Transcript Illegal Drugs

Illegal Drugs
Stimulants, Depressants,
Hallucinogens, Narcotics, Marijuana,
Inhalants & Club Drugs
Facts About Drug Use:
• Medicines- legal drugs that help the body
fight injury, illness or disease
• Over –The – Counter Vs. Prescriptions
• Drug Misuse & Drug Abuse
• Psychoactive Drug- “mood altering” ; a
chemical that affects brain activity
Dangers of Drug Misuse & Abuse:
• When drugs are used or misused many
serious health effects can result:
– Side Effects
– Drug Antagonism ( 2 or more drugs cancel out
the effects of the other one. Ex: Antibiotics &
Birth Control Pills)
– Drug Synergism or The Multiplier Effect ( 2 or
more drugs intensify the effects of one drug
alone) Ex: Alcohol & Valium
Factors That Affect Drug Abuse:
• Family economics, relationships, history of
drug use (ex. Smokers)
• Social peer pressure, role models,
involvement in specific types of activities
• Personal factors like Stress, Depression,
Low Self-Esteem, Need to Cope with
problems
Stimulants:
• Increase heart rate, BP, Breathing rate &
Alertness
• Speeds up the CNS
• Examples: Amphetamines, Cocaine, Crack,
Methamphetamine, Nicotine, Caffeine
Depressants:
• Slow down body functions by decreasing heart
rate, Breathing rates & lowering BP
• A Psychoactive Drug that Slows the Brain & Body
Reactions
• Examples: Alcohol, Barbiturates, Opiates like
Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, & Percocet are
depressant narcotics (powerful class of pain
relievers; highly addictive; highly controlled
substances)
Hallucinogens:
• Psychoactive drugs that overloads the brain
with sensory information, causing a
distorted sense of reality
• Distorts perceptions (senses), Moods, &
Thoughts
• Examples: LSD, Psilocybin (mushrooms),
PCP (Angel Dust)
Marijuana:
• Psychoactive drug that comes from the
Hemp/Cannabis plant. It’s main ingredient
(THC) changes the way information
reaches & is acted upon by the brain.
• Often referred as a Gateway Drug
• Often Laced with other drugs
• Strength of Drug varies greatly
• Debate of Legality in US (Currently Illegal)
Marijuana Information Page:
• http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/stoners/
default.aspx#
• Go to the Marijuana Page
• Look at Facts, Biological Effects,
Behavioral Effects, Myth-busters, & Pete’s
Couch
• Take the “Test Your Brain” Quiz !!
Inhalants, Steroids & Club Drugs:
• Commonly found in specific subgroups of
the population (Middle School Aged,
Athletes, Dance/Club Scene)
• Inhalant- breathable chemical vapor that
produces mind-altering effects (depriving
Oxygen from reaching the Brain)
• Steroids: Synthetic type of Testosterone to
build Muscle Mass
Marijuana Debate:
• Pro’s
• Con’s
Marijuana Debate:
• Pro’s
• Con’s
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Treatment of Medical Problems
(nausea due to Chemo therapy)
(Glaucoma)
Increased Appetite for Ill Patients
Alcohol & Tobacco are Legal for
Adults
It’s Natural (A plant)
Stress Reliever
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Decrease in Problem solving
ability, Control & Judgment, Motor
Skills- reaction time, Dulled
Senses, Addiction
Lack of Motivation, Paranoia
Inability to Regulate BP, Hunger,
Hormones, Sleep Patterns
Increased Risk Taking Behavior
Distorted Perception of Time
Increased Cancer Risks/ Lung
Problems
Gateway Drug