1. Drug Basics Notes

2. DRUG ABUSE IS.... –Purposely taking a substance to get “high” or escape reality OR for a reason other than what it is intended to be used.

3. CLASSIFICATION: The category into which a drug falls STIMULANT: A wide variety of drugs: they speed up the Central Nervous System DEPRESSANT: A wide variety of drugs that slow down the Central Nervous System

4. HALLUCINOGEN:Drugs that cause one to see visions and sensory illusions PSYCHOACTIVE:Drugs that alter the activity of the brain cells and alter perceptions, thoughts, and moods.

5. OVER-THE-COUNTER: These substances may be purchased legally without a doctor’s permission

6. ADDICTION:When a user’s body or mind becomes adjusted to a drug and they require/NEED it to function in every day life.

7. PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPENDENCE: (MENTAL) A strong emotional desire and craving for the drug. They like the way they feel when on it, a way of coping with moods

8. PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE: The body chemistry actually changes and the body needs the drug, not just for the high but to function. If they do not get it they physically begin to go through withdrawal

9. WITHDRAWAL: When the body does not get the drug- this is the reaction to not getting it- the effects vary for various drugs

10. TOLERANCE: The more you use it the more you need to get the same “high” feelings

11. SIDE EFFECTS: unwanted, even dangerous, physical and mental effects caused by the drug. LONG TERM EFFECTS: The effect of the drug over time- over the days, months, and years SHORT TERM EFFECTS: The immediate effects on the body when using the drug

12. HOW DRUGS ENTER THE BODY: Orally: pills/food/drink Smoked Injected: into blood stream/needles Sniffed: into mucous membranes Inhaling - Huffing

13. RISK Factors that MAY LEAD to drug use/abuse A family member abuses drugs/alcohol A person does not do well in school A person has difficulty getting along with others A person that thinks using is “okay” A person who has friends who use A person who is unsure about their parents “rules” for using drugs/alcohol.

14. Red Flags and Warning Signs that someone MAY BE having a drug/alcohol problem What you may notice PHYSICALLY???? ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES CHANGE IN APPETITE NEGLECT OF APPEARANCE BLACKOUTS BLOODSHOT EYES

15. What may be happening at school? MISSED CLASSES OR TARDINESS DROP IN GRADES NOT GETTING WORK DONE LACK OF MOTIVATION BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS SLEEPING IN CLASS

16. What you may notice socially and psychologically? FIGHTS AND ARGUMENTS UNEXPLAINED ANGER PROPERTY DAMAGE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS PERSONALITY CHANGE PANIC FEELINGS EMOTIONAL BIZARRE BEHAVIOR

17. DEPRESSION/WITHDRAWAL LEGAL PROBLEMS LOW SELF ESTEEM DECREASED INTEREST IN HOBBIES/ACTIVITIES/SPORTS CHANGE IN FRIENDS CHANGE IN VALUES and BELIEFS