Lesson 3

Lesson 3Psychoactive Drugs

Effects of Psychoactive Drugs Chemicals that affect the central nervous system and

alter activity in the brain Change the functioning of the CNS 4 main groups of psychoactive drugs: stimulants,

depressants, opiates and hallucinogens Some serve a medical purpose but when abused

functioning of all body systems are affected Teen brain and body development can be damaged

Consequences of Psychoactive Drugs Poor judgment and behavior Become at risk for unintentional injuries,

violence, STDs, unintended pregnancy and suicide

Club Drugs Describes drugs found at concerts, dance

clubs and drug parties (raves) Can be disguised in foods, or slipped in a

drink w/o a person knowing Designer drugs- synthetic drugs that are

made to imitate the effects of other drugs Can be several hundred times stronger then

the drugs they imitate

Ecstasy Both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects Hallucinogen- drugs that alter moods,

thoughts, and sense of perceptions including vision, hearing, smell and touch

May cause short-term euphoria- a feeling of intense well-being or elation

Rohypnol A.K.A roofies They are depressants- drugs that tend to slow

the central nervous system they are colorless, odorless and tasteless Often called the date-rape drug

GHB- gamma hydroxybutyric acid Central Nervous System depressant Available as a clear liquid, white powder, and

tablets and capsules Can be used as a date-rape drug

Ketamine Anesthetic used to treat animals Causes hallucinations and may result in

respiratory failure Consequences: kidney and cardiovascular

system failure, death, memory loss, numbness, impaired motor function

Methamphetamine (meth) Considered a stimulant- drugs that speed up

the CNS White, odorless, colorless powder that easily

dissolves May provide a short-term euphoria Often causes depression, paranoia, and

delusions Can cause death

LSD (acid) Lysergic acid diethylamide Causes hallucinations and severely distorted

perceptions of sound and color Flashbacks can occur (states in which the user

experiences the emotional effects of a drug long after its actual use)

May experience emotions ranging from extreme euphoria to panic, to terror, or deep depression

Other Stimulants Cocaine Crack Amphetamines

Cocaine Rapidly acting, powerful and highly addictive

stimulant White powder extracted from the leaves of the coca

plant Illegal May experience a surge of self-confidence and

euphoria Feelings of confidence are followed by feelings of

emotional let down Regular use can lead to depression, fatigue, paranoia

and physiological dependence

Crack Dangerous form of cocaine (also called rock

or freebase rock) Reaches the brain in seconds after being

smoked or injected Once in blood, heart rate and blood pressure

soar to dangerous levels Cardiac and respiratory failure can result in

death

Amphetamines Highly addictive Some use to stay alert, improve athletic

performance or lose weight Regular use can cause irregular heartbeat,

paranoia, aggressive behavior, and heart failure

Other Depressants Slow heart and respiration rates and lowers blood

pressure Barbiturates

Sedatives that are rarely used for medical purposes Causes mood changes, excessive sleepiness and coma

Tranquilizers Relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, sleeplessness and

nervousness When overused, can cause physiological and

psychological dependence, coma and death

Hallucinogens Can cause serious mental/emotional and physical

consequences for users Alter mood, and impair judgment, thoughts and

sense of perception May behave in way they usually wouldn’t and

believe they are invincible Can cause increase in heart and respiratory rates

which can lead to heart and respiratory failure and can cause coma

Overload sensory controls in the brain causing confusion, intensified sensations and hallucinations

PCP (angel dust) Most dangerous of all drugs Effects vary for each user Creates distorted sense of time, increased muscle

strength, increased feelings of violence, and inability to feel pain

Overdoses can cause death Most PCP deaths are caused by the destructive

behavior or disorientation that the drug produces Flashbacks can occur

DXM (tussin) Cough suppressant sold as over-the-counter

medicine When used properly it is not dangerous When misused, can cause hallucinations,

paranoia, panic attacks, nausea, increased heart rate and blood pressure, seizures and addiction

Mushrooms or Peyote Hallucinogens found in nature as a fungus or

plant When eaten, they cause hallucinations, nausea

and flashbacks Can lead to poisoning and death when dealers

harvest toxic species

Opiates Also called narcotics Drugs such as those derived from the opium plant that are

obtainable only by prescription and are used to relieve pain When used accordingly following directions provided by a

healthcare professional, they are an effective pain reliever Abusing opiates dulls senses, causes drowsiness,

constipation, slow and shallow breathing, convulsions and death

Pharmacists record all sales of opiates since it is very addictive

Codeine Highly active ingredient in some prescription

cough medicines Can cause drowsiness Can cause dizziness, labored breathing, low

blood pressure, seizures and respiratory arrest

Morphine Much stronger then codeine Sometimes prescribed to treat severe pain for

a short time Side effects include fast or slow heartbeat,

seizures, hallucinations, blurred vision, rashes and difficulty swallowing

Heroin Processed form of morphine that is injected, snorted

or smoked Comes in different forms: white or brownish

powder, and a black, sticky tar Dealers may mix heroin w/ medicines or household

substances to create other forms, such as “cheese” or “cheese heroin”

Slows breathing and pulse rate Can cause infection of the heart lining and valves as

well as liver disease

Oxycodone When used properly under supervision of a

doctor, it’s a prescription drug that helps relieve moderate to severe chronic pain

Side effect – suppression of the respiratory system which can cause death from respiratory failure

Homework Pg. 610 # 1-5 To be collected next class