Chapter 23 Medicines and Drugs Lesson Three Marijuana, Inhalants, and Steroids Pgs

Marijuana  Marijuana is the common name for the Indian hemp plant, cannabis  Cannabis is a plant whose leaves, buds, and flowers are usually smoked for their intoxicating effects

Marijuana  Marijuana is one of the most widely used illegal drugs  It is also known as grass, weed, and pot  All forms of marijuana are mind altering and can damage the user’s health  When combined with other drugs and substances, marijuana can be deadly

Marijuana  Marijuana raises levels of the brain chemical called dopamine, which produces a pleasurable feeling  In some users they feel elation of and intense feeling of well-being  When the drug wears off, the sensation stops, sometimes abruptly-called a crash  Marijuana contains more cancer-causing chemicals than tobacco

Health Risks of Marijuana  Hallucinations and paranoia  Impaired short-term memory ad concentration  Distorted sense of time, sight, touch, and sound  Decreased initiative and ambition  Bloodshot eyes  Dry mouth  Lung Irritations  Heart and lung damage  Increased risk of lung cancer

Health Risks of Marijuana  Weakened immunity  Increased appetite leading to weight gain  Increased risk of birth defects if pregnant  Changed hormone levels affecting normal development in teens  Increased testosterone levels in females which can lead to infertility  Lowered sperm count and testosterone levels in males

Mental/Emotional Health Consequences of Marijuana  Slower mental reflexes  Feelings of anxiety  Paranoia: an irrational suspiciousness or distrust of others  Distorted perceptions and trouble thinking

Risks and Consequences of DUI  DUI of marijuana can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol  The consequences of DUI include: suspension of driver’s license, fines, possible jail time, and increased insurance rates  If injury or death results the impaired driver may face serious legal prosecution

Inhalants  Inhalants are substances whose fumes are sniffed and inhaled to achieve a mind- altering effect  Inhalants include glues, spray paints, gasoline, and varnishes  Inhalants go immediately to the brain, causing damage and killing cells  Inhalants can cause sudden death by cardiac arrest

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids  Steroids are synthetic substances that are similar to the male sex hormone testosterone  Anabolic means muscle building  Androgenic refers to increased male characteristics  Steroid use causes mood swings, increased aggression, impaired judgment, infertility, acne, and paranoia

Legal and Social Consequences of Steroid Use  Unless prescribed by a licensed physician, steroid use is illegal  Muscle strength is increased, but ligaments and tendons are not which leads to injuries  Athletes who fail drug testing for steroids can face exclusion from an event, expulsion from the team, fines, and jail time