1. Topic 1 Basic Drug Information Slide 1.1

2. The drugs of most concern to the community are those that affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and can change the way a person thinks, feels or behaves Psycho-active substances or psycho-active drugs Slide 1.2

3. Stimulants Depressants Hallucinogens Slide 1.3

4. Psychoactive Ingredient Slide 1.4

5. Common drugs Stimulants Caffeine ephedrine cocaine amphetamines Depressants Alcohol heroin opium Hallucinogens LSD Drugs with more than one effect cannabis ecstasy Slide 1.5

6. Common names Differ from – country to country –town to town –group to group –change with time Slide 1.6

7. How are drugs usually ingested ? Slide 1.7

8. Why are some drugs usually ingested in certain ways? Slide 1.8

9. How is heroin usually ingested? Slide 1.9

10. The drug The environment The person

11. Tolerance Withdrawal Dependence Slide 1.11

12. What factors influence a person's drug use? The drug The individual Traumatic and other significant life events Macro environmental issues  economic (income, employment,... )  cultural  schooling and other education  physical (transport, neighbourhood qualities, public space,...)  social (laws, values, beliefs, workplace culture, social norms, levels of disadvantage, social cohesion, levels of alienation,...) Slide 1.12

13. Categories of patterns of drug use – Experimental use – Recreational use – Situational use – Intensive use – Dependent use Experimenting does not necessarily lead to regular drug use Regular use does not necessarily lead to problems Slide 1.13

14. Assessment Task 1 Knowledge Test Slide 1.14

15. Key points 1.Most people use psychoactive substances 2.Some of these substances are illegal 3.There are different categories of patterns of drug use 4.Usually people use a certain drug because it has the effect they want or need 5.Some people use a drug because they are dependant - they use it to remove withdrawal 6.Many people use drugs in a manner which places themselves and others at risk. 7.Some drugs no matter how they are used are harmful - tobacco. 8.Many people who have been addicted have received help and now live productive happy lives Slide 1.15