Drugs and the Drugs and the BrainBrain

A Lesson by: A Lesson by: Amanda WangAmanda Wang

Jack RaskinJack RaskinPaola VasquezPaola Vasquez

Ezra DyeEzra DyeJade WallsJade WallsKati MaggioKati Maggio

ObjectiveObjective

SWBAT: Describe how drugs that affect the brain SWBAT: Describe how drugs that affect the brain work, how addiction can develop from drug work, how addiction can develop from drug use, and why addiction is considered a use, and why addiction is considered a treatable and avoidable disease.treatable and avoidable disease.

DrillDrill

What are some ways that a drug affects a What are some ways that a drug affects a persons behavior?persons behavior?Grades DroppingGrades DroppingArrestArrestFailing SchoolFailing School

VocabularyVocabulary Addiction- Addiction- A condition in which a person can no longer A condition in which a person can no longer

control his or her drug use.control his or her drug use. Drug Tolerance-Drug Tolerance- A condition in which a user needs more of A condition in which a user needs more of

a drug to feel the same effect felt when first using the drug.a drug to feel the same effect felt when first using the drug. Physical Dependence-Physical Dependence- A state in which the body relies on a A state in which the body relies on a

given drug in order to function.given drug in order to function. Psychological Dependence-Psychological Dependence- A state of emotionally or A state of emotionally or

mentally needing a drug in order to function.mentally needing a drug in order to function. Withdrawal- Withdrawal- Uncomfortable physical and psychological Uncomfortable physical and psychological

symptoms produce when a physically dependent drug user symptoms produce when a physically dependent drug user stops using drugs.stops using drugs.

How Drugs That Affect the Brain How Drugs That Affect the Brain WorkWork

Messages from the brain Messages from the brain are sent through the are sent through the synapses.synapses.

To send messages, the To send messages, the brain sends a neutron brain sends a neutron releasing a chemical or releasing a chemical or neurotransmitter neurotransmitter (chemical “messenger”).(chemical “messenger”).

Messages sent by the Messages sent by the brain determine our brain determine our mood.mood.

For example: For example: Antidepressants, Antidepressants, marijuana, and nicotine marijuana, and nicotine can change the way can change the way these connections work.these connections work.

How Drugs That Affect the How Drugs That Affect the Brain Work (cont.)Brain Work (cont.)

The dramatic change in the way the connections The dramatic change in the way the connections operate can lead to the physical need for the drug in operate can lead to the physical need for the drug in question, also known as question, also known as addictionaddiction..

The Path to AddictionThe Path to Addiction

Almost all drugs activate Almost all drugs activate the brain’s reward the brain’s reward system (a release of system (a release of dopamine that allows us dopamine that allows us to feel pleasure).to feel pleasure).

Adolescent brains are Adolescent brains are more vulnerable to the more vulnerable to the effects of drugs because effects of drugs because their brains are still their brains are still developing.developing.

People who are addicts People who are addicts start off by start off by experimenting with drugs experimenting with drugs and then progresses to a and then progresses to a regular usageregular usage..

The Path to AddictionThe Path to Addiction

Because of Because of drug tolerancedrug tolerance, addicts need more drugs , addicts need more drugs each time they use to get the feeling.each time they use to get the feeling.

Addicts will still use drugs even after failing out of Addicts will still use drugs even after failing out of school, or even arrests.school, or even arrests.

Addicts will always find any way to get drugsAddicts will always find any way to get drugs (lying (lying and stealing)and stealing)

Addiction is a Treatable Addiction is a Treatable DiseaseDisease

Addicts are Addicts are physically physically and psychologically and psychologically dependentdependent on drugs. on drugs.

There is only one There is only one foolproof way to not foolproof way to not become addicted to become addicted to drugs - to not use them.drugs - to not use them.

The sooner addicts The sooner addicts start treatment the start treatment the better.better.

If drugs are stopped If drugs are stopped being used then being used then withdrawalwithdrawal will happen. will happen.

ActivityActivity

Complete “Drugs and the Brain” Complete “Drugs and the Brain” Crossword Puzzle in your packets.Crossword Puzzle in your packets.

ClosureClosure

Why is it important to avoid taking drugs?Why is it important to avoid taking drugs?You may become addictedYou may become addicted It will affect your behavior (failing school, getting It will affect your behavior (failing school, getting

arrested)arrested)