Drugs: Misuse and Abuse Objective: At the end of this unit you should be able to explain the difference between drugs and medicine, list ways people misuse or abuse drugs, and recognize the different drug classifications.

Drugs vs. Medicine Drugs: Medicine A nonfood substance taken into the body that can change the structure or function of the body or mind Medicine Drug that is used to treat an illness or relieve pain

Misuse vs. Abuse Misuse:Using LEGAL drugs in an improper way. Examples: Takes more than recommended or prescribed of prescribed medicine Continues use of medicine after or starts use before told by doctor Use of medication prescribed to someone else (pain killers) Abuse- Using substances that are illegal and are not intended to be taken into the body. Examples: Marijuana Cocaine Ecstasy Heroin

Common Causes of Drug Use Friends who use drugs Peer Pressure Easily Available Look Cool Curiosity Drugs will help to cope with feelings of sadness, loneliness, boredom or anxiety Media Low self-esteem

Steps Leading to Drug Abuse Step 1: Trying one or more drugs Step 2: Using drugs once in a while Step 3: Using drugs on a regular basis Step 4: Using drugs in an uncontrolled and excessive way

Drug Classification Drugs are broken down into different classifications based on how they effect the body. Narcotics Depressants Stimulants Hallucinogens Inhalants Marijuana

NARCOTICS Drugs that relieve pain, dull senses & are very addictive. Legal narcotics are morphine, codeine but are prescribed under doctors because they are very strong and users can become addicted to them) Heroin – a white, off-white or brown powder Enters the body in 3 ways, inhaled, injected or orally taken Highly addictive (psychologically & physically) Withdrawal symptoms (chills, vomiting, death, etc.) No medical uses

NARCOTICS CONTINUED… Effects – Immediate & long-lasting (3-6 hours) Produces a change in pain perception, a feeling of euphoria & drowsiness Death caused by overdosed is due to respiratory arrest (stop breathing) Increase risk of AIDS is extremely high (why?) As the user becomes more dependent upon the drug, the initial high is reduced & they begin to need the drug in larger amounts to avoid withdrawal symptoms

Depressants Drugs that slow down the body’s function and reactions, including heart and breathing rates Examples: Tranquilizers Hypnotics (sedatives, sleeping pills, barbituartes) Alcohol Effects are Feeling relaxed/less anxious Poor coordination Impaired judgment Mood swings/depression If combined with alcohol, can cause coma and/or death

Stimulants Drugs that speed up the body’s functions such as increase in heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure. Cocaine – a white powder that can be inhaled, smoked or injected. A strong stimulant with effects lasting 15 minutes to 2 hours The faster & shorter the high, the more addictive the substance Highly addictive (psychologically & physically) Effects- Causes excitement, euphoria, hyperactivity & feelings of authority Withdrawal symptoms include confusion, anxiety, depression Causes loss of appetite, nausea, sleeplessness, seizures, and stroke Increase the risk of HIV or Hepatitis B Can damage nasal membranes and lungs Overdose symptoms include sweating, dizziness, vomiting, convulsions & death Chronic users may have hallucinations of the “cocaine bug” – hallucinated that insects or worms are crawling on or under the skin

STIMULANTS CONTINUED… Crack - a concentrated form of cocaine that is smoked Reaches the brain within 10 seconds Most addictive drug known – instantaneous addiction (psychologically & physically) No medical uses Effects- Produces a feeling of energy and excitement (the high usually lasts 15 minutes) The high is followed by an extreme crash of depression Side effects are similar to cocaine including possible heart attack Users become violent & commits crimes to support crack use Long-term effects include psychiatric problems, paranoia, & depression (which is often suicidal)

Amphetamines Stimulant that speeds up nervous system (commonly called uppers or speed). Taken orally or injected Psychologically addictive – user becomes dependent upon the feeling of alertness, power, & self-confidence produced by these drugs Medical use includes treatment for narcolepsy, appetite control & ADHD in children Effects include: Stroke Brain seizures Heart attack Increased aggressiveness Mental illness Physical collapse Death

HALLUCINOGENS Drugs that distort moods, thoughts & senses. Marijuana – mood altering drug mad from leaves of the hemp plant that is usually smoked Psychologically addictive Considered a gateway drug (why?) Medical uses include treatment for pain, in terminally ill patients & people with AIDS

Marijuana Continued… Immediate effects: Long-Term effects: Inability to think or speak clearly Inability to concentrate Loss of short term memory Lack of coordination and slowed reaction time Increased heart rate and appetite Long-Term effects: Problems with normal body development when use begins in adolescence Damage to lung tissue and the cancer fighting immune cells Feelings of anxiety and panic Dependence Infertility

Others… LSD – acid PCP – angel dust These two hallucinogens cause the user to experience imaginary images & sounds or distortions of real objects Users may lose control of their actions and behave strangely or violently, possibly endangering their own lives or the lives of others.

INHALANTS Substances whose fumes are breathed in to produce mind-altering sensations. (Examples: glues, gasoline & spray paints) Chemicals are inhaled & produced a very short-lived high May cause psychological dependence No medical use Effects- Nausea & vomiting Dizziness Mental confusion Loss of motor skills Permanent brain damage, coma & death

Still Others Ketamine – Can make a user vomit and convulse, people have been know to go into a coma Methamphetamines – causes mind and mood changes such as anxiety, euphoria and depression. Long term effects include chronic fatigue, delusional thinking, and permanent psychological damage. Rohypnol – “Date Rape” drug. Can cause a kind of amnesia. Users may not remember what they said or did, makes it easier for others to take advantage of them

Others…… Steroids – Increase growth level hormones like testosterone. Can cause cancer, depression, liver damage, acne, balding or anger.

Check Your Knowledge In what ways are inhalants different from many other drugs discussed in this unit? What advice would you give someone thinking of trying amphetamines to stay awake for a test?