Substance use and Abuse

What is a drug? In your groups come up with your own definition of a drug. Substances other than food which are taken in order to change the way the body or mind works. Drugs can be licit or illicit Can you name some examples of Licit and illicit drugs?

Drug Use vs. Abuse Drug use refers to the use of a drug in order to change the way the body works without interfering with one’s daily activities. While Drug Abuse refers to when a drug begins to affect other aspects of life. Eg. School, work, friends, driving. In some cases people abuse drugs because of wanting to perform better in other areas of life e.g. school work etc. (steriods, caffeine pills) or to get away from these things…

Types of Drugs Stimulants – drugs that speed up or excite the Central Nervous System. These drugs make you feel more alert/awake/energetic and often decrease appetite. E.g. Cocaine, amphetamines, tobacco, caffeine

Types of Drugs Depressants – Drugs that slow down the functions of the Central Nervous System. Often make you feel tired/less aware or less sensitive to what is happening around you. Pain or environment. E.g. Alcohol, opiates (morphine, heroin, codeine) rohypnol.

Types of Drugs Hallucinogens – Drugs that distort the senses and one’s awareness or perception of events. Often cause people to see or hear things that don’t exist. Can lead people to very dangerous situations! E.g. LSD, PCP, Magic Mushrooms.

Drug Use and Abuse What are the various ways drugs can be taken into the body? Mouth – ingestion leads to the drug being taken in to bloodstream through the walls of the stomach Inhaled – drug is taken into the bloodstream via the lungs and also the rich supply of capillaries in the nasal passages (absorption). Smoked – drug is taken into the bloodstream through the alveoli at the lungs. Absorbed – Drug is taken into the blood through the skin Injected – Drug is taken in directly to the bloodstream. Skin popping (under skin), Intramuscular (into muscle), mainlining(into a vein)