
known and most frequently used
poppy; others are synthetics
properties and its legal status. Each
hallucinogen is LSD. There is no
produced in laboratories. When
drug is listed by its common
currently accepted medical use for
opioid analgesics are taken with
designation (for hallucinogens and
hallucinogenic drugs, although in
other CNS depressant drugs, the
cannabis preparations) or its
the past LSD and some other
effects are intensified and can
generic name (for other drugs), in
hallucinogens were used
result in death. Opioids, such as
bold face type. Where a common
experimentally to treat some
morphine, meperidine, and
designation is used, it is followed
psychiatric disorders. Use of some
methadone, have valuable medical
by the drug's chemical name. For
hallucinogens, particularly MDMA
uses, but should only be used
drugs marketed as (or in)
"Ecstasy", has become popular in
under medical supervision.
prescription products, the generic
the dance scene and at raves.
Because the abuse of opioid
name is followed by at least one
Accidental deaths due to
analgesics poses serious personal
widely recognized example brand
hyperthermia (overheating) and
and social problems, these drugs
name indicated by the symbol "®".
dehydration (fluid loss) have
are under the strictest legal control.
Finally, where relevant, some
occurred among young people
Alcohol affects the central nervous
popular street names are given in
from use of Ecstasy.
system in similar ways to other
depressant drugs, producing
2. Central Nervous System
Eight of the nine charts deal with
relaxation and disinhibiton at low
distinct groups of drugs. These are
doses, while at higher doses,
sometimes called pharmacological
Included in this category of drugs
producing intoxication, impaired
(farm-a-ko-logical) drug groups.
are opioid analgesics, alcohol,
judgment and coordination, and at
The word "pharmacology" means
very high doses, coma and death.
the study of drugs. It comes from
barbiturates and other sleeping
Alcohol is found not only in beer,
the Greek words pharmakon
wine and liquor, but also in some
(drugs) and logos (study).
Central Nervous System (CNS)
commonly used liquid,
Anabolic steroids are included
depressants are drugs that cause a
over-the-counter medications and
because of both their use for
slowing down or depression of the
enhancing performance or
central nervous system. At low
Inhalants (also known as volatile
changing body image, and their
doses, they produce a feeling of
solvents) are depressant drugs that
psychoactive effects. It should be
calm, drowsiness and well-being.
produce feelings of euphoria,
noted that national and
At higher doses, some CNS
light-headedness, exhilaration and
international sports bodies have
depressants can produce severe
vivid fantasies, and also slow
also banned many other types of
down body functions such as
drugs such as stimulants, cannabis,
coma and death.
breathing. Their use can result in
and CNS depressants from use in
brain damage, asphyxiation and
When more than one CNS
depressant is present in the body at
the same time, their effects may be
Because they can be sniffed or
dangerously intensified. Alcohol
inhaled, these substances are
and barbiturates are an example of
known as inhalants. They are also
Hallucinogens are drugs that
a particularly dangerous
known as volatile solvents because
dramatically affect perception,
they evaporate when exposed to
the air (volatile), and as liquids,
they dissolve many other
Barbiturates can produce severe
first introduced in the 1950s.
dependence with regular use.
Tricyclic antidepressants have
Inhalants can be categorized as
been the most widely used
solvents, gases or nitrites. Solvents
antidepressant drugs. However,
include industrial and household
Stimulants are drugs that excite or
another class of antidepressants,
products such as cleaning fluids,
speed up the central nervous
Selective Serotonin Reuptake
glues, paint thinners and removers.
system. They are generally used
Inhibitors (SSRIs), has been
Gases are found as aerosol
for their ability to increase
introduced more recently. SSRIs
propellants in some paint, hair and
alertness and endurance, to keep
are now more commonly used
deodorant sprays. Gases also
people awake for a long period of
because they have fewer side
include gasoline for motor
time, to decrease appetite, and to
effects. Despite their name, some
vehicles, lighter fluids and medical
produce feelings of well-being and
antidepressants also have some
anaesthetic gases such as ether and
euphoria. They have only limited
depressant properties and should
nitrous oxide, as well as the less
medical application. In Canada,
not be used with alcohol or other
commonly encountered vasodilator
they are used in the treatment of
depressant drugs.
nitrites, amyl nitrite and butyl
6. Anabolic Steroids
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
Parkinson's Disease, and have had
Anabolic androgenic steroids
Benzodiazepines produce a sense
some very limited use in the
belong to a class of drugs known
of calm and well-being at lower
treatment of obesity. Stimulants
doses. At very high doses, they can
can produce severe psychological
cause effects similar to
dependence. The psychological
They include both testosterone and
barbiturates, including
dependence produced by cocaine,
synthetic drugs related chemically
unconsciousness. They are seldom
for example, is believed to be
to testosterone. They are used
fatal in overdoses, except when
among the strongest of all drugs.
primarily in veterinary medicine
mixed with other drugs.
and in the treatment of a few
Benzodiazepines are commonly
Stimulants, including nicotine and
human disorders. Their use as
prescribed for the management of
caffeine, can produce physical
anxiety, including panic disorders,
became popular among some
for sleep problems, as muscle
Olympic athletes as a way of
relaxants, for control of seizures
4. Cannabis
improving muscle development
and to reduce symptoms associated
Cannabis, which includes
and endurance. They continue to
with alcohol withdrawal. One of
marijuana (also spelled
be used for these purposes, (as
the most widely known
marihuana), hashish and hash oil,
well as to improve body image)
benzodiazepines is Valium®.
is presented in a chart of its own. It
although they have been banned by
Street names include: tranks,
is the most widely-used of all
most national and international
downers (a name also used in
drugs that are used illegally.
athletic and sports regulatory
reference to barbiturates), Vs
Although basically a hallucinogen,
bodies. They have the potential to
cannabis also produces depressant
seriously damage the person's
effects, as well as increased heart
Barbiturates are much less
health. It is also important to note
frequently prescribed today and
that many other substances are
have largely been replaced by
banned by national and
benzodiazepines. At low doses,
international athletic and sports
they produce a feeling of calm,
Antidepressants are drugs used to
regulatory bodies.
drowsiness and well-being. Many
treat clinical depression and some
Note: The next section illustrates
barbiturates were first developed
other disorders such as panic
some of the drugs that are most
as sleeping pills. At higher doses,
attacks, obsessive compulsive
often used illegally. These pictures
they can produce severe
disorders and bulimia. They are
designed to elevate mood. There
are just examples. Drugs that are
coma and death. When combined
are three types of antidepressants
intended for medicinal use, such as
with another CNS depressant drug
currently in use which all work in
antidepressants, steroids and
such as alcohol, their use can be
slightly different ways on the
benzodiazepines are not included.
life threatening.
central nervous system. Tricyclic
antidepressants and Monoamine
oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were
ALCOHOL &
The term "hallucinogen"
(from the Latin word
allucinari, meaning "to
dream, to wander in the
CNS Depressant drugs are drugs that cause a slowing down or depression of the central nervous system.
mind") is applied to any drug
used to produce distortions
of reality and hallucinations.
Benzodiazepines used
These drugs are sometimes
(ethyl alcohol or ethanol)
primarily as tranquilizers:
called illusionogenic or
(volatile solvents)
reds, red birds, red devils
angel dust, elephant, hog
H, horse, junk, smack
yellow jackets
(lysergic acid diethylamide)
acid, blotter
blue heavens
primarily as sleeping pills:
Christmas trees, rainbows
Ecstasy, Euphoria, X, XTC,
Other Psychotropic Drugs
liquid ecstasy, liquid x,
grievous bodily harm, Scoop
PEYOTE (Lophophora)
roofies, rope, the forget pill
Ts and Rs: Talwin® and
(occurs together with psilocin Ritalin®
in some mushrooms)
BUTALBITAL with codeine,
magic mushrooms, shrooms
(N,N-dimethyltryptamine)2CB or 2C-B or 2-CB
nethylamine or %-desmethyl
Nexus, bromo, toonies,
herox, Synergy
Stimulants (from the Latin word
Cannabis refers to the preparations
Antidepressants are drugs designed
Anabolic steroids act like the male
stimulare, meaning "to goad,
of the plant Cannabis sativa (Latin for to treat clinical depression by
sex hormone testosterone, and are
torment, incite") are drugs that
"cultivated hemp"). THC, a synthetic
elevating mood.
known as ergogenic or
produce a quick temporary increase
preparation, the major psychoactive
of energy. Tobacco and caffeine are
ingredient in cannabis preparations,
the two most popular stimulants.
is also included in this section.
Cocaine has gained popularity in
recent years. Most of the other drugs
in this category are amphetamines or (marihuana)
Winstrol® and Winstrol V®
cannabis, pot, grass, weed, reefer,
ganja, joint
C, coke, snow, flake, nose candy,
crack (a free-base form of cocaine)
oil, honey oil
speed, crystal, meth, ice, crank
TESTOSTERONE CYPIONATE
TESTOSTERONE ENANTHATE
TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE
TESTOSTERONE UNDECANOATE
Central Nervous System Depressants
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL USES
Sold as powder of any colour, in crystals, Originally developed as an
Effects of low to moderate doses last 3 to 18 hours. Effects
liquid, tablet, capsule or paste.
intravenous anaesthetic; now
of high doses may last for several days. It can produce a
angel dust, elephant,
Frequently passed off as LSD, THC,
discarded for human use. Later
state of pleasurable intoxication, a sense of separation from
mescaline or other drugs. In samples
used in veterinary medicine as
surroundings, perceptual distortions, difficulty in
analyzed at drug testing labs, content of
general anaesthetic or tranquilizer concentrating and communicating. People may become
a single dosage unit (e.g., tablet,
for large animals, but is no longer
highly confused, paranoid, terrified, aggressive, passive.
capsule) has ranged from 1.3 to 81 mg;
used for this purpose.
Bad trips are more common with PCP than with other
however, 1-5 mg is enough for a high in
drugs. Overdose can cause seizures, coma and death.
non-tolerant people. Can be sniffed,
Accidental death can result from drug-induced confusion.
smoked, swallowed or injected.
LSD, and any salts
Sold on street as coloured drops on
Synthesized from lysergic acid,
Effects are felt within an hour, and last 2 to 12 hours.
thereof (Lysergic acid
blotting paper, on gelatin sheets, as
which is found in a fungus
Perception intensifies, colours appear brighter, objects
tablets, capsules, or liquid
growing on various grains.
more sharply defined or distorted. Possible changes in the
solution. Common dose is 15 to 50
Produced in labs specifically for
perception of time and distance. A person may feel the
micrograms (1,000 micrograms = l mg),
illegal drug market. No current
body as light, heavy or distorted. Thinking and
usually taken orally.
medical use.
concentration are difficult and short-term memory is
impaired. Extreme mood swings, including joy, inspiration,
depression, anxiety, terror, aggression can occur. There
are no known deaths directly caused by overdose, but
drug-induced confusion has caused accidental deaths.
Brown or white powder sold loose, in
Produced in labs specifically for
Effects occur in 30 to 60 minutes and typically last about 8
capsules, or as amber liquid. Common
illegal drug market. No medical
hours. MDA produces a sense of well-being, heightened
dose is l00 to 200 mg, usually taken
tactile sensations and emotions. Pupils dilate, blood
pressure increases, and nose and throat become dry.
Higher doses produce effects similar to LSD. Overdose can
cause death.
Usually sold as white or off-white tablets.
Produced in labs specifically for
A hallucinogen with stimulant properties which can produce
Common dose is 50 to 200 mg usually
illegal drug market. No currently
feelings of euphoria, pleasure, empathy and sociability, as
taken orally. A similar chemical MMDA
accepted medical use.
well as confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety,
(3,4-methylenedioxy-m has been misrepresented as Ecstasy on
panic attacks, blurred vision, nausea, muscle tension,
teeth-clenching, faintness, chills, sweating and increased
Ecstasy, Euphoria, X,
heart rate and blood pressure. Higher doses produce
distortions in perception, thinking and memory,
hallucinations and, in some people, anxiety and depression.
Deaths as a result of kidney and/or heart failure due to
dehydration or hyperthermia have occurred in the context of
raves or dances.
Synthetic mescaline is a white or
Derived from dried buttons of
Effects appear slowly, last 10 to 18 hours, and include
(3,4,5-trimethoxybenze coloured powder; usually taken in form of peyote cactus, or synthesized. No
changes in perception and mood, disorientation, impaired
ne-ethanamine), and
powder, tablet, capsule or liquid.
commonly accepted medical use.
short-term memory and concentration. Physical effects
any salts thereof
Common dose is 300 to 500 mg, usually
include dilation of pupils, increased blood pressure and
taken orally. Organic or natural
heart rate, fever, sweating, nausea and vomiting. High
mescaline is used to describe the peyote
doses can cause a headache.
button which usually comes in capsule
form, but can also be chewed or ground
up and smoked. Of samples analyzed at
drug-testing labs, nearly 90% turn out to
be PCP, LSD or some other substance.
Psilocybin, and any
Can be distributed as mushrooms or in
Active ingredients in several
Effects are felt after about half an hour, last several hours,
capsules containing powder of any
species of mushroom and other
and include sensations of relaxation or fatigue, separation
(occurs together with
colour. Can be sniffed, smoked or
fungi that grow throughout
from surroundings, heaviness or lightness. Larger doses
injected. Powder mixed with fruit juice is
Canada; the most common
produce perceptual distortions, dizziness, abdominal
common form of preparation. Common
belong to the genus Psilocybe.
discomfort, numbness of the mouth, nausea, shivering,
magic mushrooms,
dose is anywhere from 1 mg to 20 mg,
yawning, flushing and sweating. There are no known
taken orally. What is sold as psilocybin
deaths directly caused by overdose, but drug-induced
usually turns out to be PCP or LSD.
hazardous behaviours have occurred in some individuals.
TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE
LEGAL STATUS
Flashbacks may occur (see LSD below).
Regular use may produce tolerance. Chronic
In Canada, phencyclidine, its salts, derivatives and analogues and salts
Other effects include persistent speech
users may become psychologically dependent.
of derivatives and analogues are governed by the provisions of the
problems, depression, anxiety or more
PCP does not cause physical dependence.
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable to Schedule I.
severe psychological consequences,
Unlawful possession is a criminal offence punishable on indictment by
including toxic psychosis, similar to
imprisonment for up to seven years and on summary conviction for a
amphetamine psychosis or acute
first offence to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six
months, or both. A subsequent offence is punishable on summary
conviction by a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year,
or both. Trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession
for the purpose of exporting, production, import and export are indictable
offences punishable by up to life imprisonment. (Peyote is not covered
by this Schedule.)
Decreased motivation and interest, or
After using LSD, user must abstain for several
In Canada, these hallucinogens are governed by the provisions of the
prolonged depression and anxiety. LSD
days to regain sensitivity. This tolerance
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable to Schedule III.
high may spontaneously recur days,
crosses over to mescaline and psilocybin.
Possession is a criminal offence punishable on indictment by
weeks or even months later (called
Chronic users may become psychologically
imprisonment for up to three years and on summary conviction to a fine
"flashback"). Use during pregnancy may
dependent. LSD does not cause physical
of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. A
be related to increased incidence of
subsequent offence is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up
spontaneous abortion or fetal
to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or both. Trafficking,
possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession for the purpose of
exporting, production, import and export offences are punishable on
summary conviction by imprisonment for up to eighteen months or on
indictment by imprisonment for up to ten years.
Some animal research indicates
Although insufficient research has been carried
repeated use can cause brain damage.
out, it seems that tolerance to MDA does not
develop. Chronic users may become
psychologically dependent. MDA is not known
to cause physical dependence.
Regular use may result in hangovers,
With repeated use, tolerance may develop.
weight loss, exhaustion, flashbacks,
Chronic users may become psychologically
paranoia, depression, psychosis and
dependent. MDMA is not known to cause
liver damage. Studies in animals have
found evidence of brain damage with
repeated or heavy use
These drugs may precipitate psychosis
After using mescaline or psilocybin, user must
in vulnerable users.
abstain from both for several days to regain
sensitivity. This tolerance crosses over to LSD .
Chronic users may become psychologically
dependent. Mescaline and psilocybin are not
known to cause physical dependence.
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL USES
STP or DOM
Usually sold as white or off-white
Produced in labs specifically for
Effects may last 16 to 24 hours. Small doses produce mild
powder. Taken orally, sniffed or injected.
illegal drug market. No medical
euphoria, talkativeness and CNS stimulation; higher doses
Typical dose is 3-l0 mg.
produce LSD like effects and can include exhaustion,
confusion, excitement, dry mouth, nausea, blurred vision,
sweating, flushing and shaking. Adverse reactions (bad
trips) may result in intense anxiety, panic and sometimes
Beige, white or pink powder, usually
Produced in labs specifically for
Effects are similar to MDA and Mescaline, though far more
misrepresented as MDA.
illegal drug market. No medical
toxic with excessive CNS stimulation including
restlessness, agitation, muscle contraction, hyperactivity,
rigidity, racing pulse, high blood pressure, increased and
laboured breathing, high fever, erratic eye movement,
muscle spasms and vomiting. At moderate to high doses,
PMA often causes convulsions, coma and death. One of
the most dangerous hallucinogens.
DMT, and any salts
Naturally occurring in certain plants
Produced in labs specifically for
Effects begin almost immediately, and are similar to LSD,
found in South America and West Indies.
illegal drug market. No medical
but last only one-half to 4 hours, and include mood changes
Also available in synthetic form. Usually
and increased sensitivity to bodily sensations. At higher
parsley is soaked in solution of DMT and
doses, can produce hallucinations, dissociation and
then dried and smoked. Typical dose is
euphoria. DMT may also produce anxiety and panic states.
50 to l00 mg. Can also be injected.
2CB or 2C-B or 2-CB
In its pure form, it is a powder, but is also Synthetic chemical first
Effects have been likened to LSD, as well as DOM and
(4-bromo-2,5-dimethox available as purple/red or white pills and
synthesized in the 1970s.
MDMA. If it is taken orally, effects begin after one-half to 1
yphenethyl-amine or
in yellow capsules. Usually swallowed,
Structurally similar to DOM. Has
hour and can last up to 4-8 hours. If snorted, effects begin
but it can also be snorted. It is readily
been sold as MDMA and LSD. No
much more rapidly, within about 10 minutes and may last
Nexus, bromo, toonies, dissolved in water or alcohol. Reported
medical use.
up to 1-2 hours. At low doses, it produces intoxication,
herox, Synergy
dosage ranges from 5 mg to 30 mg when
euphoria and visual distortions. At higher doses, users
swallowed, lower when snorted.
report that it produces visual distortions, intense body
awareness with increased responsivity to smells, tastes and
sexual stimulation. It may also produce nausea, chills,
trembling, cramps, muscle tension and shallow breathing.
TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE
LEGAL STATUS
It appears that people may rapidly develop
In Canada, these hallucinogens are governed by the provisions of the
tolerance to the effects of STP/DOM, but
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable to Schedule III.
psychological and physical dependence is not
Possession is a criminal offence punishable on indictment by
known to develop.
imprisonment for up to three years and on summary conviction to a fine
of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. A
subsequent offence is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up
to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or both. Trafficking,
possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession for the purpose of
exporting, production, import and export offences are punishable on
summary conviction by imprisonment for up to eighteen months or on
indictment by imprisonment for up to ten years.
Tolerance does not develop and there is no
evidence of cross tolerance to LSD. No
evidence of psychological or physical
A. Opioid Analgesics
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL USES
Available as tablets, capsules, elixirs,
Constituent of opium, used as
At low doses, as well as suppression of pain and cough
suppositories and solutions. Often sold in painkiller and cough suppressant.
reflex, effects include dizziness, light headiness, reduced
combination product, e.g., 222®, 292®,
Available only with a prescription
mental alertness, drowsiness, mild anxiety or euphoria. At
Tylenol with Codeine®, Benylin Codeine
except in low doses in
higher doses, effects include increased sedation or
3.3 mg-D-E®.
combination with analgesics or in
euphoria, impaired concentration, reduced respiration and
cough syrups.
blood pressure and in some cases, rapid and irregular heart
rate. Additional effects with overdoses can include seizures,
delirium, coma, respiratory depression and fluid in the
Dark brown chunks or powder. Can be
Used and abused for centuries.
Effects include pain relief, euphoria, mental clouding, sense
eaten or smoked.
Derived from seed pod of Asian
of well-being, relaxation, drowsiness, nausea, contraction of
poppy, Papaver somniferum. No
pupils, decreased urination, constipation, sweating, itchy
current medical use for unrefined
skin and slowed breathing. With very large doses, the
pupils contract to pinpoints, the skin is cold, moist, bluish,
and breathing may slow to a complete stop, resulting in
Available as solution for injection, as well
Constituent of opium. Used to
as in the form of tablets and
control pain since l9th century.
Heroin use is particularly risky since purity and contents of
Fine white or brown powder. Can be
Derivative of morphine. Heralded
dose can only be guessed. Use in combination with alcohol
sniffed, smoked (chasing the dragon) or
as remedy for morphine addiction
can be very dangerous.
taken orally, but is usually injected
when introduced in 1898, but
H, horse, junk, smack
intravenously (mainlining). Can also be
proved to be more addictive.
When an opioid is injected intravenously, the person feels a
injected under the skin (skin popping).
Effective painkiller, but because of surge of pleasure, then a state of gratification into which
Dose varies according to availability,
widespread abuse has very
hunger, pain, sexual urges do not intrude. The body feels
cost, purity, person's tolerance.
limited use in medicine in
warm and heavy, the mouth feels dry; the person goes into
Canada. Some countries are
a stupor. The dose required for this effect may cause
examining the use of prescribed
restlessness, nausea and vomiting. Taken orally, the
heroin for treating heroin
effects are felt more gradually.
Not marketed commercially in Canada,
Currently used to treat people
but can be legally prescribed. Available
dependent on other opioids;
as a soluble powder. Typically dispensed long-acting painkiller. Can be
in orange-flavoured solution for oral
prescribed only by doctors who
are specially authorized.
Available as tablets and injectable
Available as tablets, suppositories,
Long-acting painkiller. It is the
injectable solution, and oral liquid.
most popular substitute for heroin.
An ingredient of syrups for oral
Cold and cough remedies.
administration, and as tablets.
TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE
LEGAL STATUS
At high doses, severe constipation,
Tolerance develops fairly rapidly, making higher In Canada, these drugs are governed by the provisions of the
contracted pupils, moodiness and
doses necessary to maintain intensity of effects. Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable to Schedule I. Both
menstrual irregularities can occur. These
Most opioids are highly addictive, and regular
unlawful possession and obtaining multiple prescriptions without proper
effects disappear after a person stops
use may result in physical dependence.
disclosure are criminal offences punishable on indictment by
taking the drug. People who use chronic
Withdrawal symptoms include severe anxiety,
imprisonment for up to seven years and on summary conviction for a
high doses may develop lung problems
insomnia, profuse sweating, muscle spasms,
first offence to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six
due to the effects of high-dose opioids
chills, shivering, tremors, and can occur four to
months, or both. A subsequent offence is punishable on summary
on respiration. Hepatitis and HIV/ AIDS
five hours after last dose. The acute symptoms
conviction by a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year,
and other infections can be caused by
reach peak intensity after about 36 to 72 hours
or both. Trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession
unsterile needles, syringes and other
and are usually over within 7 to 10 days. It may
for the purpose of exporting, production (cultivation of opium poppy),
drug paraphernalia. Abscesses, cellulitis,
be 6 months or longer before total recovery
import and export are indictable offences punishable by up to life
liver damage, tetanus, brain damage can
from withdrawal occurs. Dependence on
also result. Perhaps half of all opioid-
opioids taken in tablet or capsule form (such as
dependent women have complications
Percodan® or codeine) can go undetected by a
during pregnancy and birth. Existing
person for some time. People may respond to
health problems such as anaemia,
discomfort of withdrawal by taking another
cardiac disease, diabetes, pneumonia
dose, without realizing they have become
and hepatitis may require special
management during the pregnancy, and
may complicate the pregnancy. Opioid
dependence increases the risk for
miscarriage, premature labour, breech
delivery, Caesarian section, and low
birthweight. Because opioids cross the
placenta, the infant may also be born
dependent and may suffer withdrawal
because of the mother's use. However,
the mother's withdrawal from opioids
prior to birth can cause stillbirth.
A. Opioid Analgesics (continued)
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL USES
Available as tablets.
As well as suppression of pain, effects may include
dizziness, light headiness, reduced mental alertness,
drowsiness, mild anxiety and depression or euphoria,
contraction of pupils, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting,
constipation, itchy skin. With high doses, effects include
increased sedation, impaired concentration, reduced
respiration and blood pressure, and in some cases, very
high doses may result in coma and death. With overdoses
of products that contain acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) use of
very high doses may result in salicylate intoxication, as well
as opioid intoxication.
Available as tablets and injectable
Produces similar effects to oxycodone. However higher
doses may produce changes in heart rate and blood
Ts and Rs: Talwin®
pressure and hallucinations/delusions, disorientation and
and Ritalin®
confusion. Respiratory depression is usually less severe
than with other opiods.
Available as tablets.
At low doses, produces state of relaxation, euphoria,
Codeine, ASA and
dizziness, drowsiness, mild impairment of motor and
cognitive functions and occasional vomiting, nausea and
constipation. At higher doses, may result in increased
central nervous system depression with effects similar to
alcohol; very high doses may result in coma and death.
Both codeine and butalbital contribute to these effects. With
overdoses of products that contain acetylsalicylic acid
(ASA), as well as an opioid, use of very high doses may
result in salicylate intoxication, as well as opioid
intoxication. Caffeine-containing products used in high
doses may result in caffeine intoxication.
TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE
LEGAL STATUS
Chronic high dose use of oxycodone
Tolerance to opioids develops fairly rapidly,
In Canada, these drugs are governed by the provisions of the
may result in unstable mood; visual
making higher doses necessary to maintain
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable to Schedule I. Both
impairments such as constricted pupils,
intensity of effects. Most opioids are highly
unlawful possession and obtaining multiple prescriptions without proper
blurriness, reduced night vision;
addictive and regular use may result in physical
disclosure are criminal offences punishable on indictment by
constipation; menstrual irregularities and
dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include
imprisonment for up to seven years and on summary conviction for a
respiratory problems. These effects
severe anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, profuse
first offence to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six
disappear after the person stops taking
sweating, runny nose and eyes, muscle spasms months, or both. Subsequent offences may result in a fine of up to
the drug. Use of oxycodone by pregnant
including stomach cramps, chills, shivering,
$2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Trafficking,
women may result in harm to the fetus
tremors and can occur four to five hours after
possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession for the purpose of
and the infant being born dependent as
last dose. The acute symptoms reach peak
exporting, production, import and export are indictable offences
occurs with use of other opioids.
intensity after about 36-72 hours and are
punishable by up to life imprisonment. Note: Some ingredients of
usually over within 7 to 10 days. It may be 6
combination drugs or preparations, such as Fiorinal-C®, may be listed
Chronic high dose use of pentazocine
months or longer before total recovery from
under other schedules of the CDSA.
may result in emotional disturbances,
withdrawal occurs. Dependence on opioid
most commonly depression and
analgesics taken in tablet or capsule form (such
disordered thinking, as well as
as Percodan® or codeine) can go undetected
nightmares, sleep disturbances including
by the person for some time. People may
dizziness upon awakening and problems
respond to the discomfort of withdrawal by
with concentration. Because of the risk to taking another dose, without realizing they have
the developing fetus, pregnant women
become addicted.
should use pentazocine only in
accordance with physician advice.
Because pentazocine is a less potent opioid,
withdrawal symptoms are somewhat milder
than other opioids.
The effects of chronic high doses of
Because butalbital with codeine, ASA and
butalbital with codeine, ASA and caffeine
caffeine is a combination product, the
may be a combination of the effects of
development of tolerance and dependence may
the individual drugs in this product - see
vary greatly with dosage and duration of use -
barbiturates, codeine and caffeine.
see barbiturates, codeine and caffeine for
Because of the risk to the developing
further information on tolerance and
fetus, this drug should only be used by
pregnant women in accordance with
physician advice.
B. Alcohol and Solvents/Inhalants
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL USES
In Canada, a standard drink contains
Can be synthesized or produced
Alcohol affects the central nervous system in proportion to
(ethyl alcohol or
13.6 g or 17 mL of absolute alcohol. This
naturally by fermentation of fruits,
the amount of alcohol in bloodstream. Usual effects of small
amount is contained in a 12-ounce (341
vegetables or grains. Although
doses are euphoria, drowsiness, dizziness, flushing,
mL) bottle of regular (5%) beer, five
some physicians may
release of inhibitions and tensions. Larger doses produce
ounces (142 mL) of (12%) table wine or
occasionally recommend alcohol
slurred speech, staggering, double vision, stupor. Alcohol,
1.5 ounces (43 mL) of 80-proof liquor.
in moderation, this is not common
even in fairly low doses, impairs driving or the operation of
Definitions of standards drinks are
medical practice.
complex machinery. In combination with other drugs, small
different in other countries.
doses of alcohol may produce exaggerated effects. A
"hangover" with headache, nausea, shakiness and vomiting
may begin 8 to 12 hours after a period of excessive
drinking. Very large doses can cause death by blocking the
brain's control over respiration.
Inhalants are found in many household
With few exceptions, these
Effects include feelings of euphoria, light-headedness,
(volatile solvents)
and commercial products such as
inhalants have no medical use.
exhilaration, vivid fantasies, and sometimes recklessness
cleaning fluids, fast-drying glues,
Rather, they are intended for
and feelings of invincibility. Depending on the type of
aerosols, paint thinners and removers.
commercial and household use.
inhalant and method of use, possibly irritation and watering
Inhalants also include gasoline and other
of the eyes, sneezing, coughing and nasal inflammation
fuels, anaesthetic gases (e.g., nitrous
may occur. Inhalants enter the bloodstream from the lungs
oxide) and some vasodilating nitrites
and then go to other organs, particularly the brain and liver.
(e.g., amyl nitrite).
Breathing, heart beat and other body functions are slowed
down. If the person passes out with a plastic bag over the
Most are poured into a bag and inhaled,
nose and mouth, death from suffocation can occur. Death
or inhaled from a saturated cloth held
can also occur if the person is startled or engages in
over the nose. Aerosols are inhaled
strenuous activity while intoxicated. There are also
either directly from can or by spraying
situational hazards such as explosions, burns and
them into a plastic bag.
aspiration of foreign particles or objects into the lungs.
TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE
LEGAL STATUS
Regular consumption of more than two
Regular use induces tolerance, making
Offences relating to underage drinking include possessing, consuming,
drinks a day may gradually bring about
increased doses necessary to produce desired
purchasing, attempting to purchase or otherwise obtaining liquor outside
liver damage, brain damage, heart
effect. In the case of chronic use, people may
of home. In some jurisdictions, parent or guardian may legally supply
disease, certain types of cancer,
drink steadily without appearing to get drunk.
liquor at home to an underage person, but in others supplying liquor or
blackouts (loss of memory), impotence,
Their condition may go unrecognized, even by
selling liquor to a minor is an offence. The age at which young people
reproductive problems, ulcers, and
themselves for some time. Chronic drinkers are
are allowed to drink in Canada is regulated by legislation and
disorders of the pancreas. Chronic heavy likely to become physically and psychologically
enforcement policy in each province and territory. In the majority of
use may result in disruptions of the
dependent. Withdrawal symptoms may range
provinces and territories, the drinking age was twenty-one until the early
drinker's social, family and working life.
from jumpiness, sleeplessness, sweating,
seventies. Currently, in all provinces and territories with the exception of
Consumption of alcohol during
nausea and vomiting, to tremors, seizures,
Quebec, Manitoba and Alberta, the drinking age is 19 years. In Quebec,
pregnancy may result in babies with
hallucinations and even death.
Manitoba and Alberta, the drinking age is eighteen years. Though the
alcohol-related pre- and postnatal
trend has been to lower the drinking age, several provinces/territories
developmental and growth delays,
first lowered and then increased their drinking age from 18 years to 19
learning and behavioural disorders, and
years, for example, Ontario, PEI, and Saskatchewan. It is an offence to
other CNS problems and physical
drive with a blood alcohol level (BAL) of .08% or greater, and to drive
abnormalities. Since there is no definite
while impaired even if one's BAL is less than .08%. Many
information regarding a safe quantity of
provinces/territories have introduced 90-day administrative licence
alcohol use during pregnancy, the
suspensions to take effect almost immediately after a driver registers a
prudent choice for women who are or
BAL over the statutory limit or fails to provide a breath sample. In most
may become pregnant is to abstain from
provinces/territories, this limit is a BAL of .05%.
alcohol.
Effects include pallor, fatigue,
Regular use induces tolerance, making
Inhalants are generally not controlled in Canada. Inhalant abuse may be
forgetfulness, inability to think clearly,
increased doses necessary to produce the
a factor taken into account in dealing with young offenders and children
tremors, poor coordination and difficulty
desired effect. Psychological and physical
found in need of protection under provincial legislation. In Alberta,
walking, thirst, weight loss, depression,
dependence can develop. Withdrawal
inhaling or selling inhalants to inhalers is illegal.
irritability, hostility, and paranoia. Kidney,
symptoms include anxiety, depression,
liver and brain damage may occur. It is
irritability, dizziness, tremors, nausea,
not known to what extent the damage is
abdominal pains and headaches.
reversible. Simultaneous alcohol
consumption may compound the
damage. Elevated blood-lead levels and
consequent brain damage have been
found as a result of chronic sniffing of
leaded gasoline.
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL USES
Benzodiazepines Primarily Used as Tranquilizers (Anxiolytics)
Benzodiazepines were introduced
Effects include a feeling of well-being, loss of inhibition,
Available as tablets and injectable
as "tranquilizers" because they
decreased muscle tension, reduced mental alertness and
produce calm without sleep,
mildly impaired coordination and balance. On rare
although sleep may occur as a
occasions, and usually at high doses, paradoxical reactions
result of relaxation and reduced
such as rage, personality changes, sleep disturbances can
anxiety. They replaced
occur. Side effects such as skin rashes, nausea, dizziness
barbiturates in the treatment of
have been reported. Driving motor vehicles and operating
many disorders. They are usually
machinery should be avoided by those taking tranquilizers.
prescribed to treat anxiety and
It is particularly hazardous to take them together with
nervousness, relax muscles,
alcohol, other CNS depressants, and some antihistamines
control certain types of muscle
(in cold, cough and allergy remedies). They are seldom
spasm and to treat sleep
fatal in overdoses except when mixed with other drugs,
problems. Although they are safer
especially alcohol.
and have fewer side effects than
barbiturates, they can also
produce dependence and are
generally recommended for
short-term use only.
Available as tablets.
Available as tablets and injectable
Available as tablets.
Xanax®
Benzodiazepines Primarily Used as Sleeping Pills
Temazepam
Available as capsules.
Benzodiazepines, used to aid sleep, may produce morning
and daytime drowsiness and other "hangover" effects.
Available as capsules.
Available as tablets.
Available as tablets (but tablets may be
Although not approved for general Rohypnol is an extremely potent benzodiazepine, which
crushed to yield a powder which
marketing as a therapeutic drug in produces drowsiness, dizziness, memory loss, muscle
derivatives thereof
dissolves more rapidly in liquids). Often
Canada or the U.S., it is legally
relaxation, impaired thinking and motor coordination. It can
sold on the street in "bubble" packs. It is
available in 64 countries in
also produce aggressive behaviour. It is absorbed very
roofies, rope, the
odourless, colourless and tasteless when Europe, Latin America, Africa and
rapidly after oral administration with effects occurring after
forget pill
added to alcoholic or non-alcoholic
the Middle East.
about 20 to 30 minutes. It has been associated with data
rape because it produces sedation and memory loss. Also,
Mexico and other Latin American
because it is odourless and tasteless, the victim may have
countries are the main illegal
no idea that anything has been added to his/her drink. The
source of supply for North
amnesia produced by Rohypnol ("the forget pill") means a
America. Quantities of smuggled
rape victim may not remember the circumstances of the
Rohypnol have been seized by
sexual assault or how the drug was taken. Combined with
the police in Canada. Its use has
alcohol or other CNS depressants, the effects of Rohypnol
been associated with "date rape"
can be dangerously increased.
when it is added to the victim's
drink to lower inhibitions and
reduce memory of the sexual
TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE
LEGAL STATUS
Benzodiazepines
Some benzodiazepines which are
Tolerance to the sedative, but not
In Canada, benzodiazepines and their salts and derivatives are
eliminated slowly (such as diazepam)
anxiety-relieving effects of benzodiazepines can governed by the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances
accumulate in body tissues during
develop with regular use over a few months, as
Act applicable to Schedule IV. Trafficking, possession for the purpose of
sustained use. Chronic abuse of
can psychological and physical dependence.
trafficking, possession for the purpose of exporting, production, import
benzodiazepines may result in
Stopping use abruptly may result in symptoms
and export offences are punishable on summary conviction by
impairment in thinking, memory and
such as sleep disturbances, headache, tension,
imprisonment for up to one year or on indictment by imprisonment for up
judgement, confusion, disorientation, and difficulty concentrating, trembling, anxiety, and
to three years.
impaired motor coordination. Prolonged
feeling tired. During withdrawal from very high
use may also lead to increased, rather
doses, there is a risk of seizures, depression,
than reduced, aggressiveness in some
paranoia, agitation and delirium. Withdrawal
people. When benzodiazepines are used
symptoms may be greater for benzodiazepines
by pregnant women, they cross the
that are eliminated rapidly from the body.
placenta and are distributed to the fetus.
After birth, babies exposed to
benzodiazepines in the uterus may show
withdrawal symptoms. There is some
research evidence indicating an
increased risk of major malformations
and cleft palate.
Like other benzodiazepines, regular use can
Rohypnol is not approved for general marketing as a therapeutic drug in
induce tolerance making increased doses
Canada. Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is governed by the provisions of the
necessary to produce the desired effect.
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable to Schedule III.
Possession of Rohypnol is a criminal offence punishable by
imprisonment for up to three years on indictment or upon summary
conviction to a fine of up to $1,000 or six months imprisonment, or both,
for a first offence, and a fine of up to $2,000 or up to one year
imprisonment, or both, for a subsequent offence. Offences of trafficking,
possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession for the purpose of
exporting, production, import and export of flunitrazepam are punishable
upon indictment by imprisonment for up to 10 years and upon summary
conviction by imprisonment for up to eighteen months.
D. Barbiturates/Other Sleeping Pills/Other Psychotropic Drugs
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL USES
Barbiturates and Other Sleeping Pills
Secobarbital
Available as capsules and injectable
Barbiturates, also called
Barbiturates slow down the activity of the central nervous
"downers", were developed to
system. Small doses relieve tension; large doses produce
reds, red birds, red
treat sleep problems, anxiety,
drowsiness, staggering, blurred vision, impaired thinking,
tension, high blood pressure and
slurred speech, impaired perception of time and space,
seizures. Some are used as
slowed reflexes and breathing, and reduced sensitivity to
Available as capsules and injectable
pain. Overdoses can cause unconsciousness, coma and
death. In the past, many of the deaths due to drugs
yellow jackets
(excluding alcohol) in Canada were caused by barbiturates
Available as capsules, tablets and
and barbiturate-like drugs. Using barbiturates with alcohol
can be very dangerous.
Available as capsules.
Christmas trees,
Available as tablets.
Imovane®
Other Psychotropic Drugs
GHB, and any salts
Usually available as a colourless,
GHB was originally developed as
Effects of lower doses may include lowered inhibitions,
odourless and tasteless liquid, but it is
an anaesthetic for its sedative
euphoria, calmness progressing to drowsiness, dizziness
also available as a powder or as a
rather than pain-reducing
and amnesia. Higher doses may produce confusion,
liquid ecstasy, liquid X,
properties. It has also been used
hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors,
grievous bodily harm,
in some countries to treat alcohol
combative and self-injurious behaviours, seizures,
withdrawal and narcolepsy. In
shortness of breath, loss of consciousness and coma. GHB
England, it is marketed as an
is currently circulating at dances and raves, and is often
anti-aging drug. It has also been
used in conjunction with alcohol, which increases the
used by body builders to stimulate degree of disinhibition and the risk of central nervous
muscle building growth hormones
system and respiratory depression. GHB has been used to
during certain sleep cycles.
aid sexual assaults on women.
Can easily be made in labs for
illegal use.
TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE
LEGAL STATUS
Long-term, high-dose use may result in
Regular use induces tolerance, making
In Canada, barbiturates and their salts and derivatives are governed by
effects similar to chronic intoxication
increased doses necessary to produce the
the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable
(impaired vision, memory and judgment,
desired effect. Tolerance develops more quickly to Schedule IV. Trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking,
and slurred speech), as well as
to the mood-altering effects than to the effects
possession for the purpose of exporting, production, import and export
depression or mood swings. Changes in
on the respiratory system. Thus, the margin
offences are punishable on summary conviction by imprisonment for up
liver function may result in faster
between an effective dose and a lethal dose
to one year or on indictment by imprisonment for up to three years.
metabolism of other drugs. Babies of
gradually narrows. Psychological dependence
Note: Zopiclone® is currently listed in Schedule F of the Food and
chronic users may have difficulty in
can occur with regular use, as can physical
breathing and feeding, disturbed sleep
dependence. Withdrawal symptoms including
patterns, sweating, irritability and fever.
restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, delirium,
seizures and may result in death.
Not enough evidence.
Withdrawal symptoms have been reported after
GHB is governed by the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and
chronic high-dose use.
Substances Act applicable to Schedule III. Possession of GHB is a
criminal offence punishable by imprisonment for up to three years on
indictment or upon summary conviction to a fine of up to $1,000 or six
months imprisonment, or both, for a first offence and a fine of up to
$2,000 or up to one year imprisonment, or both, for a subsequent
offence. Offences of trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking,
possession for the purpose of exporting, production, import and export
of GHB are punishable upon indictment by imprisonment for up to 10
years and upon summary conviction by imprisonment for up to eighteen
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL USES
Fine white crystalline powder often
Derived from leaves of South
Effects resemble those of amphetamines with a shorter
C, coke, snow, nose
diluted with sugar, cornstarch, talcum
American coca bush. Practice of
duration. The person feels euphoric, energetic, alert; has a
candy, crack
powder or with substances which imitate
sniffing cocaine began around
rapid heart beat and breathing, dilated pupils, sweating,
its numbing effects, such as benzocaine.
turn of the century, when it was
pallor, and decreased appetite. Large doses can cause
Can be sniffed, smoked or injected. As
also consumed in the form of
severe agitation, paranoid thinking, erratic or violent
well as being sniffed through the nose, it
tonics and beverages. By 1911,
behaviour, tremors, uncoordination, twitching,
can also be absorbed through other
cocaine was legally restricted in
hallucinations, headache, pain or pressure in the chest,
mucous membranes such as the mouth.
Canada. It is still used as a local
nausea, blurred vision, fever, muscle spasms, convulsions
Typical dose levels are 30-100 mg when
anaesthetic for some surgery, but
and death. Impurities in street cocaine may produce a fatal
sniffed; injected doses may be lower or
has been largely replaced by less
allergic reaction. People may experience depression,
higher, depending on the tolerance of the toxic substances.
extreme tiredness and stuffy nose as a "hangover" from
person. "Crack" is a smokable, freebase
cocaine. The use of "crack" produces immediate and very
form of cocaine which has become
intense effects.
increasingly available in recent years. It
is made by adding baking soda to a
cocaine solution and allowing the mixture
Available as capsules and tablets. Can
Amphetamines were developed in Effects include increased alertness and energy, a feeling of
be taken orally, smoked or injected.
the 1920s. Used at first to treat
well-being, decreased appetite, rapid heart beat and
depression and obesity, but
breathing, increased blood pressure, sweating, dilated
stringent controls have greatly
pupils, and dry mouth. A person may become talkative,
reduced medical use in Canada.
restless, excited, feel powerful, superior, aggressive, hostile
Used in the treatment of
or behave in a bizarre, repetitive fashion. Very large doses
produce flushing, pallor, very rapid or irregular heart beat,
Available as a powder. Can be taken
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and tremors, severe paranoia, frightening hallucinations. Death
orally, smoked or injected.
Parkinson's Disease. Produced
can result from use as a consequence of burst blood
speed, crystal, meth,
through chemical synthesis by
vessels in brain, heart failure, very high fever. Violence,
ice, crank
pharmaceutical companies and
accidental or otherwise, is the leading cause of
illegal labs.
White or off-white powder. It can be
Manufactured in illegal
Potent stimulant with effects similar to crack cocaine or
Cathinone and any
snorted, taken orally mixed with liquids
laboratories using ephedrine or
methamphetamine with effects lasting 4-6 hours. May be
such as coffee or soft drinks, smoked in
pseudo ephedrine mixed with a
used in binges over a period of several days. At low doses,
crack pipes or mixed with tobacco or
number of commercial products
effects include euphoria, increased alertness, increased
marijuana cigarettes or injected
such as paint thinners, battery
heart rate, respiration and blood pressure, loss of appetite,
intravenously. Usual dose is 100-250
acid and lye. It has been
dilated pupils. At higher doses, sleeplessness and agitation,
mg, although doses of 500 to 1000 mg
manufactured illegally in the U.S.
tremors and muscle twitching, irregular heart rate and
used by intravenous injection or by
since 1989. Illegal manufacture
respiration, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions,
sniffing, have been reported.
has been associated with biker
aggressive behaviour, and seizures can occur. Deaths
have been reported.
Khat, its
Leaves of Khat plant are chewed.
Grown in East Africa and Arabian
Effects last 3-4 hours and include, at lower doses, euphoria
Leaves must be fresh as they dry out
Peninsula where it is used as a
and elation, increased energy and alertness, loss of
derivatives, alkaloids
and lose they potency after picking. The
recreational drug and in some
appetite and insomnia, increased heart rate and blood
active ingredient of Khat is "cathinone",
countries such as the Yemen, it is
pressure, respiration and body temperature, decreased
closely related to amphetamine. Higher
used as part of formal social
sexual drive, increased aggression and fantasies of
concentrations are found in young
occasions. No known medical
personal supremacy. At higher doses, effects include
constipation, paranoia, psychotic episodes, very aggressive
behaviour, as well as risk of brain haemorrhage, heart
attack and pulmonary edema.
TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE
LEGAL STATUS
High-dose, chronic users, who alternate
Chronic use results in tolerance. Cocaine can
In Canada, cocaine is governed by the Controlled Drugs and
cocaine "binges" with crashes (periods of produce very powerful psychological
Substances Act applicable to Schedule I. Unlawful possession is a
abstinence) may show mood swings,
dependence leading to extremely compulsive
criminal offence punishable on indictment by imprisonment for up to
restlessness, extreme excitability,
patterns of use. In particular, the
seven years and on summary conviction for a first offence to a fine of up
restlessness, sleep disorders,
dependency-producing properties of cocaine
to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. A subsequent
suspiciousness, hallucinations and
are believed to be more powerful than any other offence is punishable upon summary conviction by a fine of up to $2,000
delusions, eating disorders, weight loss,
psychoactive drug. Physical dependence may
or imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Trafficking, possession for
constipation and impotence.
also develop. Withdrawal symptoms may
the purpose of trafficking, possession for the purpose of exporting,
Characteristic signs of chronic cocaine
include fatigue, long but disturbed sleep, strong
production (cultivation of Erythroxylon coca), import and export are
sniffing are stuffiness and runny nose,
hunger, irritability, depression, violence.
indictable offences punishable by up to life imprisonment.
chapped nostrils, perforation of nasal
septum. Cocaine abuse is also
associated with cardiac arrhythmias,
myocardial infarctions, strokes, seizures
and sudden deaths. People who inject
cocaine are at risk for HIV and hepatitis.
Heavy use of cocaine by pregnant
women is associated with reduced fetal
weight and an increased risk of
miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth
and malformation. Newborns exposed to
cocaine in the uterus may also
experience abnormal sleep patterns,
poor feeding and irritability for several
days or weeks after birth.
Chronic heavy users may develop
Although chronic use results in tolerance to the
In Canada, amphetamines and their salts, derivatives and analogues are
malnutrition and amphetamine
mood-elevating effects of amphetamines,
governed by the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances
psychosis, a mental illness similar to
tolerance does not appear to develop to the
Act applicable to Schedule III. Possession is a criminal offence
paranoid schizophrenia. They may be
beneficial effects in treatment of attention-deficit punishable on indictment by imprisonment for up to three years and on
prone to violence. Impurities injected
hyperactivity disorder or narcolepsy. Like
summary conviction to a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to
with the drug can block or weaken small
cocaine, amphetamines can produce very
six months, or both. A subsequent offence is punishable on summary
blood vessels. Kidney damage, lung
powerful psychological dependence leading to
conviction by a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year,
problems, stroke or other tissue injury
compulsive patterns of use.
or both. Trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession
can result. Instances of withdrawal
for the purpose of exporting, production, import and export offences are
symptoms among newborn infants of
Although major physical signs of withdrawal do
punishable on summary conviction by imprisonment for up to eighteen
mothers using amphetamines have been
not occur after chronic high-dose users abruptly months or on indictment by imprisonment for up to ten years.
discontinue amphetamine use, they may
experience extreme fatigue and prolonged but
disturbed sleep, and subsequently, irritability,
tiredness and depression.
Khat is believed to cause at least psychological
In Canada, Khat is governed by the Controlled Drugs and Substances
dependence and prolonged use may result in
Act, applicable to Schedule IV. Trafficking, possession for the purpose
withdrawal symptoms such as lethargy,
of trafficking, possession for the purpose of exporting, production, and
depression, nightmares and tremors.
import offences are punishable on summary conviction by imprisonment
for up to one year or on indictment by imprisonment for up to three
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL
Available as tablets.
Used to treat narcolepsy
An adult who uses high doses may experience increased
and any salts thereof
and children with
alertness and energy, feeling of well-being, nervousness,
insomnia, decreased appetite, rapid heart beat and
hyperactivity disorder
breathing, increased blood pressure, sweating, dilated
pupils, dry mouth. A person may become talkative,
restless, excited, feel powerful, superior, aggressive,
hostile or behave in a bizarre, repetitive fashion. Very large
doses produce flushing, pallor, very rapid or irregular heart
beat, tremors, severe paranoia, frightening hallucinations.
Death can result from use as a consequence of burst blood
vessels in the brain, heart failure, or very high fever.
Violence, accidental or otherwise, is the leading cause of
In children with ADHD, methylphenidate's effects include
Diethylpropion, and Available as tablets.
Limited use as an aid in
decreased hyperactivity, decreased impulsiveness,
any salts thereof
treating obesity.
increased attention span, and more controlled activity.
However, these effects may not be evident until some time
Available as capsules.
after treatment has begun. Unwanted effects may include
any salts thereof
insomnia, decreased appetite, headache and dizziness.
Some growth retardation has been reported in small
numbers of children treated over long periods with
Shredded, cured (dried) leaves of the tobacco
Effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure,
plant, which can be smoked in cigarettes, cigars or
Northern and Central
drop in skin temperature, faster breathing, and decreased
pipes, or chewed, or inhaled. New regulations will
American tribes during
appetite. First -time smokers may feel dizzy and energized
require manufacturers to display health warnings,
16th century. There is no
and may experience diarrhea and vomiting. Tar
health information and toxic constituent information
current medical use for
accumulates in the lungs. Inhaling smokers subject
on packages of all tobacco products. The health
tobacco. However,
themselves to very high carbon monoxide levels. They also
warnings will occupy 50 percent of the package
nicotine, the main
subject people around them to smoke effects. Two or three
and will include graphic images of the
psychoactive component
drops of pure nicotine, the plant's most potent ingredient,
consequences of tobacco use. New regulations will of tobacco, is an active
may rapidly kill an adult. A single cigarette puts about 1-2
also require manufacturers to collect and report on
ingredient in nicotine
mg of nicotine into the bloodstream of the 15-20 mg found
43 of the over 4,000 chemicals found in tobacco
"gum" and nicotine
in tobacco. When eaten, nicotine is absorbed slowly in
smoke. Of these, tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide,
"patches", used as aids to
stomach, which is why small children sometimes survive
benzene, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide will
assist smokers to quit
after eating cigarettes.
be listed on the package with a range of emissions, smoking.
depending upon smoking patterns.
White bitter-tasting crystalline substance found in
Caffeine is an ingredient in Effects include mild mood elevation and reduced
coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao leaves and kola
many prescription and
drowsiness and fatigue. Caffeine shortens sleep,
nuts. Available in tea, coffee, chocolate, cola
non-prescription pain
stimulates secretion of stomach acid, decreases appetite,
drinks, medication. The caffeine content of coffee
relievers, cold remedies
causes hand-tremor, and impairs fine coordination of
and tea used as beverages depends upon the type
and stay-awake remedies.
movement, increases metabolic rate, blood pressure,
of brew or leaves used in preparation, and the
Coffee was introduced into urination and body temperature. Large doses of caffeine
manner of preparation. In one study, a cup of
Europe from Africa some
can produce headaches, nervousness, irritability,
instant coffee was found to contain about 66 mg of
1,000 years ago.
restlessness, agitation, rapid and irregular heart rate and
caffeine, percolated 74 mg, and drip 112 mg, and a
delirium. Fatal dose of the pure substance is about 3.5 g
cup of tea averaged 27 mg. Cola drinks contain
taken intravenously or about 10 g taken orally.
about 35 mg per can (280 mL); chocolate bars
contain as much as 20 mg. Caffeine in most
headache remedies, pain relievers, cold remedies
and stimulant mixtures is between 15-50 mg.
Non-prescription medications to help in staying
awake may contain considerably higher levels of
LEGAL STATUS
Chronic heavy users may develop malnutrition or amphetamine psychosis,
Chronic use results in
Methylphenidate is governed by the provisions of the
a mental illness similar to paranoid schizophrenia. They may be prone to
tolerance to the euphoric
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act applicable to
violence. If these tablets and capsules are used to prepare injectable
and appetite suppressant
Schedule III. Possession is a criminal offence punishable
mixtures, people are at risk from both infections from use of unsterile
effects, although tolerance
on indictment by imprisonment for up to three years and
needles, syringes and other paraphernalia, and damage to kidney, lung and
does not appear to develop on summary conviction to a fine of up to $1,000 or
brain as a result of tablet particles entering the bloodstream.
to the beneficial effects
imprisonment for up to six months, or both. A subsequent
when used therapeutically
offence is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of
to treat disorders such as
up to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or both.
Trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking,
hyperactivity disorder or
possession for the purpose of exporting, production,
narcolepsy. Regular use of
import and export offences are punishable on summary
amphetamine-type drugs
conviction by imprisonment for up to eighteen months or
at high doses can produce
on indictment by imprisonment for up to ten years.
psychological dependence
These drugs and their salts and derivatives are governed
and extremely compulsive
by the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and
patterns of use. Withdrawal Substances Act applicable to Schedule IV. Trafficking,
symptoms include fatigue,
possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession for
long but disturbed sleep,
the purpose of exporting, production, import and export
hunger on awakening,
offences are punishable on summary conviction by
irritability, depression and
imprisonment for up to one year or on indictment by
imprisonment for up to three years.
Stimulant medications used to treat obesity are tightly
Tar is a complex mixture of particles found in tobacco smoke. It has been
The Federal Tobacco Act sets 18 as the minimum age at
identified as causing cancer in smokers. An average smoker who consumes physically and
which retailers may furnish tobacco products to youth.
20 cigarettes per day can inhale between 1 and 140 gm per year,
psychologically dependent. Some provinces, notably Nova Scotia, New Brunswick,
depending upon the cigarette smoked and how it is smoked. Much of this is
Those who quit early may
Newfoundland, Ontario and British Columbia, have set
coughed up in phlegm. Possible effects of smoking include cancer of the
achieve the same health
this age limit at 19. In addition, because it can harm the
lungs, mouth and throat, respiratory disease, heart attack, stroke and
levels as nonsmokers after
non-smoker in a variety of ways, from irritation to death,
stomach ulcers. Smoking increases blood pressure, depletes Vitamin C
a few years, although
many municipalities and provinces have enacted by-laws
levels, causes skin wounds to heal more slowly, and reduces immunity to
some damage may not be
that restrict or ban smoking in public places, including
disease. Research indicates that each cigarette cuts 5.5 minutes from
restaurants and bars. At the federal level, the
smoker's lifespan. The babies of women who smoke tend to weigh less at
Non-Smokers' Health Act bans smoking in all
birth than those of nonsmokers; the risk of prematurity, miscarriage and
federally-regulated workplaces and bans smoking on
stillbirth is greater. Studies suggest that the mother's smoking can have a
trains, planes, buses and ships.
detrimental effect on the child's growth, intellectual development and
Second-hand smoke (passive smoking) increases the risk of lung cancer
and heart disease in nonsmokers. Children whose parents smoke have
more ear infections, more chest infections and other lung problems, such as
asthma, than children of nonsmokers. Second-hand smoke is a special
problem for allergic people and those with heart or lung disease.
Regular use of more than 600 mg a day (eight cups of coffee) can cause
Regular consumption of
Although there are no laws in Canada governing the
chronic insomnia, persistent anxiety and depression, stomach upset. Heavy
350 mg or more of caffeine
distribution or use of caffeine in foods, caffeine-containing
use of caffeine should be avoided during pregnancy since recent research
a day (two to four cups of
dosage forms offered for sale or sold in Canada must
has identified possible links between heavy use and birth problems.
coffee) may lead to a form
comply with the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations
of physical dependence.
respecting content, labelling, etc. Violation of the Act or
Abruptly stopping use of
Regulations is an offence punishable on indictment by a
fine of up to $5,000 or by imprisonment for up to three
beverages may result in
years, or both, and on summary conviction for a first
withdrawal symptoms
offence by a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment for up to
three months, or both, and for a subsequent offence to a
headache, irritability and
fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months,
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL USES
Flowering tops and leaves of the
Obtained from the plant Cannabis
Effects of smoking are felt within a few minutes and last two
cannabis plant. Ranges in colour from
sativa, which grows in almost any
to four hours. Effects from ingestion (e.g., eaten in baked or
cannabis, pot, grass,
grey-green to greenish-brown; in texture,
climate. In the past, most
cooked foods) appear more gradually and last longer, and
weed, reefer, ganja,
it resembles oregano or coarse tea. It
Cannabis products found in
the person may feel dull and sluggish for some time
usually contains seeds and stems. It has
Canada were grown in South and
afterwards. The person feels calm, relaxed, talkative and
a strong odour and is smoked in a pipe
Central America. Now much is
sometimes drowsy. Concentration and short-term memory
or hand-rolled cigarette. There are
grown locally, some under
are markedly impaired, and sensory perception seems
greater concentrations of the active
hydroponic conditions. THC
enhanced, colours are brighter, sounds are more distinct,
ingredient, THC, now than in the past.
and the sense of time and space is distorted. Appetite
and other cannabis constituents
increases, especially for sweets. Some people withdraw, or
Dried, sticky resin of Cannabis plant.
have been claimed in anecdotal
experience fearfulness, anxiety, depression; a few
Sold in solid pieces, ranging in colour
reports to relieve symptoms
experience panic, terror or paranoia, particularly with larger
from light brown to black; in texture from
associated with the following
doses. Some experience hallucinations with larger doses
dry and hard to soft and crumbly. Usually medical conditions: nausea and
and symptoms worsen in persons with psychiatric
crumbled and smoked in pipe or
vomiting, wasting syndrome,
disorders, particularly schizophrenia.
hand-rolled cigarette with tobacco or
multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and
marijuana. People who use heavily may
glaucoma. THC chemically
Physical effects include impaired coordination and balance,
use from 0.25 - 1 g daily. It can be baked
synthesized is marketed as
rapid heartbeat, red eyes, dry mouth and throat. Usual
into cookies or cakes.
Marinol® (dronabinol) and
doses impair motor skills; especially when used in
Thick, greenish-black, reddish-brown or
Cesamet (nabilone), a synthetic
combination with alcohol; cannabis use before driving is
oil, honey oil
yellow oil, obtained by extracting hashish
cannabinoid, are both used orally
particularly dangerous. THC, the active ingredient, has
with an organic solvent. Usually wiped
to treat nausea and vomiting
been detected in many bodies of fatally-injured drivers and
onto a cigarette or rubbed into tobacco
resulting from chemotherapy. The
pedestrians in Canada and the United States.
treatment of AIDS-related
anorexia associated with weight
Hash oil is much more potent than other
loss is another approved use of
forms of cannabis and only a small
amount is required to achieve an effect.
Active ingredient in cannabis. Pure,
synthetic THC is seldom available on the
street. What is sold as THC is almost
always PCP or LSD (see
TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE
LEGAL STATUS
Signs of chronic, heavy use may include
There is some evidence that tolerance develops In Canada, cannabis, its preparations, derivatives and similar synthetic
decreased motivation and interest, as
in regular high-dose users. Psychological and
preparations are governed by the provisions of the Controlled Drugs
well as difficulties with memory and
physical dependence on cannabis can occur in
and Substances Act applicable to Schedule II. Both non-viable
concentration. These problems tend to
people who use heavily or regularly. Withdrawal cannabis seeds and mature cannabis stalks without attached leaves,
clear when regular use stops. However,
symptoms include anxiety, irritability, sleeping
flowers, seeds or branches, as well as the fibre derived from such stalks
there is increasing research evidence of
problems, sweating and loss of appetite.
are excluded from the application of the Act. However, the derivatives of
lasting harmful effects on mental function
non-viable cannabis seeds are covered.
in some people. The respiratory system
is damaged by smoking; a single joint of
Unlawful possession is a criminal offence. A conviction for unlawful
marijuana yields much more tar than a
possession of 30 g or less of cannabis marijuana or 1 g or less of
strong cigarette. Tar in cannabis smoke
cannabis resin is an exclusively summary conviction offence punishable
contains higher amounts of
by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
cancer-producing agents than tar in
Unlawful possession of more than 30 g of cannabis marijuana, more
tobacco smoke. Studies suggest that
than 1 g of cannabis resin, or any quantity of cannabis plant, hash oil, or
developmental delays may occur in
other constituent of the cannabis plant or other preparations, derivatives
children whose mothers used drugs
or similar synthetic preparations is punishable upon conviction on
heavily during pregnancy.
indictment to imprisonment for up to five years less a day or upon
summary conviction for a first offence to a fine of up to $1,000 or
imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Upon summary conviction
for a subsequent offence, to a fine of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for
up to one year, or both.
Trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking in 3 kg. or less
of cannabis marijuana or cannabis resin is an indictable offence
punishable by imprisonment for up to five years less a day. Trafficking
and possession for the purpose of trafficking in quantities of cannabis
marijuana or cannabis resin over 3 kg., any quantity of cannabis plant,
hash oil, or other constituent of the cannabis plant, or other preparation,
derivative or similar synthetic preparations is an indictable offence
punishable by up to life imprisonment. Production (cultivation) of
cannabis marijuana is punishable by imprisonment for up to seven
years. Possession for the purpose of export, import and export of any
quantity of cannabis plant, cannabis marijuana, cannabis resin, hash oil,
or other constituent of the cannabis plant or other preparations,
derivatives or similar synthetic preparations is an indictable offence
punishable by up to life imprisonment.
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL USES
There are three broad categories
Antidepressants take about 2 to 6 weeks to elevate mood.
of antidepressants: Tricyclics,
Side effects from the antidepressant medication can include
Available as tablets and oral liquid.
Monoamine oxidate inhibitors
dry mouth, drowsiness and fatigue, dizziness, blurred
(MAOIs) and Selective serotonin
vision, sweating, drop or rise in blood pressure (depending
Available as tablets.
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
upon the specific drug), muscle tremors or twitching,
Tricyclic antidepressants and
changes in libido or sexual performance and nightmares.
MAOIs were introduced in the
Care should be taken when driving a car or operating
Available as tablets.
1950s. The tricyclic
machinery. They should not be combined with alcohol or
antidepressants have been the
other central nervous system depressant drugs, as
Available as capsules.
most widely used type of
combined use can potentiate central nervous system
antidepressant drugs, but the
depressant effects resulting in excessive drowsiness,
more recently introduced SSRIs
impaired coordination, confusion and increased risk of falls.
Available as tablets.
have fewer side effects and are
As well as general side effects, the different types of
less dangerous if an overdose is
antidepressants may have unique side effects, such as the
Available as tablets and capsules.
taken. Antidepressants are
need to follow a special diet with the older MOA inhibitors.
primarily prescribed to treat
clinical depression, but also used
Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
to treat chronic pain, severe
anxiety syndromes,
Available as capsules and oral solution.
and bulimia. It is believed that
Available as tablets and capsules.
antidepressants lift mood by
working on several types of
neurons and their
Available as tablets.
neurotransmitters such as
serotonin and norepinephrine
Available as capsules.
which stimulate brain activity.
Some antidepressants work by
blocking the reuptake of these
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
neurotransmitters (Tricyclics and
Available as tablets.
SSRIs); others work by blocking
the action of enzymes that break
down the neurotransmitters
Available as tablets.
Available as tablets.
TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE
LEGAL STATUS
Tolerance does not appear to develop for antidepressants. However, mild
All of the tricyclics, MAOIs and SSRI antidepressants are subject to the provisions of the
withdrawal symptoms may be experienced upon stopping use suddenly,
Food and Drugs Act and Food and Drug Regulations applicable to drugs listed in
thus their use should be reduced slowly over a one- to two-month period.
Schedule "F" to the Regulations. The Regulations generally require that the sale or
distribution of Schedule "F" drugs be made pursuant to a prescription. Violation of the
Act or Regulations is an offence punishable upon indictment by a fine of up to $5,000 or
imprisonment for up to three years, or both, and upon summary conviction for a first
offence by a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment for up to three months, or both. A
subsequent offence is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six
months, or both.
ORIGIN AND MEDICAL USES
Taken orally, for human use.
Anabolic steroids, also referred to as
Synthetic anabolic steroids are designed to mimic the
androgenic anabolic steroids, belong to a
body building properties of testosterone. These drugs
group of drugs known as ergogenic or
increase lean muscle mass, strength and endurance but
Taken orally; also available as
performance enhancing drugs. They
no scientific studies support their
injectable for human and veterinary
include both the naturally occurring male
"performance-enhancing effects"; they have not been
sex hormone, testosterone and its
found to improve agility, skill. cardiovascular capacity or
precursors, and synthetic derivatives of
testosterone. Some are taken orally in pill
form, but others are taken by
At prescribed doses (typically equivalent to 100 to 200
Injectable liquid, for human and
intramuscular injection, especially for
mg testosterone monthly), anabolic steroids produce
veterinary use.
steroids that are destroyed in the liver
muscle development, physical vigour and feelings of
after being taken orally. Some steroids
well-being. Women who use anabolic steroids are at risk
can be used in both ways. Some athletes
of "masculinization" including development of body hair,
Taken orally, for human use.
also engage in "stacking", taking several
breast reduction, deepened voice, reduction or cessation
different types of steroids and other
of menstruation. In adolescent and young adult males,
hormonal drugs at once. Other dosing
who use excessive doses (in some cases equivalent to
regimes include "cycling" which refers to
100 to 200 mg testosterone weekly), anabolic steroids
Taken orally, for human use.
periods of steroid use followed by periods may cause male pattern baldness, shrinking of the
of abstinence and "pyramiding" which
testicles, reduced sperm count, increased risk of tumour
refer to building up to a peak dose and
of the testicles and prostate, and enlargement of
then tapering down. All these regimes are breasts. Both sexes may experience liver damage and
Injectable liquid, for veterinary use.
"peer learned".
cancer, acne, increased chance of damage to joints,
jaundice, swelling of feet and ankles, increased blood
Anabolic steroids are commonly used in
pressure, cardiac problems such as increased risk of
Taken orally or by injection, for
veterinary medicine. In human medicine,
heart attack, enlarged heart. Anabolic steroids are
they are used to treat certain disorders
particularly dangerous for adolescents because they
such as testosterone deficiency in males,
may stunt growth. Anabolic steroids can result in serious
certain types of anaemia, some breast
psychological effects including euphoria, anxiety,
Taken orally, for human use.
cancers, osteoporosis, chronic conditions
irritability and aggression ("roid" rage), insomnia,
involving tissue wasting and hereditary
depression, mania and hypomania and psychosis.
angioneurotic edema. Testosterone was
first synthesized in the 1930s and use of
Injectable liquid, for human use.
anabolic steroids by athletes for their
performance-enhancing effects in sports
began in the 1940s and 1950s. Their use
Injectable liquid, for human use.
for body-image and other non-sport
related purpose has been observed since
the 1950's. As a result, there is now a
black market for the illegal production
Injectable liquid, for human and
and sale of these drugs for non-medical
veterinary use.
Taken orally, for human use.
TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE
LEGAL STATUS
Some studies point to long-term steroid users experiencing symptoms of
In Canada, anabolic steroids are regulated under the Controlled Drug and
dependence such as cravings, difficulty in stopping use and withdrawal
Substances Act applicable to Schedule IV. Trafficking, possession for the purpose of
symptoms, but there is no evidence of increased tolerance.
trafficking, possession for the purpose of exporting, production, import and export
offences are punishable on summary conviction by imprisonment for up to one year or
on indictment by imprisonment for up to three years.
The International Olympic Committee banned steroid use in 1975. Since then most
amateur and professional organizations have put steroids on their list of banned
Substance Use and HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis
Substance users are at increased risk for HIV and other infections such as hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C
(HCV). HIV and HCV are transmitted by sharing needles, syringes and other paraphernalia for injecting
drugs. One national survey indicated that 41 per cent of persons who inject drugs have shared needles to
inject drugs.1 The proportion of reported adult HIV-positive cases directly attributed to injection drug use
has increased from 9.1 percent prior to 1995, to 28.3 percent in 1999, after peaking at 33.8 percent in
1996.2 Injection drug use is estimated to be associated with at least 70 percent of all new hepatitis C
cases.3Use of alcohol and other drugs may lower inhibitions and impair judgement leading to increased risk of
unsafe sexual practices and unsafe injecting. HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids to sexual partners
and, in pregnant women, to unborn children. It can also be transmitted to infants through breastfeeding.
Hepatitis C is also a blood-borne disease. Any blood, including blood from cuts and nosebleeds, and small
amounts of blood found on razors, earrings, needles used for body piercing, tattooing or acupuncture, or
nasal blood found on straws used for inhaling cocaine can carry the virus and be a source of infection.
Hepatitis C is not as readily spread through sexual contact as HIV. However, Hepatitis C may be passed
from a pregnant woman to her baby. To date, research indicates that breastfeeding is safe, but caution is
required by women with cracked nipples.
At this time, major urban centres in Canada, particularly Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa, are
experiencing high rates of HIV infection and hepatitis C among people who inject drugs. In these cities,
injection drug use is associated with use of both injectable cocaine and heroin. There is some evidence that
people who use cocaine may more often engage in HIV-related risk behaviours, such as sharing needles
and unprotected sex than people who inject other types of drugs.4
Costs of Substance Abuse in Canada
In 1992, the health, social and economic costs of alcohol and illicit drugs to Canadian society were
conservatively estimated to be $8.89 billion.5 These are costs to society as a whole, rather than costs to the
user him or herself. Estimated costs include: those associated with health care (e.g., hospitalization,
treatment services, prescription drugs, ambulance services), direct expenditures associated with the
workplace (e.g., EAP programs, drug testing), direct administrative costs for transfer payments (e.g., social
welfare and other programs, worker's compensation), direct costs for prevention and research (e.g.,
research, prevention programs, training programs for health professionals), direct costs for law
enforcement (e.g., police, courts, corrections, customs and excise), other direct costs (e.g., fire damage,
traffic accident damage), and indirect costs associated with lost productivity (e.g., morbidity, mortality and
crime). The costs of alcohol are estimated to be $7.52 billion and illicit drugs $1.37 billion.
The direct health care costs for alcohol and illicit drugs total $1.4 billion.
Concurrent Disorders
A concurrent disorder means that a person has both a substance use and mental health problem. It is
believed that about half of persons in substance abuse treatment have some type of psychiatric disorder,
with a similar percentage of persons receiving psychiatric treatment having a substance abuse problem.6For example, one study of gender differences in substance use disorders found that among participants in a
chemical dependency program, 48% of men and 70% of women had a concurrent affective or anxiety
disorder.7Substance use problems and psychiatric problems may be related in a number of different ways. The
effects of some drugs or withdrawal from some drugs may mimic a psychiatric disorder—a drug-induced
psychosis; a person may use a substance to "self medicate" a psychiatric problem; the two problems may
co-occur by chance or both be caused by some third factor.
A study in the U.S., the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) Study, provides some estimates of the
prevalence of concurrent disorders among non-treatment populations. Although the prevalence of
substance use disorders in the general U.S. population is 16 per cent, among those with a mental disorder,
the rate is 29 per cent.8 This study also found that those respondents with an alcohol use disorder were 21
times more likely to have a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder compared with survey respondents
without an alcohol use disorder.9 The rates for other psychiatric disorders were: mania 6.2 times,
schizophrenia 4.0 times and depression 1.7 times the rate in non-alcoholics.
Server Liability
During the last 20 years the scope of liability for those who provide alcohol has increased dramatically.
This is as a result of a series of landmark legal cases in which alcohol providers were found legally
responsible for having served someone beyond the point of intoxication, following which the individual
injured him or herself, or someone else, and the injured person sued for damages.
Though the majority of liability cases have involved bars, restaurants or other licensed commercial
establishments, anyone who sells or provides alcohol is potentially liable if a person to whom alcohol is
provided subsequently harms him or herself or others and alcohol is found to be a factor in causing the
injury. Thus, a host in a private home, an office party, or any other private social occasion where alcohol is
served, may be liable. A 1996 Alberta Court decision stated that the law may have moved beyond the
narrow definition of a social host to impose a duty on even non-commercial hosts to take reasonable steps
to prevent injury to third parties by inebriated guests, especially teenage guests. The courts have found that
alcohol providers have a "duty of care" to prevent incidents which may lead to injury.
This duty of care requires the alcohol provider to take reasonable steps to prevent harm occurring to an
intoxicated person, particularly since the courts have recognized that an intoxicated person is not able to
exercise that care for themselves because they are not capable of appreciating the risk associated with their
behaviour. A common example of potential liability is if a commercial establishment or a private host
allows a patron or guest to drink to intoxication, does not take sufficient measures to prevent the person
driving, and the person subsequently injures himself or others in a motor vehicle accident.
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination of Drugs
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination refer to the processes by which drugs enter the blood
stream (absorption) and reach the brain (distribution), are broken down (metabolized and biotransformed)
and leave the body (elimination). Drugs have different rates of absorption, depending on the route of
administration. Drugs may be taken orally, e.g., alcohol; smoked, e.g., cigarettes; absorbed through the
mucous membranes of the nose or mouth or other parts of the body, e.g., snorting cocaine; or injected, e.g.,
injectable heroin or cocaine. Drugs which are smoked or injected directly into the bloodstream will reach
the brain more quickly than other routes of administration and therefore the person will experience the
effects more rapidly. For example, cocaine that is injected into the bloodstream will produce a more rapid
effect than cocaine that is snorted. However, the effect will also wear off more rapidly. Other factors may
delay a substance reaching the brain; for example, alcohol is mainly absorbed into the bloodstream through
the small intestine. If a person has just eaten and has a full stomach, this may delay absorption and reduce
the speed at which alcohol reaches the brain.
The rate at which drugs are metabolized and excreted varies, depending on the nature of the drug itself, as
well as factors such as body build, gender, age, health and genetic factors. For example, alcohol is
metabolized in an average person at the rate of about two-thirds of a standard drink per hour. However,
with aging or chronic disease, the liver may not function as efficiently and thus the rate of alcohol
metabolism will be slowed. Cocaine is also metabolized and eliminated very rapidly within a few hours. In
contrast, drugs such as cannabis and some benzodiazepines (tranquilizers), both of which are stored in fatty
tissues rather than being distributed in body water (as is alcohol), are eliminated from the body quite
slowly. Long-acting benzodiazepines, such as Valium® (diazepam), may take weeks to leave the body
completely, while cannabis may take a month or more. Because of differences in physiology, some drugs
may reach higher levels in the bodies of women than men and take longer to be metabolized and
eliminated.
The following table provides estimates of how long, after last use, specific types of drugs are likely to be
detected in urine by routine clinical toxicological testing methods. The actual time over which urine will
give a positive test depends upon the specific drug, dose and dosage form, the method of use, the
individual user and the method of testing.
Drug or Class
Typical Duration of Positive Urine
Test After Last Use
Short-acting (e.g., secobarbital)
Long-acting (e.g., phenobarbital)
Ethanol (Alcohol)
Gender Differences
It takes less alcohol to affect women than men because women are generally smaller than men and their
bodies contain less water in which to dilute the alcohol than men's bodies. Women also metabolize alcohol
more slowly than men. As a result, if a woman drinks the same number of drinks as a man over the same
time period, she will reach a higher blood alcohol level (BAL), that is, she will be more impaired. Women
also develop alcohol-related health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver with lower levels of alcohol use
over a shorter period of time than men.
Body differences in physiology may also make women more vulnerable than men to the effects of other
psychoactive substances. Psychoactive medications are generally fat soluble and stay in women's bodies
longer than men's bodies because women's bodies usually have a higher fat content than men's bodies.
Women are also more vulnerable than men to the effects of tobacco and smoking-related diseases such as
lung cancer.
Driving and Drug Use
Although much is known about driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while affected by drugs is
an emerging issue. Driving involves skills and abilities such as attention, judgment, perception,
concentration, physical reaction time and coordination, all of which can be impaired by use of any
mood-altering substance. The risk of a driving accident is increased if a person is using more than one drug
at the same time. For instance, having a couple of drinks and then taking medication such as a
benzodiazepine or a cough/cold remedy, or smoking a joint of cannabis, will increase the risk of a driving
accident. Driving a car or operating other types of vehicles such as boats or aeroplanes or operating
complex machinery can be affected by most mood-altering substances, including cannabis, stimulants,
hallucinogens, central nervous system depressants and antidepressants.
In Canada, it is an offence to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. Even
without evidence from blood or urine testing, police can lay charges based on behavioural indicators such
as erratic driving, slurred speech or lack of coordination.
It is difficult to determine the full extent of driving while impaired by drugs other than alcohol because our
laws only allow for roadside blood or urine tests of drug-impaired drivers by police or medical personnel
under limited circumstances.3 However, several studies done to date have been consistent in finding that
cannabis, benzodiazepines and stimulants such as cocaine are the most commonly detected drugs in trauma
victims or in blood samples sent for forensic testing. Not surprisingly, rates of driving while using cannabis
have been found to be highest among younger people (those under 25 years of age) since those between 15
and 24 years of age report much higher rates of current cannabis use than older age groups. In contrast,
older adults may be at risk of driving while impaired by drugs such as benzodiazepines because they are
more likely than other age groups to be using one or more central nervous system depressant medications.
In Canada, some police forces, such as those in British Columbia, are beginning to adopt measures to deal
with drug-impaired driving. In the United States, 39 states have adopted the Driver Recognition Expert
Program (DRE). The DRE is a 12-step process, incorporating a series of behavioural assessments including
a highly reliable eye test, and culminating in toxicological testing to arrive at a conclusion. The accuracy of
Also if the driver's blood alcohol level (BAL) is above the legal limit, police have the evidence to lay a
charge and do not need to test for other drugs.
the DREs has been the subject of independent assessment by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety
Association.
Recent legislation in the United States has had an impact in Canada. The Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA) has extended policies on testing for alcohol and other drugs to foreign-based drivers of motor
carriers operating in the U.S. As a result, Canada s national and provincial trucking associations have
developed a package of services for their membership to respond to the U.S. regulations. The package
includes alcohol and drug testing, employee assistance programs, supervisor training, employee education
and materials, and the services of medical and substance abuse professionals.
1. Health Canada (1995). Canada's Alcohol and Other Drug Survey: Preview 1995. Minister of Supply
and Services (H39-338/1995E).
2. Health Canada (1999). Hepatitis C - Prevention and Control: A Public Health Consensus, Canada
Communicable Disease Report, Volume 2552.
3. Health Canada (2000). HIV and AIDS in Canada: Surveillance Report to December 1999. Ottawa,
Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada.
4. Hankins, C. (1997). Needle Exchange: Panacea or Problem? Canadian Medical Association Journal,
157, 275-277.
5. Single E., Robson, L., Xie, X. and Rehm, J. (1996). The Costs of Substance Abuse in Canada. Canadian
Centre on Substance Abuse, Ottawa.
6. Cooper, G. and Kent, C. (1997). Helping Clients with Concurrent Disorders. In S. Harrison and V.
Carver (Eds). Alcohol and Drug Problems: A Practical Guide for Counsellors, Toronto, Addiction
7. Brady, K.T., Grice, D.E., Dustan, L. and Randell, C. (1993). Gender Differences in Substance Use
Disorders. American Journal of Pyschiatry, 150 (11), 1707-1711.
8. Regier, Daniel A., Farmer, Mary E., Rae, Donald S., Locke, Ben Z., Keith, Samuel, J., Judd, Lewis J.,
Goodwin, Frederick, K. (1990). Comorbidity of Mental Disorders with Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.
JAMA, 264 (19), 2511-2518.
9. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Alert: Alcoholism and Co-occurring
Disorders. No. 14, PH 302 (October 1991).
Other Bibliographic Resource:
Brands, B., Sproule, B. and Marshman, J. (Eds) (1998). Drugs and Drug Abuse, Toronto, Addiction
Research Foundation (ARF).
%-desmethyl DOB . . . . . . . . 16, 24
British Columbia . . . . . . . 39, 50, 58
2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine . . . 16, 24
BUTALBITAL with codeine, ASA
3,4,5-trimethoxybenzeneethanamine . . . 16, 223,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine . . . . 16, 22
3,4-methylenedioxy-amphetamine . . . . 16, 22
CAFFEINE . . . . . 7, 15-17, 28, 29, 38, 39
3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine . . 16, 22
Canada's Drug Laws. . . . . . . . . 2
Canada's Drug Strategy . . . . . . 2, 11, 57
Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. . . 2, 3, 57
4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine. . 16, 24
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. . 3, 47, 57Cannabis. . 1-5, 7, 12, 14, 15, 17, 21, 40, 41, 49, 50
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and
Elimination of Drugs . . . . . . . . 49
Central Nervous System Depressants . . 14, 19, 50
CLOMIPRAMINE . . . . . . . . 17, 42
COCAINE . . 3, 8-10, 15, 17, 20, 36, 37, 47, 49, 50
ALCOHOL . . . 3-8, 10, 11, 13-16, 24, 26, 28,
CODEINE. . . . . . . . 10, 16, 26-29
. . . . . . 30-32, 34, 40, 42, 47-51, 57, 58
Combining Drugs . . . . . . . . 7, 10
AMITRIPTYLINE . . . . . . . . 17, 42
Concurrent Disorders . . . . . . . 8, 48
AMOBARBITAL . . . . . . . . 16, 34
AMOBARBITAL-SECOBARBITAL . . . 16, 34
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act . . . 12, 23,
Anabolic Steroids . . . . 2, 5, 14, 15, 17, 44, 45
Costs of Substance Abuse . . . . . 6, 11, 47
Anadrol-50® . . . . . . . . . 17, 44
Antidepressants . . . . 2, 10, 15, 17, 42, 43, 50
Deca-Durabolin®. . . . . . . . 17, 44
Depo-testosterone®. . . . . . . . 17, 44
Banned and Restricted Performance-
DESIPRAMINE . . . . . . . . 17, 42
Enhancing Sport Drugs . . . . . . . . 13
Barbiturates . . 2, 7, 9, 10, 14-16, 29, 32, 34, 35, 49
Benzodiazepines. . 2, 8, 10, 14-16, 32, 33, 49, 50
DEXTROAMPHETAMINE . . . . . . 17
diacetylmorphine . . . . . . . . 16, 26
diamorphine. . . . . . . . . . 16, 26
Hazards of Using Drugs Illegally . . . . . 9
DIAZEPAM . . . . . . . 16, 32, 33, 49
DIETHYLPROPION . . . . . . . 17, 38
HEROIN. . . . . 3, 9, 10, 16, 19, 26, 47, 49
Diversion to Treatment . . . . . . . . 13
HYDROCODONE . . . . . . . . 16, 26
HYDROMORPHONE . . . . . . . 16, 26
Drug Paraphernalia Laws. . . . . . . 13
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . 13, 50
INHALANTS . . . . . . 2, 7, 14-16, 30, 31
International Conventions . . . . . . . 13
ethyl alcohol . . . . . . . . . 16, 30Euphoria. . . 14-16, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 34, 36, 44
J
joint . . . . . . . . . . 17, 40, 41, 50
FLUNITRAZEPAM . . . . . . 8, 16, 32, 33
gamma-hydroxybutyrate . . . . . . 8, 16, 34
Gender Differences . . . . . . . 3, 48, 50
lysergic acid diethylamide . . . . . . 16, 22
grievous bodily harm . . . . . . . 16, 34
magic mushrooms . . . . . . . . 16, 22
Hallucinogens . . . 2, 14, 16, 18, 22-25, 40, 50
MARIJUANA/MARIHUANA . . . 3, 8, 12, 15,
MDMA . . . . . . . . 14, 16, 18, 22-24Mental Health Problems. . . . . . . 2, 8
MEPERIDINE . . . . . . . . 14, 16, 26
MESCALINE . . . . . . . . 16, 22-24
PENTAZOCINE . . . . . . . 16, 28, 29
MESTEROLONE . . . . . . . . 17, 44
PENTOBARBITAL . . . . . . . 16, 34
METANDIENONE. . . . . . . . 17, 44
Percodan® . . . . . . . . 3, 16, 27-29
METHADONE . . . . . . . 14, 16, 26, 49
METHAMPHETAMINE. . . 16, 17, 20, 22, 36
phencyclidine . . . . . . . . 16, 22, 23
METHANDIENONE. . . . . . . 17, 44
METHANDROSTENOLONE . . . . . 17, 44
PHENTERMINE . . . . . . . . 17, 38
METHCATHINONE . . . . . . . 17, 36
Physical Dependence . . . 9, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29,
METHENOLONE . . . . . . . . 17, 44
METHYLPHENIDATE . . . . . . 17, 38
Physical Health Problems . . . . . . . 8
MOCLOBEMIDE . . . . . . . . 17, 42
Prince Edward Island . . . . . . . . 57
N,N-dimethyltryptamine . . . . . . 16, 24
PSILOCYBIN . . . . . . . . 16, 22, 23
New Brunswick. . . . . . . . . 39, 57
Psychological Dependence . . . 6, 9, 14, 15, 35,
Newfoundland . . . . . . . . . 39, 57
Northwest Territories . . . . . . . . 58
Nova Scotia . . . . . . . . . . 39, 57Novahistex DH Expectorant® . . . . . . 16
Novahistex DH® . . . . . . . . 16, 26
Novahistine DH®. . . . . . . . 16, 26
Opioid Analgesics . . . 2, 10, 14, 16, 26, 28, 29
OXANDROLONE . . . . . . . . 17, 44
OXYCODONE . . . . . . . . 16, 28, 29OXYMETHOLONE . . . . . . . 17, 44
Safety Hazards . . . . . . . . . . 8Sale of Alcohol and Tobacco . . . . . . 13
Saskatchewan . . . . . . . . . 31, 57
paramethoxyamphetamine . . . . . . 16, 24
SECOBARBITAL . . . . . . . 16, 34, 49
Valium® . . . . . . . 10, 15, 16, 32, 49
VENLAFAXINE . . . . . . . . 17, 42
Server Liability. . . . . . . . . 8, 48
volatile solvents . . . . . . . . 14-16, 30
sleeping pills . . . . . . . 2, 14-16, 32, 34
yellow jackets. . . . . . . . . 16, 34
Talwin® and Ritalin® . . . . . . . 16, 28
TEMAZEPAM . . . . . . . . . 16, 32Tenuate® . . . . . . . . . . 17, 38Testex® . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 44TESTOSTERONE CYPIONATE . . . . 17, 44TESTOSTERONE ENANTHATE . . . . 17, 44TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE . . . 17, 44TESTOSTERONE UNDECANOATE . . . 17, 44tetrahydrocannabinol . . . . . . . 17, 40THC. . . . . . . . . . . 17, 22, 40the forget pill . . . . . . . . . 16, 32TOBACCO . . . 2-5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 36, 38-41, 50Tofranil® . . . . . . . . . . 17, 42Tolerance . . . 2, 6, 9, 23, 25-27, 29, 31, 33, 35-
Following is a list of
NOVA SCOTIA
Resource materials:
useful contact organi-
Addiction Services,
Centre for Addiction and
SPMC Distribution
zations and web sites.
Strategic Health Services
Centre (306) 787-2056
33 Russell Street
Toronto, ON M5S 2S1
Canada's Drug Strategy
1690 Hollis Street
Phone toll-free (Ontario):
Halifax, NS B3J 2R8
Alberta Alcohol and Drug
Tel: (902) 424-7220
Metro Toronto phone:
Fax: (902) 424-0550
2nd Floor, 10909 Jasper
Tel: (613) 957-8340
Fax: (416) 595-5017
Fax: (613) 957-1565
Department of Health and
Ontario Substance Abuse
Tel: (780) 427-7319
Canadian Centre on
Community Services
Fax: (780) 422-5237
Ministry of Health and
Suite 300, 75 Albert
5th Floor, 5700 Yonge
Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7
Ministry for Children and
Tel: (613) 235-4048
Tel: (506) 453-8446
Families, Addiction
Publications Line:
Fax: (506) 453-2958
Tel: (416) 327-8856
737 Courtney Street
FAS/FAE Information
Fax: (416) 327-0854
2nd Floor, P.O. Box 9717,
Stn. Prov.Govt.
Victoria, BC V8W 9S1
website: www.ccsa.ca
Tel: (250) 953-3113
Addictions Foundation of
Fax: (250) 953-3044
Canadian Centre for
Department of Health and
Social Services, Division
Suite 205-1600 James
of Child, Family and
3rd Floor, 1031 Portage
Community Services
Services, Yukon Health
16 Garfield Street
and Social Services
Tel: (613) 748-5755
Charlottetown, PEI
Tel: (204) 944-6200
P.O. Box 2703, H-7
Fax: (613) 748-5746
Fax: (204) 786-7768
Tel: (902) 368-6710
Fax: (902) 368-6136
Tel: (867) 667-5777
website: www.cces.ca
Fax: (867) 667-3498
Services Program Support
Addiction Services
Ministère de la Santé et
Unit, Community Care
Program Development
des Services Sociaux
Branch, Saskatchewan
Direction générale des
Department of Health and
Department of Health and
services à la population
3475 Albert Street
Community Services
1075, chemin Sainte-Foy,
Regina, SK S4S 6X6
Community Programs and
Tel: (306) 787-4686
Québec (QC) G1S 2M1
Fax: (306) 787-7095
Confederation Building
Tel: (418) 646-3251
Toll-free in Sask:
Fax: (418) 644-2009
St. John's, NF A1B 4J6
Tel: (867) 873-7738
Tel: (709) 729-0719
Fax: (867) 873-7706
Fax: (709) 729-5824
RCMP National Drug Awareness Service
RCMP HQ - Ottawa
"E" Division - Vancouver (HQ)
Drug Enforcement Branch
Drug Awareness Service
Drug Awareness Service
657 - 37th Avenue West
1200 Vanier Parkway, Room H-501L
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K6
Ottawa, ON K1A OR2
Tel: (604) 264-3029
Tel: (613) 993-2501
Fax: (604) 264-2649
Fax: (613) 993-5454
"E" Division - Prince George (North District)
"A" Division - Ottawa
Drug Awareness Service
"A" Division Drug Awareness Service
1323 - 5th Avenue
155 McArthur Street
Prince George, BC V2L 4S1
Vanier, ON K1A 0R4
Tel: (250) 561-3128
Tel: (613) 990-6803
Fax: (250) 561-3163
Fax: (613) 993-5705
Website: www.deal.org
"B" Division - St. John's
"E" Division - Fort St. John
"B" Division Drug Awareness Service
Drug Awareness Service
P.O. Box 9700, Station "B"
10648 - 100th Street
St. John's, NF A1A 3T5
Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z6
Tel: (709) 772-4381
Tel: (250) 787-8144
Fax: (709) 772-6010
Fax: (250) 787-8133
"C" Division - Montréal
"E" Division - Prince Rupert
GRC, Division "C"
Drug Awareness Service
Service de sensibilisation aux drogues
800 - 2nd Avenue West
5000, chemin de l'aéroport
Prince Rupert, BC V8J 3Y8
St-Hubert (QC) J3Y 5K2
Tel: (250) 627-3146
Tel: (450) 926-6450
Fax: (250) 627-3163
Fax: (450) 926-6455
"E" Division - Kelowna (Southeast District)
"C" Division - Québec City
Drug Awareness Service
GRC, Divivision "C" Québec/S.-Div.
Service de sensibilisation aux drogues
Kelowna, BC V1X 7M1
Tel: (250) 491-2396
Ste-Foy (QC) G2E 5W1
Fax: (250) 491-2380
Tel: (418) 648-3653
Fax: (418) 648-7325
"E" Division - Kamloops
Drug Awareness Service
"D" Division - Winnipeg
1280 Trans Canada Highway West
"D" Division Drug Awareness Service
Kamloops, BC V2C 5Y5
Tel: (250) 828-3172
1091 Portage Avenue
Fax: (250) 828-3107
Winnipeg, MB R3C 3K2
Tel: (204) 983-2285
"E" Division - Cranbrook
Fax: (204) 984-0642
Drug Awareness Service
31-11th Avenue South
Cranbrook, BC V1C 2N9
Tel: (250) 417-4219
Fax: (250) 417-4214
"E" Division - Nelson
"H" Division - Halifax
Drug Awareness Service
Drug Awareness Service
1010 Second Street
3139 Oxford Street, Box 2286
Nelson, BC V1L 6B6
Halifax, NS B3J 3E1
Tel: (250) 354-5166
Tel: (902) 426-6677
Fax: (250) 352-9677
Fax: (902) 426-7964
"E" Division - Chilliwack (Southwest District)
"J" Division - Fredericton
Drug Awareness Service
Drug Awareness Service
46326 Airport Road
1145 Regent Street, Box 3900
Chilliwack, BC V2P 1A5
Fredericton, NB E3B 4Z8
Tel: (604) 702-4011
Tel: (506) 452-2034
Fax: (604) 702-4047
Fax: (506) 452-3914
"E" Division - Victoria (Island District)
"K" Division - Edmonton
Drug Awareness Service
Drug Awareness Service
2881 Nanaimo Street
11140 - 109th Street
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z8
Edmonton, AB T5G 2T4
Tel: (250) 380-6295
Tel: (403) 412-5461
Fax: (250) 380-6264
Fax: (403) 412-5403
"E" Division - Courteney
Drug Awareness Service
"K" Division - Calgary
130B - 19th Street
Calgary Subdivision
Courteney, BC V9N 8S1
Drug Awareness Service
Tel: (250) 334-5945
920 - 16th Avenue N.E.
Fax: (250) 897-0386
Calgary, AB T2E 1K9
Tel: (403) 230-6533
"E" Division - Nanaimo
Fax: (403) 230-5304
Drug Awareness Service
303 Prideaux St.
"L" Division - Charlottetown
Nanaimo, BC V9R 2N3
Drug Awareness Service
Tel: (250) 755-3226
450 University Avenue, Box 1360
Fax: (250) 755-3243
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7N1
Tel: (902) 566-7777
"F" Division - Regina
Fax: (902) 566-7119
Drug Awareness Service
6101 Dewdney Avenue
"M" Division - Whitehorse
Drug Awareness Service
Regina, SK S4P 3K7
4100 - 4th Avenue
Tel: (306) 780-7499
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1H5
Fax: (306) 780-8567
Tel: (867) 667-5530
Fax: (867) 393-6791
"G" Division - Yellowknife
Drug Awareness Service
"O" Division - London
Drug Awareness Service
Yellowknife, NWT X1A 2R3
P.O. Box 3240, Station B
Tel: (867) 669-5277
London, ON N6A 5R2
Fax: (867) 669-5104
Tel: (519) 645- 3893
Fax: (519) 871-7213
"O" Division - St. Davids/Niagara Falls
Drug Awareness Service
St. Davids, ON L0S 1PO
Tel: (905) 988-4174
Fax: (905) 988-4564
"O" Division - Toronto
Drug Awareness Service
415 Baseline Rd. W.
Tel: (905) 697-6084
Fax: (905) 697-6101
"O" Division - Windsor
Drug Awareness Service
6080 Riverside Drive East
Windsor, ON N8S 1B6
Tel: (519) 948-5287
Fax: (519) 948-5289
Source: http://www.eyewatch.info/straight_facts.pdf
Recommended Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing Intervals for the Detection of Curable Prostate Cancer H. Ballentine Carter, MD; Jonathan I. Epstein, MD; Daniel W. Chan, PhD; James L. Fozard, PhD; Jay D. Pearson, PhD Objective. p=m- Toevaluate prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing intervals that curable cancer with less frequent test¬ maintain the detection of curable cancer and reduce unnecessary testing.
Computerised anticoagulation The historical perspective of monitoring vitamin K antagonists Australia - Human Brain (low ISI) Canada - Rabbit (high ISI) Hong Kong - Human Brain (low ISI) South Africa - Human Brain (low ISI) Sweden - Rabbit (high ISI) U.K - Human Brain (low ISI) Zimbabwe - Rabbit (high ISI) USA - Rabbit (high ISI) 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0