Transcript Legal Drugs and their Effects

Legal Drugs and
their Effects
Drugs that can be obtained from
grocery stores or pharmacies
Tobacco
 Several forms
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Cigarettes
Cigars
Snuff
Pipes
Chewing Tobacco
 ALL forms contain nicotine
Effects
 Effects the blood vessels and causes the heart
and lungs to work harder to get oxygen
 Nicotine is a poison that may cause
lightheadedness and nausea
 Tar collects in the lungs and causes a dark
sludge
 Nicotine is addictive and prolonged use can
lead to cancer
Alcohol
 70% of the US population uses alcohol
on a regular basis
 The most widely used and abused drug
in our country
 A Poison to the body
Alcohol causes:
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Reduced attention span
Slow motor skills
Blurred vision
Reduced body temperature
Decreased sexual performance
Violent Behavior
Alcoholics
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Crave alcohol
High tolerance
Drink to excess
Physical addiction that causes withdrawl
Caffeine
 A mild, legal stimulant found in or added
to many foods and drinks
 Americans consume about 5,000 tons of
caffeine a year
 It increases heart rate and makes you
feel alert
Effects of Caffeine
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Sleeplessness
Restlessness
Irritability
Panic attacks
Linked to birth defects
Caffeine can be addictive
and withdrawals include
temporary depression,
headaches and irritability
Prescription Drugs
 Medications that are obtained through the
written prescription of a licensed physician
 Can be addictive but most physicians are
careful not to overmedicate patients
 Congress has passed the Controlled
Substance Act that classifies drugs by how
safe they are
 Can be fatal if mixed with other drugs or taken
without a doctor’s approval