Transcript Health Issue of the Week

Health Issue of the Week
Drug Use and
the Brain
Description of Issue
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There are many kinds of drugs – such
as marijuana, nicotine, alcohol,
inhalants, tranquilizers, etc.
They have a wide range of effects on the
body – such as sleepiness, brain
damage, and dizziness.
They cause many emotional and social
problems as well as physical problems.
Type of Disease
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Non-communicable
Cannot get it from someone
else, but CAN be influenced to
begin use.
Many people begin drug use
because others are doing it.
Negative Aspects
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Can become addictive – body becomes physically
dependent on it.
Can cost a LOT of money:
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Total economic cost of alcohol and drug use in 1992 was
estimated at $245.7 billion dollars – this includes treatment
programs, healthcare costs, prevention programs, etc.
Between 1988 and 1995, Americans spent approximately $57.3
billion dollars on drugs.
Can cause many health problems
Three Common Drugs
Three Kinds of Drugs that are commonly used by
teens are:
1.
2.
3.
Alcohol
Marijuana
Inhalants
Alcohol
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Is a depressant - slows down the
activity of the nervous system
(muscles relax and become sleepy)
Short-term effects:
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Decreased alertness
Poor reflexes
Nausea
Long-term effects:
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Liver and brain damage
Inadequate nutrition
Alcohol and the Brain
“Alcohol suppresses the activities of excitatory nerve
pathways and increases the activities of inhibitory
nerve pathways.”
Otherwise stated as:
Alcohol makes the neurotransmitters in the brain
produce too much or too little of the chemical that it
is supposed to produce.
Alcohol’s Effects on the Brain
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It creates an overproduction of serotonin
which affects your decision making.
It produces less glutamate which is
associated with memory loss.
It creates an overproduction of GABA which
makes you less anxious
How might each of these things affect you?
Marijuana
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Most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S.
Short-term effects:
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Loss of coordination
Increased heart rate
Long-term effects:
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Respiratory disease
Lung cancer
Difficulty with concentration and memory
Marijuana and the Brain
When THC enters the brain, it attaches to
cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells, affecting
the way those cells work.
Marijuana’s Effects on the Brain
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It affects the cerebellum by creating
coordination problems
It affects the hippocampus which affects
learning and memory
It affects the brain stem which is responsible
for sleep and motor control
How might each of these things affect you?
Inhalants
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Also called “huffing” or “sniffing”
Often cheap and found in kitchens, garages, and schools
Popular inhalants include glue, nail polish remover, and paint
thinner
Short-term effects:
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Nausea
Headaches
Death
Long-term effects:
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Damage to liver, kidneys, and brain
Hallucinations
Inhalants and the Brain
One major effect of inhalants is the destruction
of the myelin sheath that surrounds neurons.
This can result in problems in the normal
transmission of impulses through neurons
and cell death.
Inhalants’ Effects on the Brain
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It affects the cerebral cortex which causes changes
in personality, memory loss, and learning problems.
It affects the cerebellum by creating problems in
balance and movement
It affects the visual system (including the optic nerve)
causing visual disturbances.
How might each of these things affect you?
Alternatives
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Get the facts about alcohol and drugs (i.e.
one drink can make you fail a breath test)
Learn about different ways to turn down a
drink or drugs
Learn to recognize the signs of a drug
problem (i.e. feeling run down or depressed)
Interesting Facts
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The human brain weighs about the
same as a Chihuahua (the Taco Bell
dog)
In 2002 survey, only 8% of 8th
graders claimed that they used
marijuana in the last month.
The leading cause of death for teens
and young adults is auto accidents
related to alcohol.