DRUGS

What can you think of?

In 5 minutes write down as many drugs as you can think of!

What is a drug?

A substance that changes the way the body or mind works.

Medicine- Drug used to prevent or cure illness, disease, or relieve pain.

Prescription drug- Medicine obtained only with a written order from a doctor

Over-the-counter drug- Medicine that can be purchased without a prescription.

Drugs

Stimulants- Speed up body’s functions. Increase heart rate and blood pressure (alert and awake)

Depressants- Slow the body’s functions. Decrease heart rate and blood pressure (relax muscles, make sleepy)

Narcotics- Slow down the nervous system and relieve pain.

Hallucinogens- Change sensation. See and hear things that are not real.

Drugs Cont.

Marijuana- Affects mood and short term memory.

Anabolic steroids- Increase muscle size and strength.

Inhalants- Chemicals that are breathed.

Legal vs. Illegal

What makes a drug legal vs. illegal? An illegal drug is a drug for which

possession, manufacture, and sale is against the law.

A controlled drug is a drug for which possession, manufacture, and sale is regulated by law.

How drugs enter the body

By mouth By injection- into a muscle or blood

vessel By inhalation- mouth or nose By absorption- through the skin or

mucous membranes

What determines the effect of drugs

Dose- amount of drug taken at one time Weight- The more a person weighs the greater

the dose needed Physical health- Drug has greater effect on

someone with poor health Age- A young person or older person might get

an increased effect Emotional state- Feelings can influence the

drug Use of other drugs- Having another drug in

the body can change the effects of a drug

Definitions you need to know

Side effect- Unwanted reaction to the drug

Tolerance- Condition in which increasing amounts of the drug are needed to produce the desired effects.

Withdrawal symptom- Unpleasant reaction when a drug is no longer taken

Drug Abuse/Misuse

Drug abuse- Using a harmful drug on purpose Drug misuse- harmful use of drugs that is not

done on purpose Drug dependence- Repeated drug use that

harms the mind, body, and relationships (Physical and psychological)

Responsible drug use- Correct use of legal drugs to promote health

Risk factor- Something that increases the chance of a negative outcome

Protective factor- Something that increases the chance of a positive outcome

Risks of drug abuse

Physical RisksChronic disease and organ damageDecreased energy and endurance Weakened immune system Injury

Mental Risks

ADDICTIONDepression Inability to concentrateReduced ambitionUnstable mood

Social Risks

Social withdrawalStress on family and friends Poor performance at work/schoolTrouble with the law

Stages of addiction

Reinforcement- User has all desired results with few or no consequences. The belief is that use is fun and rewarding and cannot cause harm.

Tolerance- The body becomes used to the drug and needs greater amounts to get the desired effect.

Dependency- Signs of withdrawal begin to show.

Addiction- Severe withdrawal becomes progressively worse.

Rule of 5 to 15

If someone begins using a substance after the age of 18, he or she can develop an addiction within 5 to 15 years

If someone begins using a substance between the ages of 13 and 17, he or she can develop an addiction within 5 to 15 months

If someone begins using a substance before the age of 13, he or she can develop an addiction within 5 to 15 weeks

Be Smart

Tamper-resistant package- Unbroken seal. Don’t use if it have been opened.

Pharmacist- Professional who distributes prescription drugs

Know what your taking, when to take it, and how much to take !!!!!!!!

Use resistance skills. SAY NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get Help