Drugs

Prescription drugs abuse is the use of a prescription medication in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor. (Mayo Clinic)  According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, prescription drugs are the third most commonly abused category after alcohol and marijuana. According to NACADA some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include the following:

LSD is the short form for Lysergic acid diethylamide. It is manufactured from lysergic acid which is found in the ergot fungus that grows on rye and other grains. It is produced in crystal form in the laboratories. The crystals are converted into a liquid for distribution. It is odorless, colorless and has a slightly bitter taste.

A summary of common drugs, their most common street names, description and use as well as their effects and dangers

Alcohol is scientifically known as Ethyl alcohol (ethanol). It is produced through the fermentation of sugar, yeast and starches. Alcohol is referred to by a number of street names such as: Booze, brew, chug, cold one, gargle, hard stuff, hooch, jack, juice, refreshment, sauce, shine, swish, vino among others.

Marijuana, as defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stem and seeds of the Hemp plant scientifically known as Cannabis sativa. Medically marijuana is used to relieve pain in very sick patients or treat certain conditions without causing side effects. In the United States, twenty three states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana.

Crystal meth is the short form for crystal methamphetamine. It is a white crystalline drug that people take by inhaling, smoking or injection. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine released which is a feel good chemical in the body. The drug creates a false sense of happiness and well-being therefore the user becomes addicted as they desire to experience the feeling of confidence, hyper activeness and energy. Drug effects last 8-10 hours generally but can also last up to 24 hours. It has many street names such as meth, crank, chalk or speed among others.

Tobacco is scientifically known as Nicotiana Tabacum. It has a long history of use by medical herbalists as a relaxant but is rarely used due to its highly addictive nature. According to the Kenya Tobacco Research Control Group, 80% of tobacco production was taking place in Nyanza around the year 2011. A poll conducted by Euromonitor International showed that tobacco consumption in Kenya recorded value and volume growth in 2014, unlike the previous year.