Activity #1Fact or Myth

For the following activity, write down if the statement is

a fact or a myth?

#1 Marijuana is harmless because once the high ends, the effects leave the body.

MYTH: Young people who smoke marijuana heavily over long periods of time can become

dull, slow moving, and inattentive. These "burned-out" users are sometimes so

unaware of their surroundings that they do not respond when friends speak to them, and they

do not realize they have a problem.

Side effects of marijuana use

#2 Meth makes you look more attractive.

MYTH: Over time, crystal meth will make you look emaciated and sickly from malnutrition and lack of rest.

Your body can actually start to produce a foul odor due to the chemicals lingering in the body.

Before and After Meth

#3 Inhalants are not considered illegal drugs since they can be purchased over the counter.

MYTH: Inhaling an inhalant is considered illegal drug use.

Inhalants are common products found right in the home and are

among the most popular and deadly substances kids abuse.

Examples Inhalants

• Paint Thinner• Glue• Aerosol Sprays• Paint• Degreaser• Gasoline

#4 Cocaine is a highly powerful, addictive drug.

FACT: Individuals who have tried cocaine have described the

experience as a powerful high that gave them a feeling of supremacy.

#5 As soon as an illegal drug’s effects go away, the drug is

out of your system.MYTH: The effects of a drug may stop after a few

hours. However, the drug actually remains in your bloodstream for some time.

Traces of some drugs can be found in the blood stream for up to 2 months after the drug was

taken.

#6 Anabolic steroids is the familiar name for the male sex

hormone testosterone.

FACT: For men—shrinkage of the testicles, reduced sperm count or infertility, baldness, development of breasts

For women—growth of facial hair, male-pattern baldness, changes in the menstrual cycle, deepened voice

For adolescents—stunted growth due to premature skeletal maturation and accelerated puberty changes, and risk of not

reaching expected height

Categories 1.Stimulants 2.Depressants3.Opiates4.Hallucinogens5.Inhalants6.Designer drugs

Step 1 – Write these categories down on your sheet of paper. You may want to skip a line in between.

ACTIVITY #2

Step 2 – Find these drugs in your blue book (p. 406-417) and put them in each category (18 total).

Harmful DRUGS - caffeine, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, freon, GHB, LSD, heroin, PCP, ketamine, valium, seconal, rohypnol, methamphetamines, peyote, mushrooms, painkillers, nitrous oxide

Categories 1. Stimulants – ex. caffeine, 2. Depressants3. Opiates4. Hallucinogens5. Inhalants6. Designer drugs

1. Stimulants - caffeine, cocaine, crack, methamphetamines

2. Depressants (sedatives) – valium, seconal, rohypnol,

3. Opiates – painkillers, heroin

4. Hallucinogens – LSD, mushrooms, PCP, peyote

5. Inhalants – freon, nitrous oxide

6. Designer drugs – ecstasy, GHB, ketamine