Transcript Drugs
Drug Classifications Stimulant – increases or “stimulates” action of the central nervous system Depressant – decreases or “depresses” action of the central nervous system Narcotic - Narcotics are any substances that bind to opiate receptors of brain. Example: Most pain medications, morphine, heroin, codeine. Drug Classifications Hallucinogen – alters perception or mood Inhalant - chemically diverse group of psychoactive substances composed of organic solvents and volatile substances commonly found in adhesives, lighter fluids, cleaning fluids and paint products Others – Cannabis, Steroids Cocaine Stimulant Derived from Powered Cocaine. Snorting (15-30 min), Smoking (5-10 min), Inhaling White powder diluted w/ sugar and anesthetics Euphoria, excitation, inc. alertness Respiratory failure, stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, or heart Cocaine Increases dopamine associated with pleasure and movement Prevents dopamine from being recycled, causing excessive amounts to build up in the brain which causes Euphoric feelings. Crack Smoke White crystals called rock crack cocaine is processed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water and heated to remove the hydrochloride, thus producing a form of cocaine that can be smoked Quick intense high Become more easily addicted Methamphetamine Meth, speed, ice, crystal Smoke, snort, inject, oral Bitter white powder or hard rock form “ice” Lasts longer than cocaine or crack Nervousness, irritability, and paranoia, severe depression Tweaking – severe withdrawal where the user can’t sleep and can’t reproduce high, causes violent unpredictable behavior Heroin Injected, sniffed, smoked White/brown bitter powder or black tar like substance Euphoria Drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, and nausea Convulsions, coma, cardiac arrest Harsh withdrawal Ketamine Special K Clear liquid or white/off-white powder Animal tranquilizer Liquid form - injected, consumed in drinks, added to smokable materials Powerful depressant Can cause a K-hole or out of body GHB Depressant approved by FDA for Narcolepsy in 2002 Euphora, disinhibition, enhanced sensuality Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, agitation, visual disturbances, depressed breathing, amnesia, unconsciousness, and death GHB can last from 1.5 to 3 hours Ecstasy - MDMA Stimulant & hallucinogenic properties Orally in pill or capsule form Produces profoundly positive feelings, empathy for others, elimination of anxiety, & extreme relaxation. MDMA use sometimes results in severe dehydration or exhaustion Ecstasy Effects: nausea, hallucinations, chills, sweating, increases in body temperature, tremors, involuntary teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision MDMA after-effects include anxiety, paranoia, and depression An MDMA overdose is characterized by high blood pressure, faintness, panic attacks, and, in more severe cases, loss of consciousness, seizures, and a drastic rise in body temperature. MDMA overdoses can be fatal, as they may result in heart failure or extreme heat stroke LSD - Lysergic Acid Diethylamide Orally – pills, gel, paper Most potent Hallucinogen Alters mood, time, space, perception, color, sound, touch Ability to make sensible judgments impaired User may experience depression, anxiety, and flashbacks Marijuana Most commonly used illicit drug in America today (1/3 of Americans try marijuana in their lifetime) Varies significantly in its potency Smoked (joints, blunts, pipes, bowls), orally Marijuana-Joints, Bongs, Bowls, Blunts, Etc. Marijuana Effects: increased heart rate, dryness of the mouth, reddening of eyes, impaired motor skills & concentration, and frequent hunger Marijuana users experience the same health problems as tobacco smokers. Example: bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma Extended use increases risk to the lungs and reproductive system, as well as suppression of the immune system Inhalants Glue, gas, paint, paint thinner, nitrous oxide, etc. Inhale or “Huff” Low cost, accessible, concealable Absorbs through lungs