Commonly Abused Drugs

1. Commonly Abused Drugs OBJECTIVES WARM-UP In the last 25 years, abuse of prescription pain relievers has increased by 500%. What factors do you think are responsible for the increase in prescription drug abuse? • Compare the effects of depressants, stimulants & hallucinogens on the body. • Name three classes of drugs of increasing concern in recent years.

2. Commonly Abused DrugsDepressants • Psychoactive drugs that slow brain & body reactions • Slow body functions by decreasing heart and breathing rates & lowering blood pressure. • Categories of Depressants: • Barbiturates • CNS Depressants • Opiates • Alcohol

3. Commonly Abused DrugsDepressants Barbiturates CNS Depressants Sedative that slows the activity of the central nervous system Actions: Slow nerve activity Relax muscle tension Lower alertness Cause drowsiness Side Effects Blurred vision Dizziness Slurred Speech Headache Skin rash Long Term Effects: Blood & Liver Disease • Also called sedative-hypnotics • Small doses: sedative • Large doses: hypnotics • Side Effects • Poor Coordination • Slurred speech • Decreased alertness • Long-Term Effects • Sleepiness • Irritability • Confusion

4. Commonly Abused DrugsDepressants • Opiates • Drug made from psychoactive compounds contained in the seed pods of poppy plants • Small Doses: dull senses, relieve pain, cause sleep • Common Opiates • Heroin, Codeine, Morphine • Side Effects • Nausea, vomiting • Decreased alertness • Drowsiness • Depressed respiration • Long-Term Effects • Constipation • Blood-borne Diseases

5. Commonly Abused DrugsStimulants • Drug that speeds up activities of the CNS • Increases heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate & alertness • May be used to treat sleep disorders, ADD, ADHD • Commonly Abused Stimulants • Amphetamines • Methamphetamine • Cocaine • Nicotine/Tobacco Smoke

6. Commonly Abused DrugsStimulants • Amphetamines • Prescription drugs sold as “Speed” or Uppers” • Produces feelings of well-being and high energy • Side Effects • Restlessness • Rapid speech • Blurred vision • Dizziness • Long-Term Effects • Hyperactivity • Irritability • Irregular heart rate • Liver damage • paranoia

7. Commonly Abused DrugsStimulants • Methamphetamines • More powerful than amphetamines • Called “Meth”, “crank”, “crystal” or “ice”. • Made from OTC ingredients in illegal meth labs • Side Effects • Increased respiration • Elevated body temperature • Convulsions • Stroke • Long-Term Effects • Psychotic behavior • Memory loss • Aggression • Brain & heart damage • Severe tooth & gum disease

8. Commonly Abused DrugsStimulants • Cocaine • Powerful, short-acting stimulant • May be sniffed, smoked, or injected • Crack • A concentrated, smokable form of cocaine • Strongest form of cocaine • Short, powerful effects occur within 8 seconds after smoking. • Side Effects • Sleep disorders • Loss of appetite • Increased blood pressure & heart rate • Long-Term Effects • Depression • Paranoia • Irritability • Weight Loss • Irregular Heart Beat • Respiratory & Cardiovascular Failure

9. Commonly Abused DrugsHallucinogens • Drug that distorts perception, thought, and mood • Overload the brain with sensory information, causing a distorted sense of reality • Have no medicinal use • Produce frightening & unpredictable mood swings • Abusers cannot tell what is real • May experience memory loss & personality changes • Tolerance develops quickly

10. Commonly Abused DrugsHallucinogens LSD Psilocybin Also called “shrooms” Chemical found in certain type of mushroom Mushrooms eaten raw or with other food Effects similar to LSD, but not as strong Psilocybin mushrooms resemble a deadly mushroom • Also called “acid” • Effects unpredictable—can either stimulate or depress CNS. • Experience hallucinations & feel they have superhuman powers. • Shortens attention span • Causes “bad trips” & flashbacks

11. Commonly Abused DrugsHallucinogens • PCP • Also known as “angel dust”—comes in white powder • Originally used as an anesthetic or painkiller • May smoke w/ tobacco or marijuana, inject, sniff, or eat • Eliminates sensation of pain  unintentional injury • Abusers develop signs of schizophrenia • Effects last long after drug use ends

12. Commonly Abused DrugsClub Drugs • First gained popularity at dance clubs & raves • Now widely available • Strength & effects highly unpredictable • Drugs can be unknowingly placed in someone’s drink • Examples • Ecstasy (MDMA) • Rohypnol • GHB • Ketamine

13. Commonly Abused DrugsClub Drugs Ecstasy Rohypnol Roofies, rophies, forget-me pill CNS depressant Side Effects Decreased blood pressure Drowsiness Dizziness Confusion Memory Loss “Date Rape” drug Impairs user up to 12 hours • XTC, C, Adam, Clarity, Love Drug • Combined stimulant & hallucinogen • Side Effects • Increased heart rate & BP • Blurred vision • Muscle tension • Severe sweating & chills • Nausea • Increased body temp. • Organ failure

14. Commonly Abused DrugsClub Drugs GHB Ketamine K, Vitamin K, Cat valium Hallucinogen Side Effects hallucinations, Increased heart rate & BP Impaired motor function Memory loss Numbness Nausea High doses cause delirium & fatal respiratory problems • Grievous bodily harm, G, liquid ecstasy • CNS Depressant • Side Effects • Drowsiness • Nausea • Headache • Loss of reflexes • Associated with date rape • High doses result in sleep, coma, or death

15. Commonly Abused DrugsKey Questions • Briefly describe the overall effects that depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens have on the body. • What is an opiate? Give 3 examples. • What is methamphetamine? List 3 long-term effects of methamphetamine use. • Summarize the dangers of club drugs.