Transcript TYPES OF DRUGS AND THEIR EFFECTS

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Some drugs are more harmful than others
If you use a drug, over time you can develop a
tolerance to it.
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Tolerance- body’s need for larger and larger
amounts of a drug to produce the same effect
Overdose- taking more of a drug than the body can
tolerate
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Stimulants, depressants, club drugs, narcotics,
and hallucinogens
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All are harmful to your physical, mental, emotional,
and social health.
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Stimulant- a drug that speeds up the body’s
functions
Caffeine is an example, so if you drink coffee,
soda, or energy drinks you are having a
stimulant
Stimulants
Speed up the heart
 Raise blood pressure
 False sense of energy, confidence and power
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Once these effects wear off the person feels
exhausted and irritable
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Amphetamines- strong stimulant that speeds
up the nervous system
Can be prescribed to treat medical conditions
ADD- Attention Deficit Disorder
 ADHD- Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
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 These drugs are generally called “speed”
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It can be swallowed, inhaled, smoked, or
injected
Methamphetamine- “Crystal Meth” can cause a
person’s heart to suddenly stop working
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Cocaine is an illegal stimulant made from the
coca plant
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1st use produces brief feeling of well being and
confidence
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It is inhaled through the nose, smoked, or injected
into your veins
Once it wears off the user becomes anxious
Crack is a concentrated form of cocaine that is
smoked
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Makes you feel more alert and energetic
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Depressants slow down the body’s functions
and reactions, including heart and breathing
rates.
Slows motor skills and coordination
 Affects a person mentally and emotionally by giving
a false sense of well being through reduced anxiety
and relaxation
 When it wears off the user experiences mood swings
and depression.
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Most come in tablet form.
They are legal when prescribed by a doctor
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People with anxiety or who have anxiety attacks will
be prescribed a depressant
Alcohol is a depressant
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Misuse can lead to a coma or death
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Also knows as “pot” and “weed”
It is made from dried leaves and flowers of the hemp
plant, “cannabis sativa”
Usually smoked
Marijuana can act as both a depressant or a stimulant
depending on the person.
Effects
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May see or hear things
Relaxed
Talkative
May giggle a lot
Memory loss
Eyes are bloodshot
Lowers sperm count in males