how do drugs work??? - belle vernon area school district · how do drugs work??? ... (nicotine,...

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How do drugs work??? Nerve cells in the brain are called neurons. These

neurons "talk" to each other by passing chemicals

back and forth, just like passing notes in class.

The neurons' "notes" are called neurotransmitters,

and they are manufactured in vesicles in the

nerve cell. Neurotransmitters include serotonin,

acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine,

histamine and about two dozen others. http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/brain-and-addiction

What are some drugs that people take and what are their affects on

the human body?????

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/abuse/

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How do drugs work???

The nerve cells are separated by a small space

called a "synapse." When a message moves

down the axon of the pre-synaptic neuron,

neurotransmitters are released from the vesicle.

These chemicals (or notes) cross the synapse to

the post-synaptic neuron, where they bind with

receptors specifically designed to receive them,

much as a key is designed to fit into a specific

lock.

http://video.witf.org/video/2365429481/

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How do drugs work???

Many nerve cells have receptors that are

sensitive to various drugs. These drugs

operate on the "lock-and-key" principle,

where the drug can be thought of as the

"key" that either (1) fits into the "lock,"

causing the nerve cell (neuron) to

discharge its chemicals, or (2) "jams" the

lock, preventing the nerve cell from

discharging.

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How do drugs work???

Ex.) -Narcotics mimic endorphins and lock into opiate receptor sites.

- Hallucinogens mimic serotonin

- Cocaine blocks the re-uptake of neurotransmitters → causing severe depression when coming down.

- Methamphetamines cause the release

of neurotransmitters in greater amounts

- THC mimics anandamide and interferes with the cannabinoid receptor sites.

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CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS(Psychoactive)

Stimulants- Drugs that speed up activities of the central

nervous system (CNS)

Depressants (Sedatives)- Psychoactive drugs that slow

brain and body reactions.

Narcotics (Opiates)- natural or synthetic drugs that

relieve pain and cause drowsiness.

Inhalants- Drugs that are inhaled or breathed in through

the nose to produce the desired effect.

Hallucinogens- Psychoactive drugs that alter

perception, thought, and mood.

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CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS cont.

Prescription Medicines – cannot be used

without the written approval of a licensed

physician.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines – you

can buy these without a prescription

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Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive drugs – those designed to alter a person’s experiences or consciousness. (nicotine, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, steroids, LSD, marijuana) Psychoactive drugs cause intoxication

Intoxication – a state in which sometimes unpredictable physical and emotional changes occur. A person who is intoxicated may experience a difference

in emotions and judgment.

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What is a Drug?

Drug – any chemical other than food intended to affect the structure

or function of the body.

Many people believe that every problem, no matter how large or

small, has or should have chemical solutions.

Examples:

For fatigue = caffeine

For insomnia = sleeping pillsFor anxiety or boredom (?) = alcohol/drugs

Avoid Problems / Pain

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Health Consequences of Drug Use

Physical Consequences- Once a drug enters

the bloodstream, it can harm a user’s brain, heart

lungs, and other vital organs.

Mental & Emotional Consequences- drugs

cloud reasoning and thinking, and users lose

control of their behavior. (lose sight of values)

Social Consequences- substance abuse can

have negative effect on relationships with friends

and family members. List examples:

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DRUG USE… A HIGH RISK BEHAVIOR!!

Substance abuse is a high risk behavior that

includes misusing legal drugs or using illegal

drugs or other chemicals

People abuse drugs for a number of reasons,

none of them healthful!

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Teenagers - the highest percentage of use is

with people between the ages of 18-25

Why do teenagers abuse drugs???

• A way to be accepted with peers

• Influenced by the media

• Curious

• A way of rebelling

• Escape pressures

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What is the difference between drug use and abuse?

Misuse

1. Using the drug

incorrectly due to

ignorance

2. Taking the drug with

the wrong food

3. Stopping the drug too

soon

Abuse

1. intentionally

misusing the drug

normally for a desired

effect

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Dangers of substance abuse

Side Effects can range from minor to deadly.

Illegal drugs can be especially dangerous

because there are no controls or means of

monitoring these substances for quality,

purity, or strength.

Physical and just as commonly Psychological

effects can last a LIFETIME!

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Dangers of drug abuse

Overdose – A strong or fatal reaction to taking a large amount of drug. Often, overdoses occur when alcohol and other drugs are combined.

When drug abuse involves injecting substances through a needle, hepatitis B or HIV can occur

People who experiment with drugs tend to lose control…can lead to STD’s or pregnancies

Risk to unborn and newborns:

1. Breast milk – can pass

from mother to infant.

2. Can cause miscarriage or

premature birth

3. Can cause birth defect,

mental retardation

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1. STIMULANTS

Drugs which cause the body systems to speed up

Very high doses: irregular heartbeat, tremors, high fever, heart failure

How it enters the body: swallowed, snorted, injected

EFFECTS:

-Increased heart rate and breathing

-Increased blood pressure

-Dilated pupils

-Decreased appetite

-Dry mouth

-Dizziness

-Sweating

-Headache

-Blurred vision

-Sleeplessness

-Anxiety

-Moodiness

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STIMULANTS

Amphetamines

People use them illegally to

stay awake and alert, to

improve athletic performance,

to lose weight, etc.

Can cause heart and blood

vessel damage

Medical use Treats

hyperactive children

Treats narcolepsy

Used for weight control

Examples- Adderall, Ritalin

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Stimulants

Slang names

Speed

Uppers

Crank

Cocaine

Powerful stimulant leads to:

Depression

Edginess

Weight loss

Physiological dependence

Can destroy the nasal septum

Can cause heart attacks due to disturbing electrical impulses of the heart. Can occur on the first use!

Crack - a form of cocaine

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Methamphetamine

Fumes alone can be deadly

“Meth Mouth”

Experts believe that meth

ravages teeth by drying up

saliva and leaving users

with “dry mouths.”

Without saliva, bacteria in

the mouth multiply, leading

to decay.

Dentists report that healthy

teeth can become rotten

from even a few months of

meth use.

StimulantsIngredients

•Drain cleaner

•Brake Cleaner

•Battery Acid

•Gasoline Additives

•Paint Thinner

•Freon

•Camp Stove Fuel

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Long- Term Effects of Meth Use

Hallucinations

Disorganized lifestyle

Violent and aggressive behavior

Permanent psychological problems

Behavior resembling paranoid schizophrenia

Poor coping abilities

Disturbance of personality development

Lowered resistance to illnesses

Possible brain damage

Bell Ringer April 23rd

List 3 affects of Stimulants

List 5 long term effects of Meth use. What

are some of the ingredients used to create

Meth?

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Bell Ringer April 24th

List 4 examples of psychoactive drugs.

What is the difference between stimulants

and depressants?

How do drugs become addictive? What is

the best method to avoid addiction?

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2. DEPRESSANTS Depresses or slows down the central

nervous system.

Medical use: to stop convulsions,

relief of tension and anxiety, to

induce sleep

Examples:

barbiturates, tranquilizers, alcohol,

methaqualone

How it enters the body: swallowed

Slang names:

yellow jackets, ludes, barbs, downers,

Effects

Similar to the effects of

alcohol

*small doses –

calmness, relaxed

muscles

* larger doses –

slurred speech,

impaired judgment,

impaired coordination

*very large doses –

respiratory depression,

coma, death

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3. NARCOTICS (OPIATES)“To Make Numb”

EXTREMELY ADDICTIVE Drug

Comes from the poppy plant or it is synthetic

Ravages the body and becomes the primary focus of the addict’s life

A break of only one day can bring on severe withdrawal symptoms – aches, chills, sweating, muscle spasms and weakness.

After a break, the usual dose may be an overdose

Effects

•Stimulates a burst of euphoria

•Often followed by drowsiness

•Nausea and vomiting.

•Constipation

•Breathing problems

•Depresses the nervous system and

slows breathing and pulse rate

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3. NARCOTICS (OPIATES)

Medical use: pain relief, cough suppressant

Examples: Morphine, Codeine, Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Opium, Heroin

How it enters the body: injected, smoked or inhaled

Bell Ringer April 27th

List the 5 classifications of drugs

What are narcotics? List 2 examples

What are hallucinogens? List 2 examples.

Drug Classifications: Stimulants, Depressants,

Narcotics, Hallucinogens, Inhalants, Prescription, Over-

the Counter.

Narcotics: Derived from poppy plant or made

synthetically- used medically to relieve pain. Examples:

Oxytocin, Codeine, Opium, Heroin

Hallucinogens: Psychoactive drugs that distort senses

and cause hallucinations. Examples: LSD, Mushrooms,

Mescaline 29

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4. HALLUCINOGENS(Psychedelics)

Drugs that distort the senses and cause hallucinations

Examples:

LSD (Acid)

Psilocybin Mushrooms

Mescaline

PCP

*Could appear as liquid, capsules,

powder, blotter paper, thin gelatin

squares, mushrooms

Short Term - Effects

•Panic

•Confusion

•Time distorted

•Senses distorted

•Bizarre unpredictable behavior

•Person may sit for hours in a

quiet dreamlike state

Long Term - Effects

•Flashbacks

•Depression

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4. Hallucinogens

PCP (angel dust)

Considered to be one of the most dangerous of all drugs.

The use of PCP as an approved anesthetic in humans was discontinued in 1965 because patients often became agitated, delusional, and irrational while recovering from its

anesthetic effects.

Mescaline

•Is the psychoactive

ingredient of the

peyote cactus.

•Can be made

synthetically and sold

in “Barrels”.

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4.HallucinogensLSD (Acid)

LSD “Acid” is odorless, colorless. Often added to absorbent paper, such as blotter paper, and divided into small decorated squares.

Effects are widely unpredictable…. Some users experience severe, terrifying thoughts and feelings, fear of losing control, fear of insanity and death and despair.

Trips are long – 8 hours-multiple days.

Flashbacks

Psilocybin Mushrooms

•Obtained from certain types

of mushrooms that are

indigenous to tropical and

subtropical regions of South

America, Mexico, and the

United States.

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ANABOLIC STEROIDS

Powerful compounds that are

similar to the male sex

hormone, testosterone.

Taken to increase strength,

speed, power.

Can increase risk of damaging

tendons and ligaments

How it enters the body:

swallowed, intramuscular

injection

Article

Effects

May initially increase muscle

mass, body strength, and weight

Purple or red spots on the body

Unpleasant breath odor

Depression

Increased risk of heart attack

stroke, liver cancer, acne

Males

•Sterility, withered testicles,

impotence

Females

• Irreversible masculine traits,

breast reduction, sterility

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Steroids

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INHALANTS

Dangerous fumes are

concentrated in a bag, on a

cloth, etc. and inhaled

How it enters the body:

Vapors are inhaled through

the nose or mouth

A person can go into a coma

from a single use and be in a

vegetable state the rest of

his/her life

Effects

Nausea

Sneezing

Coughing

Nosebleeds

Fatigue

Lack of coordination

Loss of appetite

Decrease in heart rate and breathing

Impaired judgment

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MARIJUANA

The dried flowers, leaves, and

stems of the cannabis sativa

plant.

Main active chemical in marijuana

is THC. Marijuana’s effects on

the user depend on the strength

of the THC

Hashish is the dark brown resin

that is collected from the top of

this plant.

How it enters the body: Smoked

in joints, pipes, bongs, eaten

Cannabis is a hallucinogen

and has the effects of both

a depressant and a

stimulant

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CLUB DRUGS

Are used by young adults at all-night dance

parties such as “raves” or “trances,” dance clubs,

and bars.

Some club drugs are colorless, tasteless, and

odorless. They can be added to beverages by

individuals to intoxicate or sedate others.

There has been an increase in reports of club

drugs used to commit sexual assaults

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Club Drugs

Ecstasy (MDMA) - mind altering drug with

hallucinogenic properties

Health hazards: psychological difficulties,

confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug

craving, severe depression.

Physical problems: muscle tension, nausea,

blurred vision, chills, sweating

Long term problems: damage to the parts of the

brain critical to thought and memory

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CLUB DRUGS

GHB – is odorless and nearly tasteless. Induces a state of

relaxation

Can be slipped into someone’s drink without detection. Has been

reportedly used in cases of date rape.

Physical problems: nausea, vomiting, respiratory problems,

seizures, coma

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CLUB DRUGS

Rohypnol (“roofies”)– people may

unknowingly be given the drug which, when

mixed with alcohol, can incapacitate and

prevent a victim from resisting sexual

assault.

Commonly referred to as the “date rape”

drug

Physical symptoms: sedative-hypnotic

effects including muscle relaxation and

amnesia.

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Club Drugs

Ketamine: “special k” is a powerful hallucinogen

that includes visual distortions and a lost sense of

time, sense and identity.

Profound physical and mental problems including

delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function and

potentially fatal problems

Special K is a powder that is usually snorted but is

sometimes sprinkled on tobacco or marijuana and

smoked.

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Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Emotionally/ Personality

Behaviorally

Physically/ Physical Appearance

Social Activity/ School Performance

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Emotional / PersonalityEffects of Substance Abuse

Aggression

Burnout

Anxiety

Depression

Paranoia

Denial

Withdraws from

family/ Friends

•Extreme Mood Swings

•Is secretive / Lying

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Behavioral Effects of Substance Abuse

Slow reaction time

Impaired coordination

Slowed Speech

Irritability

Excessive Talking

Inability to sit still

Limited attention span

Poor motivation

Lack of energy

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Physical Effects of Substance Abuse

Weight Loss

Sweating

Chills

Poor Hygiene

Interrupted sleep patterns < or >

Loss of appetite

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Social Activity Effect

Drops old friends and activities

Skipping School

Loses interest in school work

Low Grades

Sleeping in class

Loses concentration

Having trouble remembering things

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Addiction – what friends or family members can do

Many families, after recognizing that the problem exists, will have an intervention.

Intervention - the interruption of the addiction continuum before the addict hits bottom.

Meetings take place without the addicted person’s knowledge.

Second step in this process is a surprise meeting with the addict that forces the addict to face the seriousness of the problem.

If addict refuses to recognize the problem, the addict will be given an ultimatum - Wife will move out, etc.

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Recovery

A process that happens over time -. A recovered person never says “I am cured, but “I am recovering.”

The first step in the recovery process is detoxification – the removal of the drug from the body, usually under medical supervision

This step also includes restoring one’s mental health

Most experts recommend total abstinence

Relapse – slips from recovery, or periodic returns to use can happen

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Treatment options

Support group such as AA, narcotics Anonymous, cocaine anonymous

Detoxification Units – a person is under a Drs. care and may be given some medication to ease the symptoms of withdrawal

Inpatient treatment centers – involves detox and counseling, both individual and group

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Treatment options

Outpatient treatment centers –

involves follow up sessions, counseling

Halfway houses-

people are admitted to this program generally

after they have completed at least a 28 day

recovery program where they stay for 6 months to

a year where they learn coping and living skills

they will need when they return to society.

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Choosing to be Drug Free!

Learn to say “no!”

*Give a reason (lie or truth)

*Provide alternatives

*Use eye contact to say no

*Take a definite action

Realize that no drug will solve your problem

Talk to trusted friend/counselor, etc.

Learn to handle the stress in you life and get help when you need it.

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Refusal Skills

Developing good self-esteem

Have good eye contact

Respond with a clear and firm "no" that does

not leave the door open to future offers

How you say no is as important as what you

say.

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Refusal Skills

Identify the consequences ("We'll get in trouble.")

Suggest an alternative

Delaying

Use humor

Just say no

Drugs of Abuse Research Project You will pick a drug of interest to research from the list below.

*You may work with a partner on this project.

COCAINE, ECSTASY, GHB, HALLUCINOGENS, HEROIN, INHALANTS, KETAMINE, LSD, MARIJUANA, METH,

PSYLOCIBIN MUSHROOMS, ROHYPNOL, SALVIA, STEROIDS,

Once you have your topic, you will use the designated web sources, along with materials provided from your teacher, and

or library books to obtain the required information about your topic. You will create a 5-6 slide PowerPoint.

PowerPoint Directions/Slide Breakdown

Slide One(4pts.): Name of the Drug (proper and slang) / your name / class period / References-Sources Cited

correctly

Slide Two(4pts.): Classification of the drug and general information about the drug

Slide Three (4pts.): What are the long term/short term effects of the drug on the body? What are the withdrawal

symptoms?

Slide Four(4pts.): Additional pertinent information-(HINT: Statistics , Treatment, Local Resources)

Last Slide (4pts.): “Why Not Use?” How do you define yourself? Include personal slogan, pictures, video,

personal goals and highlights

Use appropriated contrast between background color and font color and easily read from any point in the

classroom

You must have at least two appropriate pictures(you can have more) that are directly related to the topic

PowerPoint Saving Directions: Must be created in Google Docs and shared with me (with me as the owner) when

it is complete. ClassPeriod.Last.First.Topic EXAMPLE: 3.Fitchwell.Emily.MarijuanaPresentation

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