“ The Minor Players” Chapter 7

The Minor Players Decline in use of illicit drugs over the past two decades for all grades Decline in perceived availability of most substances Marijuana use has remained steady in 2014 Misuse of prescription and over the counter drugs in general declining from 2013 from 7.1% to 6.1% Stimulant (like Adderall and Ritalin) use remains steady Perception of risk has decreased

The Minor Players

How long do drugs stay in the body? DrugsDuration Alcohol4-12 hrs Amphetamines2 days Barbiturates1 day (short-acting) 2-3 weeks (long-acting) Cocaine2-4 days Darvon6-48 hours Marijuana5 days (moderate smoker: 4 times/week Methaqualone2 weeks Opiates2-4 days Valium1-5 days

Marijuana Dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Hemp plant, Cannabis sativa.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol Most commonly used illicit drug in the United States Widespread among youth The number of young people who believe marijuana use is risky is decreasing

Effects THC acts on brain cell receptors that usually react to natural THC-like chemicals THE RESULT? Bad for the brain! Bad for the body!

Medical Marijuana The FDA has not yet approved the marijuana plant as a medicine Possible benefits THC – increases appetite, reduces nausea, decrease pain and inflammation CBD (Cannabidiol) – reduces pain, and inflammation, controls epileptic seizures, possibly treats mental illness and addiction

Date Rape Drugs— Roofies Enables sexual assault Rohypnol – makes victim sleepy and confused, memory loss, weakness, trouble breathing, impaired movement

Why Know The Signs? As teachers it is important for us to know what signs to look for:  In case a student needs our help  To guarantee the safety of students  To understand the best way to deal with the problem

Stimulants – Cocaine & Amphetamines  Dilated pupils  Boundless Energy  Hyperactivity  Clear signs of malnutrition  Runny nose  Over Confidence  Paranoia

Psychedelics – LSD, PCP, Mushrooms  Emotionally unstable  Hallucinations  No perception of time  Perception of surroundings deeply changed  Dilated pupils  “Good trip” – Euphoria  “Bad trip” – Negative behaviors

Inhalants – Nail polish remover, glue, gasoline, spray paint, etc…  Chemical odors on breath or clothes  Paint stains  Hidden containers  Disoriented appearances  Slurred speech  Depression  Irritability

Prevention NIDA Prevention Principles School based intervention/prevention Life Skills Training Program Project Towards No Drug Abuse

What can teachers do to prevent their students from abusing drugs? Show caring and concern in the classroom School as a community Take action

The Truth About Drugs

12 step programs Therapy Rehab Education classes are offered at local community colleges Treatment:

Treatment: CA v. Other States California: Minor’s have rights -> He/she does not have to go to rehab if he/she does not want to, no matter parent’s request

Collaboration: Schools may partner with Rehabilitation centers Pre: Identifying Post: Reintegrating

References (December 2014). Drug Facts: High School and Youth Trends. Retrieved from Dixon, T. (2014, July 31). Teachers Can Help Prevent Substance Abuse. Retrieved from substance-abuse/. Drug Abuse | Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Use. (n.d.). Retrieved from use.html Ekern, J. (2013, April 15). Mushrooms Addiction Symptoms, Signs, Abuse Statistics, Withdrawal Effects - Addiction Hope | Addiction Hope. Retrieved from Frohlich, T.C., Sauter, M.B., Stebbins, S. (2015, August 19). The next 11 states to legalize marijuana. Retrieved from marijuana/ National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2015 July). Drug Facts: Is Marijuana Medicine? Retrieved from medicine National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014 March). Marijuana. Retrieved from National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2015 September). Drug Facts: Marijuana. Retrieved from

NIDA for Teens. NIDA Blog Team. (2015, March 16). What Are Date Rape Drugs and How Do You Avoid Them? Retrieved from drugs-and-how-do-you-avoid-them Office of Natural Drug Control Policy. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana. Retrieved from questions-and-facts-about-marijuana#longtermyouth Prescription Depressant Medications | NIDA for Teens. (n.d.). Retrieved from system-cns-depressants Preventing Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents (2003). Retrieved from among-children-adolescents-in-brief/prevention-principles. Ray, L. (2015, October 14). What Are the Effects of Marijuana Use on College Students? Retrieved from use-college-students/

U.S Department of Health and Human Services. (2003, October). Preventing Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents: A Research-Based Guide for Parents, Educators, and Community Leaders. Retrieved from (2015). Darvon. Retrieved from