Legal Drugs and their Effects Drugs that can be obtained from grocery stores or pharmacies

Tobacco Several forms ALL forms contain nicotine Cigarettes Cigars Snuff Pipes Chewing Tobacco ALL forms contain nicotine

Effects Effects the blood vessels and causes the heart and lungs to work harder to get oxygen Nicotine is a poison that may cause lightheadedness and nausea Tar collects in the lungs and causes a dark sludge Nicotine is addictive and prolonged use can lead to cancer

Alcohol 70% of the US population uses alcohol on a regular basis The most widely used and abused drug in our country A Poison to the body

Alcohol causes: Reduced attention span Slow motor skills Blurred vision Reduced body temperature Decreased sexual performance Violent Behavior

Alcoholics Crave alcohol High tolerance Drink to excess Physical addiction that causes withdrawl

Caffeine A mild, legal stimulant found in or added to many foods and drinks Americans consume about 5,000 tons of caffeine a year It increases heart rate and makes you feel alert

Effects of Caffeine Sleeplessness Restlessness Irritability Panic attacks Linked to birth defects Caffeine can be addictive and withdrawals include temporary depression, headaches and irritability

Prescription Drugs Medications that are obtained through the written prescription of a licensed physician Can be addictive but most physicians are careful not to overmedicate patients Congress has passed the Controlled Substance Act that classifies drugs by how safe they are Can be fatal if mixed with other drugs or taken without a doctor’s approval