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Drugs are bad, man!. 5 Historical themes of drug use. 1. A basic need for human beings to cope with their environment 2. A susceptible brain chemistry that can be effected by psychoactive drugs.
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5 Historical themes of drug use • 1. A basic need for human beings to cope with their environment • 2. A susceptible brain chemistry that can be effected by psychoactive drugs. • 3. Business and government involvement in growing, manufacturing distributing, taxing and prohibiting drugs.
Part deux • 4. Technological advances in refining and synthesizing drugs. • 5. Development of more efficient and faster methods of putting drugs in the body.
What is a psychoactive drug? • Any substance that directly alters the normal functioning of the central nervous system.
Chemical Classification • Depressants-drugs that suppress or slow the activity of the brain • Stimulants-drugs that accelerate the activity of the central nervous system. • Hallucinogens-Also known as psychedelics, drugs that alter your perception of time, reality and space. • Opioids-drugs that work with opioids receptors-usually prescribed for pain • -Inhalants-drugs consumed through inhalation
Major Drugs- Uppers • Uppers, central nervous system stimulants, include cocaine, speed, diet pills, ritalin, MDMA nicotine and caffeine.
Physical effects • Stimulation of the nervous system, creating energized muscles, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, insomniaand decreased appetite.
Mental/Emotional effects • Small doses make some feel more confident, outgoing and excited. Larger doses can cause anxiety, paranoia, anhedonia and mental confusion.
Downers (depressants) are divided into 4 categories • 1. Opiates-opium, morphine, codeine, heroin and others. • 2. Sedatives-Xanax, Valium etc.
Part deux • 3. Alcohol-Beer, lite beer, wine, wine coolers, the hard stuff and mixed drinks. • 4. Others. Antihistamines, muscle relaxants
Physical Effects • Small doses of downers slow heart rate and respiration, relax muscles, decrease coordination, induce sleep and dull the senses. • Excessive drinking or sedative use can slur speech and cause digestive problems. • Large doses or prolonged use can cause sexual dysfunction.
Mental/Emotional Effects • Initially small doses act like stimulants because they lower inhibitions but the depressant effect begins to dominate, relaxing and dulling the mind.
Hallucinogens • Drugs which cause an altered perception and feeling-changing how the brain perceives time, reality and the user’s environment. • Regions of the brain that are responsible for coordination, hearing and sight are impacted • User may hear/see/feel things that do NOT exist.
Brief history of drugs • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIWwHjm-F_o • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieeYM8ydrRs
Just say no! • Strong stimulants can also cause jitteriness,anger, aggressiveness. Frequent use over a period of a few days will deplete the body’s energy chemicals and exhaust the user.