What Is A Drug? A substance other than food that changes the structure or function of the body or mind.
Natural/Herbal Remedies A plant/plant part used to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease. Example: Acai, Echinacea, Chamomile, Aloe vera
Over The Counter Medicines Medicines you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. Examples: Aspirin, Benadryl, Cold Medicines, Diet pills.
Prescription Drugs Medicines dispensed only with written approval of a licensed physician Examples: Antibiotics (penicillen, Amoxicillin, z-pak), vicodin, Hydrocodone Adderall, Singulair, Advair, Lipitor
Tobacco Products Tobacco plant, an addictive and toxic drug (nicotine) Examples: Cigarettes, e-cigs, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, dip/chew, hookah
Alcohol Ethanol, a powerfully addictive drug. A depressant. Produced by fermentation of grains and fruits. Alcohol is absorbed into bloodstream via blood vessels in stomach and small intestine. Factors in consuming alcohol: food, gender, weight, and medication
Alcohol Cont… Alcoholism- Alcohol dependence includes: cravings, loss of control, physical dependence, and tolerance Examples of Alcohol:
Cannabinoids (Marijuana) A plant whose leaves, buds, and flowers are smoked or ingested for their intoxicating effects. Examples: Hashish and Cannabis Known as the “Gateway Drug”, people that use marijuana are 15 times more likely to move on to other drugs.
How does marijuana affect the body? Short-term effects When a person smokes marijuana, THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. altered senses (for example, seeing brighter colors) altered sense of time changes in mood impaired body movement difficulty with thinking and problem-solving impaired memory Increased heart rate
Long-term effects Marijuana also affects brain development. When marijuana users begin using as teenagers, the drug may reduce thinking, memory, and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. Respiratory problems
Inhalants Substances whose fumes are sniffed or inhaled. Depresses the central nervous system. Causes brain damage. Examples: Solvents, aerosols, glue, paint, gasoline, NOS
Anabolic Steroids Synthetic substances similar to male hormones. Examples: Anadrol, Oxandrin, Durabolin, HCG
Stimulants Speed up the central nervous system. Stimulants enhance the effects of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The associated increase in dopamine can induce a feeling of euphoria when stimulants are taken nonmedically. Stimulants also increase blood pressure and heart rate, constrict blood vessels, increase blood glucose, and open up breathing passages. Examples: methamphetamines, cocaine, crack, caffeine, nicotine, ritalin, adderal
Symptoms of Stimulant use: Fatigue Depression disturbance of sleep patterns. feelings of hostility or paranoia psychosis. high body temperature irregular heartbeat cardiovascular failure or seizures
Depressants Sedatives, slows down the central nervous system. This property makes them useful for treating anxiety and sleep disorders. Examples: Rohypnol (roofies), alcohol, GHB (date rape drug), tranquilizers.
Opiates Narcotics, feelings of euphoria, derived from opium plants, medically used for pain relief. Examples: Morphine, codeine, oxycodane (oxycontin), heroin, Krokodil
Hallucinogens Alter moods, thoughts, perceptions of reality, Euphoria or paranoia. Intense emotional swings Seeing images Hearing sounds Feeling sensations that seem real but are not. Examples: Ecstasy, Mushrooms, LSD, PCP (Angel Dust), peyote, ketamine (special K)
Hallucinogens Most prominent effects occur in the prefrontal cortex—an area involved in mood, cognition, and perception— as well as other regions important in regulating arousal and physiological responses to stress and panic. Effects typically begin within 20 to 90 minutes of ingestion and can last as long as 12 hours. Experiences are often unpredictable and may vary with the amount ingested and the user’s personality, mood, expectations, and surroundings. Long-Term Effects of Hallucinogens: Persistent psychosis Visual disturbances Disorganized thinking Paranoia Mood disturbances
Designer Drugs Synthetic drugs (chemically altered, man- made) Examples: K2, Spice, Ecstasy (MDMA), Bath salts (fake speed), Flakka
Terms Drug Use – The use or sale of any substance that is illegal. Drug Abuse – The abuse of illegal substances. Drug Misuse – The misuse of legal substances. Addiction - A psychological or physiological dependence on a drug.