And how they affect criminal behavior Drugs And how they affect criminal behavior

A drug is…. “…any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function.” Wikipedia This means that there are far more “drugs” out there than the commonly accepted street drugs. We will consider many different drugs in this study…

Drug Classifications There are four main classifications of drugs… Stimulants Depressants Anti-Depressants Anti- Psychotics

Classifications Stimulants Induce temporary improvements in either mental or physical function or both. Examples of these kinds of effects may include enhanced alertness, wakefulness, and locomotion. "uppers".

Classifications Depressants Depressants are substances which slow down the normal function of the central nervous system. These drugs include barbiturates, alcohol, marijuana and inhalants. “Downers”

Classifications Anti- Depressants used to alleviate mood disorders, such as major depression and anxiety disorders. Often have strong side effects. Controversial.

Classifications Anti- Psychotics Antipsychotics are often prescribed for those with bipolar disorder (manic depression) to help control mania or alleviate psychotic features such as delusions, voices, etc. Stelazine

How do drugs work? You now have thirty seconds to explain…

How do drugs work? Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters are chemicals which transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a synapse. Reworded: these are chemicals that enable our brains to send electrical signals to other cells, nerves, etc.

Neurotransmitters at work

Neurotransmitters at work Different neurotransmitters affect different aspects of our behavior. Here are some common ones.

Neurotransmitters at work Drugs work by limiting or enhancing the effect of our own brain’s Neurotransmitters! If you boost dopamine, you will feel pleasure (get high), you limit dopamine, you will feel low, etc… If you are depressed, boosting Serotonin will make you feel happier. Now you know why there is such a wide variety of drugs. It is because we have a huge number of Neurotransmitters!

Commonly Abused Drugs See how many you can think of….

Commonly Abused Drugs Amphetamines Function- Enhances dopamine and other N. Transmitters. Effects – heightened energy, stamina, focus, decreased appetite. (Very potent “Upper”, pumps you up and can make you feel invincible). Highly addictive. Common Names- Methamphetamine, Benzedrine, Speed

Commonly Abused Drugs Barbiturates Function : Central nervous system depressant. A tranquilizer that is used to combat insomnia, seizures and anxiety. Effect: Extreme relaxation, and often unconsciousness. Highly adictive. Common Forms: Amobarbital, Phenobarbital Used rarely by doctors these days.

Commonly Abused Drugs Cannabis Function: Painkiller, cure for nausea in cancer patients. Most commonly a recreational drug and nervous system depressant. Effect: Relaxation, feeling of euphoria, increased appetite, silliness and reduced inhibitions. Mildly addictive. Can lead to paranoia if taken excessively. Common Names: Weed, Pot, Marijuana, hash, etc…

Commonly Abused Drugs Cocaine Function: Topical Painkiller, stimulant Effect: Intoxicates with intense high and feelings of euphoria. Suppresses appetite and need for sleep. Clear thinking and enhanced mental abilities, concentration. Localized numbness. Highly addictive. Common Names: Crack, Coke, Snow… Benzocaine, Ambesol, Novacaine One of the oldest drugs, derived from Peruvian Coca Plant.

Commonly Abused Drugs Date Rape Drugs Function: Treat insomnia, render women unconscious for rape. Depressant. Effect: Powerful soporific effect (sleep inducing), paralysis, loss of memory. Possibility of death. Common Names: Rohypnol, GHB

Commonly Abused Drugs Ecstasy Function: Stimulant Effect: Intoxicates with intense high and feelings of euphoria. Can induce feelings of intimacy, as well as altered state of reality. Highly destructive on the body and easy to O.D. Common Names: “E” Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)

Commonly Abused Drugs Inhalants Function: Recreational. Effect: Intoxicates with intense high and feelings of euphoria. Highly addictive (psychologically) and extremely easy to O.D. Inhalants also lower inhibitions. Common Names: You can inhale just about anything.

Commonly Abused Drugs Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) Function: Hallucinogen and sensory enhancer. Creates altered state of perception and reality. Effect: Strange sensory episodes, from 6-18 hrs. Non-addictive. Common Names: Acid, dose, Blot, Lucy Derived from a fungus that lives on Rye. First made as a painkiller in 1938. (A failure because of its unintended effects).

Commonly Abused Drugs Magic Mushrooms Function: Hallucinogen and sensory enhancer. Creates altered state of perception and reality. Effect: Strange sensory episodes, from 6-18 hrs. Non-addictive. Common Names: Shrooms Similar effects and processes as LSD

Commonly Abused Drugs Morphine/Opiates Function: Strong Painkiller and depressant, used after surgery. Effect: Intense high, followed by intense lows. Highly addictive, and fatal in overdose. Common Names: Heroin, laudanum, Morphine, Junk Derived from opium plant.