WHAT’S UP WITH DRUGS? A PRESENTATION BY EMILY STANO, MA SPALDING UNIVERSITY DOCTORAL STUDENT – FRYSC PRACTICUM STUDENT

WHAT ARE DRUGS? DOES ANYONE IN CLASS HAVE AN IDEA?

DEFINITIONS OF DRUGS ILLEGAL DRUGS / ILLICIT DRUGSAn illegal and often harmful substance that causes addiction, habituation, or a marked change in consciousness. PRESCRIPTION DRUGSA substance intended for use in the cure, treatment, or prevention of disease.Did you know?Alcohol and tobacco are also drugs, but we will not focus on them today.It is illegal to use alcohol if you are younger than 21-years-old.It is illegal to use tobacco if you are younger than 18-years-old.

TYPES OF DRUGS STIMULANTS (amphetamines, cocaine, khat, methamphetamine)Increase alertness, attention, and energy.DEPRESSANTS (barbiturates, benzodiazepines, GHB, Rohypnol)Put you to sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms.NARCOTICS (heroin, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, opium, oxycodone)Dull senses and relieve pain.HALLUCINOGENS (ecstacy/MDMA, K2/spice, ketamine, LSD, peyote/mescaline, psilocybin, marijuana/cannabis, steroids, inhalants) Change perception and mood.OTHER (bath salts, designer cathinones, DXM, salvia divinorum)

WHY DO PEOPLE USE DRUGS? IF DRUGS ARE BAD, WHY DO PEOPLE START?

REASONS PEOPLE USE DRUGS Want to change somethingWant to fit in Peer pressureBoredom RelaxationTo feel nothing To escape something To have fun RebellionTo feel grown-up ExperimentationTo feel high Coping with stressTo feel better

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF USING DRUGS? DRUGS HAVE MANY HARMFUL EFFECTS – KNOW ANY?

Money ($10,000 / year !!) Disease/illness Death Get arrested Go to jail Lose friendsBad grades Mental illnessLose job Change in looksBad at sports Dangerous situationsCar accidents Personality changeSide effects Get expelledAngry parents CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG USE

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF A FRIEND IS USING DRUGS? HOW AND WHERE TO GET HELP

SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE Drug paraphernalia (smoking pipes, pill bottles, lighters, needles) Bad hygiene (smells weird, dirty clothes, unwashed hair) Getting into trouble at schoolIncreased time alone Dropping out of sports or activities Mood swings Sudden change in friend groupDefensiveness Cuts or bruises in strange places Bloody nose Change in energy levelChange in appetite Talks about drugs all the timeTalking about suicide

1. Tell your friend that you care and want to help them 2. Talk to a trusted adult (parent, family member, teacher, coach, tutor) Confidentiality at The Youth Services Center 3. Search online for treatment centers 4. Be supportive during treatment 24-Hour Help Lines HELP (National Hotline) (Our Lady of Peace) (Seven Counties) STEPS TO GET HELP

WHAT CAN YOU DO INSTEAD OF USING DRUGS? SHARE YOUR IDEAS FOR DRUG-FREE, FUN ACTIVITIES

REFERENCES Multnomah County Sherrif’s Office. (2005). Faces of meth. Retrieved from National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2011). Drugs: Shatter the myths. [Pamphlet].National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Trends and statistics. Retrieved from National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens. (2010). Real teens ask: How can I help my friend? Retrieved from Our Lady of Peace. (n.d.). Adolescent addiction signs and symptoms to help you and your child. [Pamphlet]. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Behavioral health treatment services locator. Retrieved from United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration. (2011). Drugs of abuse: A DEA resource guide. Retrieved from library/publications/drug_of_abuse.pdf#page=36. library/publications/drug_of_abuse.pdf#page=36