Slide 1 of 32 Illegal Drugs An illegal drug is a chemical substance that people of any age may not lawfully manufacture, possess, buy, or sell.

The improper use of medicines—either prescription or over-the- counter drugs—is called drug misuse. Drug Misuse Examples of drug misuse include Taking more than the prescribed amount of a drug Not taking a drug for the correct period of time

A mood-altering drug, also called a psychoactive drug, is a chemical that affects brain activity. Drug Abuse and the Brain. The compulsive use of a drug, despite any cost to health, family, or social standing. Addiction is a disease that changes the structure and chemistry of the brain.

Slide 4 of 32 Withdrawal If a person who is dependent on a psychoactive drug stops taking the drug, that person will experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include nausea or vomiting headaches or dizziness fever digestion problems paranoia or panic tremors, seizures, or death

Slide 5 of 32 Impurities Many illegal drugs are contaminated with chemicals that may themselves be harmful or cause dangerous drug interactions. Illegal drugs may vary widely from batch to batch in the concentration of psychoactive chemicals they contain.

Slide 6 of 32 Other Health Risks Hepatitis and HIV If drug users share needles to inject drugs, contaminated blood left in the needle can carry disease-causing viruses from user to user. Risks to Fetus and Newborn Drug abuse by a pregnant woman places her baby at risk for a broad range of developmental problems.

Slide 7 of 32 Legal Risks Penalties for individuals who produce, possess, transport, or sell illegal drugs include long prison terms and heavy fines. A criminal record makes it difficult to get a job or to be admitted into schools and the military. Many drug abusers commit other crimes to support their drug addiction.

Slide 8 of 32 Effects on Family and Friends A drug abuser may: have unpredictable mood swings become violent withdraw from relationships and responsibilities The interests and activities that helped bind the person with family and friends may no longer exist.

Slide 9 of 32 Costs to Society The United States government has spent billions of dollars in efforts to stop illegal drug manufacturing and sales. Significant financial resources go toward drug abuse prevention education treatment rehabilitation programs The cost of incarcerating thousands of people for drug-related crimes

Slide 10 of 31 A Gateway to Other Drugs Marijuana use is often a gateway to using other “harder” drugs, such as cocaine. As marijuana users build up tolerance, they may seek out other drugs to experience the “high” they first got from marijuana. Other gateway drugs: Alcohol, Smoking, and Inhalants

Slide 11 of 19 Acknowledge the Problem Many abusers deny their behavior; others deny the underlying problems that led them to drug abuse. Signs of Possible Drug Abuse

Slide 12 of 19 Explore Treatment Options Treatment options for drug abusers include detoxification therapeutic communities supervised medication Programs exist for family members trying to understand their loved one’s drug problem. Some drug treatment programs are available at little or no cost.

Group Assignment 1.Drug Free Propaganda Poster- Needs a general quote and have the ability to catch ones eye 2.The completion of each question for your designated illegal drug What topic does your drug fall under and what is its definition (Narcotic, Depressant, Stimulant, Hallucinogen, Cannabis, or Inhalant)? What are the short-term side effects of your illegal drug? What are the long-term side effects of your illegal drug? What can you do if your being asked to do drugs? Who can you talk to if you or you know someone you know is having trouble with drugs? What are 3 alternatives to drug use Extra Credit: Make a song or poem on the importance of not doing drugs

Showcase Your Talents! Jobs Needed: Researcher Artist Scribe Presenter Possible song or poem creator **Each person’s name and job must be on the paper that answers the 6 questions**