Ch. 12 Illegal Drugs Section 1: Drugs of Abuse

Key Terms:  Drug Abuse: The intentional improper or unsafe use of a drug.  Overdose: The taking of too much of a drug which causes sickness, loss of consciousness, permanent damage, or even death.

Drug Abuse

Illegal Drug Use is Dangerous:  Illegal drugs can have dangerous and permanent effects on the brain and the body.  You can become addicted to almost all illegal drugs.  Illegal drugs are a major factor in many suicides, motor vehicle accidents and crimes.  With illegal drug use that involves sharing needles, there is also a risk of catching infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus. (HIV)  Illegal Drug use can result in overdose.  While using illegal drugs, a person loses the ability to make responsible decisions.

Negative Effects:

Some Statistics:

Why do People Begin Using Drugs?  Desire to experiment  Desire to escape from depression or boredom  Enjoyment of risk-taking behaviors  Belief that drugs solve personal, social, or medical problems  Peer Pressure  Glamorization of drug use by the media

U.S. Teen Drug Use

Where are Prescription Drugs Obtained?

Teens and Illegal Drug Use  Sometimes, just being around a group of people using drugs creates pressure to join in.  When faced with direct pressure to use drugs, teens who lack refusal skills or who feel intimidated may give in to pressure and use drugs.  Many teens think that using illegal drugs is a way to escape from feelings of stress, anger, depression, or frustration.  Many teens try drugs out of curiosity.  Other teens may try drugs because they are risk takers or thrill seekers searching for a way to satisfy their desire for new experiences.

Quiz: True/False 1. You can become addicted to almost all illegal drugs. 2. Using illegal is a way to escape from feelings of stress, anger, depression, and frustration.

Review Questions: Page 286-Questions 1-10