Drugs Cont What are narcotics Narcotics Drugs that

What are narcotics? *Narcotics*: Drugs that increase relaxation and relieve pain and anxiety. 2

Effects of narcotics Short term effects: sense of well-being & peacefulness But once that

Heroin Addiction Biologically and psychologically addicting. One treatment is to use methadone that satisfies

Hallucinogens *Hallucinogen*: A drug that is capable of producing changes in the perceptual process,

MDMA (Ecstasy) & LSD (acid) Both They drugs are hallucinogens. affect the operation of

Signs of drug abuse Always getting high to have a good time. Being high

More signs of drug abuse Driving a car while high Coming in conflict with

If there is a problem… People who suspect they have a problem should seek

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Drugs Cont.

What are narcotics? *Narcotics*: Drugs that increase relaxation and relieve pain and anxiety. 2 of the most powerful narcotics, morphine & heroin, are derived from the poppy seed pod. Morphine is used medically for severe pain, but heroin is illegal in the US.

Effects of narcotics Short term effects: sense of well-being & peacefulness But once that wears off…. they feel extreme anxiety and desperate desire to repeat the experience Larger amounts of heroin are needed each time to produce the same effect.

Heroin Addiction Biologically and psychologically addicting. One treatment is to use methadone that satisfies physiological cravings without the “high”. Drawback: User becomes biologically addicted to methadone.

Hallucinogens *Hallucinogen*: A drug that is capable of producing changes in the perceptual process, or hallucinations. The most common hallucinogen is marijuana. Effects of marijuana vary from person to person. Active ingredient is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

MDMA (Ecstasy) & LSD (acid) Both They drugs are hallucinogens. affect the operation of serotonin in the brain.

Signs of drug abuse Always getting high to have a good time. Being high more often than not. Getting high to get oneself going. Going to work/class while high. Missing or being unprepared for class or work b/c you were high. Feeling badly later about something you said or did while you were high. Failing at school or on the job. Thinking about drugs or liquor all the time.

More signs of drug abuse Driving a car while high Coming in conflict with the law b/c of drugs Doing something while high that you wouldn’t do otherwise Being high in nonsocial, solitary situations Being unable to stop getting high Feeling a need for a drink/drug throughout the day Becoming physically unhealthy Avoiding friends or family while using liquor or drugs.

If there is a problem… People who suspect they have a problem should seek immediate attention from a Psychologist Physician Counselor National Help Hotlines National Council on Alcoholism (800) 622 -2255 National Institute on Drug Abuse (800) 662 -4357 Check phone book for Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous www. niaa. nih. gov or www. nida. nih. gov