Drugs (illegal, prescription, &otc), Alcohol, and Tobacco Lesson 36, 37,38 and 39

Drugs Drugs are defined as substances other than food that changes the way the body or mind functions. Examples of illegal drugs: marijuana, cocaine, heroin Examples of legal drugs: tobacco, alcohol Example of prescription: hydrocodone (vicodin), oxycodone (oxycotin) Example of Over The Counter (OTC): tylenol, aspirin

Ways Drugs Enter the Body Mouth-most common, gets absorbed into bloodstream by breaking down in stomach and small intestine example: pills Injection-liquid form goes into blood vessels and/or muscle resulting in quicker effect example: heroin Inhalation-via breathing in via mouth or nose allowing for quicker effect example: cleaning/paint fumes Absorption- enters bloodstream by skin and mucous membranes example: dipping tobacco Implantation- drug can be planted under skin to be released to bloodstream example: cancer medications

Prescription Drugs Prescription Drugs-medicines that can only be obtained by written order of a health professional Prescription pain relievers can be classified as Narcotics It is illegal to use a prescription medicine that is prescribed to another individual

DANGER OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Medicine creates a chemical reaction within the body. When “popping a pill” a person may not realize the chemical reaction that can occur within the body due to a higher than safe dosage or mixing different chemicals can be deadly. Chemical reactions created by depressants such as valium slow down heart rate but coupled with other medication it can slow the hear rate and brain to the point that it becomes deadly.

Over the Counter Medications that CAN be purchased without a prescription such as Advil. DANGERS OF OVER THE COUNTER MEDICINES: Dosage and chemical reactions similar to prescription medicines. Taking a higher than recommend dose of Advil can cause bleeding in stomach and intestines due to increase in stomach acid production. If internal bleeding becomes severe a person can die and or create damage to the organ.

Illegal Drugs Illegal Substances that change the way the body and mind function. Illegal drugs are classified as Inhalants-fumes such as paint, Hallucinogens-marijuana, Stimulants- cocaine, Sedative-Hypnotics-Tranquilizers, Steroids- Anabolic Injections DANGERS OF ILLEGAL DRUGS: Immediate death by reaction due to liver inability to break down, Increased Blood Pressure, Risk of HIV and Hepatitis B by using infected needles for injections

Alcohol Is created through fermentation Fermentation is the process in which yeast, sugar, and water are combined the by product of the reaction is alcohol and carbon dioxide. Most common forms of consumed alcohol are beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is a toxin that can become destructive if consumed in high concentration. A toxin is a substance that is poisonous.

How Alcohol Enters the Body 20% is absorbed through the stomach lining while the majority is absorbed through the intestines into the bloodstream. The liver will break down alcohol and excrete it through urination. However, the liver can only break down ½ ounce per hour. This equates to 1 drink per hour. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of.5 people will die. Legal limit is below.08

Affects on the Body Alcohol greatly affects 7 of the 10 body systems. Nervous System-alcohol impairs nerve cells leading to possible seizures and brain deficiencies Digestive System- increases cancer risk of mouth, esophagus, and stomach due to cell mutations. The mutations could occur from ulcers which are sores in the stomach lining due to high concentration of stomach acid that is triggered by alcohol.

Continued Affects of the Body Immune System- long term lowers number of white blood cells that fight off infections. Immediately suppresses the immune system opening up infection opportunity. Cardiovascular System- Skeletal System- Alcohol depletes calcium from the body leading osteoporosis. Urinary System- frequent urination creates stress on Kidneys leading to failure from over use. Reproductive System- stunts development

Alcoholism Is a disease in which there are physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS)- The reaction of the body to the sudden stop of alcohol consumption. Body may experience nausea, tremors (similar to siezures), Extreme AWS people may suffer from delirium tremens syndrome which are hallucinations and muscle convulsions.

Tobacco The drug found in tobacco products is nicotine. Nicotine stimulates the nervous system and is highly addictive. Once the rush wears off it leaves a desire to have more. Tobacco can be smoked or smokeless by chewing/snuffing.

Smoking Health Concerns Increases risk of different cancers most common is lung cancer. Generally people die within 5 years of being diagnosed with lung cancer. Affects the respiratory system-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a disease where the lungs lose the ability to properly inflate and hold air. This prevents oxygen from adequately entering the bloodstream.

Smokeless Tobacco The carcinogens (cancer causing chemical) in smokeless tobacco create cell mutations among lip and gum cells known as Leukoplakia. These patches can develop into cancer. In addition to gum disease, tooth decay can result as a combination of tobacco sugars mixing with plaque acids.

By The Numbers 4000 chemicals in tobacco Legal Drinking age 21 as of 1984 due to increase in driving fatalities when at age 18 Marijuana related emergency rooms visits increased 126% from 1994 to 2001