1. Alixandra LeBlanc and Courtney Ourso
Tobacco
Alixandra LeBlanc and Courtney Ourso

2. Medical Name: Nicotiana tabacum
Slang names: Cigs, Squares, Smokes, Stogies, Cancer Sticks, Coffin Nails, Rollies, Chew, Dip, Snuff, Wad

3. Tobacco contains an addictive stimulant called Nicotine.
Chance of addiction is VERY HIGH!

4. Methods of Administration
Smoked in cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or hookahs
Absorbed by the gums using Chew or Dip
Snorted into the nose and absorbed into nasal passage using Snuff

5. History of Tobacco
Native Americans first used the plant in religious ceremonies, for they believed this was a gift from the Gods.
Smoking became very popular in the early 1500s when Rodrigo de Jerez first brought tobacco to Spain.
Due to the popularity and value, tobacco was used as money in the early American colonies.

6. Short Term Effects Increase in blood pressure and heart rate
Causes arteries to narrow
Stains the teeth
SOB
Cough
Decrease sense of smell and taste
Bad breath

7. Long Term Effects Cancer Heart disease Aneurysm Bronchitis Emphysema
Stroke
Worsens pneumonia and asthma
Gum disease
Weakens the immune system

8. Tobacco contains nicotine which is said to be one of the most addictive drugs out there
Nicotine causes the brain to release an excess of neurotransmitters that promote a sense of pleasure and calmness
Tobacco withdrawal makes a person very irritable and on edge, which makes addiction even more likely due to the difficulty of quitting

9. First Stage of Overdose
Lack of muscle coordination that may affect speech, eye movements, and the ability to swallow or walk
Headache
Dizziness
Shaking and tremors
Seizures
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal Pain
Sweating
Hypertension
Tachycardia or dangerously fast heart rate

10. First Stage of Overdose (cont.)
You would notice dark gums and lips, hearing/vision problems, chest pain, cold sweats, numb cold fingers/toes, headache, bad breath, confusion, anxiety, insomnia, no appetite, increased blood pressure and pulse, fatigue, and general weakness.

11. Second Stage of Overdose
Bradycardia
Hypotension
Central Nervous System Depression
Coma
Breathing and respiratory failure

12. How to Handle an Overdose
Mild nicotine sickness: The sugar in pixie sticks or a can of soda will help absorb the nicotine.
Serious/life threatening overdose:
First be sure that the airways are not obstructed
Induce vomiting to help remove toxins from the body.
Aid victim in dealing with panic, confusion, and agitation.
Oral suctioning may be needed
Prepare for a coma or seizure.
Stomach may need to be pumped in extreme cases
If all else fails, CALL 911!

13. Most likely to abuse Tobacco
Alcoholics are extremely likely to abuse tobacco
Children of smokers are more likely to smoke than children of non-smokers
Teenagers who believe cigarettes serve nothing but a positive function
Any smoker who relies heavily on tobacco to get them through the day

14. If you use tobacco, QUIT NOW!

15. Sources http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/tobacco/