DrugsChapter 10

Drug

A substance other than food that changes the structure or function of the body or mind

Some are harmful to your health

Other drugs can save your life

“Over-the-counter” Medicines

Found on the shelves of local pharmacy or grocery stores

Anyone can buy them without a prescription

Prescription Medications

A medicine that can be obtained legally only with a doctor’s written permission

Your doctor will write out instructions on how to use the medication

Drug Misuse

Taking or using medicine in a way that is not intended

Example: Taking a medication that was prescribed for someone else

Drug Abuse

Intentionally using drugs in a way that is unhealthful or illegal

Studies show less people using illegal drugs but more are abusing prescription medications

Physical Risks of Drug Abuse

Serious illness/allergic reactions

Cause damage to brain and nervous system

Cause memory loss, seizures, and comas

Death

Drug Addiction

When people can’t stop taking drugs

A dependency on a chemical substance that is very difficult to quit

It is considered a disease

Mental Risks of Drugs

Weakens a person’s ability to think and learn

Low self-esteemDepressionAnxietyConfusion

Overdose

Taking more of a drug than the body can tolerate

Leads to death or hospitalization

Stimulants

A drug that speeds up the body’s functions

Speeds up heart rate, breathing rates, and raises blood pressure

Gives a false sense of energy, confidence and power

Amphetamines

Very strong stimulant drugs that speed up the nervous system

Prescribed for ADD and ADHDOften called “speed” on the street

Crystal meth can cause a person’s heart to suddenly stop working

Crystal Meth

Cocaine

Illegal stimulant made from the coca plant

Inhaled through the nose, smoked, or injected in the veins

Produces a sense of confidence when you first try it but wears off fast and need more

Cocaine

Depressants

Drugs that slow down the body’s functions and reactions

Slow down a person’s motor skills and coordination

Are legal when prescribed by a doctor

Example: tranquilizers for anxiety

Marijuana (Pot or Weed)

Made from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant

IllegalAffects people differentlyMay hear or see things that are not really there

May talk a lotMemory loss

Problems Marijuana causes…

Lung damageLowers testosterone levels in males causes sterility

Causes females to have irregular periods

Club Drugs

Illegal drugs that are found mostly in nightclubs or at all-night dance parties called raves

Used to make people feel more relaxed

Rohypnol

“Date Rape Drug”Makes a person’s blood pressure drop

You feel very dizzy and sleepySlipped into your drink and you don’t remember anything

Hard to detect in urine samples

Ecstacy

Can kill you taking it one timeCauses heart rate and body temperature to increase

Causes clenched jaws and tingly skin

Causes severe brain damageCauses severe dehydrationKills tons of brain cells and memory

Ecstacy

Narcotics

Drugs that get rid of pain and dull the senses

Morphine and codeine – used as medicineHeroin – injected, very addictive, an

instant “high”Withdrawal – nausea, stomach cramps

and vomitingOverdosing is highHuge cause of HIV = users sharing

needles

Hallucinogens

Drugs that distort moods, thoughts, and senses

Create imaginary images in the user’s mind

May become very violent

Example: Shrooms

Inhalants

The vapors of chemicals that are sniffed or inhaled to get a “high”

Can cause nausea, dizziness, mental confusion, and loss of motor skills

Steroids/Abuse

Synthetic substances similar to the male hormone testosterone prescribed for delayed puberty

Abused by people taking them to build muscles and enhance performances

Steroid use is DANGEROUS

Increases the risk of: HIV, Heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, cancer, sterility, hair loss, and severe acne

In teens: permanently stunted growth, testicles to shrink, anger issues “roid rage”

STEROID ABUSE

STEROID ABUSE

STEROID ABUSE

Why Do Some Teens Use Drugs?

Peer PressureDrug use in the media/tv & movies

To try and hide from their problems

Drugs Harmful for Boys Because…

Negatively affects: *Height*Weight*Testicle size and function*Muscle mass and development

*The age at which voice lowers

Drugs Harmful for Girls Because…

Negatively affects:*Height *Weight*Onset of first menstrual period*Regularity of periods*Breast development*Function of ovaries*Pregnancy*Health of unborn babies

“Drug-Free Zone”

1000-yard distance around a school where anyone caught with drugs can be arrested

Drug Possession

When a person has or keeps illegal drugs

Teens can be arrested or spend time in a detention center or jail, and they as well as their parents may be fined

Teens can also get a criminal record

Probation

A set period of time during which a person who has been arrested must check in regularly with a court officer

Violators face stiffer penalties

SAY NO TO DRUGS!!!!!