Marijuana, Inhalants, and Steroids Coach Childress Health and Physical Education Fall 2017

Marijuana Marijuana – a plant whose leaves, buds, and flowers are usually smoked for their intoxicating effects. Marijuana may also be included in foods and eaten (brownies) Common names for marijuana include grass, weed, Mary J, chronic, pot, etc. Marijuana is one of the most widely used illegal drugs Hash, or hashish, is a stronger form of marijuana.

Marijuana (Continued) Marijuana is considered a gateway drug – a drug that may lead to other, more dangerous, drugs. Studies have shown that a teen who uses marijuana are 15 times more likely to use cocaine than a teen who has never used marijuana.

Physical Consequences of Marijuana Use Because marijuana is often smoked, users face the same risks as tobacco smokers. Marijuana smoke contains more cancer- causing chemicals than tobacco smoke. Marijuana users often inhale unfiltered smoke, which causes damage to the respiratory system. Marijuana also poses risks to the reproductive system. In males, it interferes with sperm production and lowers levels of the male hormone testosterone. In females, marijuana raises testosterone, which may lead to infertility, or the inability to bear children.

Mental and Emotional Consequences Marijuana raises levels of a brain chemical called dopamine which produces a pleasurable feeling. In some users, marijuana triggers the release of so much dopamine that the user reaches an intense feeling of well-being or elation called a “high”. When the drug wears off, however, the pleasure sensation stops, often dramatically. This abrupt letdown is called a “crash”. Marijuana users may also suffer from “paranoia” – an irrational suspiciousness or distrust of other people.

Driving and Marijuana Use The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 10-22% of drivers involved in car crashes were on drugs. Driving under the influence of marijuana interferes with depth perception, decreases reaction time, impairs judgment, and slows reflexes.

Inhalants Inhalants – are substances whose fumes are sniffed or inhaled to give an effect. Some inhalants are prescribed by doctors to treat allergies, asthma, and other medical conditions. Some substances are inhaled to achieve a high. Solvents, glues, paints, garnishes, gasoline, etc. can cause brain damage. Most inhalants act as depressants Immediate effects are a glassy stare, slurred speech, impaired judgment, nausea, coughing, nosebleeds, and lack of coordination.

Inhalants (continued) Using inhalants can lead to permanent loss of brain cells. Long-term use can cause liver and kidney damage, blindness, brain damage, paralysis, cardiac arrest, and even death. All inhalants are extremely dangerous and many are labeled as poisons. They may accidentally be inhaled while doing household chores. When working with inhalants, work in a well-ventilated room and wear a mask if a project requires long exposure to the fumes.

Consequences of Steroid Use Anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic substances similar to male sex hormones. Anabolic refers to muscle building and androgenic refers to male characteristics. Steroids can be prescribed for some medical conditions, but using steroids without medical supervision is dangerous. When combined with physical conditioning, steroids can increase muscular strength, but the tendons and ligaments do not get stronger which can lead to injury. Other side effects include weight gain, acne, hypertension, and liver and kidney problems.

Consequences of Steroid Use (continued) Steroid users who inject the drug may be at risk for contracting HIV or hepatitis B. These drugs may cause violent behavior (commonly referred to as “roid rage”), extreme mood swings, depression, and paranoia. The effects on males include decreased sperm count, shrinking testicles, baldness, development of breasts, and increased risk of prostate cancer. The effects on females include facial hair, baldness, menstrual cycle changes, and deepened voices.

Famous Athletes Caught Using Steroids Barry Bonds (MLB) Played OF for the SF Giants Played 22 MLB seasons Won 7 NL MVP Awards Selected to 14 All-Star Games Lance Armstrong (World-Class Cyclist) 7-time Tour de France Winner Had titles stripped amid a doping scandal

Famous Athletes Caught Using Steroids (Continued) Mark McGwire Played 15 career MLB seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland A’s Hit 70 HR’s in one season (1998) Sammy Sosa Played 17 MLB seasons with the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs among others Hit 63 HR’s in one season (1998)