EQs Unit 4 What are some of the myths about marijuana? Why do some teens believe these myths? How does substance abuse affect a person’s health triangle? Explain how a person’s family is affected when there is an addict in the family. Explain how alcohol impairs driving.

What Is A Drug? A substance other than food that changes the structure or function of the body or mind.

Drug Use and Health All Medicines are drugs, but not all drugs are medicines. Medicine misuse involves using a medicine in ways other than the intended use. Drug Abuse is intentionally taking a medication or drug for non-medical reasons. Drug overdose is a strong and sometime fatal reaction to taking a large amount of a drug. Substance Abuse is any unnecessary or intentional use of chemical substances for non-medical purposes. Factors that influence teens:

Drug Abuse and your health Triangle Physical, Mental/ Emotional, Social

Drug Category Description Examples

Natural/Herbal Remedies Dietary supplements containing plant extracts. Example: Valerian Root

Over The Counter Medicines Medicines you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. Examples: Aspirin, Benadryl, Cold Medicines, Diet pills.

Prescription Drugs Medicines dispensed only with written approval of a licensed physician Examples: Antibiotics, Steroids, vicodin,

Tobacco Products Tobacco plant, an addictive and toxic drug (nicotine) Examples: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco.

Alcohol Ethanol, a powerfully addictive drug. A depressant. Examples: Beer, wine, spirits (vodka), liquors.

Cannabinoids (Marijuana) A plant whose leaves, buds, and flowers are smoked for their intoxicating effects. Examples: Weed, hashish, Wax Known as the “Gateway Drug”, people that use marijuana are 15 times more likely to move on to other drugs.

Inhalants Substances whose fumes are sniffed or inhaled. Depresses the central nervous system. Causes brain damage. Examples: Solvents, aerosols, glue, paint, gasoline.

Anabolic Steroids Synthetic substances similar to male hormones. Examples: Anadrol, Oxandrin, Durabolin, HCG

Stimulants Speed up the central nervous system. Examples: methamphetamines, cocaine, crack, caffeine, nicotine, ritalin, adderal

Depressants Sedatives, slows down the central nervous system. Examples: Rohypnol (roofies), alcohol, GHB (date rape drug), tranquilizers.

Opiates Narcotics, feelings of euphoria, derived from opium plants, medically used for pain relief. Examples: Morphine, codeine, oxycodane, heroin.

Hallucinogens Alter moods, thoughts, perception. Euphoria or paranoia. Examples: Ecstasy, Mushrooms, LSD, PCP (Angel Dust), peyote, ketamine (special K)

Designer Drugs Synthetic (chemically altered, man made) drugs Examples: K2, Spice, Ecstasy (MDMA), bath salts (fake speed)

Chemical Dependency/ Drug Addict The person is controlled physically (the body expects the drug) or psychologically (there is a mental craving) by the drug An addict will do anything to get the drug, the addict is no long taking the drug to have fun, but feels like they don’t have the choice Tolerance- needing more and more of the drug to get the same high. Body DOES NOT get used to the drug, just loses warning signs. Withdrawal- symptoms people feel when they don’t get the drug they are addicted to

Progression to Drug dependency T.R.A.P. 1. Trial- Experimentation Loss of body defenses, Socially using/ experimenting 2. Recreational Use- Desired effect meeting unhealthy people, unsafe situations, less able to function in social situations unless using, loss of coping skills 3. Abuse- Tolerance Trouble with relationships, family, job, financial problems 4. Pinned Down- Dependence Depression, loss of self respect, loss of hope

Addiction: Risk Factors Unable to express emotions appropriately Lack of Self-respect Having friends who use drugs Access to drugs Use of drugs at an early age rejected by peers having a family member who is an addict univolved with extra curricular Family problems Lack of respect for authority

Warning Signs of Addiction Regular hangovers, difficulty concentrating, change in sleeping habits Slurred speech Red eyes, use of eye drops Change in eating habits sloppy appearance stealing money, asking for money lacking energy and motivation ditching, lack of effort in school Mood changes gang involvement

What you can do reduce/prevent drug use Self-Control resistance skills self-respect Self-esteem social skills healthy relationships positive influences Goals and plans

“Tweak” Excerpt Discussion Questions What are some of the reason’s Nic started using drugs? Support your answer with evidence from the text Did he have any risk factors for drug dependency? What questions do have after reading the text? How was Nic’s life affected by drug abuse? What could have prevented his drug abuse? Predict what the future hold’s for Nic.