Transcript Drugs
Drug – Any substance that kills organisms in the body or that affects body function or structure People may try Drugs because they are uninformed about drugs, unaware how harmful they are or because they never made a plan not to use drugs. Reasons people use drugs: Medical Alter moods Social facilitation Sensation seeking Rebellion Alienation Peer pressure Group entry Curiosity Speed up the central nervous system, producing an increase in alertness and excitability. Examples are: Cocaine, Crack and Ritalin Also known as Sedatives and Tranquilizers. They slow down the central nervous system, causing a feeling of relaxation. Examples are valiums or perks. Can alter feelings, moods and/or perceptions. Marijuana is classified as psychoactive but can exhibit effects similar to those of stimulants, depressants and narcotics. Examples are LSD and Acid Powerful Painkillers They also produce pleasurable feelings and induce sleep. Include: heroin, codeine, opium, oxycodone Volatile non-drugs that cause drug like effects if inhaled. Examples: glue, gasoline, sharpies, paint Drugs manufactured illegally to mimic controlled substances. Often more powerful and less predictable than drugs they imitate. Example: Ecstasy Addiction: Pathological relationship with a substance that has life-damaging potential. - The spectrum of addiction ranges from alcohol, drugs, tobacco to behavior such as eating and working The causes of addiction are complex and interrelated. A number of interacting variables may contribute to the development of addiction. - genetics, family influences, friends, life events, social and cultural values, availability and personality. Personality type, temperament, and attitudes may also contribute to drug use and addiction. Addictive behavior is any behavior that is excessive, compulsive, and psychologically or physically destructive. Personality traits associated with drug abuse include rebelliousness, resistance to authority, independence, low self-esteem. In addition, people who abuse drugs seem to have a high tolerance for deviance in others, placing a low value on education and religion, display low levels of competence in task performance, have low degrees of obedience and have an undeveloped sense of diligence. CRYSTAL METH (methylamphetamine) psychostimulant and sympathomimetic drug What are the street names/slang terms for Crystal Meth? Ice What is Crystal Meth? Crystal Meth is a very pure, smokeable form of methamphetamine. It is a powerful and extremely addictive man-made stimulant. Its use can lead to severe physiological and psychological dependence. What does it look like? Clear crystal chunks, similar in appearance to actual ice or glass. Crystal Meth is odorless and colorless. How is it used Crystal Meth is usually smoked, but is sometimes snorted or injected. The drug is abused because of its euphoric effects. Short term effects The drug’s effects are similar to those of cocaine but longer lasting. Crystal Meth can cause erratic, violent behavior among its users. Effects include suppressed appetite, interference with sleeping behavior, mood swings and unpredictability, tremors and convulsions, increased blood pressure, irregular heart rate. Users may also experience homicidal or suicidal thoughts, prolonged anxiety, paranoia and insomnia. Crystal meth use by pregnant women can lead to premature birth or birth defects, including heart defects and cleft palate. Long Term Effects Long Term Effects of Crystal Meth use can include brain damage (similar to the effects of Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease), coma, stroke or death. Chronic users may also develop distinct physical symptoms. Signs of chronic use include weight loss, tooth decay and cracked teeth “Meth Mouth”, psychosis and hallucinations, sores on the body from picking at skin, and formication (an abnormal skin sensation akin to "bugs crawling on skin").