SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE

Unit 1

Drug Definitions

Drug: any substance that changes the way the body or mind works. Ex/ illicit drugs, laxatives, vitamins, steroids, sleeping pills, everyday beverages such as pop, tea, coffee

Drug Use: act of taking drugs which may or may not interfere with ones daily activities

Drug abuse: involves use of a drug to the extent that it interferes with ones life at school, work, family, friends etc

Recreational Drugs

Taken to alter one state of consciousness with the intention of recreating positive emotions and feelings.

Drugs that are taken without any medical benefit.

Types of Drugs:

Stimulants (uppers): drugs that speed up the central nervous system and make you feel more energetic, alert and help you stay awake for long periods of time, also, decreases your appetite, make you feel euphoric

Ex/ cocaine, amphetamines (speed), tobacco, caffeine, Ritalin

Types of Drugs

Depressants (downers): drugs that slow down the functions of the central nervous system and make you less aware of the events around you.

Ex/ alcohol, opiates (narcotics), sedatives, tranquillizers

Types of Drugs

Hallucinogens (psychedelics): drugs that distort the senses and ones awareness of perception of events. One might see or hear things that don’t actually exist.

Ex/ LSD (Acid), PCP (Angel Dust, Ketamine, Magic Mushrooms, Bath Salts)

Types of Drugs

Club Drugs: used as a category based on where they’re frequently encountered. Activities include taking different types of drugs such as Ecstasy, Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol

Drug Addiction

The physical or psychological dependence on drugs.

Can result in withdrawal if the drug is taken away.

Non-Physical Negative Effects of Substance Use and Abuse

Personal

May get the “wrong” type of attention

Creates problems with family Against family/religious values May lose pleasure in everyday

activities May lose self-esteem May lose control of emotions Does not resolve family/personal

problems

Non-Physical Negative Effects of Substance Use and Abuse

Social

Often groups/friends change May let friends down Gives false sense of confidence May become more isolated May say or do things you’ll regret

later May become uncharacteristically rude May become someone no ones

recognizes May lead to negative episodes

Non-Physical Negative Effects of Substance Use and Abuse

Performance at School / Work

Difficult to sleep/rest May become very tired May become less motivated to do

well in school/at work Memory, ability to concentrate and

think clearly may be affected Moods may change and may have difficulty controlling

emotions May lose enjoyment

Non-Physical Negative Effects of Substance Use and Abuse

Financial

Cost of purchasing drugs Difficulty keeping a job Legal costs Cost of repairing damages for

engaging in risk-taking behaviors while under the influence

Non-Physical Negative Effects of Substance Use and Abuse

Legal

Negative implications regarding possession, purchase and use of various substances

Could jeopardize opportunities for the future

Effects of Drugs

There are many different effects from the various drugs that one may encounter. We will now go through some of the more common drugs and talk about short and long term effects.

Cannabis (marijuanna, pot, grass, weed, bud)

Comes from dried tops, leaves, stems and seeds of the marijuana plant

Short-term memory, concentration and ability to think clearly may be impaired

High feeling/relaxed, talkative

May lose interest in activities

Person may become dependant on drug.

Description Effects

Alcohol (booze, hootch)

Depressant that slows the Central Nervous System

Relaxed, less inhibited Reflexes become slower Could cause cirrhosis of

the liver with prolonged use

Mood may change; take more risks

Brain and nerve damage In men, decreased sperm

production Decision-making affected

Description Effects

Solvents & Aerosols/Inhalants (sniff, glue, gas)

Substances manufactured by the chemical industry

I.e. Gasoline, shoe polish, varnish, etc

Feelings of euphoria

Loss of coordination

Lead poisoning Death

Description Effects

Methamphetamine (speed, meth, chalk)

Pills, powder, liquid

Addictive stimulant

Decreased appetite, increased physical activity, damage to blood vessels in the brain, strokes, irregular heart beat, respiratory problems, death

Description Effects

Cocaine (coke, snow, blow, ice, rock)

Powerful stimulant of the Central Nervous System

Breathing and blood pressure increase

Pupils enlarge Nose tissues may be

damaged and erode Highly addictive With continued use tolerance

is developed and more of the drug is needed to get the same effect. This leads to the risk of overdose.

Description Effects

Rohypnol (roofies, peanuts, pappas, ro-shays)

Makes a person less able to resist sexual assault

Tablets turn clear beverages blue and turn dark beverages murky

Sedative

Loss of memory, impaired judgment

Periods of blackouts

Seizures May be fatal if

mixed with other drugs

Respiratory shut-down

Description Effects

G.H.B Gamma hydroxy butyrate (liquid ecstasy)

Makes a person less able to resist sexual assault

Looks and smells like water/also available as a white powder or capsule

Dizziness, Nausea Vomiting Amnesia Loss of

consciousness

Seizures

Depressed breathing

Coma Vomiting

while asleep

Death

Description Effects

Ketamine (Special K, Kit Kat)

Makes person less able to resist sexual assault

Painkiller used mainly by veterinarians for surgery

Liquid, white powder or pill

Temporary amnesia and hallucinations

May babble Less inhibitions Flashbacks Decreases oxygen to

brain and muscles Unconsciousness Death may occur

Description Effects

Ecstasy (XTC, X, E, Love Drug)

Combination of hallucinogen and stimulant

Tablet or gelatin capsule form

Excited feeling Less inhibitions Euphoria Overheating Dehydration Death due to kidney or

cardiovascular failure Loss of consciousness Paralysis Brain damage

Description Effects

Ritalin – methylphenidate (Vitamin R, Rit)

Commonly used for ADHD

Now being used as an illegal drug

Tablet form but illegal users crush and snort if or dissolve it in water and inject intravenously

Strong stimulant effect when snorted

CNS stimulant similar to speed or cocaine

Nervousness Loss of appetite skin rash Increased alertness Abdominal pain Digestive problems Possible dependence Serve depression upon

withdrawal

Description Effects