Archive October 2002
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant drug that strongly activates certain systems in the brain. Methamphetamine is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but the central nervous system effects of methamphetamine are greater. Both drugs have some medical uses, primarily in the treatment of obesity, but their therapeutic use is limited. Street methamphetamine is referred to by [...]
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Ketamine
Ketamine hydrochloride, or “Special K,” is a powerful hallucinogen widely used as an animal tranquilizer by veterinarians. Users sometimes call the high caused by Special K, “K hole,” and describe profound hallucinations that include visual distortions and a lost sense of time, sense, and identity. The high can last from a half-hour to 2 hours. [...]
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Rohypnol
Source: DEA Rohypnol has been a concern for the last few years because of its abuse as a “date rape” drug. People may unknowingly be given the drug which, when mixed with alcohol, can incapacitate and prevent a victim from resisting sexual assault. Also, Rohypnol may be lethal when mixed with alcohol and/or other depressants. [...]
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GHB
Source: DEA Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid or GHB, is a compound that was initially used by body builders to stimulate muscle growth. In recent years it has become popular as a recreational drug among club kids and partygoers. This “designer” drug is often used in combination with other drugs, such as Ecstasy. GHB is synthesized from a [...]
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Ecstasy
MDMA, called “Adam,” “ecstasy,” or “XTC” on the street, is a synthetic, psychoactive (mind-altering) drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties. Its chemical structure is similar to two other synthetic drugs, MDA and methamphetamine, which are known to cause brain damage. Beliefs about MDMA are reminiscent of similar claims made about LSD in the 1950s and [...]
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Lots and Lots of Sex
When I was asked to write a column looking at sexual addiction, my first thought was, “How can I do this without pissing some people off?” I quickly realized that the answer is, “I can't.” For the majority of the people in this country, sex is an issue that carries with it huge emotional baggage. [...]
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Body Obsession
For decades, mental health professionals, researchers and the popular press have assumed body image problems and eating disorders were women's illnesses. Because of their association with women, many men have been hesitant to admit that they struggle with these issues for fear that they would be considered “less manly” or “effeminate.” Additionally, it has just [...]
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How to Give a Better Massage
Massage is the best ice-breaker! It’s true! How many times have you found yourself in a situation with a guy that you really wanted but you weren’t sure what your first move should be, or even if you should make a first move. Try offering him a back rub or a massage, or imply that [...]
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The Heart of Things
After hours of basketball practice in the sun, my teammate’s cool bedroom was bliss. My sweaty, exhausted body collapsed onto Brandon’s bed. Sleep was imminent, but then I saw Brandon removing all his clothing. In a futile effort to appear undistracted, I began to ramble about practice, but I was just too overwhelmed by his [...]
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Piecing Together My Racial Identity
Race and racial identification have always been confusing concepts for me. What is my ethnicity? What do I look like? What do other people think I am? These questions baffled me throughout my childhood, growing up in a white, upper-class, suburban neighborhood. My elementary school told me who I am. My teacher told me to [...]
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Équipe AlterHéros
Julie-Maude Beauchesne
François Paquette
Dee Gamme
Samuel A.
Marion Téjédor