When Drugs Work . . .

Your Kids Can’t

Effects of Drugs on the Brain and Learning

Youth and Alcohol

#1 Drug Problem among YouthBy their senior year, nearly 90% will

have tried alcohol.Juniors and Seniors in high school drink

35% of all wine coolers sold in the United States

They drink an estimated 1.1 billion bottles and cans of beer each year.

Effects on Body

Heavy, fast paced drinking leads to: Altered judgment Distorted vision Poor coordination Blackouts

Lower body weight results in faster absorption, greater impairment and damage

Alcohol related car accidents are the #1 cause of death of young people ages 15 – 24.

Youth and Marijuana

Parts of the brain that control emotion, memory, and judgment are effected by marijuana

Blocks information from getting to long term memory

Weakens problem solving abilityImpacts ability to concentrateAlters coordination

Effects on Body

Smoke causes damage to the lungs and pulmonary system

Marijuana smoke has more cancer causing agents than tobacco

Can be psychologically addictiveHigher doses can cause paranoia and

psychosis

Youth and Cocaine/Crack

HIGHLY ADDICTIVE, whether in powder form (cocaine) or solid (crack)

StimulantCrack is:

Cheap Easily used (smoked) Fast acting (effects are felt within 10

seconds)

Effects on Body

Strong Central Nervous System Stimulant (CNS)

Interferes with reabsorption of dopamine

Build up of dopamine cause euphoric feeling

Effects on Body

Increase in HR and BP can result in heart attacks and strokes.

Prolonged use results in paranoia, psychosis, and violent behavior

When alcohol and cocaine is mixed in the liver, produces a third chemical that intensifies effect and can lead to sudden death

Youth and Heroin

HIGHLY ADDICTIVE OpiateBrain cells become dependent on

Heroin to functionHigh starts with a rush, ends with a

“foggy” feeling for many hours

Effects on Body

Depression of the CNSMental functioning is impairedLong term use associated with:

Collapsed veins Infection of the heart and liver Pulmonary complications

Tolerance leads to Addiction and physical withdrawal when you stop

Other Common Drugs

Ecstasy (MDMA)Over the Counter (OTC) MedicationMethamphetamine (Meth)Inhalants

Common Warning Signs

Physical Fatigue Repeated health complaints Red eyes Weight loss

Common Warning Signs

Emotional Personality changes Sudden Mood swings Poor judgment Depression Lack of interest

Common Warning Signs

Family Frequent arguments Breaking rules Withdrawal from family

Common Warning Signs

School Decreased interest Negative attitude Drop in grades Absences Discipline problems

Common Warning Signs

Social New group of friends less interested in

home and school activities Trouble with the law Change in style of dress and music

Athletic Performance Enhancers

Why are student-athletes subjecting themselves to Performance Enhancement

Drugs?

Improve Physical AppearanceHeighten Athletic PerformanceSocietal Expectations: “Win at all

Costs” will do whatever it takes no matter what the price is….

Basic Principles of Exercise Physiology

“Sheer Strength” is determined by two factors: Amount of muscle mass The ability of nerves to stimulate

muscle contraction

CAN PERFORMANCE- ENHANCING DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE??

Anabolic Steroids Creatine Monohydrate Stimulants

ANABOLIC STEROIDS

Anabolic Steroid is an illegal drug Banned from

High School Interscholastic Athletics NCAA and all Professional and Olympic

Sports. Anabolic Steroids are a testosterone,

which is a hormone that our body produces.

Testosterone has two main effects on your body:

Anabolic effects- promotes muscle building

Androgenic effects- are responsible for male traits such as facial hair and deepening of the voice.

Anabolic Steroids that are used amongst athletes are a synthetic derivative of testosterone.

They are made in either a pill form or a soluble that can be injected.

Short Term Gains:

Increase in muscle massIncrease in speed and explosivenessIncrease in aggressive behavior

But to maintain these gains, you are willing to risk:

Severe acneLiver tumorsIncreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL),

“the bad cholesterolDecreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL)

“the good cholesterol” Aggressive behaviors, “roid rage” or

violencePsychiatric disorders, such as depressionDrug dependence

Effects on Body

Anabolic Steroid Use Nationwide of 8th, 10th and 12th Grade Students:

Early 1990’s steroid use remained under 1.5%

1999 and 2000 for 8th graders- 1.7%2000 and 2002 for 10th graders- 2.2%2002 and 2004 for 12th graders- 2.5%

Creatine Monohydrate

It is a compound produced by your body that helps release energy in your muscles.

Creatine is stored in your muscles. Your liver produces 2 grams of creatine each day.

Creatine may also be ingested from protein-rich foods such as meat or fish.

With prolong use; weight gain is achieved through the retention of water in the muscle tissue.

Why do athletes take this?

The research has indicated small improvements in short-term power activities for example power lifting, increase in short term speed in sprints.

It has also proven to increase muscle mass therefore having an anabolic like reaction, similar to steroids.

The Danger??

DehydrationNauseaVomitingLeading to kidney, liver and heart

damage

STIMULANTS

Stimulants are drugs that can reduce fatigue, suppress appetite and increase alertness and aggressiveness.

They stimulate the central nervous system, increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and metabolism.

COMMON STIMULANTS

CocaineEphedrine, which is in cold

remedies.Amphetamines such as Dexedrine

and BenzedrineCaffeine products such as Red Bull,

Monster, Rockstar

The risk….

One will become nervous and irritable impacting their concentration on the athletic

field causing a decrease in athletic performance.

Athletes may become addicted developing a tolerance so they need greater

amounts to achieve the desired effectsThis will lead one to experience

circulatory problems, heart attack, hallucinations and brain hemorrhage.

Is it worth it????

Does society place a high expectation on achieving a competitive edge to win at all costs?

This will be an ongoing dilemma if we don’t acknowledge the fact that the emphasis on: making a team being a starter earn a scholarship win at all cost perception

Underlying reason student-athletes across America take a risk, the risk of “life”.

What can you as the parent do?

Be clear about your expectations- It must be safe, make no exceptions.

Discuss ethics and proper training- Utilizing these performance enhance substances is cheating.

There is no substitute for: A WELL BALANCED DIET AND RIGOROUS TRAINING=

SUCCESS IN ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE Talk with your child’s coach Monitor your child’s purchases at the local GNC and

Nutrition stores. Especially, purchasing through the internet…

What Can Parents Do When They Suspect Drug Use?

Communicate Honest Open Direct

Get Professional help if problem persists

Social Hosting

Social Host Responsibility Act Parents/Adults are held liable under

criminal and civil penalty for either serving and/or allowing the service of alcohol to minors in their home or at a party they are “hosting”

Can be held liable for actions occurring after the minor leaves your home or party