Drugs

DRUGS

M R . CA L L A H A N ’ S

7T H G

R A D E WE L L N E S S

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WHAT ARE DRUGS?

Drugs are substances that are used to treat or prevent diseases. They are also used to relieve pains, to help control mental or physical ailments, and even to help diagnose illnesses.

DRUG VOCABToleranceBody becomes accustomed to drug and causes the user to experience a need for more and more drug to achieve the desired effect or high.

Psychological DependenceA condition that occurs overtime and causes user to believe that drug is needed in order to feel good or function normally.

DRUG VOCABPhysiological dependenceA user develops a chemical need for a drug. Symptoms of withdrawal occur when the effects of the drug wear off.

Symptoms can include nervousness, insomnia, headaches, vomiting, chills, and cramps.

AddictionA physiological or psychological dependence on a drug.

TYPES OF DRUGSPrescriptionStimulantsDepressantsMarijuana and THC InhalantsSteroidsNarcoticsHallucinogensPsychoactive “Club Drugs”

STIMULANTSDrugs that act on the central nervoussystem and increase brain activity.

Some give feelings of alertness, greaterenergy and confidence.

They may also reduce appetite

EXAMPLES OF STIMULANTSCocaine Crack Ecstasy Amphetamines Nicotine

DEPRESSANTSDrugs that act on the central nervous system and slow down brain activity.

Impairs co-ordination, balance and judgment

Higher doses can lead progressively to drowsiness, vomiting, coma and even death.

EXAMPLES OF DEPRESSANTSVolatile substances or sniffable substances (eg glues, gases, aerosols)

Alcohol

Tranquilizers

GHB (Gamma hydroxy-butyrate)

HALLUCINOGENSDrugs that act to change the way users experience the world through the five senses.

Sometimes this involves seeing, and hearing things which aren't there.

EXAMPLES OF HALLUCINOGENSCannabis

LSD

Magic mushrooms

Ketamine

TYPES OF DRUGSThe pain relief induced by analgesics occurs either by blocking pain signals going to the brain or by interfering with the brain's interpretation of the signals, without producing anesthesia or loss of consciousness. There are basically two kinds of analgesics: non-narcotics and narcotics.

Examples:OpiumMorphineAcetaminophen (Tylenol)PercodanVicodin

ANABOLIC STEROIDSDrugs that promote muscle growth and increase lean body mass.

These drugs mostly have legitimate medical uses

They are often misused by those wishing to enhance their athletic performance or strength.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS A drug that is available with written

instructions from a doctor or dentist to a pharmacist

EXAMPLES:o Antibiotic (penicillin)o Hydrocodone (narcotic pain killer)o Prozac (anti-depressant)

MARIJUANA AND THC Marijuana is one of the names given to

the Cannabis sativa plant when it is used as a drug. The active ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC

INHALANTS Inhalants are volatile substances that

produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive or mind-altering effects

Examples of inhalants:o Gasolineo Glueo Aerosol cleaners

NARCOTICS A drug (opium & morphine) that in

moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain and induces profound sleep

A drug that in excessive doses can cause stupor, coma and convulsions

A drug subject to restriction

PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS A psychoactive drug is a chemical substance

that acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it alters brain functions, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood consciousness and behavior

These drugs may be taken recreationally to purposefully alter one’s consciousness

They are often helpful in treating depression, anxiety, insomnia and other psychological disorders

CLUB DRUGS Club drugs are a group of psychoactive drugs

that tend to be abused by teens and young adults at bars, nightclubs, concerts and parties

Commonly abused “Club Drugs”o GHB – Gamma hydroxybutrateo Rohypnol – (chemically similar to a sedative)o Ketamine (anesthetic used in veterinary practice)o MDMA (ecstasy)o Methamphetamine (meth)

RISKS FACTORS INVOLVED IN DRUG TAKINGUsers can never be sure of exactly what they are taking

Not knowing the strength of what has been bought could lead to an accidental overdose (which may be life-threatening)

Users can’t be precisely sure of the effect the drug will have, even if they have taken it before.

Sharing dirty needles or syringes carries a risk of serious infections

Mixing drugs with drugs, or drugs with alcohol

Getting a criminal record.

Effects on relationships, financial pressures, reducing judgment or performance etc.

KNOW THE FACTSThe following statistics are from the results of a major national survey of secondary schoolchildren aged 11-15 published by the Department of Health (DH) in 2002.

12% of pupils had used illegal drugs in the last month and 20% had used illegal drugs in the last year

13% of boys reported taking drugs in the last month compared to 11% of girls

Use increased with age. Six percent of 11-year-olds had used drugs in the last year compared to 39% of 15-year-olds

Cannabis is the most likely drug to have been used, with 13% of pupils reporting use in the last year.

Cannabis use also increases sharply with age with 1% of 11-year-olds having used the drug in past year compared with 31% of 15-year-olds