1. Stimulants and Depressants

2. Stimulants Stimulants are a type of drug that: Elevate mood
Increase feelings of well-being
Increase energy
Increase alertness

3. Stimulants Examples: Ecstasy Speed Methamphetamines Cocaine Cigarettes
Caffeine

4. Physical Effects of Stimulants
Increased heart rate, respiration, and/or blood pressure.
Sweating
Frequent urination  dehydration
Increased risk of cardiovascular problems

5. How Stimulants Affect the Body

6. More Effects of Stimulants
Nervousness
Decreased appetite
Insomnia (inability to sleep)
Prolonged stimulant use/abuse can lead to psychosis, hallucinations and severe emotional distress
Some people can become severely addicted to stimulants, craving it all the time.

7. Energy Drinks Most contain between 70-200 mg of caffeine Effects:
Stimulates Central Nervous System
Sense of alertness
Raises heart rate
Raises blood pressure
Dehydration

8. Caffeine Caffeine is a diuretic
Diuretic: a substance that results in the body producing an increased amount of urine
Our bodies generate ADH (anti-diuretic hormone)  needed for water reabsorption  diuretics block ADH  instead of absorbing water, it is excreted as urine.

9. Depressants
Depressants cause a slowing of cognitive and physical functions.
Prescription depressants are used to treat things like:
Insomnia
Anxiety
Variety of overstimulation

10. Examples of Depressants
Alcohol
Benzodiazepines
Sleeping medication
GHB
Rohypnol
Marijuana

11. Effects of Depressants
Slow body functions such as breathing rate and heart rate
Impaired coordination
Decreased motor skill/accuracy
Sedation
Difficulty concentrating
Dilated pupils
Nausea
Combined drug use can lead to more serious complications or even death.

12. The Truth About Alcohol

13. References