Marijuana, Inhalants, and Steroids Mrs. Vogel Health 10-12

Marijuana Hay Pot Doobies Reefer Tea Weed Mary Jane Herb Leaf Joint Buds Grass Pot Reefer Weed Herb Joint Smoke

Marijuana Illegal drugs don’t come with warning labels that help you make smart decisions. Drugs can be mixed with unknown chemicals and have unexpected effects on your health. Pcp, crack cocaine, mold spores, salmonella, bacteria. Misusing any drugs can have serious consequences to your health.

Marijuana Marijuana- is a plant whose leaves, buds, and flowers are usually smoked for their intoxicating effects. (also known as grass, weed, or pot). Most Widely used illegal drug. Hashish or Hash is a stronger form of marijuana.

Marijuana Considered a Gateway Drug, a drug that can lead to the user to try other, more dangerous drugs. Teens who use marijuana are 15 times more likely to try cocaine than a teen who has never used marijuana. All forms of marijuana are mind-altering and can damage the users health, lead to risky behaviors and even death.

Marijuana Psychoactive- mind altering Chemical Compound found in Marijuana THC Tetrahydrocannabinol The more THC in Marijuana more likely user will suffer from long-term consequences

Health Risks of Marijuana Hallucinations and paranoia Impaired short-term memory, reaction time, concentrations and coordination Permanent memory impairment Desired initiative and ambition Bloodshot eyes, dry Distorted reality

Health Risks of Marijuana Respiratory System Kills cilia in the lungs Excessive buildup of phlegm Develop chronic cough which lead into: Bronchitis Emphysema Lung Cancer Cardiovascular System Raises heart rate Raises blood pressure Increase premature stroke Increase premature heart attack

Health Risks of Marijuana Mouth Cancer Larynx Cancer Upper Jaw Cancer Muscles Slow reaction time Interfere with normal muscular reflexes

Health Risks of Marijuana Stomach Increase appetite Slows digestive process Nausea Immune System Weaken Diseases Infections

Health Risks of Marijuana Female Reproductive System Disrupts menstrual cycle Fertility problems Male Reproductive System Lowered sperm count Formation of irregular sperm cells

Physical Consequences of Marijuana Use Marijuana smoke contains more cancer- causing chemicals than tobacco smoke. (over 4000 chemicals absorbed into the body) Marijuana users often inhale the unfiltered smoke, which will cause damage to the respiratory system. Damage the immune system, more susceptible to infections. Risk to the reproductive system

Mental and Emotional Consequences Raises levels of the brain chemical called dopamine (this chemical produces a pleasurable feeling). In some users, Marijuana triggers so much dopamine that users reach a feeling of intense well-being or elation called a “high” When users stop, there is an abrupt letdown which is called a “crash”

Mental and Emotional Consequences Can experience slow mental reflexes and may suffer from sudden feelings of anxiety and paranoia. Paranoia- an irrational suspiciousness or distrust of others. Activates Cannabinoid Receptors which controls memory, thought, concentration, time, depth perception and coordinated movement. User might feel dizzy, have trouble walking, and have a hard time remembering things that just happened.

Mental and Emotional Consequences Short-term memory is affected, which can lead to problems at school and work. Distorted perception, loss of coordination, and trouble thinking and problem solving Few hours after use a person may become very sleepy. These consequences can be deadly if the user is driving a vehicle.

Driving and Marijuana Use The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates 10- 22% of drivers involved in car crashes were on drugs. DUI of marijuana can be dangerous. It interferes with… Depth perception Impaired reaction time and judgment Sleepiness Slow reflexes

Driving and Marijuana Use Legal consequences of a DUI Suspension of a driver’s license Fines Loss of eligibility for federal college loans Possible a jail term If injury or death of another person May face serious legal prosecution

Marijuana Addiction Tolerance- the need for increased amounts of marijuana to achieve the same effect Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control marijuana use Greater amounts of time spent using and obtaining marijuana Less interest in social, school, or recreational activities

Spice/K2 Use can trigger… Intense hallucinations Blurry Vision Elevated Blood Pressure Fast Heart Beat Nausea Vomiting Seizures Loss of consciousness

Inhalants Inhalants- are substances whose fumes are sniffed or inhaled to give effect. Some inhalants are prescribed by doctors to treat allergies, asthma, and other medical conditions. Some substances are inhaled to achieve a high (solvents, aerosols, glues, paints, varnishes, and gasoline). This can cause brain damage

Inhalants Depress the central nervous system. Immediate effects include Glassy stare Slurred speech Impaired judgment Nausea Coughing Nosebleeds Fatigue Lack of Coordination

Inhalants Using inhalants can cause permanent loss of brain cells Long-term use can cause Liver and kidney damage Blindness Brain damage Paralysis Cardiac arrest Death

Inhalants Can be accidentally inhaled when doing household chores. When using inhalants, work in a well-ventilated room wear a mask if a project requires long exposure to the fumes

Consequence of Steroid Use Anabolic-androgenic steroids- are synthetic substances similar to male sex hormones. Anabolic= muscles building Androgenic= increased male characteristics.

Consequences of Steroid Use Steroids may be prescribed for some medical conditions, but using steroids without medical supervision is dangerous. Steroid use can result in unnatural muscle growth. With physical conditioning, steroids can increase muscle strength, but the tendons and ligaments do not get stronger which leads to injury

Consequences of Steroid Use Other side effects: Weight gain Acne High Blood Pressure Liver and Kidney Tumors Steroid users who inject the drug may contract HIV or hepatitis B

Consequences of Steroid Use May also contain… Violent behavior Extreme mood swings Depression Paranoia Effects on males Shrinking testicles Reduced sperm count Baldness Development of breasts Increased risk of prostate cancer

Consequences of Steroid Use Effects on females Facial hair Baldness Menstrual cycle changes Deepened voice Nonmedical use of steroids is illegal Athletes who use steroids can face expulsion from a team or event, monetary fines, tarnished reputation and jail time