Preventing Drug Abuse Legal Illegal Drugs Drug misuse

Preventing Drug Abuse

Legal & Illegal Drugs Drug misuse - improperly using drugs Types of Drugs • Medicines- legal drugs that help the body fight injury, illness and disease. • Over-the-counter drugs- may be purchased legally in pharmacies without a

Continued. . . Types of Drugs • Prescription Drugs • Psychoactive Drugs - Chemicals that affect the activity of brain cells to alter perception, thought, and mood. (depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalants)

Dangers of Drug Abuse • Drug’s action - what the drug does to your body. • Drug’s effect- physical and mental response to the drug. • Side effects - unwanted, even dangerous, physical and mental effects caused by a drug (nausea, drowsiness).

Dangers of Drug Abuse • Side Effects • Overdose • Addiction & Withdrawal • Drug Interactions (Synergistic & Antagonistic Interaction)

Continued…Dangers of Drug Abuse • AIDS/Hepatitis • Risks to Unborn Children & Newborns • Effects on Family & Friends • Legal Risks • Costs to Society

Risk Factors and Drug Abuse Risk Factors: 1. Family Factors 2. Social Factors 3. Personal Factors (stress, low self-esteem, lack of confidence)

Effects on Family and Friends • When a family member abuses drugs, the entire family suffers. • Drug abuser often behaves unpredictably (mood

EQ (21 -3) • How do drugs work, what are their side effects, and how are they commonly abused? • DE Health Standard 1 - Students will understand essential health concepts in order to transfer knowledge into healthy actions for life.

Commonly Abused Drugs Depressants - psychoactive drugs that slow brain and body reactions

• Opium • Morphine • Codeine • Oxycodone • Heroin

Stimulants • Drugs that speed up the central nervous system. • Heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate increase. • User feels excited and alert.

Hallucinogens • Psychoactive drug. • Illegal and have no medical use. • produce frightening and unpredictable mood swings. • Memory loss, personality changes, unable to perform normal activities.

• LSD • Mescaline • Psilocybin • Mushrooms • PCP • Marijuana

Inhalants • Drugs that are inhaled, or breathed through the nose, to produce a desired effect. § Affect the body quickly. • Abusers want to achieve brief feeling of excitement or giddiness.

Inhalants Continued • Effects include headaches, blurred vision, damage to kidneys, liver & brain. • Glue, paint thinners, spray paints

Anabolic Steroids • Synthetic drugs that resemble the male hormone testosterone. • Doctors prescribe for patients with skeletal and growth disorders. • Abused by people who want

• Liver, heart damage, alter appearance, risk of HIV and hepatitis. • Teens abusers, stunted growth, infertility, aggressive behaviors, violent mood swings.

Club Drugs • Drugs that are often available at raves. • Side effects are dangerous, can leave user with permanent physical and mental disorders. • Leave people vulnerable to sexual assault. Ex. Ecstasy, Rohypnol, GHB,

• Ecstasy (MDMA) • Rohypnol (roofies)

Signs of Drug Abuse • Major changes in behavior • Lying, cheating • Sudden changes in mood • Changes in Appearance • Attention-getting behavior • Aggressiveness

Avoiding Drug Use • Refusing Drugs • Managing Stress • Getting Help

Alternatives to Drug Use • Physical Activity • Helping Others • Youth Groups • Part-time job