Get Educated The Truth about Alcohol, Pot, Meth, Prescription Meds & Over the Counter Meds

“The Truth About Drugs” Introduction

Alcohol Alcohol is a drug. It is classed as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions—resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an inability to react quickly. Drinking is more harmful to teens than adults because their brains are still developing throughout adolescence and well into young adulthood. Drinking during this critical growth period can lead to lifelong damage in brain function, particularly as it relates to memory, motor skills (ability to move) and coordination.

Alcohol SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL Depending on how much is taken and the physical condition of the individual, alcohol can cause: Slurred speech Drowsiness Vomiting Diarrhea Upset stomach Headaches Breathing difficulties Distorted vision and hearing Impaired judgment Decreased perception and coordination Unconsciousness Coma Blackouts (memory lapses, where the drinker cannot remember events that occurred while under the influence)

Alcohol LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL Binge drinking and continued alcohol use in large amounts are associated with many health problems, including: Unintentional injuries such as car crash, falls, burns, drowning Increased on-the-job injuries and loss of productivity Increased family problems, broken relationships Alcohol poisoning High blood pressure, stroke, and other heart-related diseases Liver disease Nerve damage Permanent damage to the brain Vitamin B 1 deficiency, which can lead to a disorder characterized by amnesia, apathy and disorientation Ulcers Gastritis (inflammation of stomach walls) Malnutrition Cancer of the mouth and throat

Pot Marijuana is the word used to describe the dried flowers, seeds and leaves of the Indian hemp plant. On the street, it is called by many other names, such as: astro turf, bhang, dagga, dope, ganja, grass, hemp, home grown, J, Mary Jane, pot, reefer, roach, Texas tea and weed. Regardless of the name, this drug is a hallucinogen—a substance which distorts how the mind perceives the world you live in. Pot is usually smoked as a cigarette (joint), but may also be smoked in a pipe. Less often, it is mixed with food and eaten or brewed as tea. Sometimes users open up cigars and remove the tobacco, replacing it with pot

Pot Marijuana contains more than 400 known chemicals, including the same cancer- causing substances found in tobacco smoke. THC is the main ingredient in Pot. THC stays in the body for weeks, possibly months, depending on the length and intensity of usage. THC damages the immune system. The immediate effects of taking marijuana include rapid heart beat, disorientation, lack of physical coordination, often followed by depression or sleepiness. Some users suffer panic attacks or anxiety. Studies also suggest that prenatal (before birth) use of the drug may result in birth defects, mental abnormalities and increased risk of leukemia in children. Students who use marijuana have lower grades and are less likely to get into college than nonsmokers. They simply do not have the same abilities to remember and organize information compared to those who do not use these substances.

Meth Methamphetamine is a white crystalline drug that people take by snorting it (inhaling through the nose), smoking it or injecting it with a needle. Some even take it orally. It has many nicknames—meth, crank, chalk or speed being the most common. Meth can cause serious health conditions, including memory loss, aggression, psychotic behavior and potential heart and brain damage. Crystal meth’s effect is highly concentrated, and many users report getting hooked (addicted) from the first time they use it.

Meth SHORT-TERM EFFECTS Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature Dilation of pupils Disturbed sleep patterns Nausea Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior Hallucinations, hyper excitability, irritability Panic and psychosis Convulsions, seizures and death from high doses

Meth LONG-TERM EFFECTS Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain, high blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes and death Liver, kidney and lung damage Destruction of tissues in nose if sniffed Respiratory (breathing) problems if smoked Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected Severe tooth decay Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion Strong psychological dependence Psychosis Depression Damage to the brain similar to Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and epilepsy

Meth Severe tooth decay “Meth Mouth”

Prescription Meds Many teens think prescription drugs are safe because they were prescribed by a doctor. But taking them for nonmedical use to get high or “self-medicate” can be just as dangerous and addictive as taking illegal street drugs. Prescription drugs are only safe for the individuals who actually have the prescriptions for them and no one else.

Over the Counter Meds OVER THE COUNTER OR OTC DRUGS ARE MEDICATIONS THAT CAN BE PURCHASED WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION FROM A DOCTOR (TYLENOL, COUGH SYRUP, ETC.) ABUSE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS EFFECTS Visual hallucinations Hyper excitability Insomnia Lethargy Physical dependence (with prolonged use) Dizziness Slurred speech Delusions Sweating High blood pressure Liver and brain damage

Before & After Drug Abuse

Summary “The Final Word”

Ticket Out of the Door Tell at least 1 person 1 thing that you hope to do someday but won’t be able to do if you make foolish decisions about using drugs.