Other Drugs Chapter 7

Substance abuse Substance Abuse – any unnecessary or improper use of chemical substances for non-medical purposes Overuse of a drug Use of an illegal drug Use of a drug with alcohol

Factors that influence drug use Peer pressure Family members Role models Media messages Perceptions of drug behavior Misleading information

Definitions to know Overdose – a strong sometimes fatal reaction to taking a large amount of a drug Tolerance – a condition in which the body becomes accustomed to the drug and causes the user to experience a need for more and more of the drug to achieve the desired effect.

Addiction Psychological dependence - A drug abuser believes that a drug is needed in order to feel good or to function normally. Physiological dependence - A drug abuser develops a chemical need for a drug and experiences symptoms of withdrawal when the effects of the drug wear off. Addiction - A physiological or psychological dependence on a drug

Consequences for illegal drug use Stop pursuing interests or goals Engage in dangerous behaviors Engage in sexual activity Act recklessly Be depressed Be at risk of suicide Be involved in violent crimes Be arrested

Marijuana Marijuana - A plant whose leaves, buds, and flowers are usually smoked for their intoxicating effects Gateway drug, a drug that may lead the user to try other, more dangerous drugs. One of the most widely abused drugs Studies have shown that a teen who uses marijuana is 15 times more likely to use cocaine than a teen who has never used marijuana.

Health risks of marijuana Hallucinations Increased risk of lung cancer Impaired short term memory Change of hormone levels Increased appetite In males, lowered sperm count and testosterone levels Decreased ambition In females, increased risk of infertility Increased risk of stillbirth and birth defects Weakened immunity to infection Lung irritation Dizziness Heart and lung damage

Inhalants Inhalants - Substances whose fumes are sniffed or inhaled to give effect Health risks: Liver and kidney damage Blindness Brain damage Paralysis Cardiac arrest Death

Immediate effects of inhalants Glassy stare Slurred speech Impaired judgment Nausea Coughing Nosebleeds Fatigue Lack of coordination

Steroids Anabolic steroids - Synthetic substances similar to male sex hormones Side effects: Weak tendons and ligaments Violent behavior Extreme mood swings Weight gain Depression paranoia Acne Shrinking of testicles High blood pressure Reduced sperm count Liver and kidney tumors Menstrual cycle changes

Psychoactive Drugs Psychoactive drugs - Chemicals that affect the central nervous system and alter activity in the brain 4 categories Stimulants Opiates Depressants Hallucinogens

Stimulants Stimulants - A drug that increases the action of the central nervous system, the heart, and other organs Examples: Amphetamines Cocaine Crack Methamphetamine Nicotine

Opiates Opiates - Drugs such as those derived from the opium plant that are obtainable only by prescription and are used to relieve pain Examples Codeine Heroin Morphine Opium Oxycodone (Oxycontin)

Hallucinogens Hallucinogens - Drugs that alter moods, thoughts, and sense perceptions, including vision, hearing, smell, and touch Examples DXM (tussin) Ecstasy Ketamine LSD PCP Psilocybin

Depressants Depressants - Drugs that tend to slow the central nervous system Examples Barbiturates GHB Rohypnol Tranquilizers

Rohypnol Also known as roofies Date rape drug Odorless, colorless, tasteless

Designer Drugs Designer Drugs - Synthetic drugs that are made to imitate the effects of other drugs

Living drug free By deciding not to use drugs, you promote your own health and influence others to do the same. Committing to be drug free Choose friends who share your attitude Avoid places where drugs may be available Use refusal skills Healthy Alternatives Hobbies Sports Community activities School organizations

Drug free zone Drug free school zones - Areas within 1,000 to 1,500 feet of schools and designated by signs, within which people caught selling drugs receive especially severe penalties School efforts Drug education classes Zero tolerance policies Expulsions Locker searches Police patrol

Indicators of drug use Lies about drugs Withdrawn or depressed Constantly talks about drugs Stops participating in activities Changes in eating or sleeping habits Takes unnecessary risks Blackouts Red rimmed eyes Gets in trouble with authority figures

How to help a friend Identify sources of help Talk to the person Express concern Listen to the person Go to counseling

Therapy Rehabilitation - The process of medical and psychological treatment for physiological or psychological dependence on a drug or alcohol Stay at therapeutic communities = best for someone with a long history of drug abuse