PPL101 SUBSTANCE USE & ABUSE

Psychoactive drugs Chemicals that affect the central nervous system and interfere with the normal functioning of the brain.

Some Definitions Drug use: Using a drug for the purpose intended, in the dosage recommended. Drug misuse: Using a drug for a purpose other than for what it was intended, or in a dosage higher than recommended. Drug abuse: Any unnecessary or improper use of chemical substances for non-medicinal purposes. Euphoria: Feeling ‘high’.

Definitions (cont.) Tolerance: Needing more and more of a drug to get the same effects. Psychological dependence: Feeling like you need to take a drug to function. Physical dependence: When your body develops a chemical need for a drug. Withdrawl symptoms: What happens when a person stops using a drug that they have developed a physical dependence to.

Classification of Drugs Examples Effects Risks I-Stimulants II-Depressants III- Narcotics IV- Hallucinogens V-Steroids VI- Inhalants VII- Cannibinoids

I- Stimulants Examples: Nicotine, caffeine, amphetamines, cocaine, crack, ‘speed’, ‘uppers’, appetite suppressants, crystal ‘meth’. Effects: Stimulants speed up the central nervous system. (wake you up, decrease appetite, increase heart rate & blood pressure) Risks: paranoia, stroke, heart failure, trembling, insomnia

II- Depressants Examples: ‘downers’, alcohol, valium, barbituates, tranquilizers, sleeping pills Effects: Drugs that slow down the CNS. (relax muscles, relieve tension & anxiety, bring on sleep, slow down heart rate. Risks: Highly addictive, can be fatal when combined with alcohol

III- Narcotics Examples: heroin, opium, morphine, codeine, Tylenol 3’s. Effects: Drugs that have a sedative or pain relieving effect. (dream induction, euphoria, appetite suppression) Risks: Highly addictive, coma, constipation, birth defects, painful withdrawl symptoms.

IV- Hallucinogens Examples: LSD (acid), peyote, ecstasy, magic mushrooms, PCP (angel dust). Effects: Drugs that alter moods, thoughts, and perceptions (sight, sound, touch, taste) Risks: Can trigger mental illness (psychosis), panic, anxiety, vomiting.

V- Anabolic Steroids Examples: Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Stanazolol, Cortisone, etc. Effects: Drugs that mimick the effects of testosterone on the body (decrease healing time, help build muscle). Risks: Decreased testosterone production, mood swings, violent behaviour, testicular shrinkage, masculinizing effects, acne.

VI- Inhalants Examples: Glue, gasoline, spray paints, aerosols, lighter fluid. Effects: Depress the CNS to produce effects similar to those of alcohol. Risks: Nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, kidney and liver damage, permanent brain damage.

VII- Cannibinoids Examples: Marijuana, hashish, hash oil. Effects: euphoria, increased appetite, effects vary from person to person. Risks: Decreased sperm count, lung damage, psychological dependence, anxiety.

How Drugs are Taken 1. Injection 2. Smoking 3. Snorting 4. Eating & drinking 5. Huffing 6. Through the skin