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MARIJUANA, INHALANTS, AND STEROIDS. MARIJUANA Common name for the Indian hemp plant cannabis . A plant whose leaves, buds and flowers are usually smoked for their intoxicating effects. Usually the first drug teens experiment with after alcohol
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MARIJUANA, INHALANTS, AND STEROIDS MARIJUANA Common name for the Indian hemp plant cannabis. A plant whose leaves, buds and flowers are usually smoked for their intoxicating effects. Usually the first drug teens experiment with after alcohol Hashish, or hash is a stronger form of marijuana Studies show an individual who uses marijuana is 17x more likely to use cocaine than someone who has never used marijuana. Marijuana raises the level of a brain chemical, dopamine. The chemical produces a pleasurable feeling. Marijuana contains more cancer causing agents than tobacco. Marijuana also interferes with the immune system. Check out figure 23.3 on page 599 in the Health text for many more physical effects of marijuana use
MARIJUANA • Mental and Emotional Health Consequences • Slows mental reflexes • Sudden feelings of anxiety • Feelings of paranoia – an irrational suspiciousness or distrust of others • Difficulty with short term memory • Trouble with thinking a logical problem solving
MARIJUANA • PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES • In males, marijuana interferes with sperm production and lowers the levels of testosterone. • In females, testosterone levels increase. This can lead to facial hair and infertility. • Marijuana interferes with depth perception, impairs judgment, and slows reflexes.
INHALANTS • Inhalants are substance whose fumes are sniffed and inhales to achieve and mind altering effect. • Most inhalants go immediately to the brain, causing damage and kill brain cells that will never be replace. • Inhalants include solvents and aerosols such as glues, spray paints, gasoline, and varnishes
ANABOLIC-ANDROGENIC STEROIDS • ANABOLIC-ANDROGENIC STEROIDS are synthetic substances that are similar to the male hormone, testosterone. • Anabolic refers to muscle building. • Androgenic refers to increased male characteristics Steroids can cause mood swings, paranoia, and a feeling of invincibility. Steroids can increase muscle strength but not tendon and ligament strength. Steroids can be taken orally or by injection Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 – nonmedical steroid use is illegal