1. Drugs
I Corinthians 6:19

2. Substance Abuse The unnecessary or improper use of chemical substances
This does not always mean illegal drugs, it could be intentional use of a prescription drug or an over the counter drug

3. Health Risks of Drug Use
Physical Health
Once a drug enters the bloodstream, it can harm a user’s brain, heart, lungs, and other organs
An overdose is strong, sometimes fatal reaction to taking a large amount of a drug
A drug user can also expose themselves to disease associated with delivery of the drug
Needle users face hepatitis B and HIV

4. Health Risks of Drug Use
Mental Health
Drug cloud reasoning and thinking, and loss of control over behavior
Drugs greatly effect the brain
Drug users are seeking the “high” associated with the effects the drug has on the brain
Problem: the “high” often causes unneeded damage to the brain

5. Health Risks of Drug Use
Social Effects
Can have a negative effect on your relationships with your friends and family
Drug Use is a major factor in crime, suicides, and unintentional injuries

6. Addiction The Addiction Cycle
Tolerance: the body needs more and more of the drug to get the same effect
Psychological dependence: person believes that a drug is needed in order for them to function
Physiological dependence: user’s body develops a chemical need for the drug
User goes through with drawl: nervousness, insomnia, nausea, headaches
Addiction – psychological or physiological dependence on drugs

7. Types of Drugs
Marijuana – an illegal drug that is smoked for its intoxicating effects
Marijuana raises the levels of dopamine (the chemical that produces pleasure in the brain)
Marijuana also interferes with the immune system
Many of the same negative effects of smoking

8. Types of Drugs
Inhalants- substance whose fumes are sniffed to achieve a mind-altering effect
Most inhalants go directly to the brain killing brain cells that will never be replaced
Inhalants include solvents, aerosols, glue, spray paint, gasoline

9. Types of Drugs Stimulants Depressants
Drugs that speed up the central nervous system
Caffeine and Nicotine are stimulants
Cocaine and Crack are very powerful stimulants
Depressants
Drugs that slow down the central nervous system
Barbiturates and Tranquilizers slow function, often used to balance out stimulant use

10. Types of Drugs Narcotics
Drugs derived from the opium plant that are used to relieve pain
Morphine, OxyContin and codeine are prescription narcotics
Heroin is an illegal narcotic that slows breathing and pulse rate

11. Types of Drugs Hallucinogens
Drugs that alter moods, thoughts, and perceptions
The brain is confused creating an altered mental state
PCP- lack of pain, increased strength, loss of sense of time
LSD – distortion of sound and color, emotions