Definitions: Substance Abuse: Use of a substance that causes physical and psychological addiction. Addiction: Short-term benefits but long-term destruction.

Addiction Physical: Increased tolerance to the drug by the body. The user is addicted to how their body functions when they use the drug. Withdrawal symptoms occur when quitting.

Addiction Withdrawal symptoms? Can range in severity from a headache to death. It depends on many factors; the main two being the person and the drug. It is not guaranteed that two people will react the same way to the same substance.

Addiction Psychological: The brain perceives the need for the drug in order to function. The user is addicted to the feelings and mood the drug puts them in. (Marijuana is addictive!)

How to know if someone is addicted: Feeling the need to do the behavior. Failed attempts to quit Spending money on it if they don’t have it Hiding the behavior Neglecting obligations

Types of Drugs: Depressants Effects: Slows down the body’s vital functions (breathing, heart rate…) Examples: Marijuana Alcohol Heroin

Types of Drugs: Stimulants Effects: Speeds up the body’s vital functions. Examples: Cocaine Methamphetamine Nicotine Caffeine

Types of Drugs: Hallucinogens Effects: Effects how the brain perceives time, reality and the environment around you. Examples: LSD (Acid) PCP Ecstasy

Types of Drugs: Club Drugs Effects: Popular in Night Clubs and Rave parties. Variety of effects from all categories (Depressants, Stimulant, etc…) Examples Ecstasy Rohypnol GHB

Types of Drugs: Inhalants Effects: Mixed effects depending on person and substance. Can have very minimal effects up to death, even on the first try. Examples: Inhalants are NOT drugs, they are poisons. Paint Cleaners Markers Glue

Types of Drugs: Prescription Effects: Drugs prescribed by a physician and dispersed by a pharmacist. Examples: Prescription drug Chart Prescription drug Chart