Life Lessons: Drugs and Alcohol Types of Drugs and their effects

What’s All This Talk About Drugs?? As a teen you are more likely to confront decisions about alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. To make safe, sensible decisions. Drugs have been with us throughout history, and drug problems in our community can be very serious. Regardless of age, we all need to understand how we can prevent substance about in our own lives, families, and community.

What are Drugs? Drugs are substances, other than food, that affect a person’s mental, emotional, or physical state. Psychoactive Drugs(Mood-Altering Drugs) change our mental and emotional state. People using drugs aren’t usually trying to harm their lungs, brain, or other vital organs; however, many drugs have harmful side effects, and such damages can occur.

Making Decisions About Drugs Legal and illegal drugs are increasingly available in Canada, and the pressure to use such drugs are widespread. ◦ Especially for young people like YOU ◦ With proper information you are more likely to make sound decisions that will benefit yourself, your future, and your life!

Making Decisions About Drugs Three Factors When Considering The Risk of Using Drugs:  1. The Drug  2. The User  3. The Context

Three Factors When Considering The Risk of Using Drugs 1.Drug  The way the drug is prepared (ex. weak vs. strong dose)  The way the drug is used (swallowing, sniffing, injecting, inhaling)  The amount of drug taken. **All of these factors play a role in determining the risk level**

Three Factors When Considering The Risk of Using Drugs 2.The User  The Physical traits of the person using the drug (weight, metabolism, gender, state of health, etc) can play a role in determining the risk level  Risk level increases when a person drink or uses drugs to cope with anger, stress, or sadness rather than to enhance an enjoyable situation

Three Factors When Considering The Risk of Using Drugs 3. The Context  The setting or situation which people use drugs can influence one`s risk  Certain context always posses a high risk and should be avoided  Driving any motor vehicle  Using machinery  Sports  Sexual activity  Using other substances or medication

Types of Drugs Mood-Altering Drugs affect the body`s central nervous system (CNS) which send info. about what we are sensing or feeling to the body. Mood-Altering Drugs are classified by the effects they have on our minds and bodies.

Types of Drugs The main classifications of drugs are ◦ Marijuana (Cannabis) ◦ Hallucinogens ◦ Depressants ◦ Stimulants ◦ Anabolic Steroids

Marijuana Most popular form of cannabis It as mostly like a hallucinogen Has some depressant effects (slows response time and effects memory) Has a stimulant effect (raises HR) ◦ Common Sources: marijuana, hashish/hash, hash oil, and THC

Hallucinogens Alters user’s perception of the world around them, causing distortions in the way they sense their surroundings Overdose is rare but do happen These drugs pose a great risk of accidents and injuries due to the distortions Users may experience flashbacks later in life ◦ Common Sources: LSD (acid), magic mushrooms, mescaline, ecstasy, and peyote

Depressants Slow down the CNS and reduce inhibitions. Easily obtained; however, does not mean they are not harmful ◦ Common Sources: alcohol, solvents (glues, gas), opiates (heroin), pain killers, tranquilizers/sleeping pills, ‘club drugs’(GHB, Rohypnol (Roofies/Date Rape Drug)

Stimulants Speed up the body’s systems such as the CNS, and the cardio respiratory system. Delays fatigue and produces hyperactivity. Some stimulants are prescribed for certain medical conditions (ADHD) ◦ Common Sources: nicotine, caffeine, diet pills, Ritalin, cocaine, crack, speed, meth., ‘club drugs’, and other illegally manufactured amphetamine- type drugs

Anabolic Steroids Controlled substance; using them without a prescription is illegal Use linked to a range of problems physical-psychological Commonly used to treat certain medical conditions Non-medically can increase training endurance, and build muscles. ◦ Increases athletic performance and body image

Journal Response Do you believe that drug use is a problem at our school? Why or why not? Out of the classifications of drugs listed today, which do you believe is most prevalent at our school? Any thoughts, feelings, or questions pertaining to today’s class.