Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco Unit 3 Presented by Mr. McQuade

Drug a medicine or other substance which has a physiological (physical) effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body. A drug is any kind of medicine or chemical that changes how your body or brain functions Two Types of Drugs Medical - legal drugs, which you can buy over the counter or get from a health professional - OTC (Over The Counter Drugs) - Prescription Drugs – which can only be given by a doctors order Recreational - Mostly illegal drugs - Depressants - Stimulants - Hallucinogens

Medical Drugs They come in two forms OTC – which means they can be purchased over the counter or without a doctors written prescription Prescription Drug – meaning the doctor writes you out a request which enables the drug to be dispensed to you.

Medical Drugs Cont. Some medical drugs have side effects that make them appealing to people who don’t have a medical reason to take them.  Even though these drugs are prescribed for medical purposes, they can be extremely dangerous.  They are often very addictive, and if taken improperly or with alcohol or other drugs, they can cause death

Drug Related Definitions Addiction – a condition in which a person engages in the use of a substance or in a behavior for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behavior despite detrimental consequences Tolerance - reduced reaction to a drug following its repeated use. Increasing its dosage may re-amplify the drug's effects, however this may accelerate tolerance, further reducing the drug's effects. Dependence – a physical condition caused by chronic use of a tolerance forming drug, in which abrupt or gradual drug withdrawal causes unpleasant physical symptoms.

Recreational Drugs Recreational drugs fall into three main categories: Depressants Stimulants Hallucinogens.

Depressants Depressants slow down the messages sent to and from your brain. For this reason, they’re often called ‘downers’. Examples of depressants include: alcohol opiates (such as heroin and morphine) cannabis sedatives (such as Valium) some glues, petrols and other solvents.

Depressants If you take different types of depressants at the same time, you're more likely to overdose (OD). So, if you're using depressant drugs, the safest way to do so is to stick to one type of drug. Large amounts of depressants can: make you pass out stop your breathing make you feel nauseous make you vomit.

Stimulants Stimulants, sometimes called “uppers,” temporarily increase alertness and energy. Generally, those who abuse stimulants experience heightened energy levels and enhanced focus. The most commonly used street drugs that fall into this category are cocaine and amphetamines. Prescription stimulants come in tablets or capsules. When abused, they are swallowed, injected in liquid form or crushed and snorted.

Short Term/Long Term Effects Stimulants speed up mental and physical processes, which can produce desirable effects in the short-term by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. While users may feel great due to the short-term effects of stimulants Long-term abuse of these drugs can have significant consequences Repeated high doses of some stimulants over a short period can lead to feelings of hostility or paranoia. Such doses may also result in dangerously high body temperatures and an irregular heartbeat. which is why it is so important for those who abuse the drugs to get help as quickly as possible.

List of Stimulants Cocaine - Cocaine is one of the most well-known stimulants in the world. A highly addictive drug, it is made from and named for the South American coca plant.  Signs of cocaine use include but are not limited to: Excitability Dilated pupils Runny nose Weight loss Nosebleeds Methamphetamines - is a highly addictive stimulant, more commonly known simply as “meth.” medical issues that can arise due to methamphetamine use include: Extremely high body temperatures that can result in fainting Severe itching Broken teeth and dry mouth, commonly referred to as “meth mouth” due to poor dental hygiene and nutrition associated with use of the drug Cognitive issues

Stimulants Continued… Prescription Medications - Illicit drugs are not the only stimulants out there, as prescription amphetamines have become popular drugs of abuse in recent years. These drugs include Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta.  While prescription stimulants can be necessary for those who actually suffer from ADHD, they are commonly abused by those without the disorder in an effort to improve focus or cognitive capabilities. They are often referred to as “study drugs” and abused by high school and college students who take them before cramming for finals or in an effort to manage the many demands of an active academic, extracurricular, and social schedule.

Hallucinogens  a diverse group of drugs that alter perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions), thoughts, and feelings. They cause hallucinations, or sensations and images that seem real though they are not. Hallucinogens can be found in some plants and mushrooms (or their extracts) or can be human-made. Some hallucinogens also cause users to feel out of control or disconnected from their body and environment.

How Do Hallucinogens Affect Your Brain hallucinogens work at least partially by temporarily disrupting communication between brain chemical systems throughout the brain and spinal cord. Some hallucinogens interfere with the action of the brain chemical serotonin, which regulates: mood sensory perception sleep hunger body temperature muscle control pain perception responses to the environment emotion learning and memory