Transcript Drugs and Their Affect on Society

Drugs and Their Affect on Society
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Positive effects of drugs
Negative effects of drugs
Why people abuse drugs
How to avoid the misuse of drugs
Benefits of drugs
• Drugs can be used to fight and cure disease.
• Some drugs are used as painkillers.
• Drugs can be used to overcome other
physical ailments a person may have.
Negative drugs: Cocaine
– What is it? Cocaine is an illegal drug that falls under
the classification of stimulants. It comes from the coca
plant which grows in many areas of South America.
Cocaine
– What effects does it have on the body? Cocaine
speeds up the brain and nervous system. Heart rate,
blood pressure, and pulse all go up. It can cause people
to see things. It can also cause heart attacks, strokes
and seizures. Insomnia is a common effect.
– It gives the user a feeling of well-being and strength.
– It may make a person feel happy and excited.
Cocaine
Is it addicting?
Cocaine users can
become very
dependent on the drug.
Persons may feel
physical and mental
withdrawal symptoms.
Does it have any
positive uses?
– Cocaine is illegal, but
it has been used to
numb the eye before
surgery.
Cocaine
– What are some other names it is called?
Coke, snow, toot, white lady, blow
– How is it taken?
It is sniffed or snorted through the nose. It can be
injected. If it is smoked it is called freebasing.
– What form does it come in?
White crystals or powder. It is odorless
Why do people abuse drugs?
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They don’t follow doctors directions.
They have a low self esteem.
They become addicted and then can’t stop.
They are influenced by friends.
They think, ‘nothing will happen.’
Positive Decision Making
How to keep myself safe and healthy?
What Are Healthy Decisions?
Get involved in
activities.
Participation in
sports.
Play in a band
or orchestra.
Choose friends
that are drug
free.
Be honest with
yourself and
others.
Learn how to
say “no.”
Have a trusted
adult you can
talk to.
Don’t drink and
drive.
Be aware of
consequences
and accept them.
Resources
• Microsoft Encarta 2001, Malcolm, Coe,
Oxford Scientific films. Coca Plant
• www.healthfinder.gov
• http://substanceabuse.about.com/cs/cocaine/
• Merki, Mary Bronson, Teen Health.
Pgs461-462.Glencoe/McGraw-Hill 1999