Drugs

Definitions Drug: Any chemical substance that causes a physical or mental change in the structure or function of the body. Ex. Marijuana, alcohol, Advil, Tylenol, heroin, nicotine, etc. Can be legal (illicit drugs) or illegal. Substance Abuse: Any unnecessary or improper use of chemical substances for non-medical purposes. Gateway Drugs: Drugs that often lead to other serious and dangerous drug use.

FACTS ABOUT DRUGS Teens are using at younger ages Heroin use is growing among teens Teens consider marijuana a safe drug More than 60% of teens said that drugs were sold, used, or kept at their school. In 2008, 1.9 million youth age 12 to 17 abused prescription drugs. By the 8th grade, 52% of adolescents have consumed alcohol, 41% have smoked cigarettes, and 20% have used marijuana. 1 joint = 20 cigarettes on the lungs

WHY PEOPLE USE DRUGS To seem mature Friends and family use them Media glamorizes it Boredom Escape problems Friends and family use them Peer pressure To fit in To relax

DANGERS OF DRUGS Tolerance- need more and more Physiological Dependence- chemical need for the drug Withdrawal- nervousness, insomnia, severe nausea, headaches, vomiting, chills, cramps, or even death Psychological Dependence- feels a need (mental addiction) Addiction- can’t function without the drug

Types of Drugs Stimulants Depressants Narcotics Hallucinogens Cannabis Inhalants Club Drugs Steroids

Type 1: Stimulants Stimulants speed up the Central Nervous System (CNS) Increase heart rate Increase blood pressure Increase body temperature Increase pupil size.

Stimulants: Caffeine Legal Extremely Addictive Most widely used stimulant Found in sodas, chocolate, energy drinks, coffee etc.

Stimulants: Amphetamine Effects During “Up” time: Extra energy, cheerfulness, confidence, prevents sleep, reduces appetite, speeds up breathing and heart rate, widens the pupils. Effects During Down time Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, anxiety, anger It's taken by mouth, injected or inhaled. Nicknames and Examples: Speed, meth, crystal, crank, tweak, ice, glass

Stimulants: Cocaine Extremely Addictive and Illegal Drug Effects: restlessness, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, respiratory arrest, seizures, death. It's inhaled or injected Nicknames: Coke, Snow, Nose Candy, Flake, Big C, Lady, White and Snowbirds

Type 2: Depressants Slows Down Body Functions (CNS) Slows Breathing Slows heart rate Slows reaction time Examples: Alcohol and Barbituates

Depressants: Barbituates Effects: Very similar to Alcohol Calming, sleep induction and anxiety reduction, slurred speech, clumsiness, unconsciousness. Taken By mouth Other Names: Downers, Barbs, Blue Devils, Red Devils, Yellow Jacket

Type 3 - Narcotics Drugs that act on the CNS to relieve pain. Morphine – Used Legally in hospitals Very addictive Codeine – Used legally by prescription 1/6 as effective and addictive as Morphine Heroin – Illegal, addictive and harmful 10 Times as powerful as Morphine Deep state of relaxation, constrict pupils, slows heart beat, induces sleep

Type 4 - Hallucinogens Cause a change in a person’s perception of reality. (I.E. They see and take things in differently) Man made substance to increase potency LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) Effects: Altered states of perception and feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, numbness, weakness, tremors.

Hallucinogens: Mushrooms Certain types of mushrooms have hallucinogenic substance that is ingested by mouth. Effects: Euphoria, visual hallucinations, nausea, fear or agitation, confusion, delirium, psychosis, schizophrenia like syndromes.

Hallucinogens: PCP Other Names: Angel dust, wack, ozone Severe unpredictable side effects. Very toxic even in low doses. Effects: High blood pressure, lack of coordination, irregular muscle functioning, little or no pain response, loss of sensitivity, fever, nausea vomiting. Agitation, violence, PCP Rage – uncontrollable bursts of violence and unstoppable strength

Type 5: Cannabis This drug is found naturally in plants THC is the major ingredient. Effects: Relaxation, drowsiness, lowering if inhibitions, distorted perceptions, short term memory loss, blood shot eyes, dry throat, increased heart rate, tightness of chest, dizziness, decreased muscular coordination Hashish: Most potent form of Cannabis Marijuana is the cheaper, less potent form of Cannabis

Type 6: Inhalants Substances that produce fumes that are sniffed to produce intoxication Can be deadly, you never know how much drug you are actually taking in Types: Cleaning fluid, lacquer, model airplane glue, gasoline, nitrous oxide Effects: Euphoria, hallucinations, memory loss, occasional aggressiveness. Repeated exposure can increase these effects.

Type 7: Club Drugs Variety of drugs used at all-night dance parties, nightclubs, and concerts. Ecstasy: (MDMA) Stimulant and hallucinogen. Euphoria and heightened energy and emotions. GHB – Anabolic steroid that acts as a sedative. Ketamine – Anesthetic causes dreaminess and hallucinations, especially out of body experiences. Rohypnol – sedative intoxicaton, relaxation.

Type 8: Anabolic Steroids Drugs that have 2 basic effects, promote growth of skeletal muscle and encourage development of male characteristics. More than 100 different steroids used legally in the US Side Effects: Hormonal Changes, Musculoskeletal changes, Cardiovascular Changes, Liver Damage, Skin problems (ACNE), infections, Rage, Psychotic episodes

Other Common Drugs Marijuana Most common street drug in the US Effects:  Heart Rate,  Appetite, lung damage, brain damage, hormonal damage,  motivation, cancer Meth Effects: anxiousness and nervousness, incessant talking, extreme moodiness and irritability, purposeless, repetitious behavior, such as picking at skin or pulling out hair, sleep disturbances, aggressive or violent behavior, disinterest in previously enjoyed activities; and severe depression, Dry mouth, sores in and around the mouth Weight loss, Irritability, temper outbursts, aggression

Additional Info http://www.california-rehab.com/drugs.php http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/04/05/illegal_drugs_identification_chart_what_they_look_like__amp_how_to_recognize_their_effects.htm http://www.addictionca.com/illegal-drugs.htm http://www.streetdrugs.org/dgsindex.htm