10 drug myths busted

New Zealand has one of the highest drug use rates in the developed world. About 44 per cent of New Zealanders aged 15 and over have recreationally used drugs in their lifetime, with one in 13 saying they smoke cannabis at least once a month.

It would seem that we’re a curious bunch when it comes to drugs, so it’s time to bust some common myths about getting high.

Myth 1: I can’t get addicted to cannabis.

Cannabis does have addictive properties. A dependency on the drug can be developed because you are accustomed to functioning and doing certain things when you are stoned. What’s more, cannabis withdrawals can occur when a person suddenly stops using pot after a long period. The withdrawal period lasts for about a week and involves physical symptoms, such as anxiety, loss of appetite, upset stomach and irritability. It can even disturb your sleep.

Myth 2: But smoking cannabis is harmless. It’s better than smoking or drinking.

While pot may seem like a softer choice of drug, there are still a number of risks associated with it. Much like smoking tobacco, you inhale the smoke, however, you hold it more deeply and for longer than tobacco, which has health risks for you lungs. Also, for some people pot triggers psychosis, especially if you have a predisposition to mental illness. Long term use of cannabis can negatively affect people’s cognitive abilities, especially young people.

On a harm index comparing drugs used by society, alcohol is consistently deemed the most harmful with tobacco also near the top, with cannabis being in the middle of the full range of drugs.

Myth 3: I have a family history of psychosis, but I will be fine to take hallucinogenic drugs.

You might not be. Any mind altering substance can lead to mental distress and mental illness, but a family history may indicate a genetic predisposition and therefore a higher risk of harm.

If you decide that you are going to take the risk with hallucinogenic drugs, then experts advise using a small amount initially, not taking the drugs by yourself, making sure you are in a familiar and safe environment, and delaying the first time you try a drug. These things can all help mitigate the harm if you have a negative reaction.  

Myth 4: The morning coffee I have to have every day is harmless, caffeine is not a drug.

Wrong. Caffeine is a drug, and surprisingly it can be harmful if you take concentrated amounts. While you are unlikely to harm yourself by having a few coffees a day, it is dangerous when consumed in highly concentrated forms, such as caffeine pills, powder or energy drinks – all those energy drinks during exam time are not helping you! If combined with other drugs it can also put a lot of strain on the body and heart.

Myth 5: I drive better stoned because I pay more attention.

This is not true. When you use cannabis, or any psychoactive drug, you become impaired. The extent of impairment depends on how much is used, how frequently you use it, and the delay between using and driving. While you are under the influence of cannabis, your risk of being in an accident doubles. It is also illegal to drive while impaired by drugs, so make sure you wait at least three hours after using cannabis and until you no longer feel affected if you are going to drive. 

Myth 6: I can do methampthetamine a few times without getting addicted. I just want to experiment.

Methamphetamine is highly physically addictive. Yes, some people can use methamphetamine without getting addicted, as is true with all drugs. However, addiction builds over time and it depends on why you are using, how much you using, and who you are. If something changes, such as a relationship ending, then it is very easy to lose control and for drug use to escalate, with problems and addiction to follow.  

Myth 7: We have drug tests coming up in a few weeks, I’ll just stop smoking weed the weekend before and I’ll be fine.

Not necessarily. Cannabis is stored in the body differently than other drugs. If you regularly use cannabis, the THC can accumulate in your body’s fat cells and take up to six weeks to be undetected by a urine test. Also, if you know you have a drug test coming up, stay away from poppy seeds! Your lunch time poppy seed bagel could see a positive reading for opiate morphine.

Myth 8: Nevermind, I will just cheat the drug test by taking aspirin and drinking lots of water.

These tricks to cheat a drug test have no scientific evidence to back them up. Trying to mask or disguise drugs by drinking cranberry juice, taking aspirin or bleaching your hair will not work. Neither will trying to dilute your urine by drinking lots of water. This can cause your results to be rejected as tests check for dilution. There's no guaranteed way to get rid of a drug other than waiting for your body to metabolise it, apart from not doing it in the first place.

Myth 9: I can tell how pure my MDMA is by the colour and appearance.

Not necessarily. MDMA is illegal and produced by the black market. It is often cut with substances such as benzylpiperazine, caffeine and rat poison to bulk up the product and maximise profits for the dealer. There are a huge range of substances that could look exactly the same as MDMA but can be vastly different, especially with the new psychoactive substances that are available.

Myth 10: I have a huge exam coming up and I have not studied at all, I’ll just take some ritalin in order to help me ace the exam!

While it may help in the short term, using ritalin is not the best idea. Ritalin is an amphetamine which is chemically very similar to speed. It increases your energy but can also make you agitated, overly focused on minor things, and less able to process complex ideas. Many users also experience a crash when the drugs wear off. The use of pharmaceutical drugs that are not prescribed to you is also illegal and taking these drugs because you aren’t prepared can lead to dependence and reliance on the substance.

This information was provided by the New Zealand Drug Foundation. If you, or anyone you know, needs support with drugs or alcohol, contact the drug helpline 0800 787 797. For more information check out www.drugfoundation.org.nz