Drugs and the Brain A Lesson by: Amanda Wang Jack Raskin Paola Vasquez Ezra Dye Jade Walls Kati Maggio

Objective SWBAT: Describe how drugs that affect the brain work, how addiction can develop from drug use, and why addiction is considered a treatable and avoidable disease.

Drill What are some ways that a drug affects a persons behavior? Grades Dropping Grades Dropping Arrest Arrest Failing School Failing School

Vocabulary  Addiction- A condition in which a person can no longer control his or her drug use.  Drug Tolerance- A condition in which a user needs more of a drug to feel the same effect felt when first using the drug.  Physical Dependence- A state in which the body relies on a given drug in order to function.  Psychological Dependence- A state of emotionally or mentally needing a drug in order to function.  Withdrawal- Uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms produce when a physically dependent drug user stops using drugs.

How Drugs That Affect the Brain Work  Messages from the brain are sent through the synapses.  To send messages, the brain sends a neutron releasing a chemical or neurotransmitter (chemical “messenger”).  Messages sent by the brain determine our mood.  For example: Antidepressants, marijuana, and nicotine can change the way these connections work.

How Drugs That Affect the Brain Work (cont.)  The dramatic change in the way the connections operate can lead to the physical need for the drug in question, also known as addiction.

The Path to Addiction  Almost all drugs activate the brain’s reward system (a release of dopamine that allows us to feel pleasure).  Adolescent brains are more vulnerable to the effects of drugs because their brains are still developing. People who are addicts start off by experimenting with drugs and then progresses to a regular usage.

The Path to Addiction  Because of drug tolerance, addicts need more drugs each time they use to get the feeling.  Addicts will still use drugs even after failing out of school, or even arrests.  Addicts will always find any way to get drugs (lying and stealing)

Addiction is a Treatable Disease  Addicts are physically and psychologically dependent on drugs.  There is only one foolproof way to not become addicted to drugs - to not use them.  The sooner addicts start treatment the better.  If drugs are stopped being used then withdrawal will happen.

Activity  Complete “Drugs and the Brain” Crossword Puzzle in your packets.

Closure  Why is it important to avoid taking drugs? You may become addicted You may become addicted It will affect your behavior (failing school, getting arrested) It will affect your behavior (failing school, getting arrested)