WARM UP Take a worksheet from the table. Essential Question: Can you tell me the difference between drug USE and drug ABUSE?

DRUG USE AND ABUSE Lesson 1, CH 10

WHAT IS A DRUG? You’ve heard the word drug many times before. Drug: a substance other than food that changes the structure or function of the body or mind. Some drugs can be very harmful to your health. Other drugs can save your life. Drugs as Medicine Medicines are drugs…they prevent or cure illnesses or treat their symptoms. Some medicines are available “over-the-counter”: drugs found on the shelves of local pharmacy or grocery stores. Over-the-counter= anyone can buy them there. Prescription medicines= can be legally obtained only with a doctor’s written permission.

DRUG USE You need to be careful about using all drugs! Including the ones prescribed by your doctor! Even helpful medicines and pain relievers found at your local drugstore can be harmful if they are used incorrectly. Some people combine drugs = use several different drugs at once (very dangerous!) Interact with each other and cause harmful reactions inside the body

DRUG MISUSE AND DRUG ABUSE When you hear the term drug abuse, you may think only of the use of illegal drugs. Drug Use: The use of drugs in any form. Drug misuse: taking or using medicine in a way that is not intended. - taking more than the prescribed amount - taking drugs with the wrong foods or at the wrong time of day - not taking them for the period of time Drug abuse: intentionally using drugs in a way that is unhealthful or illegal. (non-medical) *When people take illegal drugs, such as marijuana or heroin, they are abusing drugs. BUT, when people intentionally use LEGAL drugs for nonmedical purposes, they are also abusing drugs.

DRUG MISUSE AND DRUG ABUSE Recent studies show that fewer people are using illegal drugs today and are misusing prescription drugs. However, even prescription medications (like those used to treat ADHD) are dangerous if taken by someone other than the person they were prescribed for…can damage your body and lead to allergic reactions, illness, or even death. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are legal; however, illegal drugs are chemicals that are unlawful because they’re dangerous and often unpredictable effects outweigh any useful purposes the drugs may have.

RECOGNIZING THE RISKS Social – Recreational: with friends, family, work holiday party, etc. Circumstantial: Drinking/Using to cope with stress, bad days at work, etc. Intensified: Long term patterned drug use at least once a day. Compulsive: High frequency and intensity for long periods of time, producing a degree of dependence.

RISKS TO PHYSICAL/MENTAL HEALTH Physical addiction: repeated doses cause the body to adapt to and need the presence of the drug. If the body does not get the drug, the user will suffer withdrawal. (all accompanied by Psychological addiction also…see below.) Psychological addiction: desire or craving to achieve psychoactive results on a regular basis. A person is more “comfortable” high: Self-medicating. Side effects: Unwanted, even dangerous, physical and mental effects caused by a drug, such as nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness. (Particularly true of psychoactive drugs that are unregulated or self-administered) Drug’s Action: what a drug does to your body Drug’s Effect: physical and mental response to the drug’s actions. Withdrawal: body’s way of reacting to not having the drug. Withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, headaches, dizziness, body aches, cramps, and seizures.

RISKS TO SOCIAL HEALTH Relationships strained Behavior and Personality change Wild mood swings May become withdrawn and uninterested in family relationships and responsibilities Other family members may experience… -Anger -Fear -Resentment -Frustration Continued use can lead to a family’s struggle to cope with building stress Strain on friendships. Interests and activities that you once shared with friends may no longer exist.

(My Kid Would Never: Social Responsibility)