Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs

Mr. Ramos

Objectives:◦ Explain how to identify the two basic groups of

medicine.

◦ Describe the various prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

◦ Explain how prescription and over-the-counter drugs are purchased.

◦ Discuss how to use medicines safely.

Lesson 1:Following Guidelines for the Use of Medicine

There are good drugs and bad drugs.

A drug is a substance other than food that changes the way the body or mind functions.

A medicine is a drug that prevents or cures diseases or relieves its symptoms.

All medicines are drugs, but not all drugs are medicine.

Types of Medicines

Medicines are classified into two groups:◦ Prescription drugs (Rx)are medicines that a person can

get only by a written order from a physician. ◦ Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, are medicines that a

person can get without a physician’s written order.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are legal.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decides which drugs require a prescription in the US.

Types of Medicines

Analgesics are pain relievers. They block the body’s pain signals to the brain. Aspirin is an analgesic.

Antacids relieve heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach.

Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria.

Antihistamines relieve the symptoms of allergies.

Types of Medicines

Cough Medicines fall into two categories: antitussives stop the coughing reflex; expectorants thin the mucus so that it can be cleared away by coughing.

Decongestants reduce the swelling of the tissues inside the nose and ease the feeling of being stuffed up.

Sedative hypnotics treat anxiety or sleep disorder.

Types of Medicines

Which OTC drug is right for you?◦ Tylenol or Acetaminophen?

A generic drug is a copy of a brand-name drug.

Generic drugs are cheaper than brand-name drugs.

Generic drugs are generally as effective and of the same quality as brand-name drugs.

Kids should never buy any medicine on their own

How Medicines are Purchased

vs.

A pharmacist is a health professional who is licensed to prepare and sell prescription drugs.

Drugs typically have side effects. A side effect is an unwanted reaction to a drug.

Read the label, expiration date, and warning before you take any medicine.

How Medicines are Purchased

Prescription Drug Label

OTC Drug Label

Drug misuse is taking a prescription or over-the-counter medication for medical reasons but using it incorrectly.

Examples of drug misuse:◦ Not following the directions on the drug label◦ Taking extra doses of the drug◦ Sharing or borrowing someone else’s prescription◦ Mixing medicine with alcohol or other harmful substances

Using Medicines Safely

Guidelines for the Safe use of Medicines◦ Follow directions on the drug label & note side

effects◦ Ask your physician or pharmacist any questions

you have◦ Store medicine out of reach of children and pets◦ Do not take medicine that is past its expiration

date◦ Do not drink alcohol while on any medication

Using Medicines Safely

Guidelines for the Safe use of Prescription Drugs◦ Remind your physician of allergies that you have before

he or she writes the prescription◦ Double-check that the pharmacy has given you the right

medicine◦ Call the physician immediately if you feel worse after

taking the medicine◦ Make sure your physician knows if you are on any other

medications; this helps prevent possible drug interaction◦ Finish all the medicine in your prescription, unless

otherwise directed by a physician◦ Store the medicine as directed.

Using Medicines Safely

Guidelines for the Safe use of OTC drugs◦ Choose the right medicine for your symptoms◦ Store all your medicines in their original

containers◦ Buy only sealed packages of OTC drugs. Do not

purchase a package that is opened or damaged.◦ Seek medical care if your symptoms continue.

Using Medicines Safely

Long Term Use of Medicine◦ Use a planner or notebook to record or check off

what you take each day and when.◦ Sort our weekly dosage of pills into a pill organizer

or placing your medication next to an object that you use every day.

Using Medicines Safely

Distinguish between drug misuse and abuse.

Explain how drug misuse and abuse affect health and society.

Discuss ways to resist pressure to misuse or abuse drugs.

Explain how to get treatment for drug misuse or abuse.

Lesson 2:Resisting Drug Misuse and Abuse

Drug misuse may lead to drug abuse.

Drug abuse is the intentional use of a drug when no medical or health reasons exist.◦ People may abuse OTC and Rx drugs, as well as illegal drugs.

Illegal drugs are drugs whose use, sale, or purchase is outlawed by the government.◦ Examples: cocaine, marijuana, heroin, etc.◦ Alcohol and tobacco are illegal for minors.

Drug use refers to drug misuse and abuse.

Drug Misuse and Abuse

Why do some teens take drugs?

Fit in with peers:◦ Having social skills helps teens make and keep friends without

taking drugs.

Relax and be less depressed: ◦ Drug use actually adds stress to

a person’s life.

Escape boredom: ◦ Becoming involved in school and

other activities relieves boredom and the desire to turn to drugs.

Faulty Thinking about Drug Misuse & Abuse

Why do some teens take drugs?

Rebel against authority:◦ Some teens may feel angry and want to hurt their

parents, guardians, or other family members by engaging in destructive behaviors. Drugs can make teens angrier and even violent.

Appear adventurous:◦ Using drugs interferes with

a teen’s ability to achieve his or her goals.

Faulty Thinking about Drug Misuse & Abuse

Addiction is the compelling need to continue a behavior, such as drug use, even if it is harmful. ◦ Addictions lead to psychological and physical dependence.

Psychological dependence is a condition in which a person develops a mental or emotional need for a drug or other substance.

Physical dependence is repeated drug use that causes tolerance.

Tolerance is a condition in which the body becomes used to a substance and needs greater quantities to produce the same effect.

Risks of Drug Use

It is not that easy to quit.

Withdrawal is the unpleasant mental and physical symptoms a person experiences when he or she is dependent on a drug or other substance and stops using it.

As a person develops tolerance for a drug and takes more and more, he or she may overdose.

An overdose is an amount of a drug so excessive that it makes someone ill or causes death.

Risks of Drug Use

Doing poorly in school

Frequently missing school

Experiencing extreme mood swings

Losing or gaining weight for no apparent reason

Hanging out only with friends who use alcohol or other drugs

Feeling depressed or anxious

Selling or stealing belongings to get more money for alcohol or other drugs.

Signs of Teen Drug Misuse and Abuse

Effects on physical health:◦ Damage to brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. ◦ Person is at increased risk for Hepatitis B or C◦ Affects thinking and emotions◦ People who use drugs may become sexually

active and increase the risks of pregnancy and HIV.

Harmful Effects of Drug Use

Effects on mental and emotional health:◦ Increase likelihood of dropping out of school◦ Grades in school start to slip◦ Increased risk for confusion, behavior problems,

and depression. ◦ Drug use damages the brain and may result in

permanent changes in the way the brain functions.

Harmful Effects of Drug Use

Effects on family and social health:◦ Increased risk of lying or committing crimes to get

money to buy drugs.

Harmful Effects of Drug Use

The behavior of one person has an effect on many others.

Health Care: Drug use costs the U.S. billions of dollars each ear◦ 1/3 of all HIV cases are related to drug use

through sharing needles.◦ Visits to the ER

Drug Use and Society

The behavior of one person has an effect on many others.

Crime: A crime is a violation of the law.◦ Stealing and drug trafficking◦ Innocent people can be harmed◦ People may feel unsafe in neighborhoods where

drug activity is common

Drug Use and Society

The behavior of one person has an effect on many others.

Costs to family: ◦ Family may have to pay for treatment program◦ Teens who use drugs may have difficulty making

money to support themselves◦ They may need welfare or other state support if

they cannot keep a job

Drug Use and Society

Follow these four steps to resist pressure to use drugs:◦ 1. Say “NO” in a firm voice◦ 2. Give reasons for saying “NO”◦ 3. Be certain your behavior matches your words◦ 4. Ask an adult for help if you need help

How to Resist Pressure to use Drugs

Several protective factors have been shown to help teens avoid risk behaviors such as drug use:◦ Having strong family bonds◦ Achieving success in school◦ Being involved in school and community activities◦ Being educated about drug use◦ Having positive self-esteem◦ Being able to express and manage emotions◦ Being able to use resistance skills◦ Having friends with similar values◦ Having goals and a sense of purpose

Protective Factors

In a drug intervention a trained professional, family, and friends meet with the person who uses drugs to discuss the drug use and to encourage the person to get treatment.

Teens can also call a national organization for guidance, such as the National Substance Abuse Help Line, Alcoholics Anonymous, or Narcotics Anonymous.

Treating Drug Misuse and Abuse

Different drugs produce different withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal from alcohol may produce hallucinations, seizures, increased pulse and blood pressure, and vomiting.

A physician may prescribe medicine to help reduce the withdrawal symptoms.

Treating Drug Misuse and Abuse: Withdrawal

Objectives◦ Identify types of tobacco products and their harmful

ingredients.

◦ Identify harmful effects of using tobacco products.

◦ Identify harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

◦ Explain how to resist pressure to use tobacco.

◦ Examine influences on tobacco use and regulations.

◦ Discuss how to quit using tobacco products.

Lesson 3:Resisting Tobacco Use

Tobacco is a plant grown for its leaves that can be smoked, chewed, or sniffed for the effects of the nicotine contained in them.

Nicotine is an addictive drug found in tobacco and may cause cancer.

Nicotine alters mood, stimulates the central nervous system, increases heart rate and pressure, and increases health risk problems.

Cigarette smoking is the primary risk factor for lung cancer, the leading cause of death in the United States.

Tobacco Products

Tobacco Use

Cigarettes are paper-wrapped rolls of finely shredded tobacco.

Bidis are small, unfiltered cigarettes from india. They come in a variety of flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, cherry, and licorice. They contain more tar and nicotine than other cigarettes.

Tobacco Products

Any product that contains

tobacco harms health

Cigars are made from tobacco rolled in leaves. People who smoke cigars have the same risk of developing cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus as those who smoke cigarettes.

Chewing tobacco is shredded tobacco leaves that are placed in a wad inside the cheek and occasionally chewed.

Tobacco Products

Snuff is finely ground tobacco leaves that are placed between the cheek and the gum or the lower lip and the gum.

Electronic cigarettes are battery operated cigarettes that contain nicotine and other carcinogens. They may also cause cancer.

Tobacco Products

Any product that contains

tobacco harms health

Carcinogens are substances that cause cancer and are contained in cigarette smoke and in tar.

Tar is the sticky fluid formed when tobacco burns.

When tar accumulates in the lungs, it sticks to the cilia.

Cilia are tiny hair-like structures in the respiratory system that help remove dust and other harmful materials from the body.

Tobacco and Your Health

Carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas, also is found in tobacco smoke.

Carbon monoxide increases the heart rate and reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Smoking tobacco can lead to emphysema.

Emphysema is a condition in which the alveoli become damaged, which gradually limits the ability of the lungs to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen.

Tobacco and Your Health

Smoking causes wrinkles and premature aging.

Smoking dulls the complexion and stains fingers and teeth.

Smoking decreases the sense of smell and taste.

Smoking causes chronic cough and increased likelihood of respiratory illnesses.

Tobacco and Your Health

Secondhand smoke is the smoke exhaled by a person who smokes and the smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.

According to the American Lung Association, passive smoking causes 3,000 deaths from lung cancer and more than 35,000 deaths from heart disease each year.

Infants and children are also affected by tobacco.

Fetal smoking syndrome is the presence of birth defects in a baby born to a mother who smoked during pregnancy.

A baby’s exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS.

Effects of Second Hand Smoke

Choose nonsmoking spaces in restaurants. Ask to move if you are too close to smoking areas.

Spend time with friends who don’t smoke.

Politely remind others to obey nonsmoking signs.

Keep fans on and windows open if you live with a person who smokes, or ask the person to smoke outside.

How to Avoid Secondhand Smoke

Teens are influence to use tobacco for a variety of reasons:◦ Advertising companies ◦ Magazines◦ Television◦ Shows◦ Movies

Protective factors, such as self respect, social skills, and anger and stress management skills, give teens reasons to avoid tobacco use.

Influences and Regulations

Some people go “cold turkey,” which means they abruptly stop using tobacco.

Some people cut down their tobacco use gradually.

Some people join groups and encourage each other.

How to Quit Using Tobacco Products

More Money

Better breath

Better sense of taste & smell

Cleaner skin and hair

Improved physical condition

Easier Participation in physical activities

Reduced risk of developing certain cancers and heart disease

Longer and better life

Benefits of Quitting Tobacco

Compare the types of tobacco products, and identify health risks associated with each type.

Explain reasons that some teens start smoking. Summarize the four steps you can use to resist

pressure to use tobacco. Discuss the regulations regarding tobacco use

for teens. Make a pamphlet that outlines the harmful

effects of secondhand smoke.

Lesson 3 Review

Objectives:◦ Identify factors that influence blood alcohol

concentration.

◦ Recognize ways alcohol harms the body, mind, and relationships.

◦ Describe laws relating to alcohol.

◦ Explain how to resist pressure to use alcohol.

Lesson 4:Resisting Alcohol

Alcohol is a drug found in some beverages that slows down the central nervous system. ◦ Alcohol is a depressant

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is the percentage of alcohol in a person’s blood when he or she drinks.

BAC is influence by several factors:◦ How much alcohol you consume◦ Length of time a person drank alcohol◦ Person’s weight, height, gender, & tolerance◦ Other drugs◦ Drinking on empty or full stomach

Blood Alcohol Concentration

A person’s BAC is an indicator of how much his or her abilities have been impaired or damaged. ◦ A BAC of 0.05% results in impaired judgment and

coordination.◦ In most states, a BAC of 0.10% is considered legally

intoxicated. In many states the limit is 0.08%.

Blood Alcohol Concentration

Alcohol Poisoning◦ Intoxication is the condition of being drunk. It can lead to

alcohol poisoning, which can cause coma or death.

Cardiovascular Disease◦ Drinking alcohol damages heart muscle & increases risk of high

blood pressure & strokes.

Central Nervous System Damage◦ Drinking alcohol destroys brain cells. A person’s ability to learn,

to remember, and to think logically is reduced.

Ways Alcohol Harms the Body

Liver disease◦ Drinking alcohol can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, a condition in

which liver tissue is destroyed and replaced by scar tissue.

Gastrointestinal disorders◦ Drinking alcohol irritates the tissues

of the digestive tract.

Birth defects◦ Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm the developing

fetus. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the presence of birth defects in a baby born to a mother who drank alcohol during pregnancy.

Ways Alcohol Harms the Body

Immune System Damage ◦ Drinking alcohol weakens the immune system.

Obesity◦ Drinking alcohol increases the number of calories that a person

consumes. Alcohol is high in calories.

Ways Alcohol Harms the Body

Alcohol can harm your mind in many ways. It can cause◦ Impaired judgment◦ Inappropriate behavior, including

aggression and violence◦ Mood swings◦ Inability to manage emotions healthfully◦ Loss of coordination◦ Slowed reaction time◦ Memory loss

Ways Alcohol Harms the Mind

There are several warning signs that a person has a drinking problem◦ Drinking to relax◦ Preferring to drink alone◦ Failing to keep up grades at school◦ Trying to stop drinking without success◦ Drinking in the mornings◦ Having a loss of memory after drinking◦ Lying about drinking◦ Getting intro trouble while drinking◦ Becoming drunk unintentionally◦ Being increasingly depressed

Signs of a Drinking Problem

Less energy for making new friends

No longer interested in the relationships they already have

They are often absent from work or school

Difficulty controlling violent or abusive behavior

Person makes decisions that negatively affect the health of their families

Ways Alcohol Affects Relationships

Alcoholism is a disease in which a person is dependent upon alcohol.

There are four symptoms or signs of alcoholism:◦ 1. A strong craving for alcohol◦ 2. The need for more and more alcohol in order to feel the

effects◦ 3. The inability to stop drinking once a person begins◦ 4. Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating,

shakiness, and anxiety.

Alcoholism

Due to heredity, some people are at greater risk for developing alcoholism than others.

1. When a person drinks, the body converts the alcohol to a poison called acetaldehyde.

2. The body converts acetaldehyde to carbon dioxide and water and eliminates this from the body.

3. When heredity is a factor, a small amount of acetaldehyde goes to the brain and is converted to THIQ.

4. THIQ accumulates in the brain, causing the person the become addicted to it.

Alcoholism

The media may show characters drinking, giving teens the impression that is fun and cool.

However, drinking alcohol has health risks and consequences.

Teens and Alcohol

Alcoholism◦ Teens who begin drinking before the age of 14 are three times

more likely to develop alcoholism during their lives than those who begin drinking as adults.

◦ If one or more members of a teen’s family have alcoholism, the teen has a greater risk for developing the disease.

◦ Occasional drinking has a harmful effect on teens’ memories because their brains are still developing.

Teens and Alcohol

Risk behavior◦ When teens drink, they are more likely to engage in risk

behaviors, such as being sexually active.

◦ Risks include unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.

◦ Drinking alcohol is linked to depression, suicide, and increased risk of unintentional injuries.

Teens and Alcohol

Breaking the Law◦ In 1984, the U.S. Congress raised the legal drinking age

to 21.

◦ In 1995, Congress ordered all states to adopt “zero tolerance” laws, making it illegal for people under 21 to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their bodies.

◦ It is legal for adults to drink alcohol.

Teens and Alcohol

Car crashes◦ Do not ride with anyone you suspect has been drinking,

even if this person tells you he or she is okay to drive.

◦ The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that in 2001, about 31% of teens reported that they had ridden with driver who had been drinking.

Teens and Alcohol