Ch.14 Drugs

Created By Coach LuttrellInformation taken from Bronson, M.H., Cleary, M.J., Hubbard, B.M., Zike, D., Glencoe Teen Health Course 3, 2009

Lesson 1 Drug Misuse and AbuseObjectives:• The student will be able to explain the difference between

drug misuse and drug abuse.• The student will be able to identify the risks of drug abuse.• The student will be able to develop strategies for making

healthful choices about taking medicines.

Vocabulary Words (7): drug, prescription medicines, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, drug misuse, side effect, tolerance, drug abuse

Drug Use• There is a difference between drugs and medicines.• A Drug- is a substance other than food that changes the

structure or function of the body or mind.• A medicine is a drug used to prevent or treat illnesses and

disease.• All medicines are drugs, but not all drugs are medicines.• Both drugs and medicines can be abused.

Types of Medicines

• There are two general categories of medicine:• Prescription medicines- medicines that can be sold

only with a written order from a physician.• Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medicines- medicines

that are safe enough to be taken without a written order from a physician.

Drug Misuse

• Drug misuse- taking or using medicine in a way that is not intended.

• Examples of drug misuse:– Using a drug without following the instructions on the

label.– Using a drug not prescribed for you.– Allowing someone else to use a drug prescribed for you.– Taking more of the drug than the doctor prescribed.– Using the drug longer than advised by the doctor.

• Side effect- any effect of a medicine other than the one intended.– Common side effects include stomach

upset, drowsiness, sleeplessness and headache.

– Side effects should be discussed with a doctor if they happen.

• When a doctor prescribes a drug that needs to be taken for a long period of time a drug tolerance may develop.– Tolerance- a condition in which a person’s

body becomes used to the effect of a medicine and needs greater and greater amounts of it in order for it to be effective.

Drug Abuse• Drug abuse- intentionally using

drugs in a way that is unhealthy or illegal.

• Drug abuse can affect all three sides of your health triangle.– Physical: sleeplessness, irritability,

heart failure and stroke.– Mental/Emotional: interference

with brain function, trouble thinking, concentrating, depression, anxiety

– Social: withdrawl from family and friends, loss of interest in school or other activities.

Addiction• People who abuse drugs risk developing

an addiction.• Addiction is a physical or psychological

need for a drug.• Process of addiction:

– Regular drug use– Tolerance builds– User becomes addicted

• You can’t tell how many times you have to use the drug for the addiction to start.

• Drug addiction is a disease, just like alcoholism. Treatment options are available, but it is a long and challenging road to quit using the drug.

Ch.14 Lesson 1 Questions

1. Define drug. Use the word in an original sentence.

2. What are two side effects that can occur when taking medicine?

3. What is the difference between drug misuse and drug abuse?

4. How does drug addiction occur?5. What might you say to persuade a friend not to

take a medicine that has not been prescribed for him or her?

Lesson 2: Marijuana and Other Illegal Drugs

Objectives:• The student will describe the effects and risks of marijuana

use.• The student will identify the most commonly used club drugs.• The student will explain the reasons that teens abuse anabolic

steroids.• The student will list the physical effects of anabolic steroids.

Vocabulary Words (4): marijuana, THC, amnesia, anabolic steroids

What is Marijuana?

• Marijuana- dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, called Cannabis Sativa.

• It is an illegal drug that is usually smoked.

What Are Marijuana’s Effects• Marijuana effects the brain of the person using the drug.• THC- the main active chemical in marijuana.– Tetrahydrocannabinol

• Alters the way the brain processes sensory information.• Some people have different experiences when using the

drug.• There is no way to know what other harmful substances

may be mixed in with the drug.

Short-Term Effects• Reduces reaction time• Decreases coordination• Impairs judgment• Memory and learning problems• Distorted perception• Difficulty thinking and solving problems• Increases heart rate and appetite • High doses can cause anxiety and panic

attacks

Long-Term Effects• Contains many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke

which can lead to emphysema and lung cancer• Over 400 chemicals in the marijuana plant• Long-term users experience changes in the part of the brain

that processes information.• Associated with depression, anxiety, and personality

disturbances.• Loss of motivation from long term-use can cause problems

with friends and family members.

Safety Risks• It is an illegal substance in most

states, so users risk being arrested.• Users may say or do things that

could hurt themselves or others.• Impaired reaction time and

coordination make driving a car dangerous.

• Since it impairs your judgment, you risk doing other risky behaviors, like drinking alcohol, doing other drugs or being sexually active.

Marijuana and Addiction• Frequent users can develop a tolerance that

can lead to physical dependency and addiction.

• Each year more than 120,000 people seek treatment for addiction to marijuana.

What Are Club Drugs?• Club drugs get their name from

the places that they are often used in.

• Some people believe that they are safe to use, but they can produce harmful effects.– Hallucinations and paranoia– Amnesia is a partial or total loss of

memory.• When mixed with alcohol the

effects are increased and unpredictable.

Ecstasy• A club drug that affects the user in similar

ways to hallucinogens and stimulants.• Speeds up the central nervous system

making a person feel very alert or hyper.• Scientific name is MDMA

(methylenedioxymethamphetamine)• Street name UK “Mandy” and US “Molly”• A synthetic chemical, created in illegal

laboratories where they add other substances.

• Usually taken as a pill, tablet or capsule.• Affects are more dangerous when mixed

with alcohol.

Ecstasy • Some users feel energized, happy and relaxed, while others

become nervous and agitated.• Initial effects can start within 30 minutes and can last for 3-6 hours.• Effects such as sadness, depression and memory problems can last

for several days or longer.• Research is being done to see how long-term use affects the brain.• Other effects may include: increased heart rate, sweating, nausea,

dizziness, increased sense of confidence, elevated blood pressure, loss of appetite and chills.

Date Rape Drugs• Rohypnol (roofies) appeared in the

US in the 1990s.– Suppresses the central nervous system

(CNS)– Odorless and colorless– When in pill form, can easily be slipped

into drinks– Once in the body the person is unaware

of what is happening and is unable to resist an attack or unwanted sexual advances

– Also causes amnesia, so the person can’t remember what happened

Date Rape Drugs• GHB depresses the CNS – Was available over-the-counter until 1992– Used by body builders to raise muscle mass

and lower body fat– Usually comes in liquid form and has been

linked to sexual assault• Ketamine (Special K)– Anesthetic used in medical procedures for

human and animals– Usually snorted or sprinkled over marijuana

or tobacco and smoked– So powerful that just a small amount can

cause hallucinations, memory loss and respiratory failure

Anabolic Steroids• Anabolic Steroids- synthetic substances related to

the male sex hormones.• Sometimes prescribed by doctors to treat growth

problems, lung diseases and skin conditions.• These steroids are similar to the male hormone

testosterone• Help build muscle mass and enhance the

development of male characteristics• Most often used to enhance athletic abilities by

adding muscle mass and increasing strength and endurance.

• Harmful effects: liver tumors, cancer, jaundice, high blood pressure, kidney tumors, severe acne, trembling.– Males: shrinking of testicles and breast development– Females: growth of facial hair, menstrual changes and

deepened voice

Anabolic SteroidsAbuse of these drugs has become a serious concern in

professional sports in the US.

A study asked athletes the following question: If you were given a pill that would guarantee you a gold medal but the side effect was that the drug would kill you within "three years" after winning the gold medal, would you take it?

65% said yes they would take the pill anyway.

Teens and Steroid Use• Most teens avoid using steroids.• Those who do choose to use them

risk damaging their health and negatively affecting their appearance (acne, hair loss, stunting of growth)

• Can also cause mood swings which can cause someone to become angry and violent (Roid Rage)

• Because teens are still growing and developing, the hormonal imbalance steroids cause can lead to problems like the ones listed on the previous slides.

Ch.14 Lesson 2 Questions

1. What is THC?2. What are some health risks associated with using

anabolic steroids? (at least 3)3. What are two long-term effects of marijuana

use?4. Why do you think steroid abuse is a concern in

competitive sports?5. What might happen to a person who

unknowingly ingests rohypnol while at a club?

Lesson 3: Narcotics, Stimulants and Depressants

Objectives: • The student will be able to name the most commonly abused

narcotics.• The student will be able to describe the effects that narcotics can

have on a user’s health.• The student will be able to identify specific stimulants and CNS

depressants.• The student will be able to name the health risks linked to stimulant

and CNS depressant abuse.

Vocabulary Words (8): narcotics, opium, euphoria, withdrawal symptoms, stimulants, amphetamine, binge, CNS depressants

What are Narcotics?• Narcotics are specific drugs that

are obtainable only by prescription are used to relieve pain.

• Historically, narcotics were made from opium a liquid from the poppy plant containing substances that numb the body.

• When used under a doctor’s supervision, narcotics are effective in the treatment of extreme pain.

• They are also highly addictive, which means their sale and use is controlled by law.

Narcotics and Addiction• Narcotics attach to receptors in the brain to block painful

messages that are being sent.• Euphoria a feeling of well-being or elation.

– Sometimes produced because the areas of brain that receive pleasure are affected.

• Abusing narcotics is very dangerous because it can lead to tolerance and addiction.

• Withdrawal symptoms are symptoms that occur after chronic use of a drug is reduced or stopped.– Can include pain in the muscles and bones, sleeplessness, diarrhea,

agitation, vomiting, cold flashes, involuntary leg movements

Heroin• Heroin is an illegal narcotic made

from morphine.• Black tar heroin is the most common

type used in the US and is produced in Mexico.

• Heroin is most often inhaled or injected intravenously. Some users smoke the drug.

• Users become easily addicted. Psychologically they crave the feeling the drug brings and painful physical withdrawal symptoms make it very difficult for the user to quit the drug.

OxyContin• It is a legal narcotic, available with a doctor’s

prescription.• When used correctly it can control severe pain in

patients with cancer, back pain or arthritis.• The long-term effect of OxyContin use is an increased

tolerance, which leads to physical addiction.• Withdrawal symptoms are similar to other narcotics.

Local Problems With TeensAustin Lee Edwards was supposed to be almost halfway through his senior year by now, finishing up another solid season on the Nixa HS football team’s offensive line and preparing for a career in the U.S. Marines.

But Edwards was found dead from an overdose of oxycodone on July 26, 2010, the day he was supposed to begin summer football camp. He was 17.

(All Information taken from Springfield News-Leader)

What are Stimulants?• Stimulants are drugs that speed up activity in the

human brain and spinal cord.• Heart beats faster, blood pressure and metabolism rise.• Users will often move and speak more quickly than

usual. May feel exhilarated or excited, while others become anxious.

• Some stimulants are so mild that people don’t realize they are ingesting a drug – Caffeine: found in coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate

• Simulant abuse is very dangerous

Amphetamines• Amphetamine is a drug that stimulates the

central nervous system.– Also known as “speed”

• Using large amounts can results in aggressive behavior that is difficult to predict.

• Other effects are extreme weight loss and loss of physical strength.

Cocaine• Is an illegal stimulant derived from the coca plant.• Usually sold as a fine white powder, cocaine is often mixed

with water and injected into the body intravenously. It can also be smoked or inhaled.

• One of the most addictive drugs on the streets today.• Affects the user almost immediately. Effects can last up to a

few hours.• Taking large amounts can increase the effects, but can lead to

violent and unpredictable behavior.• Repeated use causes tolerance to occur.• During a cocaine binge the user risks overdose and death.

Crack• When cocaine is heated and

mixed with baking soda and water, it forms a substance that is smoked.

• It gets its name from the cracking sound that occurs when the mixture is smoked.

• Crack is an extremely addictive and dangerous drug.

Methamphetamine• Highly addictive stimulant drug that

strongly affects the central nervous system

• It is an epidemic in the United States• The drug is produced in illegal

laboratories • “Meth” is taken in many ways:

swallowed, snorted, smoked or injected

• Street names: meth, crank, speed, 417

The Effects of Methamphetamine• Initially users can feel confident and full of

energy. Because of this they often binge on the drug and go days without food or sleep.

• Users behavior is unpredictable• When addicted to meth it becomes difficult, if

not impossible for the user to feel any sense of pleasure without the drug

What are Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants?

• CNS Depressants are substances that slow down normal brain function.• Sometimes called sedatives or tranquilizers.• Doctors prescribe CNS depressants for relief of sleeplessness , anxiety

or tension.• Sometimes these are abused. Also if used for an extended period of

time they can lead to tolerance and addiction.• They produce a feeling of calm or drowsiness when taken.• Two commonly prescribed CNS Depressants are:

– Barbiturates: for anxiety, tension, or sleep disorders– Benzodiazepines: for more serious anxiety or panic attacks

• CNS Depressants should only be taken as prescribed and under a doctor’s supervision.

Ch.14 Lesson 3 Questions

1. Define narcotics.2. Name two commonly abused narcotics.3. Give three examples of harmful effects that can

result from abusing stimulants.4. Explain the physical and psychological effects

that can cause a person to become addicted to heroin.

5. What are some high-risk behaviors that could result from the abuse of narcotics?

Lesson 4: Hallucinogens and Inhalants

Objectives: • The student will be able to define hallucinogens.• The students will be able to explain how

hallucinogens affect the user.• The student will be able to identify the health risks

to a person who uses inhalants or hallucinogens.

Vocabulary Words(2): hallucinogens, inhalant

Hallucinogens• Hallucinogens are drugs that

distort moods, thoughts and senses.

• Some of these drugs are manufactured and others come from natural substances in plants, such as cactus and mushrooms.

How Do Hallucinogens Affect the User?

• They get their name from the word hallucinate, which means to have visions.

• Affect how a user perceives the passage of time, sees colors, senses motion or hears sound.

• Interfere with a persons though process and ability to communicate.

• Users can no longer distinguish between what is real and what is not.

• This can lead to strange and risky behavior.

LSD• A drug made from lysergic acid• One of the strongest and most widely

used hallucinogens.• Sold as tablets, capsules, liquid or on

absorbent paper.• A tiny amount produces a powerful effect• The effects are very difficult to predict.

Users may experience hallucinations where they don’t know who or where they are.

• Can also produce flashbacks. Weeks or even months after the drug is taken, the user may relive terrifying thoughts or feelings.

• Street names: acid, blotter, white lightning

PCP• Phencyclidine is not a true hallucinogen in its chemical

makeup, but its effects are similar to those of LSD.• PCP can become addictive and cause violent and

unpredictable behavior.– Because of this users are a threat to themselves and others.

• Street names: angel dust, supergrass, killer weed, rocket fuel

Inhalants• Inhalant any substance whose fumes are sniffed and inhaled

to produce mind-altering sensations.• Can be found in many household products that are readily

available.– Paint, vegetable cooking spray, air freshener, lighter fluid, markers,

pens, correction fluid, hair spray, etc.• Using a product for something other than its intended use is

abuse.• Toxic inhalants are not meant to be put into our bodies.

– They can cause serious health effects and even death.– Hundreds of teens die each year from sniffing or huffing inhalants.

What Damage Do Inhalants Cause?• Abusing inhalants damages the

protective coating on the brain cells, called myelin.– When myelin is damaged, nerve

cells may not be able to send messages to other parts of the body

• These results can be permanent and severe– Can effect a person’s ability to

walk, talk, or think.– Can kill the user instantly– Even a person experimenting with

inhalants for the first time can die from choking, suffocation or a heart attack.

Warning Signs of Inhalant Abuse

If you notice these signs in someone you know, tell a teacher or other trusted adult!

Ch.14 Lesson 4 Questions

1. What are hallucinogens?2. What are two possible consequences of using

hallucinogens?3. What are 3 health risks to a person who uses

inhalants?4. What might you say to someone you know who is

thinking of abusing an inhalant for the first time?5. Why do you think inhalant abuse might be a

serious problem among 12-14 year olds?