The Health Risks of Drug Use Mrs. Vogel Health 10-12

Substance Abuse Substance abuse- any unnecessary or improper use of chemical substances for nonmedical purposes. Overuse, or multiple use of a drug, use of an illegal drug or use of a drug with alcohol. Illegal Drugs- chemical substances that people of any age may not lawfully manufacture, possess, buy, or sell. Using illegal drug is a crime called Illicit drug use Illicit Drug Use- the use or sale of any substance that is illegal or otherwise not permitted.

Factors that Influence Teens Peer Pressure- the influence of your friends or social group. Peers can influence teens to avoid illegal drug use. Teens whose friends avoid drug use are more likely to say NO to drugs themselves. Family Members-Parents and other family members can encourage teens to not do drugs. Role Model- coaches, athletes, actors, and professionals who speak about the benefits of being drug- free

Factors That Influence Teens Media Messages- on TV, radio, websites, movies, and music can influence how you feel about drug use. Misleading information- about some drugs can lead teens to think that certain drug use can be beneficial. Some teens believe steroid use boosts sports performance.

How Drugs Affect Your Health Unlike medicines, illegal drugs are not monitored for quality, purity, or strength. They do not come with labels that list safety guidelines. Physical Health- Some illegal drugs users inject the substance with a needle. This increase the risk of contracting diseases such as hepatitis B and HIV. A serious danger is the risk of overdose Overdose- a strong sometime fatal reaction to taking a large amount of a drug.

How Drugs Affect Your Health Mental Health- Impairs a teens ability to reason and think. Illegal drug (Ecstasy) the brain’s structure and function Drug use may cause teens to behave in a way that goes against their values Social Health- May lose friendships Relationships with family members may suffer Legal consequences of drug use Substance abuse is leading cause of crime, suicide and unintentional injuries

Other Effects of Drug Use Tolerance- the body becomes accustomed to the drug and causes a need for more and more of the drug to achieve the desired effect. Psychological Dependence- a condition that develops over time and causes a person to believe that a drug is needed in order to feel good or to function normally.

Other Effects of Drug Use Physiological Dependence- user develops a chemical need for the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal occur when the effects of the drug wear off. Symptoms include: Nervousness Insomnia Headaches Vomiting Chills Cramps Can result into death if severe

Other Effects of Drug Use Addiction- a physiological or psychological dependence on a drug. An addict is someone who requires persistent, compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful. Addicts have a difficulty stopping on their own. Professional intervention is often necessary.

The Addiction Cycle User takes the drug to experience the short-term pleasures. The affects wear off, the user then experiences the physical and psychological consequences of withdrawal. To relieve the symptoms, the user takes the drug again to relieve the pain and repeat the feelings of short-term pleasures This cycle continues until the person gets medical help to stop using the drug.

Drugs take a heavy toll Some people believe that drugs can help them escape or solve their problems. Drug use can create problems that affect a user’s physical, mental/emotional, and social health.

Consequences for the Individual Teens who use illegal drugs Stop pursuing their goals Lower inhibitions (which can lead to risky behaviors) Engage in sexual activity Increase risk of acquiring STD Acting recklessly Leading factors in teen depression and suicide More likely to be arrested Teens who are convicted of a drug offense can be sent to jail Increase violence, crime, and accidental death

Consequences for Friends and Family When a teen abuses drugs it affects everyone in his or her life. May lose interest in healthy activities Stop spending time with friends who value drug-free lifestyle Family members (who feel responsible for their loved one) feel the burden of the emotional and financial costs of drug abuse

Consequences for Others If a pregnant female takes drugs, those drugs are passed to the fetus. The drugs have a greater effect on the fetus than the mother The fetus may be born with birth defects, behavioral problems, or a drug addiction. A nursing mother’s breast milk may contain traces of drugs that are passed to the baby.

Consequences for Society Illegal drug use can result in a rise of crime and violence DUI can cause injuries and death Drug abuse can effect the economy Research by Office of National Drug Control Policy shows that drug abuse cost the U.S economy $180 billion per year. Lost work hrs and productivity due to drug-related illnesses, jail time, accidents, and deaths Health care costs and legal fees Law enforcement costs and insurance costs due to drug-related damages, injuries, and deaths