Health Issue of the Week Drug Use and the Brain

Description of Issue There are many kinds of drugs – such as marijuana, nicotine, alcohol, inhalants, tranquilizers, etc. They have a wide range of effects on the body – such as sleepiness, brain damage, and dizziness. They cause many emotional and social problems as well as physical problems.

Type of Disease Non-communicable Cannot get it from someone else, but CAN be influenced to begin use. Many people begin drug use because others are doing it.

Negative Aspects Can become addictive – body becomes physically dependent on it. Can cost a LOT of money: – Total economic cost of alcohol and drug use in 1992 was estimated at $245.7 billion dollars – this includes treatment programs, healthcare costs, prevention programs, etc. – Between 1988 and 1995, Americans spent approximately $57.3 billion dollars on drugs. Can cause many health problems

Three Common Drugs Three Kinds of Drugs that are commonly used by teens are: 1. Alcohol 2. Marijuana 3. Inhalants

Alcohol Is a depressant - slows down the activity of the nervous system (muscles relax and become sleepy) Short-term effects: – Decreased alertness – Poor reflexes – Nausea Long-term effects: – Liver and brain damage – Inadequate nutrition

Alcohol and the Brain “Alcohol suppresses the activities of excitatory nerve pathways and increases the activities of inhibitory nerve pathways.” Otherwise stated as: Alcohol makes the neurotransmitters in the brain produce too much or too little of the chemical that it is supposed to produce.

Alcohol’s Effects on the Brain It creates an overproduction of serotonin which affects your decision making. It produces less glutamate which is associated with memory loss. It creates an overproduction of GABA which makes you less anxious How might each of these things affect you?

Marijuana Most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. Short-term effects: – Loss of coordination – Increased heart rate Long-term effects: – Respiratory disease – Lung cancer – Difficulty with concentration and memory

Marijuana and the Brain When THC enters the brain, it attaches to cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells, affecting the way those cells work.

Marijuana’s Effects on the Brain It affects the cerebellum by creating coordination problems It affects the hippocampus which affects learning and memory It affects the brain stem which is responsible for sleep and motor control How might each of these things affect you?

Inhalants Also called “huffing” or “sniffing” Often cheap and found in kitchens, garages, and schools Popular inhalants include glue, nail polish remover, and paint thinner Short-term effects: – Nausea – Headaches – Death Long-term effects: – Damage to liver, kidneys, and brain – Hallucinations

Inhalants and the Brain One major effect of inhalants is the destruction of the myelin sheath that surrounds neurons. This can result in problems in the normal transmission of impulses through neurons and cell death.myelin sheath

Inhalants’ Effects on the Brain It affects the cerebral cortex which causes changes in personality, memory loss, and learning problems. It affects the cerebellum by creating problems in balance and movement It affects the visual system (including the optic nerve) causing visual disturbances. How might each of these things affect you?

Alternatives Get the facts about alcohol and drugs (i.e. one drink can make you fail a breath test) Learn about different ways to turn down a drink or drugs Learn to recognize the signs of a drug problem (i.e. feeling run down or depressed)

Interesting Facts The human brain weighs about the same as a Chihuahua (the Taco Bell dog) In 2002 survey, only 8% of 8 th graders claimed that they used marijuana in the last month. The leading cause of death for teens and young adults is auto accidents related to alcohol.