Understanding Drugs: Effects, Types, and Risks

1. Drugs What do drugs do to you? Why do people use drugs?

2. Addictive Drug-A substance that causes physiological or psychological dependence • Nicotine- The addictive drug found in tobacco leaves • Stimulant- A drug that increases the action of the central nervous system, the heart, and other organs • Drugs- Substances intended for use in diagnosis, prevention and cure of disease. • Drug abuse- Occurs when people intentionally misuse any kind of drug for nonmedicinal purposes. • Drug misuse- Improper use of drugs, amount strength or manner. • Medicines- Legal drugs that help the body fight injury, illness and disease. • O.T.C. Drugs- Drugs purchased w/o a prescription

3. Prescription Drugs- Mustbe obtained through a written doctors order. • Dependence- Physical or psychological dependence on a drug, that the body required drug to perform normally. • Addiction- Dependence of a substance causing an inability to continue. • Tolerance- Body’s ability to resist the effect of the drug, there by necessitating larger dosage. • Withdrawal- Set of symptoms which occur when drug is discontinued.

4. Drug Types Stimulants • Speed up the central nervous system, causes heart and respiratory rates, Blood pressure, appetite. • Headache, dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of coordination, blurred vision, aggressive behavior, shakiness • Crank, Cocaine, Ice, Meth., Speed, Caffeine, Diet pills

5. Depressants • Slow down the central nervous system, relax muscles, slow heart rate, slow blood pressure, induce feelings of intoxication. • Slurred speech, drowsy, confusion • Alcohol, Marijuana, Barbiturates, opiates, Tranquilizers, Valium,

6. Hallucinogens • Mood altering drugs • Alters vision, hearing, smell, touch. • Impairs speech and memory. • Flashbacks may occur. • Touch and pain receptors are dulled. • User feels powerful. • Muscle coordination is impaired Ecstasy, Special “K”, MDMA, PCP, LSD

7. INHALANTS • Substances w/fumes that are sniffed or inhaled to give a high. • Slows CNS, produces effects similar to alcohol • Nose bleeds, nausea, sneezing, fatigue, • Appears drunk Glue, Paint, Gas, Aerosol

8. MarijuanaDepressant • Altered perceptions, red eyes, dry mouth, • Reduced concentration, coordination, • Anxiety laughing, hunger, addiction • Loss of motivation, impaired short-term memory, slowed thinking and reactions, Pot, Dope, Weed, Grass, Joint, Blunt

9. Alcohol • Intoxication, slurred speech, • Loss of coordination, slowed reflexes • Addiction, accidents, overdose, • Heart & Liver damage Beer, Vodka, Rum, Wine, Shots

10. Alcohol • Ethanol- The type of alcohol in alcoholic beverages • Powerful and addictive drug • Fermentation- The chemical action of yeast on sugars • Water, flavoring, and minerals are mixed with ethanol to produce beverages such as beer, wine, and flavored malt liquor drinks

11. Short Term Effects (2) • Slows reaction time • Impairs vision • Diminishes judgement • Too much can cause intoxication • Intoxication-The state in which the body is poisoned by alcohol or another substance, and the person’s physical and mental control is significantly reduced

12. Long Term Effects (2) • Damage to brain cells and a reduction in brain size • Increase in blood pressure, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke • Buildup of fat cells in the liver which can lead to cell death • Damage to the digestive lining of the stomach causing ulcers and cancer of the stomach • Destruction of the pancreas • Damage to relationship with family, friends, and others

13. Factors that Influence Alcohol’s Effects • Body size • Smaller person feels the effect faster than larger person • Gender • Moves in bloodstream faster in females because of smaller bodies • Food • Food in stomach slows down the passage of alcohol in bloodstream • Rate of intake • If they drink faster than the liver can break it down, person becomes intoxicated • Amount • As the amount increases, the level of alcohol in bloodstream rises • Medicine • Alcohol can interfere with medicines; some medicines can heighten the effects of alcohol

14. Alcohol Poisoning • Alcohol poisoning- A severe and potentially fatal physical reaction to an alcohol overdose • Mental confusion and stupor • Coma and inability to be roused • Vomiting and seizures • Slow respiration • Irregular heartbeat • Hypothermia or low body temperature • Binge drinking- Drinking five or more alcoholic drinks at one sitting

15. Risks of Alcohol Use • Benefits of living Alcohol free • Maintaining a healthy body • Establishing healthy relationships • Making healthy decisions • Avoiding risky behaviors • Avoiding illegal activities • Avoiding violence • Achieving your goals • Health Risks of Alcohol use • Legal issues • Violence • Sexual activity • STI’s, unplanned pregnancy, sexually active earlier • Family • Neglect, abuse, or social isolation • Economic hardship • Personal use alcohol themselves • Mental illness or physical problems • School

16. Alcohol During Pregnancy • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome- A group of alcohol-related birth defects that include physical and mental problems • Effects (2) • Small head and deformities of face, hands, feet • Heart, liver, and kidney defects • Vision and hearing problems • Central nervous system problems, developmental disabilities, poor coordination • Difficulties learning and short attention span • Hyperactivity, anxiety, and social withdrawal

17. Impact of Alcohol Abuse • Driving • Life threatening • Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)- The amount of alcohol in a person’s blood, expressed as a percentage • Driving while intoxicated (DWI) • Driving under the influence (DUI) • 0.08 is legal limit anything over results in drunk driving charge • Consequences of DUI • Injury or death • Arrest, jail time, lawsuits • Severely restricted driving privileges or loss of drivers license • Higher car insurance rates or canceled insurance • Riding in a car with someone who has been drinking can be just as dangerous • DD

18. Alcoholism • Dependent on alcohol • Craving • Loss of control • Physical dependence • Stage 1 – Abuse • Begins with social drinking • May begin to lie to justify drinking • Stage 2- Dependence • Person cannot stop drinking and is physically dependent on alcohol • Tries to hide problem • Performance drops (work & school) • Stage 3- Addiction • Addiction • Liver damage • Withdrawal symptoms