Chapter 10 Drugs

Drug A substance other than food that changes the structure or function of the body or mind Some are harmful to your health Other drugs can save your life

“Over-the-counter” Medicines Found on the shelves of local pharmacy or grocery stores Anyone can buy them without a prescription

Prescription Medications A medicine that can be obtained legally only with a doctor’s written permission Your doctor will write out instructions on how to use the medication

Drug Misuse Taking or using medicine in a way that is not intended Example: Taking a medication that was prescribed for someone else

Drug Abuse Intentionally using drugs in a way that is unhealthful or illegal Studies show less people using illegal drugs but more are abusing prescription medications

Physical Risks of Drug Abuse Serious illness/allergic reactions Cause damage to brain and nervous system Cause memory loss, seizures, and comas Death

Drug Addiction When people can’t stop taking drugs A dependency on a chemical substance that is very difficult to quit It is considered a disease

Mental Risks of Drugs Weakens a person’s ability to think and learn Low self-esteem Depression Anxiety Confusion

Overdose Taking more of a drug than the body can tolerate Leads to death or hospitalization

Stimulants A drug that speeds up the body’s functions Speeds up heart rate, breathing rates, and raises blood pressure Gives a false sense of energy, confidence and power

Amphetamines Very strong stimulant drugs that speed up the nervous system Prescribed for ADD and ADHD Often called “speed” on the street Crystal meth can cause a person’s heart to suddenly stop working

Crystal Meth

Cocaine Illegal stimulant made from the coca plant Inhaled through the nose, smoked, or injected in the veins Produces a sense of confidence when you first try it but wears off fast and need more

Cocaine

Depressants Drugs that slow down the body’s functions and reactions Slow down a person’s motor skills and coordination Are legal when prescribed by a doctor Example: tranquilizers for anxiety

Marijuana (Pot or Weed) Made from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant Illegal Affects people differently May hear or see things that are not really there May talk a lot Memory loss

Problems Marijuana causes… Lung damage Lowers testosterone levels in males causes sterility Causes females to have irregular periods

Club Drugs Illegal drugs that are found mostly in nightclubs or at all-night dance parties called raves Used to make people feel more relaxed

Rohypnol “Date Rape Drug” Makes a person’s blood pressure drop You feel very dizzy and sleepy Slipped into your drink and you don’t remember anything Hard to detect in urine samples

Ecstacy Can kill you taking it one time Causes heart rate and body temperature to increase Causes clenched jaws and tingly skin Causes severe brain damage Causes severe dehydration Kills tons of brain cells and memory

Ecstacy

Narcotics Drugs that get rid of pain and dull the senses Morphine and codeine – used as medicine Heroin – injected, very addictive, an instant “high” Withdrawal – nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting Overdosing is high Huge cause of HIV = users sharing needles

Hallucinogens Drugs that distort moods, thoughts, and senses Create imaginary images in the user’s mind May become very violent Example: Shrooms

Inhalants The vapors of chemicals that are sniffed or inhaled to get a “high” Can cause nausea, dizziness, mental confusion, and loss of motor skills

Steroids/Abuse Synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone prescribed for delayed puberty Abused by people taking them to build muscles and enhance performances

Steroid use is DANGEROUS Increases the risk of: HIV, Heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, cancer, sterility, hair loss, and severe acne In teens: permanently stunted growth, testicles to shrink, anger issues “roid rage”

STEROID ABUSE

STEROID ABUSE

STEROID ABUSE

Why Do Some Teens Use Drugs? Peer Pressure Drug use in the media/tv & movies To try and hide from their problems

Drugs Harmful for Boys Because… Negatively affects: *Height *Weight *Testicle size and function *Muscle mass and development *The age at which voice lowers

Drugs Harmful for Girls Because… Negatively affects: *Height *Weight *Onset of first menstrual period *Regularity of periods *Breast development *Function of ovaries *Pregnancy *Health of unborn babies

“Drug-Free Zone” 1000-yard distance around a school where anyone caught with drugs can be arrested

Drug Possession When a person has or keeps illegal drugs Teens can be arrested or spend time in a detention center or jail, and they as well as their parents may be fined Teens can also get a criminal record

Probation A set period of time during which a person who has been arrested must check in regularly with a court officer Violators face stiffer penalties

SAY NO TO DRUGS!!!!!