1. Drugs

3. Drugs
Our brain is protected by a layer of capillaries called the blood-brain barrier.
The drugs that are small enough to pass through are called psychoactive drugs.
Distort perceptions
Change moods
See/hear things not there.
What is the most popular drug in America?
Medicinal drugs vs recreational drugs?

4. Psychoactive Drugs a.k.a. Recreational Drugs
A drug used non-medically for personal enjoyment.
Some have legitimate medical uses. (Xanax/Vicodin)
Have psychological affects/changes…
Sensory experiences
Perception
Mood
Thinking
Behavior
Solvents (huffing)
Mushrooms
Opium
LSD
Barbiturates
Amphetamines
Ecstasy/Molly
Cocaine
Heroin
Cannabis
“Bath Salts”

5. Designer Drugs vs. Club Drugs
Designer drugs-drugs that were deliberately created to mimic older drugs of abuse, but with slightly modified chemical structure, in order to circumvent drug laws.
Often made in clandestine laboratories and can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable in their effects.
Club drugs-may or may not be designer drugs according to its original meaning.
Over the past few decades, there has been a huge increase in recreational drug use at nightclubs and raves, particularly such designer drugs as ecstasy and amphetamines.

6. 3 Main Ways Drugs Work
Increase production/release of neurotransmitters
Fill postsynaptic gap receptors
Block reuptake of neurotransmitters

7. 4 Major Drug Categories Stimulants Depressants Hallucinogens*
Narcotics/Opiates
Cannabis*
Sometimes 5th category due to multiple features
If a drug is used often, a tolerance is created for the drug.
You will need more of the drug to get the desired effect.
If you stop using a drug you can develop withdrawal symptoms.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, chills, etc.

8. Stimulants Increase activity of nervous system. Caffeine Nicotine
Amphetamines
Cocaine
Ecstasy* also a mild hallucinogen
More powerful ones (like cocaine) give people feelings of invincibility.

12. Depressants
Decrease activity of nervous system. (sedatives, calming, induce sleep)
Alcohol
Barbiturates
Tranquilizers
Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol “roofies” GHB
Sense of relaxation, but many negative effects.
Esp. barbiturates mixed with alcohol

13. Alcohol
More than 86 billion dollars are spent annually on alcoholic beverages.
Alcohol is involved in 60% of ALL crimes.
Alcohol is involved in over 70% of sexually related crimes.
Is it worth the cost?
Toxic in large doses.
Therapeutic Index (TI)
Lethal dose divided by effective dose
Alcohol 5-10
Marijuana 35k

16. Hallucinogens “Psychedelics” Alter perceptions of reality
LSD/Acid (similar to serotonin)
Peyote (mescaline)
psilocybin mushrooms
Marijuana
Ecstasy* also a stimulant
Reverse tolerance or synergistic effect

18. Narcotics/Opiates
Causes euphoria and a sense of well being - blocking out pain.
Has depressive and hallucinogenic qualities.
Derived from poppy plant.
Morphine
Heroin
Methadone
Codeine
All these drugs cross the placental barrier….teratogens.
Overdose?-Narcan/Naloxone
Naturally produced endorphins are similar to morphine.
Share receptor sites at synaptic gap

20. Interactive sites

21. Treatments for drug abuse
Detoxification
Alcohol and narcotics esp.
Maintenance programs
Controlled/less dangerous amounts
Narcotics=methadone
Counseling
Stimulant and depressant abuse
Support groups
Alcoholic Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc.