Drugs An overview

Psychoactive Drugs Chemicals that affect our nervous systems; and, as a result, may alter consciousness and awareness, influence how we sense and perceive things, and modify our moods, feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Psychoactive Drugs are both licit (legal) and illicit (illegal)

Addiction Means a person has developed a behavioral pattern of drug abuse that is marked by an overwhelming and compulsive desire to obtain and use drugs; even after stopping, the person has a strong tendency to relapse and begin using drugs again.

Tolerance Means that after a person uses a drug repeatedly over a period of time, the original dose of the drug no longer produces the desired effect so that a person must take increasingly larger doses of the drug to achieve the same behavioral effect.

Dependency Refers to a change in the nervous system so that a person now needs to take the drug to prevent the occurrence of painful withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms Are painful physical and psychological symptoms that occur after a drug- dependent person stops using the drug.

Stimulants Includes cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine, and nicotine. Increase activity of the central nervous system and result in heightened alertness, arousal, euphoria, and decreased appetite and fatigue. Cocaine and amphetamines are powerful stimulants and caffeine and nicotine are mild

Cocaine (including crack) Americans spend about 38 billion dollars annually on crack/cocaine Over 303 tons of pure cocaine is consumed annually in the U.S.A.

Amphetamines and Methamphetamine Amphetamines are usually taken in pill form. Many are prescribed for legitimate illnesses. Cause increase in blood pressure, enhanced mood, alertness, and energy Methamphetamine (meth) is a synthetic crystal like drug that is smoked through a glass pipe. Causes aggression, disorientation, rapid heart rate. Highly addictive.

Caffeine Mild stimulant Causes alertness, decreased fatigue and drowsiness. Dependency is not life threatening, but is not healthy. Body can suffer from withdrawal symptoms if cut off from heavy or regular doses.

Nicotine Mild Stimulant Produces arousal of nervous system… then calming. Low doses improves attention and concentration. High doses cause addiction Long term use causes cancer

Opiates (Depressants) Opium, Morphine, Heroin Produce pain reduction, euphoria, and constipation. Highly addictive Brain produces less endorphins after continued use which makes user more likely to increase doses… overdose becomes more likely.

Alcohol A depressant, which means it depresses the activity of the central nervous system. Initially, alcohol seems like a stimulant because it reduces inhibitions, but later it depresses many physiological and psychological responses. Heavy drinking may result in tolerance, addiction, and dependency.

Hallucinogens Produce strange and unusual perceptual, sensory, and cognitive experiences. LSD, Psilocybin, Mescaline, Ecstasy Some are used to treat illnesses in very low doses. These drugs are not always addictive, but are very dangerous due to a user’s actions while on the drug.

Marijuana Causes euphoria; high doses may cause hallucinations, and distortions of body image. No long term affects to brain or nervous system, but long term use increases lung disease and cancer by 20% more than tobacco users. Often a gateway to more dangerous drugs… especially for teenagers.

Drug Prevention and Treatment Drug prevention is provided through education at early ages. Drug treatments are provided through specially designed programs through rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Most rehab programs are individually designed. Many have low success rates.