underline the answers to the following questions while reading the article. 1. is there any way to...
TRANSCRIPT
Psychoactive Drugs
Underline the answers to the following questions while reading the article.
1. Is there any way to predict the effects felt from using marijuana?
2. What can substances sold as marijuana often be mixed with?
3. What are some examples of how people who smoke marijuana regularly can have changes in personality?
“A Trio of Trouble: Marijuana”
Marijuana ranks first, followed in order by cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin. Alcohol remains by far the most popular drug among college students. However, the vast majority of college students (80%) report no drug use in the previous month.
Which of the following is the most widely used illegal drug among college students?A. CocaineB. HallucinogensC. MarijuanaD. Heroin
B. Nicotine. Valium is also addictive, LSD and marijuana less so. Nicotine is believed to be the most highly addictive psychoactive drug.
Which of the following drugs is most addictive?A. MarijuanaB. NicotineC. ValiumD. LSD
A. This figure is even lower for drugs that are difficult to obtain or manufacture. Street drugs may be sold in unsafe dosages and are typically mixed or cut with cheaper and often more hazardous substances.
About what percentage of street drugs contain the promised primary ingredient?A. 50%B. 66%C. 75%
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Changes in Brain chemistry occur dependent on the method of administration
Oral Ingestion Injection (can be into the intramuscular or intravenous)
Smoke Inhalation Absorption
The quicker the drug reaches the brain the more likely the user is to become dependent.
Once a drug reaches the brain, it acts on one or more neurotransmitters, either increasing or decreasing their concentration and actions.
Methods of Administration
Addiction - continued involvement with a substance despite negative consequences
Dependence – when the person feels they need the drug◦ can be physical and/or psychological
Tolerance – when the person needs more and more to get the same effect
Withdrawal – a series of symptoms that occur when an addict stops using a drug.
Relapse – the tendency to return to addictive behavior after a period of abstinence.
Drug Vocabulary
Euphoria – “high” Synesthesia – an effect where sensory
messages are incorrectly assigned (hear a taste, smell a sound)
Flashbacks – perceptual distortions and bizarre thoughts that occur after the drug has been eliminated from the body
Drug Vocabulary
Drugs can be separated into Types and Categories
Types of Drugs:◦Prescription Drugs◦Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs◦Recreational Drugs alcohol, tobacco, caffeine
◦ Illicit Drugs Illegal Most are psychoactive – changes brain
chemistry
Types of Drugs
Stimulants Depressants Opiates Hallucinogens Designer Drugs Inhalants Steroids
Categories of Drugs
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Most widely used illegal drug in the U.S.
Marijuana is derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant
Other names include:◦ Pot, grass, sinsemilla, blunts, mota, yerba,
grifa ,Aunt Mary, Boom, Chronic (marijuana alone or marijuana with crack), Dope ganja, Gangster, Hash, Herb, Kif, Mary Jane, Pot, Reefer, Sinsemilla, Skunk, Weed
Marijuana
THC (tetrahydrocannabinal) is the main active ingredient in the marijuana plant◦ THC is the principal mind-altering ingredient
◦ THC travels through the bloodstream to all cells in the body and is stored in the fat cells of the body especially around the lungs, the brain, and the reproductive organs
◦ The strength of marijuana has increased to 10 times the amount of THC since the 1960’s.
There are over 400 chemicals in marijuana that break down into over 2,000 chemicals
Components of Marijuana
Marijuana can be smoked , inhaled or ingested
Smoking provides a direct route to the brain and effects can be felt in minutes◦ Can reach their peak in 10 to 30
minutes but can linger for 2 to 3 hours
THC is fat -soluble◦ This means it can be stored in the
body for long periods of time◦ Marijuana can be measured in the
body up to 30 days after use
Marijuana Methods of Administration
Marijuana cigarettes contain more carcinogens than tobacco cigarettes◦ Marijuana contains 50 – 100% more tar than
cigarettes◦ 1 marijuana cigarette = tar of 14 tobacco cigarettes
Marijuana also contains carbon monoxide which diminishes oxygen in the blood.
People who smoke both marijuana and tobacco dramatically increase their risk of lung diseases.
Exposure to second-hand smoke on a regular basis can be stored in the fat cells and can be tested positive as a user.
Dangers of Marijuana
▶ In low doses the effects are strongly influenced by the user’s expectations and past experiences
▶ Changes include:o Euphoria – “high”o Mood changeso Impaired short-term memory (forgetfulness)o Altered sense of time and spaceo Reduced concentration and ability to learno Lack of balance, coordination and reaction time
▶ Other Effects include:o Dilated blood vessels in the eyes (blood-shot eyes)o Hunger and thirsto Increased heart rate
Marijuana Short Term Effects
Respiratory damage◦ Chronic bronchitis and asthma◦ Emphysema
Cancer growth Learning problems Impairment of attention and memory Depression Decreased testosterone levels
◦ Decreased sperm count and increased sperm abnormalities Especially harmful during puberty
Disrupts the ovulation and menstrual cycle Increase anxiety, panic and paranoia Tolerance and Dependence develops
Marijuana Long-Term Effects
Withdrawal from Marijuana includes:▶Anger▶Aggression▶Irritability▶Nervousness▶Restlessness▶Sleep difficulties▶Decreased appetite or weight loss
Withdrawal can last up to 12 to 15 months.
Marijuana Withdrawal
Cocaine is a drug extracted from the Cocoa plant
Other names include:◦ Coke, Flake, Snow, Crack, Coca, Blanca,
Perico, Nieve, SodaCot It is sold illegally in 3 forms:
◦ Powder◦ Crack◦ Paste
Cocaine often diluted ("cut") with a variety of substances, the most common being sugars and local anesthetics.
This is done to stretch the amount of the product and increase profits for dealers.
Cocaine
Type of Drug:oCocaine is a Central Nervous System Stimulant oStimulants speed up the activity of the nervous and muscular systemoCaffeine, amphetamines, nicotine, and ephedrine are also CNS stimulants
More About Cocaine
Snorted in the nose◦ Absorbed through nasal passages (reaches the
brain in 2-3 minutes) Injected into the veins
◦ Using needles (reaches the brain in 20 seconds) Processed and Smoked , also called
“Freebased”◦ Produces a shorter and more intense high◦ “Crack” is cocaine already in a smokeable form
(reaches the brain in 10 seconds) and produces the most intense “high” or “rush” followed by a “crash”
Cocaine Methods of Administration:
Intense but short-lived “high” Cocaine Effects including:
◦Heart rate increases and irregular heart beat
◦High blood pressure◦Blood vessels constrict◦Pupils and bronchial tubes dilate◦Increased muscular tension◦Increased motor activity◦Loss of appetite
Cocaine Effects
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“High” replaced by a “Crash” in which the user can experience irritability, anxiety, agitation, slight depression
▶ Sudden death from excessive CNS stimulation can occur resulting in respiratory paralysis
Overdose can cause:o Convulsions
o Blood clots
o Heart attack
o Stroke
▶ Use during pregnancyo Rapidly passes from mother’s blood stream to placenta of the
babyo Increased risk for all types of problems
Cocaine Abuse and Dependence
Crack is highly addictive It is common to be addicted to
crack after only one use.◦ This is because crack produces a short
but intense high. Smoking it provides a more direct route to the brain.
◦ The high is followed by a severe “crash”.
◦ The high is so short-lived and the “crash” is so low the user takes another hit.
Cheapest form of cocaine to buy
How Addictive is Crack?
©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.
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Effect of cocaine on brain chemistry
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o Rapidly passes from mother’s blood stream to placenta of the baby
o Increased risk for all types of problems including mental, emotional and physical disabilities
Cocaine use during pregnancy
©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.
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Methamphetamines (uppers) Names of Drugs include:
◦ Benzedrine, Dexedrine, Methedrine◦ “Speed”, “Crank”, “meth”, “crystal
meth”◦ Ritalin- used for ADHD◦ Ephedrine - OTC dietary
supplement; banned in 2006◦ Caffeine
Chapter Nine
Other Central Nervous System Stimulants
Street names include:◦ Crank, Ice, Crystal, Krystal Meth,
Speed Methods of administration:
◦ Can be injected , snorted , smoked or ingested
"Ice" is the crystallized form of meth◦ Generally smoked
In all its forms, methamphetamine is highly addictive and toxic.
Methamphetamine
The onset of meth effects is about the same as cocaine, but last longer.
Meth remains in the central nervous system longer than cocaine
▶ Effects Include:◦ Increased heart rate◦ Increased blood pressure◦ Increased alertness and excitation◦ Euphoria◦ Insomnia◦ Loss of appetite.
Methamphetamine Effects
Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that resembles schizophrenia characterized by:◦ Paranoia◦ Picking at the skin◦ Preoccupation with one's thoughts◦ Auditory and visual hallucinations
These effects can last for months and even years
Violent and erratic behavior is often seen among chronic users.
Abuse of Methamphetamine
Some Opiate drugs include:◦ Herion◦ Opium◦ Morphine◦ Methadone◦ Codeine◦ Hydrocodone◦ Oxycodone (Oxycontin)◦ Meperidine◦ Fentanyl
Opiate Drugs
It is derived from the poppy plant.
It can be natural or synthetic (man-made) processed from morphine◦ It is a Narcotic
Street names: Diamorphine, Horse, Smack, Black Tar, Chiva, Negra (black tar)
Heroin
Heroin can be used by:InjectionSnortingSmoking
Heroin Methods of Administration
Relieve pain Drowsiness Euphoria – “High,” an
exaggerated feeling of well-being
In small doses can be used for pain relief and cough suppression
Reduces anxiety Lethargy (“out of it”) Apathy (don’t care) Inability to concentrate
Effects of Heroin
Symptoms of Overdose include:◦ Nausea◦ Vomiting◦ Constriction of pupils◦ Respiratory
depression and coma◦ Death
Withdrawal symptoms include:◦ Cramps◦ Chills◦ Sweating◦ Nausea◦ Tremors◦ Irritability◦ Feelings of panic
Heroin Overdose and Withdrawal
©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.
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Names of Drugs include:◦ LSD◦ Mescaline◦ DMT◦ Ecstasy (MDMA)◦ Ketamine◦ PCP (angel dust)◦ Certain mushrooms◦ GHB
Some of these drugs are referred to as “Club Drugs” because of their regular use in clubs and being mixed with alcohol
Chapter Nine
Hallucinogens
Altered state of consciousness Altered perceptions, feelings
and thoughts Altered sense of time Visual disturbances Mood changes Distorted body perception Dilated pupils Dizziness Weakness Nausea
Hallucinogen drugs effects:
Method of administration:◦ Typically ingested in forms such as:
Impregnated paper typically imprinted with colorful graphic designs
Tablets (microdots) Thin squares of gelatin (window
panes) In sugar cubes Liquid form (rare)
Street Names include:◦ Acid, Microdol, Sunshine, Boomers
LSD
During the first hour after ingestion, users may experience visual changes with extreme changes in mood, commonly called a “trip.”
LSD users experience a “hallucination” which the user experiences:◦ Impaired depth and time perception◦ Distorted perception of the shape and size of objects,
movements, colors, sound, touch and the user's own body image
◦ Ability to make sound judgments and see common dangers is impaired, making the user susceptible to personal injury
It is possible for users to suffer acute anxiety and depression. Flashbacks have been reported days, and even months, after taking the last dose.
Effects of LSD use
Other names include:
◦ Ecstasy, XTC, Adam; MDA Love Drug; MDEA (Eve); MBDB, hug, beans
Ecstasy is a synthetic drug The majority of MDMA is produced in
laboratories in Europe and then smuggled into the United States.
It produces nerve cell damage that can result in psychiatric disturbances and long-term cognitive impairments.
Ecstasy (MDMA)
MDMA is usually distributed in tablet form and ingested◦ Many of these tablets are
imprinted with designs or commercial logos.
The effects of MDMA are felt within 30-45 minutes, peaking at 60-90 minutes, and last 4-6 hours.
Forms of Ecstasy
Produces both stimulation and hallucination effects.
Associated with increased energy, sensual arousal and enhanced tactile sensations.
Effects include:◦ Heightened senses◦ Teeth grinding◦ Dehydration◦ Muscle tension◦ Tremors◦ Blurred vision◦ Increased body temperature which can result in
organ failure and death.
Effects of Ecstasy
Other names include:◦ Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily
Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Sodium Oxybate, Xyrem™
There are three kinds of GHB abusers: ◦ those who take the drug to get high◦ those who use it in bodybuilding◦ those who commit sexual assault after
drugging their victims. Frequently taken with alcohol and
is often found at bars, parties, nightclubs, raves and gyms.
GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid)
Effects include:◦Slurred speech◦Disorientation◦Drunken-like behavior
without the odor of alcohol◦ impaired memory of events
Interacts with alcohol Frequently used in
combination with Ecstasy to counteract over-stimulation
Effects of GHB
GHB and Rohypnol “roofies”◦Because of its effect on
memory, cause users to forget many details surrounding a sexual assault.
◦quickly eliminated from a user's system, and it is sometimes hard to confirm its presence during rape investigations
“Date Rape” Drugs
Also known as “Special K” Fast acting anesthetic -
used on both humans and animals
Methods of abuse:◦ Orally◦ Snorted
If snorted or taken orally effects are evident in 10-15 minutes.
◦ Injected intravenously Effects can be felt immediately
◦ Can be sprinkled on marijuana or tobacco and smoked
Ketamine
Can act as a depressant or a hallucinogen
Effects include:◦ Hallucinations◦ Vertigo (dizziness)◦ Slurred speech◦ Slow reaction time◦ Euphoria
Overdose can produce amnesia and coma
More About Ketamine
Other names include:◦ poppers, rush, snappers, whippets, kick,
bang and amys Methods of use
◦Sniffing◦Snorting◦“Bagging”◦“Huffing”
Types of Inhalants Include:◦ Common household products such as glue,
lighter fluid, cleaning fluids, and paint Difficult to control because of:
◦ Ease of availability◦ Low cost◦ Legal substances to purchase or possess
Inhalants
Low doses may cause users to feel stimulated◦ Users can also experience headaches, nausea, loss of
motor coordination, slurred speech High doses cause users to feel:
◦ Less inhibited and less in control◦ Loss of consciousness◦ Heart failure and death
Long-term use can lead to:◦ Damage to the nervous system◦ Hearing loss◦ Increased risk of cancer◦ Damage to the liver, kidneys and bone marrow
Effects of Inhalants
Prescription drug abuse is:◦Taking a prescription medication that is not prescribed for you.
◦Taking it for reasons or in dosages other than as prescribed.
Abuse of prescription drugs can produce serious health effects, including addiction, and can be life- threatening.
Prescription Drug Abuse
Opioids:◦ Hydrocodone (Vicodin®), Oxycodone
(OxyContin®), Propoxyphene (Darvon®), Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®), Meperidine (Demerol®), and Diphenoxylate (Lomotil®)
Central Nervous System Depressants:◦ Barbiturates (Nembutal®), Benzodiazepines such
as diazepam (Valium®) and Alprazolam (Xanax®).
Stimulants:◦ Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®),
Methylphenidate (Ritalin® and Concerta®), and Amphetamines (Adderall®).
More About Prescription Drugs
A 2006 study reported that overdoses from opioid painkillers kill more people than overdoses from either cocaine or heroin.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that close to 20 percent of people (48 million) over the age of 12 in the U.S. have used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.
More than 200,000 visits to emergency rooms around the country each year are because of prescription drug abuse.
Statistics of Prescription Drug Abuse
Anabolic Steroids What are anabolic steroids?
◦ Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs derived from hormones, primarily testosterone.
◦ Anabolic steroids are considered ergogenic drugs which are drugs used to enhance athletic performance.
◦ Anabolic steroids are designed to diminish the androgenic effects of testosterone while amplifying the anabolic effects. Increased anabolic effects produce muscle growth. Decreased androgenic effects produce diminished
expression of sexual characteristics.
Anabolic steroids mimic the effects of the male sexual hormone, testosterone.
Anabolic steroids work only in conjunction with physical training and a high-protein, high-calorie diet.
Use of steroids can produce a significant increase in lean muscle mass, strength and muscle endurance.
How do Steroids work?
Weight lifters and body builders to produce gains for competitions
Specific athletes requiring strength such as football players, throwing events in track and field (shot-put, discus, hammer throw) and baseball players.
Specific athletes requiring speed such as swimmers and running events in track and field (sprinters).
People who just want to get larger muscles for self-gratification.
Who Uses Steroids?
Increase in muscle mass Acne Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) Trembling Swelling of the feet and ankles Bad breath Reduction in HDL (good cholesterol) High blood pressure Cardiovascular damage Liver damage and cancers Aching joints Increased chance of injury to tendons Increase in aggression and temper “Roid Rage”
*Many of these effects are irreversible.
General Health Effects of Steroids
Sexual Side Effects of Use
For Males:◦ Shrinking of the
testicles◦ Reduced sperm count◦ Impotence◦ Baldness◦ Difficulty in urinating◦ Development of breasts◦ Enlarged prostate
For Females:◦ Growth of facial hair◦ Changes in menstruation◦ Enlargement of the
clitoris◦ Deepened voice◦ Breast reduction
Because of the decrease androgenic effects of testosterone in Anabolic steroids, several sexual side effects are possible: