Warm-Up

Write three reasons to say no to drugs. Then modify these reasons into effective refusal statements if someone offered you drugs

Marijuana, Inhalants and Steroids

Lesson 19

Objectives

Identify and define the various classes of drugs

Identify the effects of the various classes of drugs on the mind

Marijuana Common name for the Indian hemp

plant cannabis A plant whose leaves, buds, and flowers

are smoked for their intoxicating effects Most widely used illegal drug Other Names:

Weed Grass Pot

Marijuana and Addiction

Mood altering drugs Raises levels of dopamine in your

brain, producing a pleasurable feeling However, once the drug wears off so

does the pleasure sensation “crash”

Marijuana… NOT harmless CONTRARY to popular opinion,

Marijuana is NOT harmless All forms are mind altering and can

damage a user’s health When combined with other drugs and

other substances, such as alcohol, it can be DEADLY

Marijuana contains more cancer causing chemical than tobacco smoke and carries the same health risks as smoking tobacco

Mental/ Emotional Health Consequences Slow mental reflexes Sudden feelings of anxiety and paranoia

Irrational suspiciousness or distrust of others Dizziness Trouble walking Adverse effect on short term memory, so the

user may have problems at school and work Distorted perception Loss of coordination Trouble with thinking and problem solving

Physical Consequences In teens, Marijuana poses risks to the

reproductive organs In males it interferes with sperm production

and lower levels of testosterone Lack of male developmental characteristics (voice

changing, body hair, broad shoulders) because testosterone is the main hormone responsible for those

In females testosterone levels increase Unwanted facial hair infertility

Figure 23.3 Health Risks of Marijuana

Risks and Consequences for DUI

Just as dangerous as DUI of alcohol Strict penalties

Suspension of license Fine Jail time Increased insurance premiums Legal prosecution if death or injury

results

Inhalants Substances whose fumes are sniffed and inhaled to

achieve a mind altering effect Glues Spray paints Gasoline Varnishes

Most go immediately to the brain, causing damage and KILLING brain cells

Brain cells will NEVER BE REPLACED Permanent nervous system and brain damage

All inhalants are extremely dangerous Depress the central nervous system

Glassy stare Slurred speech Impaired judgment Inhaling fumes from aerosol cans “huffing” can cause sudden

death increasing the heart rate, resulting in cardiac arrest suffocation

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids Synthetic substances that are similar to

the male sex hormone testosterone Anabolic refers to the building up of muscles Androgenic refers to the development of

male characteristics Have legitimate medical use when used

under a doctor’s care for patients with chronic diseases

Can cause mood swings, impaired judgment, and paranoia

Steroid Effects

Legal and Social Consequences

All steroid use other than that prescribed by a doctor is illegal and dangerous

Steroids can increase strength, however the associated tendons and ligaments don’t get stronger

Results in injuries that take a long time to heal Can end an athletes career

Steroid users often turn to other illegal, addictive drugs to combat the side effects of steroids

If needles are shared there is an increase risk to HIV, Hepatitis B and other bacteria and viruses