1. Drugs

2. What is a drug?
A drug is any substance that changes the structure or function of the body.
Many different chemicals can function as drugs.

3. Two major classes of drugs:
Drugs that act on the nervous system fall in two categories:
Stimulants
Depressants

4. Stimulants:
Stimulants increase many functions controlled by the nervous system.
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Increased breathing rate
Increased release of excitatory neurotransmitters

5. Examples of Stimulants:
Caffeine
Nicotine
ADHD medications
Amphetamines (Meth)
Cocaine
Ecstasy

6. Problems with Stimulants
Provide a temporary feeling of energy and well-being.
User feels extreme fatigue and depression when the drug wears off.
Nicotine is very addictive and is especially hard to quit because it is so easily available.

7. Problems with Stimulants
Meth and Cocaine/Crack are very addictive because they cause permanent changes to dopamine receptors.
Ecstasy causes changes in the serotonin receptors and can lead to fatal body temperature increases.

8. Depressants:
Depressants decrease the rate of many functions controlled by the nervous system.
Decrease heart rate
Decrease blood pressure
Decrease breathing rate
Increase the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters: GABA

9. Examples of Depressants
Alcohol
Many common prescription drugs including
Anti-depressant drugs
Anti-allergies drugs.
Opiates including morphine

10. Problems with depressants
Some people become addicted to alcohol.
Using ANY alcohol during pregnancy can cause permanent damage to the infant.
Opiates can be very addicting.
Using multiple depressant medications can cause breathing and heart function to stop.

11. For your safety: Do not take illegal drugs.
Always tell a doctor about all drugs you have taken.
This includes any illegal drugs.
Do not take medication prescribed for someone else.