Write down what you know about MarijuanaHeroineMethCocaine Prescription Drugs Ecstasy

Psychoactive Drugs – Chemicals that affect the Central Nervous System and alter activity in the brain. Classified by how they affect the body. When misused or abused the functions of the body systems are seriously affected. The effects on the developing brain and body of a teen can be especially damaging. Central Nervous System (CNS) – Includes brain and spinal cord, which is responsible for all movements, functions, and processes throughout the body.

1. Depressants – Slows down the Central Nervous System. Also known as “sedatives”. Relax muscles, relieve feelings of tension, and cause drowsiness. They also slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, interrupt normal breathing rate. Synergistic effect is very common when combining depressants, even in small amounts: shallow breathing, weakened pulse, coma and even death. EXAMPLES Alcohol Marijuana (POT, WEED)- THC is gateway drug Rohypnol (ROOFIES) / GHB (Liquid X) – powerful sedatives Barbiturates (DOWNERS) – Replaced by Tranquilizers

2. Narcotics – DEPRESSANT DRUGS derived from the opium plant. Obtainable only by prescription – Painkillers. Block pain messengers to the brain. Narcotics are so addictive that pharmacists are required to keep records of all sales of those drugs. EXAMPLES MorphineOpium CodeineMethadone Heroin-MOST ABUSED NARCOTIC – highest relapse rate of any other drug. Prescription Drugs: Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, Darvocet

3. Stimulants – Speed up the Central Nervous System. Causes heart rate and blood pressure to soar to dangerous levels. EXAMPLES Caffeine Nicotine Cocaine – powder form – free-basing Crack – smokable form – free-basing Amphetamines (UPPERS, SPEED) Ecstasy (“E” or “X”) Ritalin

4. Hallucinogens – Alter moods, thoughts, and sense perceptions including vision, hearing, smell and touch. NO MEDICINAL USE! UNPREDICTABLE. Can have characteristics of a depressant, stimulant, and hallucinogen. Can cause confusion, which often results in the user harming themselves physically or others. Examples LSD (ACID) – Strongest Hallucinogen Mescaline (SKLEENERS) PCP (ANGEL DUST) – large animal tranquilizer –Most Dangerous Drug Psilocybin (MUSHROOMS) “Shrooms” Ketamine (Special K) – vets use Marijuana – if laced w/PCP or other hallucinogen

5. Inhalants – NOT DRUGS!! They are POISONS!!! Change rapidly from a liquid to a vapor. Absorbed directly into the blood system through the lungs. Oxygen to the brain is replaced by the poison and this can depress brain function or increase heart function. Short and long term effects: 1. Headaches 2. Blurred vision 3. Damage to vital organs: kidneys, liver, bone marrow, and brain. EXAMPLES Paint ThinnerWhite OutGlue Nail Polish RemoverNitrous OxideRubber Cement

"Medical" Marijuana - The Facts  Medical marijuana already exists. It's called Marinol.  A pharmaceutical product, Marinol, is widely available through prescription. It comes in the form of a pill and is also being studied by researchers for suitability via other delivery methods, such as an inhaler or patch. The active ingredient of Marinol is synthetic THC, which has been found to relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy for cancer patients and to assist with loss of appetite with AIDS patients.

 Unlike smoked marijuana--which contains more than 400 different chemicals, including most of the hazardous chemicals found in tobacco smoke-Marinol has been studied and approved by the medical community and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the nation's watchdog over unsafe and harmful food and drug products.

Ecstasy  Stimulant  Short Term Effect –Changes in brain Chemistry and Behavior  Long Term Effect –Changes in brain Chemistry and Behavior

Cocaine  Stimulant  Short Term Effect –constricted blood vessels; dilated pupils; and increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure blood pressureblood pressure Long Term Effect –human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and viral hepatitis

Metamphetamine  Stimulant  Long Term Effect –Meth Mouth  Short Term Effect –Itchy and Scratchy Skin

Marijuana  Depressant  Long Term Effect –Memory Loss, Lung Cancer,  Short Term Effect –Increased appetite, Loss of concentration

Heroine  Depressant  Long Term Effect –Hepititas, Aids, and Death  Short Term Effect –Drowsy, slowed mental function, Slowed Breathing

Prescription Drugs  Effects  uncontrollable diarrhea, vomiting and nausea  body function disruptions — including excessive sweating, urination or thirst  drowsiness, dizziness, shaking, insomnia  severe and extensive rashes  hospitalization  death

Synthetic Drugs  Depressant  Short Term Effects –Slowed Breathing, Slower Heart Rate, Paranoria  Long Term Effects OVYE OVYE P7_A P7_A

 Create a pamphlet about the different types of drugs and how they affect the body, and why they should be avoided  Examples of  Stimulants  Depressants  Hallucinogens  Narcotics  Club Drugs  Inhalants