Drug Abuse Illegal drugs-substances that are against the law for people of any age to manufacture, possess, buy or sell. Drug abuse-use of a drug for non-medical purposes.

Marijuana Marijuana-drug made from the hemp plant. Known as the “gateway” drug because it is normally the first illegal drug a teen uses. Effects of marijuana Immediate effects Inability to think or speak clearly. Difficulty paying attention. Loss of short-term memory.

Marijuana Lack of coordination, slowed reaction time. Increased heart rate and appetite. Unusual sensitivity to sights and sounds. Sadness and fear.

Marijuana Long-term effects Problems with normal body development in young users. Damage to lung tissues and the immune cells that fight cancer. Feelings of anxiety and panic. Possible psychological dependence. Possible inability to have children.

Stimulants Stimulants-drugs that speed up the body’s functions. Causes an increase in heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and provides a false sense of energy and power. As the effects wear off the user feels exhausted and emotionally unbalanced.

Amphetamines Amphetamines-strong stimulant drugs that speed up the nervous system. Usually called speed or uppers. Can be swallowed, inhaled, smoked or injected. Physical effects include: Increased aggressiveness Mental illness stroke

Amphetamines Headaches Heart attack Physical collapse Brain seizures Irregular heartbeat death

Cocaine And Crack Cocaine-stimulant made from the coca plant. Can be inhaled, smoked or injected. Street names include: Blow Snow coke User gets a brief powerful feeling and confidence.

Cocaine And Crack When the initial effect wears off the user becomes anxious and depressed. Cocaine is highly addictive. Dangers of use include: Heart attack Damage to the nasal membranes Lung problems

Cocaine And Crack Crack-a concentrated form of cocaine. User feels more energetic and alert. Followed by depression and craving more. Crack is more addictive than cocaine.

Depressants Depressants-drugs that slow down the body’s functions and reactions, including the heart and breathing rates. Tranquilizers-prescription for anxiety, muscle spasms or sleeplessness. Barbiturates Hypnotics Alcohol

Depressants Depressants make the user feel relaxed and less anxious. Can impair coordination and judgment. Causes sleepiness. Can become physically and psychologically dependent. May become depressed and moody. May cause coma or death.

Narcotics Narcotics-drugs that relieve pain and dull the senses Heroin-illegal Morphine-legal but addictive. Codeine-legal but addictive. All of the above damage the liver, lungs, kidneys and the brain.

Hallucinogens Hallucinogens-drugs that distort moods, thoughts and senses. Users become disoriented, less sensitive to pain and violent. Phencyclidine-known as PCP or angel dust Lysergic acid diethylamide-known as LSD or acid.

Club Drugs Club drugs-drugs that were originally available at nightclubs or raves. Cause disorientation, nausea, unconsciousness and death. Often used as a date rape drug. Ecstasy-known as X or MDMA. GHB-known as G or liquid ecstasy. Rohypnol-known as a roofie. Ketamine-known as special K or vitamin K

Inhalants Inhalants-substances whose fumes are breathed in to produce mind altering sensations. Often called huffing. Causes nausea, mental confusion and loss of motor skills. Poisons go directly to the brain causing permanent damage or death. Glue Gas Spray paint

The Dangers Of Drug Use The following are the dangers of drug use: Brain damage Coma Death Hepatitis HIV Injury Pregnancy and/or STI’s