The Harmful Effects of Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Presentation By:

Gyna Juarez, PRC Coordinator

Antonio Council on Alcohol And Drug Abuse

Signs and Symptoms

AlcoholMarijuanaSalviaCocaineStimulants

Depressants

Hallucinogens

Narcotics

Designer Drugs

Prescription

Methamphetamine is a very addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. Meth is white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol and is taken orally, intranasally (snorting the powder), by needle injection, or by smoking.

methamphetamine can result in increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and hyperthermia

Long-term methamphetamine abuse has many negative consequences, including extreme weight loss, severe dental problems, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior.

** Information obtained from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Made from Household Chemicals

Usually Made in Clandestine Labs

Street Names include: crank, crystal, glass, ice, fire, croak, crypto, white cross, Tina and speed.

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Heroin Heroin is a synthetic opiate drug that is highly addictive that usually

appears as a white or brown powder or as a black sticky substance, known as “black tar heroin.”

Heroin can be injected, snorted/sniffed, or smoked. All three methods of administering heroin can lead to addiction and other severe health problems.

After an intravenous injection of heroin, users report feeling a surge of euphoria accompanied by dry mouth, a warm flushing of the skin, and a heaviness of the extremities.

Chronic users may develop collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, and liver or kidney disease. Pulmonary complications, including various types of pneumonia, may result from the poor health of the abuser, as well as from heroin’s depressing effects on respiration.

** Information obtained from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

“Cheese” Heroin "Cheese" heroin or "starter heroin" is a combination of black tar

heroin and ground up cold medicine (Tylenol PM) containing acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. The mixture is a tan powder that is snorted.

The effects of "cheese" heroin include euphoria, disorientation, lethargy, sleepiness and hunger. Withdrawal symptoms from "cheese" heroin may begin within twelve hours of use and include headache, chills, muscle pains, muscle spasms, anxiety, agitation, disorientation and disassociation.

It costs around $2 per hit and $10 per gram. Over the past two years, there have reportedly been approximately 20 teen deaths in the Dallas area due to "cheese" heroin .

** Office of National Drug Control Policy

Cocaine and Crack Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that can be snorted or

dissolved in water and injected. Crack is cocaine that has not been neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt.

Physical effects of cocaine use include constricted blood vessels, dilated pupils, and increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Cardiovascular emergencies, such as a heart attack or stroke, which could result in sudden death. Cocaine-related deaths are often a result of cardiac arrest or seizure followed by respiratory arrest.

The faster the absorption, the more intense the high. The faster the absorption, the shorter the duration of action. The high from snorting may last 15 to 30 minutes, while that from smoking may last 5 to 10 minutes.

** Information obtained from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Most frequently used illicit drug. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2006, 14.8 million Americans age 12 or older used marijuana at least once in the month.

The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; THC for short.

We have cannabinoid receptors that ultimately lead to the “high” that users experience when they smoke marijuana.

Marijuana intoxication can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problem with

learning and memory.

** Information obtained from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Marijuana

Salvia Divinorum Traditionally, ingested by chewing fresh leaves or by drinking their

extracted juices. Commonly smoked as a joint, consumed in water pipes, or vaporized and inhaled.

Experience hallucinations or delusional episodes that mimic psychosis. Subjective effects have been described as intense but short-lived; they appear in less than 1 minute and last less than 30 minutes.

Effects include psychedelic-like changes in visual perception, mood, and body sensations; emotional swings; feelings of detachment; and importantly, a highly modified perception of external reality and the self.

** Information obtained from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Prescription Drugs

Commonly abused classes of prescription drugs include opioids (often prescribed to treat pain), central nervous system depressants (often prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders), and stimulants

(prescribed to treat narcolepsy, ADHD, and obesity).

Prescription drugs that are abused or used for nonmedical reasons can alter brain activity and lead to dependence.

In 2006, 16.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.

** Office of National Drug Control Policy

Tobacco Tobacco use kills nearly half a million Americans each year, with one

in every six U.S. deaths the result of smoking. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and compromising smokers’ health in general.

Nicotine, a component of tobacco, is the primary reason that tobacco is addictive, although cigarette smoke contains many other dangerous chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, acetaldehyde, nitrosamines, and more.

Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, craving, cognitive and

attentional deficits, sleep disturbances, and increased appetite. These symptoms may begin within a few hours after the last

cigarette, quickly driving people back to tobacco use. ** Information obtained from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

What are they?

Are they dangerous?

Each puff has as much as 100 times

the smoke as a puff from a cigarette,

the study said. And smokers are also

inhaling fumes from the charcoal.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant that is absorbed by the stomach, enters the bloodstream, and goes to all the tissues. The effects of alcohol are dependent on a variety of factors, including a person's size, weight, age,

and sex, as well as the amount of food and alcohol consumed.

The effect of alcohol is one of the main reasons it is used in so many social situations. Other effects of moderate alcohol intake include dizziness and talkativeness; the immediate effects of a larger amount of alcohol include slurred speech, disturbed sleep, nausea, and vomiting

Prolonged, heavy use of alcohol can lead to addiction (alcoholism). Sudden cessation of long term, extensive alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions.

** Partnership for a Drug Free America

Alcoholic Energy Drinks

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limits caffeine to 65 milligrams per serving. Since energy drinks are currently not regulated by the FDA, they can contain as much as 300 milligrams of caffeine in a single serving.

Alcoholic energy drinks have both caffeine (a stimulant) with alcohol (a depressant), is like getting into a car and stepping on the gas pedal and the brake at the same time.

Have a higher concentration of alcohol than most beers.

Can You Tell The Difference?

“Binge” Drinking is defined as the consumption of five or more alcoholic drinks (for men) on at least two occasions within the past month. For women, it is defined as having consumed four drinks or more on at least two occasions within a month.

“One Drink” of alcohol is defined as one, twelve-ounce can of beer; one, four-ounce glass of wine; or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.

“Moderate Consumption” of alcohol is defined as No more than two drinks per day, once or twice a week (for men) or, (for women), one drink per day, one or two days per week.

Definitions provided by the American Medical Association, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, the Centers for Disease Control, and Rutgers University Center of Alcohol Studies.

Average elimination rate is .015 per hour.

Elimination

ABSORPTION

BREATH 8%

SWEAT 2%

LIVER 90%

3-8 25

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ELIMINATIONELIMINATION

STOPSDRINKING – 1:30

ABSORPTIONABSORPTION >>

>>

.16 = PEAK – 2:00

>>

.08 = INTOXICATEDLEGALLY – 7:30

>> >> >> >> >>

.05 = IMPAIRED – 9:30

>> >> >> >>

BAC

Providing Alcohol Providing Alcohol to a Minorto a Minor

• Purchase for or giving alcohol to a minor is illegal unless it is the minor’s

• Adult parent• Adult guardian• Adult spouse• Adult court custodian

• Provider must be visibly present

PenaltiesPenalties

Up to $4,000 fine Up to 1 year in jail

Driving While Intoxicated (D.W.I.)

Unlawful to operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated.

OffenseOffense FineFine Loss of LicenseLoss of License JailJail

11stst Up to $2,000Up to $2,000 90 days – 1 year90 days – 1 year72 hours –72 hours –

180 days180 days

22ndnd Up to $4,000Up to $4,000 180 days – 2 years180 days – 2 years30 days –30 days –

1 year1 year

33rdrd or More or More Up to $10,000Up to $10,000 180 days – 2 years180 days – 2 years 2 – 10 years2 – 10 years

License surcharge is $1,000-$2,000 for 3 years.

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Emotionally

Behaviorally

Physically

Abuse of alcohol and other drugs affects people:

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

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Emotional Effects of Substance Abuse:

Aggression Burnout Anxiety Depression Paranoia Denial

Slow reaction time Impaired coordination Slowed or slurred speech Irritability Excessive talking Inability to sit still Limited attention span

Poor motivation or lack of energy

Behavioral Effects of Substance Abuse

Weight loss Sweating Chills Smell of alcohol Medical problems Physical appearance

Physical Effects of Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse Dependence

Use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations

Recurrent use in situations in which its physically dangerous

Recurrent substance-related legal problems

Continued use despite having social or interpersonal problems

*** 1 or more times in last 12 months

Tolerance Withdrawal Using larger amounts/longer period Desire or unsuccessful effort to

quit/cut down Time spent using, obtaining,

recovering from the drug Important activities reduced or avoided Persistent or recurrent physical or

psychological problems

**3 or more occurred in last 12 months

Sympathy Excuses Apology Diversions

Innocence Anger Pity Tears

So Don’t Buy into the MEDIA!

SACADA Services

Prevention services within schools MIP Classes, Alcohol and Tobacco ADEP Classes, every Friday First Friday Workshops Prevention Resource Center

For information or referrals call

210-225-4741

7500 Hwy 90 West, AT&T Bldg. 1, Ste. 100

San Antonio, TX 78227