Illegal Drugs Chapter 22

Drug Use Substance abuse- any unnecessary or improper use of chemical substances for non-medical purposes Illegal drugs- chemical substances that people of any age may not lawfully manufacture, possess, buy, or sell Illicit drug use- the use or sale of any substance that is illegal or other wise not permitted Overdose- a strong sometime fatal reaction to taking a large amount of a drug

Types of Drugs Marijuana- a plant whose leaves, buds, and flowers are usually smoked for their intoxicating effects hallucinations, paranoia, impaired short term memory, reaction time, concentration, lung irritation, heart/lung damage, risk of infertility Inhalants- substances whose fumes are sniffed or inhaled to give effect Examples- Paints, glues, gasoline cans; ALL CAN CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE Steroids- synthetic substances similar to male sex hormones Weight gain, tumors, violent behaviors, depression, reproductive changes

Psychoactive Drugs- chemicals that affect the central nervous system Hallucinogens- drugs that alter moods, thoughts, and sense perceptions, including vision, hearing, smell, and touch Depressants- drugs that tend to slow the central nervous system Stimulants- drugs that speed up the central nervous system Opiates- drugs that are derived from the opium plant that are obtainable only by prescription and are used to relive pain

Rehabilitation The process of medical and psychological treatment for dependence on a drug or alcohol Types of drug treatment centers: Outpatient drug free treatment- usually no medications, group counseling Short term treatment- residential therapy, medication therapy, outpatient therapy Maintenance therapy- usually heroin addicts- medication and change of life Therapeutic communities- highly structured programs that may last from six-12 months