Prescription Drugs 1. What other drug is as powerful and affects the body in the same way as the painkiller Oxycontin? Heroin (opium dried condensed juice of poppy= morphine) Percocet/ Percodan Contains oxycodon 2.What are some of the effects of painkillers? drowsiness, slowed breathing, coma, confusion 3. What are some of the effects of depressants? slowed brain function, loss of judgment and coordination, depression and sluggishness 4. What are some of the effects of stimulants? Increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, nervousness, feelings of hostility, increased blood temp, irregular heartbeat 5. What are some of the effects of antidepressants? Insomnia, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, agitation, aggression, paranoid reactions

Heroin- What is it?? 1.A morphine derivative- morphine is opium’s most potent active derivative. 2.First synthesized in 1874, heroin was widely used in medicine the early part of the 20 th Century, until its addictive potential was recognized.

Pure heroin is a white powder with a bitter taste. Street heroin may vary in color from white to dark brown because of the impurities or additives. There is a dark brown or black form of the drug, as a dense roofing tar or coal, known as “black tar”. Known on the street as smack, horse, H, junk or scag, heroin is the most commonly abused of narcotics. Narcotic drugs (also called opiods) are derivatives of the opium poppy or chemically similar synthetics

How is heroin used? Generally inhaled or injected, although it may be smoked. Can be mixed with tobacco or marijuana and smoked in a pipe or cigarette. May also be heated or burned, releasing fumes that users inhale (chasing the dragon) Users who inject, generally inject directly into a major vein (mainlining), although some may start by injecting under the skin (popping) Heroin abusers often use other drugs as well. They may “speedball” taking cocaine or meth with heroin or use alcohol, marijuana or tranquilizers to enhance high and blunt effects of withdrawl.

Five Potential Consequences of Heroin use Hepatitis, AIDS and other infections from unsanitary injection Respiratory paralysis, heart arrest, coma and death from accidental overdose Dry, itchy skin and skin infections Scarring tracks along veins and collapsed veins from repeated injections Constipation and loss of appetite

How does it affect human behavior? Devastating. Habitual users are incapable of concentration, learning or clear thought. Rarely able to hold a job. Apathetic, indifferent to consequences and unable to sustain personal relationships. Behavior can lead to crime, compulsive use prompts behavior that is self-destructive and irresponsible often anti-social and characteristically indifferent to injury, pain or loss it causes others.

Withdrawal and Recovery With regular heroin use, tolerance develops. This means the abuser must use more heroin to achieve the same intensity or effect. As higher doses are used over time, physical dependence and addiction develop. With physical dependence, the body has adapted to the presence of the drug and withdrawal symptoms may occur if use is reduced or stopped.

Withdrawal, which in regular abusers may occur as early as a few hours after the last administration, produces drug craving, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting, cold sweats with goose bumps ("cold turkey"), kicking movements ("kicking the habit"), and other symptoms. Major withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose and subside after about a week. Sudden withdrawal by heavily dependent users who are in poor health is occasionally fatal, although heroin withdrawal is considered much less dangerous than alcohol or barbiturate withdrawal.

Regardless of dosage, these reactions may appear during heroin withdrawal: Convulsions Increased heart rate Abnormal heartbeat Heart attack Sudden, sharp blood pressure increase Stroke Extreme depression Suicidal behavior As withdrawal progresses, elevations in blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate and temperature occur. Symptoms of heroin overdose -- which may result in death -- include shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions and coma.