Health Issue of the Week

Drug Use and the Brain

Description of Issue

There are many kinds of drugs – such as marijuana, nicotine, alcohol, inhalants, tranquilizers, etc.

They have a wide range of effects on the body – such as sleepiness, brain damage, and dizziness.

They cause many emotional and social problems as well as physical problems.

Type of Disease

Non-communicable Cannot get it from someone

else, but CAN be influenced to begin use.

Many people begin drug use because others are doing it.

Negative Aspects

Can become addictive – body becomes physically dependent on it.

Can cost a LOT of money:– Total economic cost of alcohol and drug use in 1992 was

estimated at $245.7 billion dollars – this includes treatment programs, healthcare costs, prevention programs, etc.

– Between 1988 and 1995, Americans spent approximately $57.3 billion dollars on drugs.

Can cause many health problems

Three Common Drugs

Three Kinds of Drugs that are commonly used by teens are:

1. Alcohol

2. Marijuana

3. Inhalants

Alcohol

Is a depressant - slows down the activity of the nervous system (muscles relax and become sleepy)

Short-term effects:– Decreased alertness– Poor reflexes– Nausea

Long-term effects:– Liver and brain damage– Inadequate nutrition

Alcohol and the Brain

“Alcohol suppresses the activities of excitatory nerve pathways and increases the activities of inhibitory

nerve pathways.”

Otherwise stated as:

Alcohol makes the neurotransmitters in the brain produce too much or too little of the chemical that it

is supposed to produce.

Alcohol’s Effects on the Brain

It creates an overproduction of serotonin which affects your decision making.

It produces less glutamate which is associated with memory loss.

It creates an overproduction of GABA which makes you less anxious

How might each of these things affect you?

Marijuana

Most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. Short-term effects:

– Loss of coordination– Increased heart rate

Long-term effects:– Respiratory disease– Lung cancer– Difficulty with concentration and memory

Marijuana and the Brain

When THC enters the brain, it attaches to cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells, affecting

the way those cells work.

Marijuana’s Effects on the Brain

It affects the cerebellum by creating coordination problems

It affects the hippocampus which affects learning and memory

It affects the brain stem which is responsible for sleep and motor control

How might each of these things affect you?

Inhalants

Also called “huffing” or “sniffing” Often cheap and found in kitchens, garages, and schools Popular inhalants include glue, nail polish remover, and paint

thinner Short-term effects:

– Nausea– Headaches– Death

Long-term effects:– Damage to liver, kidneys, and brain– Hallucinations

Inhalants and the Brain

One major effect of inhalants is the destruction of the myelin sheath that surrounds neurons. This can result in problems in the normal transmission of impulses through neurons and cell death.

Inhalants’ Effects on the Brain

It affects the cerebral cortex which causes changes in personality, memory loss, and learning problems.

It affects the cerebellum by creating problems in balance and movement

It affects the visual system (including the optic nerve) causing visual disturbances.

How might each of these things affect you?

Alternatives

Get the facts about alcohol and drugs (i.e. one drink can make you fail a breath test)

Learn about different ways to turn down a drink or drugs

Learn to recognize the signs of a drug problem (i.e. feeling run down or depressed)

Interesting Facts

The human brain weighs about the same as a Chihuahua (the Taco Bell dog)

In 2002 survey, only 8% of 8th graders claimed that they used marijuana in the last month.

The leading cause of death for teens and young adults is auto accidents related to alcohol.