Transcript Stimulants and Depressants

Stimulants and Depressants
Health 8
Mrs. Bauder
Stimulants
Stimulants
• Speeds up the body’s functions. Impacts:
• a person’s activity level, mood and CNS
– Legal forms
• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Amphetamine (prescription)
– Illegal forms
• Cocaine
• Crack
• Methamphetamine
Effects of Stimulants on the Body
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Speed up the central nervous system
Cause the heart rate to increase
Cause the respiratory rates to increase
Cause high blood pressure
• When stimulants are misused or abused they can
seriously damage the body.
• Stimulants are often habit-forming.
• Even a first time user can die from certain stimulants.
Caffeine
• World’s most frequently
used stimulant.
• Works by stimulating
the cortex of the brain.
Effects of Caffeine
• Moderate levels show:
Increased
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Blood pressure
Body temp
Blood sugar levels
Metabolism
Urination
Hand tremors
• Decreased
– Appetite
– Coordination
• Large amounts causes:
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Nausea
Diarrhea
Shaking
Headache
Nervousness
Convulsions
Respiratory failure
Death (750 mg)
Is Caffeine Addictive
• Yes - It meets the requirements for addiction –
tolerance, psychological dependency, and
withdrawal symptoms.
• What products contain caffeine?
common stimulant
Caffeine Users
• On the rise amongst young
people.
• Regular users experience
withdrawal symptoms.
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Headache
Lethargy
Low energy
Irritability
Depression
Stimulant - Cocaine
• Cocaine is a powerful, illegal substance
• Ways in which cocaine is used?
– Snorting
– Smoking (freebasing)
– Injection
Physical Effects of Cocaine
• Physical effects
– Feeling of exhilaration and a burst of energy,
followed by depression as the drug wears off.
– Increased heart rate and blood pressure
– Loss of appetite
– Convulsions
– Crack cocaine
• a concentrated form of cocaine that is smoked. This is
one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs used.
Crack-Craving Cycle
1. The crack high starts
quickly
3. Severe crash
followed by severe
craving for more.
2. It gives the user
an intense high,
but it only lasts
15 minutes.
Stimulants cont.
• Amphetamines – drugs prescribed to stimulate
the central nervous system.
– (speed, diet pills, uppers, crank, ice)
Stimulants - Methamphetamines
• Dramatically affects the CNS
• Synthetic – manufactured by people (not a
natural plant)
• Low cost - made from OTC drugs
• Various methods of use:
– Injected
– Smoked (most dangerous and addictive)
• People use meth for the rush, for energy,
weight loss or to self-medicate.
What does a Meth user looks like?
Meth Use Before & After
Depressants
Depressants
• Depressants – drugs that slow down the
body’s functions and reactions.
– Commonly called sedatives
– Reduce blood pressure and slow down the heart
rate and breathing rate.
– Doctors may prescribe to relieve anxiety,
nervousness, and sleeplessness.
– Frequently abused
Depressants
• Main kind of depressants
– Tranquilizers (relaxation…Valium, Xanax)
– Barbiturates (effects mood, sleep)
– Hypnotics (sleep, anxiety)
Heath Ledger
• Heath Ledger’s death
was an accident resulting
from the abuse of
prescription medications
• Heath had six
prescription drugs,
including anti-anxiety
medications and sleeping
pills.
Any Questions?