Understanding Drugs and How They Affect the Brain

1. DRUGS & MIND ALTERING SUBSTANCES

2. How do drugs work??? • Nerve cells in the brain are called neurons. These neurons "talk" to each other by passing chemicals back and forth, just like passing notes in class. The neurons' "notes" are called neurotransmitters, and they are manufactured in vesicles in the nerve cell. Neurotransmitters include serotonin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, histamine and about two dozen others. • http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/brain-and-addiction • What are some drugs that people take and what are their affects on the human body????? • http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/abuse/

3. How do drugs work??? • The nerve cells are separated by a small space called a "synapse." When a message moves down the axon of the pre-synaptic neuron, neurotransmitters are released from the vesicle. These chemicals (or notes) cross the synapse to the post-synaptic neuron, where they bind with receptors specifically designed to receive them, much as a key is designed to fit into a specific lock. http://video.witf.org/video/2365429481/

4. How do drugs work??? • Many nerve cells have receptors that are sensitive to various drugs. These drugs operate on the "lock-and-key" principle, where the drug can be thought of as the "key" that either (1) fits into the "lock," causing the nerve cell (neuron) to discharge its chemicals, or (2) "jams" the lock, preventing the nerve cell from discharging.

5. How do drugs work??? • Ex.) -Narcotics mimic endorphins and lock into opiate receptor sites. - Hallucinogens mimic serotonin - Cocaine blocks the re-uptake of neurotransmitters → causing severe depression when coming down. - Methamphetamines cause the release of neurotransmitters in greater amounts - THC mimics anandamide and interferes with the cannabinoid receptor sites.

6. CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS(Psychoactive) • Stimulants- Drugs that speed up activities of the central nervous system (CNS) • Depressants (Sedatives)- Psychoactive drugs that slow brain and body reactions. • Narcotics (Opiates)- natural or synthetic drugs that relieve pain and cause drowsiness. • Inhalants- Drugs that are inhaled or breathed in through the nose to produce the desired effect. • Hallucinogens- Psychoactive drugs that alter perception, thought, and mood.

7. CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS cont. • Prescription Medicines – cannot be used without the written approval of a licensed physician. • Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines – you can buy these without a prescription

8. Psychoactive Drugs • Psychoactive drugs – those designed to alter a person’s experiences or consciousness. (nicotine, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, steroids, LSD, marijuana) • Psychoactive drugs cause intoxication • Intoxication – a state in which sometimes unpredictable physical and emotional changes occur. • A person who is intoxicated may experience a difference in emotions and judgment.

9. What is a Drug? • Drug – any chemical other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body. • Many people believe that every problem, no matter how large or small, has or should have chemical solutions. • Examples: • For fatigue = caffeine • For insomnia = sleeping pills • For anxiety or boredom (?) = alcohol/drugs • Avoid Problems / Pain

10. Health Consequences of Drug Use • Physical Consequences-Once a drug enters the bloodstream, it can harm a user’s brain, heart lungs, and other vital organs. • Mental & Emotional Consequences-drugs cloud reasoning and thinking, and users lose control of their behavior. (lose sight of values) • Social Consequences-substance abuse can have negative effect on relationships with friends and family members. List examples:

11. DRUG USE… A HIGH RISK BEHAVIOR!! • Substance abuse is a high risk behavior that includes misusing legal drugs or using illegal drugs or other chemicals • People abuse drugs for a number of reasons, none of them healthful!

12. Teenagers - the highest percentage of use is with people between the ages of 18-25 Why do teenagers abuse drugs??? • A way to be accepted with peers • Influenced by the media • Curious • A way of rebelling • Escape pressures

13. Misuse Using the drug incorrectly due to ignorance Taking the drug with the wrong food Stopping the drug too soon Abuse 1. intentionally misusing the drug normally for a desired effect What is the difference between drug use and abuse?

14. Dangers of substance abuse • Side Effects can range from minor to deadly. • Illegal drugs can be especially dangerous because there are no controls or means of monitoring these substances for quality, purity, or strength. • Physical and just as commonly Psychological effects can last a LIFETIME!

15. Dangers of drug abuse Overdose – A strong or fatal reaction to taking a large amount of drug. Often, overdoses occur when alcohol and other drugs are combined. • When drug abuse involves injecting substances through a needle, hepatitis B or HIV can occur • People who experiment with drugs tend to lose control…can lead to STD’s or pregnancies Risk to unborn and newborns: 1. Breast milk – can pass from mother to infant. 2. Can cause miscarriage or premature birth 3. Can cause birth defect, mental retardation

16. 1. STIMULANTS • EFFECTS: -Increased heart rate and breathing -Increased blood pressure -Dilated pupils -Decreased appetite -Dry mouth -Dizziness -Sweating -Headache -Blurred vision -Sleeplessness -Anxiety -Moodiness • Drugs which cause the body systems to speed up • Very high doses: irregular heartbeat, tremors, high fever, heart failure • How it enters the body: swallowed, snorted, injected

17. STIMULANTS Amphetamines People use them illegally to stay awake and alert, to improve athletic performance, to lose weight, etc. • Can cause heart and blood vessel damage • Medical use Treats hyperactive children • Treats narcolepsy • Used for weight control • Examples- Adderall, Ritalin

18. Slang names Speed Uppers Crank Cocaine Powerful stimulant leads to: Depression Edginess Weight loss Physiological dependence Can destroy the nasal septum Can cause heart attacks due to disturbing electrical impulses of the heart. Can occur on the first use! Crack - a form of cocaine Stimulants

19. Ingredients • Drain cleaner • Brake Cleaner • Battery Acid • Gasoline Additives • Paint Thinner • Freon • Camp Stove Fuel Stimulants Methamphetamine • Fumes alone can be deadly “Meth Mouth” • Experts believe that meth ravages teeth by drying up saliva and leaving users with “dry mouths.” • Without saliva, bacteria in the mouth multiply, leading to decay. • Dentists report that healthy teeth can become rotten from even a few months of meth use.

21. Long- Term Effects of Meth Use • Hallucinations • Disorganized lifestyle • Violent and aggressive behavior • Permanent psychological problems • Behavior resembling paranoid schizophrenia • Poor coping abilities • Disturbance of personality development • Lowered resistance to illnesses • Possible brain damage

22. Bell Ringer April 24th • List 4 examples of psychoactive drugs. • What is the difference between stimulants and depressants? • How do drugs become addictive? What is the best method to avoid addiction?

25. 2. DEPRESSANTS • Depresses or slows down the central nervous system. • Medical use: to stop convulsions, relief of tension and anxiety, to induce sleep • Examples: • barbiturates, tranquilizers, alcohol, methaqualone How it enters the body: swallowed • Slang names: yellow jackets, ludes, barbs, downers, Effects Similar to the effects of alcohol *small doses – calmness, relaxed muscles * larger doses – slurred speech, impaired judgment, impaired coordination *very large doses – respiratory depression, coma, death

26. Bell Ringer April 23rd • List 3 affects of Stimulants • List 5 long term effects of Meth use. What are some of the ingredients used to create Meth?

27. 3. NARCOTICS (OPIATES)“To Make Numb” • Effects • Stimulates a burst of euphoria • Often followed by drowsiness • Nausea and vomiting. • Constipation • Breathing problems • Depresses the nervous system and slows breathing and pulse rate • EXTREMELY ADDICTIVE Drug • Comes from the poppy plant or it is synthetic • Ravages the body and becomes the primary focus of the addict’s life • A break of only one day can bring on severe withdrawal symptoms – aches, chills, sweating, muscle spasms and weakness. • After a break, the usual dose may be an overdose

28. 3. NARCOTICS (OPIATES) • Medical use: pain relief, cough suppressant • Examples: Morphine, Codeine, Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Opium, Heroin • How it enters the body: injected, smoked or inhaled

29. Bell Ringer April 27th • List the 5 classifications of drugs • What are narcotics? List 2 examples • What are hallucinogens? List 2 examples. • Drug Classifications: Stimulants, Depressants, Narcotics, Hallucinogens, Inhalants, Prescription, Over-the Counter. • Narcotics: Derived from poppy plant or made synthetically- used medically to relieve pain. Examples: Oxytocin, Codeine, Opium, Heroin • Hallucinogens: Psychoactive drugs that distort senses and cause hallucinations. Examples: LSD, Mushrooms, Mescaline

30. HALLUCINOGENS(Psychedelics) • Short Term - Effects • Panic • Confusion • Time distorted • Senses distorted • Bizarre unpredictable behavior • Person may sit for hours in a quiet dreamlike state • Long Term - Effects • Flashbacks • Depression • Drugs that distort the senses and cause hallucinations • Examples: • LSD (Acid) • Psilocybin Mushrooms • Mescaline • PCP *Could appear as liquid, capsules, powder, blotter paper, thin gelatin squares, mushrooms

31. 4. Hallucinogens PCP (angel dust) • Considered to be one of the most dangerous of all drugs. • The use of PCP as an approved anesthetic in humans was discontinued in 1965 because patients often became agitated, delusional, and irrational while recovering from its anesthetic effects. Mescaline • Is the psychoactive ingredient of the peyote cactus. • Can be made synthetically and sold in “Barrels”.

32. 4.Hallucinogens LSD (Acid) • LSD “Acid” is odorless, colorless. Often added to absorbent paper, such as blotter paper, and divided into small decorated squares. • Effects are widely unpredictable…. Some users experience severe, terrifying thoughts and feelings, fear of losing control, fear of insanity and death and despair. • Trips are long – 8 hours-multiple days. • Flashbacks • Psilocybin Mushrooms • Obtained from certain types of mushrooms that are indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States.

33. ANABOLIC STEROIDS • Powerful compounds that are similar to the male sex hormone, testosterone. • Taken to increase strength, speed, power. • Can increase risk of damaging tendons and ligaments • How it enters the body: swallowed, intramuscular injection • Article Effects • May initially increase muscle mass, body strength, and weight • Purple or red spots on the body • Unpleasant breath odor • Depression • Increased risk of heart attack stroke, liver cancer, acne • Males • Sterility, withered testicles, impotence • Females • Irreversible masculine traits, breast reduction, sterility

34. Steroids

36. INHALANTS Effects • Nausea • Sneezing • Coughing • Nosebleeds • Fatigue • Lack of coordination • Loss of appetite • Decrease in heart rate and breathing • Impaired judgment • Dangerous fumes are concentrated in a bag, on a cloth, etc. and inhaled • How it enters the body: Vapors are inhaled through the nose or mouth • A person can go into a coma from a single use and be in a vegetable state the rest of his/her life

38. MARIJUANA • The dried flowers, leaves, and stems of the cannabis sativa plant. • Main active chemical in marijuana is THC. Marijuana’s effects on the user depend on the strength of the THC • Hashish is the dark brown resin that is collected from the top of this plant. • How it enters the body: Smoked in joints, pipes, bongs, eaten Cannabis is a hallucinogen and has the effects of both a depressant and a stimulant

39. Marijuana Effects Effects • Increased heart rate • Bloodshot eyes • Dry mouth and throat • Increased appetite • Short-term memory loss • Altered sense of time • Damage to lungs and circulatory system • Alters your senses, coordination, reaction time, and can interrupt your ability to make rational and healthful decisions • Short term effects • Problems with memory and learning • Distorted perception • Difficulty in thinking and problem solving • Loss of coordination • Increased heart rate, anxiety, and panic attacks. • Effects on the lungs • Same respiratory problems that tobacco users have. (cancer, etc,)

40. CLUB DRUGS • Are used by young adults at all-night dance parties such as “raves” or “trances,” dance clubs, and bars. • Some club drugs are colorless, tasteless, and odorless. They can be added to beverages by individuals to intoxicate or sedate others. • There has been an increase in reports of club drugs used to commit sexual assaults

41. Club Drugs • Ecstasy (MDMA) - mind altering drug with hallucinogenic properties • Health hazards: psychological difficulties, confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, severe depression. • Physical problems: muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision, chills, sweating • Long term problems: damage to the parts of the brain critical to thought and memory

42. CLUB DRUGS • GHB – is odorless and nearly tasteless. Induces a state of relaxation • Can be slipped into someone’s drink without detection. Has been reportedly used in cases of date rape. • Physical problems: nausea, vomiting, respiratory problems, seizures, coma

43. CLUB DRUGS • Rohypnol (“roofies”)– people may unknowingly be given the drug which, when mixed with alcohol, can incapacitate and prevent a victim from resisting sexual assault. • Commonly referred to as the “date rape” drug • Physical symptoms: sedative-hypnotic effects including muscle relaxation and amnesia.

44. Club Drugs • Ketamine: “special k” is a powerful hallucinogen that includes visual distortions and a lost sense of time, sense and identity. • Profound physical and mental problems including delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function and potentially fatal problems • Special K is a powder that is usually snorted but is sometimes sprinkled on tobacco or marijuana and smoked.

45. Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse • Emotionally/ Personality • Behaviorally • Physically/ Physical Appearance • Social Activity/ School Performance

46. Emotional / PersonalityEffects of Substance Abuse • Aggression • Burnout • Anxiety • Depression • Paranoia • Denial • Withdraws from family/ Friends • Extreme Mood Swings • Is secretive / Lying

47. Behavioral Effects of Substance Abuse • Slow reaction time • Impaired coordination • Slowed Speech • Irritability • Excessive Talking • Inability to sit still • Limited attention span • Poor motivation • Lack of energy

48. Physical Effects of Substance Abuse • Weight Loss • Sweating • Chills • Poor Hygiene • Interrupted sleep patterns < or > • Loss of appetite

49. Social Activity Effect • Drops old friends and activities • Skipping School • Loses interest in school work • Low Grades • Sleeping in class • Loses concentration • Having trouble remembering things

50. Addiction – what friends or family members can do • Many families, after recognizing that the problem exists, will have an intervention. • Intervention - the interruption of the addiction continuum before the addict hits bottom. • Meetings take place without the addicted person’s knowledge. • Second step in this process is a surprise meeting with the addict that forces the addict to face the seriousness of the problem. • If addict refuses to recognize the problem, the addict will be given an ultimatum - Wife will move out, etc.