Drugs Use, Misuse, and Abuse

Why do Drugs Work? They resemble the chemicals produced naturally within the body. Drugs possess electrical charges and structures similar to the chemicals that occur naturally in our bodies.

Types of Drugs Prescription Over-the-counter (OTC) Recreational can only be obtained with a prescription from a Doctor. Over-the-counter (OTC) can be purchased at stores Recreational Drugs that contain chemicals used to help people relax or socialize Alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, and chocolate

Types of Drugs Herbal Preparations Illicit (illegal) Herbal teas and other products of plants that are believed to have medicinal properties Illicit (illegal) Generally recognized as harmful All of them are psychoactive Commercial Preparations Commonly used chemical substances, including cosmetics, household cleaning products and industrial by-products.

Taking Drugs Oral Injection most common but slowest route Produces effects within 20 minutes to 1 hour Injection Intramuscular – into muscle tissue Subcutaneous – into fat directly beneath skin Intravenous - into vein Produces effects within 3 minutes

Taking Drugs Inhalation Patch Suppositories Through the nostrils Only small amounts can be absorbed and metabolized in the lungs Effects are often frequent, but do not last long Patch Through the skin Suppositories Drugs mixed with a waxy medium to melt at body temperature Inserted into the anus or vagina

Misusing and Abusing Drugs Drug Misuse The use of a drug for a purpose for which it was not intended. Drug Abuse The excessive use of any drug

Addiction The continued use of a drug or activity despite ongoing negative consequences. Signs of addiction Compulsion and obsession Loss of control Negative consequences Physical damage, legal trouble, financial problems, academic failure, or family issues Denial

Drug Project Topics Marijuana Ecstasy Hashish Ketamine Heroin LSD Opium Anabolic Steroids Oxycodone Inhalants Cocaine Bath Salts Amphetamine Methamphetamine

Drug Classifications: Stimulants Can cause the nervous system to release messenger chemicals and speed up mental and physical responses. Types of Stimulants: Caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine, Ritalin, methamphetamine

Marijuana Chopped leaves and flowers of the Cannabis plant A psychoactive stimulant that intensifies reactions to environmental stimuli

Opiates / Narcotics Derived from the drug opium made from the juice of the opium poppy Include morphine, codeine, and heroin Causes drowsiness, relieves pain and induces euphoria Types of Opiates/Narcotics: opium, morphine, codeine, heroin, methadone

Hallucinogens Alters feelings, perceptions, and thoughts in the user Users may recall events forgotten or become less inhibited Types of Hallucinogens: LSD, Mescaline, Psilocybin, and Psilocin

Depressants Depresses the central nervous systems by slowing down most body functions. Induces sleep, slows breathing, slows muscular coordination, speech, movement, and manual dexterity. All depressants are physically addictive Types of depressants: alcohol, tranquilizers (valium, xanax)

Inhalants Chemicals that produce vapors that, when inhaled, can cause hallucinations and create intoxicating and euphoric effects. Rubber cement, model glue, paint thinner, lighter fluid, varnish, ax, spot removers, and gasoline Amyl Nitrite (poppers, rush) and Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

Steroids Artificial forms of the male hormone testosterone that promotes muscle growth and strength. Used to increase strength, power, bulk (weight), speed and athletic performance

Designer Drugs (Club Drugs) A man made drug that produces similar effects of an existing illegal drugs Ecstasy – also known as XTC or MDMA Creates feelings of openness and warmth, combined with the mind-altering characteristics of hallucinogens. Chronic use damages the brain’s ability to think and regulate emotion, memory, sleep and pain.

Heroin Epidemic: How is Heroin so Harmful? Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive opioid drug. A heroin overdose can cause slow and shallow breathing, coma, and death. People often use heroin along with other drugs or alcohol. This practice is especially dangerous because it increases the risk of overdose. Heroin is typically injected but is also smoked or snorted. When people inject heroin, they are at risk of serious, long-term viral infections such as HIV, Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis B, as well as bacterial infections of the skin, bloodstream, and heart

Heroin Epidemic As heroin use has increased, so have heroin-related overdose deaths. Between 2002 and 2013, the rate of heroin-related overdose deaths nearly quadrupled, and more than 8,200 people died in 2013. Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0U7tus2POo