 Some drugs are more harmful than others  If you use a drug, over time you can develop a tolerance to it.  Tolerance- body’s need for larger and larger amounts of a drug to produce the same effect  Overdose- taking more of a drug than the body can tolerate

 Stimulants, depressants, club drugs, narcotics, and hallucinogens  All are harmful to your physical, mental, emotional, and social health.

 Stimulant- a drug that speeds up the body’s functions  Caffeine is an example, so if you drink coffee, soda, or energy drinks you are having a stimulant  Stimulants  Speed up the heart  Raise blood pressure  False sense of energy, confidence and power  Once these effects wear off the person feels exhausted and irritable

 Amphetamines- strong stimulant that speeds up the nervous system  Can be prescribed to treat medical conditions  ADD- Attention Deficit Disorder  ADHD- Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder  These drugs are generally called “speed”  It can be swallowed, inhaled, smoked, or injected  Methamphetamine- “Crystal Meth” can cause a person’s heart to suddenly stop working

 Cocaine is an illegal stimulant made from the coca plant  It is inhaled through the nose, smoked, or injected into your veins  1 st use produces brief feeling of well being and confidence  Once it wears off the user becomes anxious  Crack is a concentrated form of cocaine that is smoked  Makes you feel more alert and energetic

 Depressants slow down the body’s functions and reactions, including heart and breathing rates.  Slows motor skills and coordination  Affects a person mentally and emotionally by giving a false sense of well being through reduced anxiety and relaxation  When it wears off the user experiences mood swings and depression.

 Most come in tablet form.  They are legal when prescribed by a doctor  People with anxiety or who have anxiety attacks will be prescribed a depressant  Alcohol is a depressant  Misuse can lead to a coma or death

 Also knows as “pot” and “weed”  It is made from dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, “cannabis sativa”  Usually smoked  Marijuana can act as both a depressant or a stimulant depending on the person.  Effects  May see or hear things  Relaxed  Talkative  May giggle a lot  Memory loss  Eyes are bloodshot  Lowers sperm count in males