The Hillsdale Police Department is constantly attempting to educate residents, and especially children, about the harmful affects of drug abuse.  Through programs like D.A.R.E. and other school activites like Awareness Education, the HPD hopes that by starting at a young age, children will realize the dangers of drug use. 

In addition to focusing on children, the HPD wants all residents of any age to be aware of narcotics and their risks.  P.O. Angermeyer has compiled Narcotics Fast Facts to summarize the commonly used drugs, and how they can affect the human body:

Narcotics Fast Facts

Marijuana - The cannabis sativa L. plant material, marijuana, was criminalized due to the serious sideaffects and underlying component, THC, that causes cancer and lung deficiencies.  Studies have shown brain cells, nerve cells and reproductive organs, which have lead to still births and birth defects, are all side-affects of Marijuana smoking.  Additionally, marijuana is clasified as a 'gateway drug' -- meaning, the body craves for stronger and more intense highs after repeated use of marijuana, thereby leading the user to more illicit substances like perscription drug abuse, or dangerous narcotics like cocaine and heroine. More About Marijuana  

Cocaine - An alkaloid extracted from the coca leaf, cocaine is a powerful stimulant that creates a short-lived, but intense state of euphoria and hyperactivity, followed by depression and anxiety.  Cocaine has devastating affects on the human body, among the worst of all illicit drugs: cocaine craving can override family instincts of protection and affection, leading to child abuse and neglect.  Cocaine constricts blood vessels, decreasing the blood flow to the brain. Computerized PET scans reveal that decreased blood flow persists 10 days after cocaine use is stopped.  Tests show cocaine use also accelerates the heart beat, raises blood pressure and has resulted in heart attacks or stroke after only one small dose. Other problems associated with cocaine use can include damage to the lungs and nerve system, as well as the human immune system.  Pregnant women who use even small doses of cocaine restrict blood flow to the fetus and may give birth to babies with low birth weight, small heads, deformed kidneys and defective urinary tracts. Addicted babies suffer withdrawal pains and demonstrate learning and psychological difficulties as they grow older.

Crack (Crack-Cocaine) - Cocaine Hydrochloride is a white, crystalline powder produced from cocaine base, which is in turn a product of coca paste.  Unlike cocaine base manufactured in the traditional freebase process, crack (which is an off-white color resembling coagulated soap powder) is manufactured by converting hydrochloride back to base.  After conversion, the product is sold in ready-to-smoke powder which can be sprinkled on cigarettes.  Crack addicts experience a brief high for about ten minutes, followed by a severe and usually debilitating depression.  The health effects of crack use are essentially the same as cocaine, with an overall steady decline in organ function.

Heroin - typically injected, but may also be smoked, Heroin is a popular drug because it is regarded as a high-class narcotic for the elite. In reality, the drug is very physiologically addictive, and leads to total dependence upon the narcotic for day-to-day survival.  Users experience vomiting, tremors, and severe stomach cramps. Withdrawal may even result in death.

Inhalants - represent a broad spectrum of substances and chemicals which produce vapors that are mind altering when inhaled.  Many are simply household items such as spray paint, cooking spray, hair spray, gasoline, and nail polish remover.  Those who abuse inhalants are referred to as 'huffers' on the street.  Symptoms and effects include slowed reflexes, double vision, and general impairment.  'Huffing' results in damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, blood, bone marrow, and central nervous system.  Additionally, 'sudden sniffing death,' in which abusers of inhalants die instantly while abusing the substance, is on the rise, causing concern as a first-time user can be killed with just one use.