DRUGS Any substance that, when taken into the body, will modify one or more of the body’s functions, including a person’s mental, emotional, or physical state (e.g. can an increase in heart rate). They may be legal (medicine, caffeine) or illegal (marijuana, cocaine). Definition -

Methods of Drug Administration Drugs can be taken in four ways: Oral Ingestion - most common, convenient, slowest reaction Injection - the drug is dissolved in liquid and injected (very rapid action) Inhalation - as a powder or gas Absorption - transdermal, chemical absorbs through skin

How Can We Categorize Drugs?

Stimulants Excites or speeds up the CNS (central nervous system) Increases alertness / energy level and decreases appetite. It can produce a strong psychological and physical dependence Includes: Cocaine/Crack (coke, blow, nose candy) Tobacco Caffeine Amphetamines (bennies, speed, uppers)

Depressants Slow down central nervous system At low dose – calm, drowsy, well-being At High dose – unconsciousness, coma, death Includes: Alcohol Opiates (heroin, opium, morphine, codeine) Inhalants (paint thinner, glue) Sedatives (barbiturates-reds, goof balls, sleeping pills, rohypnol Tranquillizers (valium, anti-anxiety medications, downers)

Hallucinogens Dramatically affect perception, emotions and mental process. Distortions of reality Have a high risk of overdose Includes: LSD (acid) Ecstasy (X) PCP (angel dust) Magic Mushrooms (shrooms) Ketamine (special K)

Cannabis Most widely used illegal drug Acts on the body in many ways: hallucinogenic, depressant, stimulant Includes: Hashish Hash oil Marijuana

Anabolic Steroids Are Performance enhancing drugs They increase the effects of naturally occurring hormones in the body The use of steroids can seriously damage a person’s health and are banned by sports organizations. Includes Any synthetic testosterone or testosterone mimicker

The Continuum of Drug Use The continuum of drug use is a way of measuring your potential drug use and the risks associated with it. Using drugs for non-medical reasons almost always poses a degree of risk. Risk can range from very low to very high, and harm can occur even during a person’s first time using.

The Continuum of Drug Use Levels of Use Non-use: It is the healthiest choice, because it involves zero risk. Experimental use: occurs because of curiosity and may not occur again. This risk is usually low, but it depends on the drug taken, how it is taken, and how much is taken, the user’s mood, personality, and expectations, and the surroundings.

The Continuum of Drug Use Social use: this is ongoing drug use with moderate consumption. The risk can be low to moderate depending on the particular drug and how it is used. Binge use: use of a large amount of a substance at one time. Even on a single occasion the risk of harm is high.

The Continuum of Drug Use Frequent, heavy use: This is ongoing drug use that leads to problems in one or more areas of a person’s life (e.g., study, work, friendships, family relations). Risk of significant and lasting harm is high. Dependent use: compulsive and excessive frug use that continues despite problems in various life areas (for exammpl, employment, relationships, etc.). Risk of significant and lasting harm is very high.

What’s the harm in drug use? We are, within our society bombarded with mixed messages concerning drug use. Celebrities, adults, peers and athletes are constantly using drugs, both legal and illegal, how are you suppose to make the mature and informed decision?

Risks Associated with Drugs Safety Concerns: most substances affect the user’s judgement and motor coordination. Long-Term Physical Health Problems: introduction of a foreign substance into the body on a regular basis may have permanent effects. Mental Health Problems: casual use of some drugs such as ecstasy and crystal meth can cause short-term anxiety, paranoia, and other negative feelings. Self medication is also a problem for people with a mental health disorder. Cognitive Problems: use of drugs have been shown to impair short-term memory and the ability to concentrate.

Risks Associated with Drugs Violence and Crime: many substance reduce inhibitions, give users a sense of self-confidence and invulnerability, and impair judgment. No Quality Control for Illegal Drugs: many drugs are produced in secret labs found in barns, mobile homes, motel rooms, houseboats, storage units, and basements by drug dealers, not chemists. There are no guidelines for cleanliness or scientific procedures. The Risk of an Overdose: This is always present. Larger doses given due to tolerance can cause an overdose. There is not a suggested serving size on the package.

How Drug Use Begins Other factors include: Culture and media Curiosity People often believe using mood-altering drugs will make them feel better. Other factors include: Culture and media Curiosity Social Acceptance Lack of Knowledge about the risks Celebrations and Religious Observances Everyday Emotional Observances Mental Health Problems

Health Canada Drug Stats 2008 Major findings from the Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (CADUMS) 2008 In 2008, fewer Canadians reported heavy drinking to be their usual consumption on drinking occasions than in 2004 (9.3% vs. 12.7%). In 2008, fewer Canadians reported harm in lifetime due to their alcohol use than in 2004 (17.6% vs. 22.4%). The prevalence of past-year use of cannabis among Canadians 15 years of age and older decreased from 14.1% in 2004 to 11.4% in 2008. The prevalence of past 12 month cocaine (1.6%), ecstasy (1.4%), speed (1.1%) and methamphetamine (0.2%) use in 2008 is comparable to the rates of use reported in 2004.

Health Canada Drug Stats 2008 The rate of drug use by youth 15-24 years of age remains much higher than that reported by adults 25 years and older: four times higher for cannabis use (32.7% versus 7.3%), and nine times higher for past-year use of any other illicit drug (15.4% versus 1.7%). While more than one in four Canadians (28.4%) aged 15 years and older indicated that they had used an opioid pain reliever, a stimulant, a sedative or a tranquillizer in the past year, only 0.6% reported that they had used any of these pharmaceutical products to get high in the past year. In 2008, 2.7% of Canadians reported experiencing harms due to their drug use in the past year, a rate comparable to that reported in 2004 (2.8%). The prevalence of harm experienced during the past year due to one's drug use was approximately ten times higher among youth 15-24 years of age, than among adults aged 25 and older (10.8% versus 1.1%).

Drug Policy Five Objectives: To reduce the demand for drugs. To reduce drug-related deaths. To improve the effectiveness of, and accessibility to, substance abuse information and interventions. To restrict the supply of illicit drugs and reduce the profitability of illicit drug trafficking. To reduce the costs of substance abuse to Canadian society. Are these objectives achievable? Why or why not?