Transcript Slide 1
When Drugs Work . . .
Your Kids Can’t
Effects of Drugs on the Brain and Learning
Youth and Alcohol
#1 Drug Problem among Youth By their senior year, nearly 90% will have tried alcohol.
Juniors and Seniors in high school drink
35% of all wine coolers sold in the United States
They drink an estimated
1.1 billion bottles and cans of beer each year.
Effects on Body
Heavy, fast paced drinking leads to: Altered judgment Distorted vision Poor coordination Blackouts Lower body weight results in faster absorption, greater impairment and damage Alcohol related car accidents are the #1 cause of death of young people ages 15 – 24.
Youth and Marijuana
Parts of the brain that control emotion, memory, and judgment are effected by marijuana Blocks information from getting to long term memory Weakens problem solving ability Impacts ability to concentrate Alters coordination
Effects on Body
Smoke causes damage to the lungs and pulmonary system Marijuana smoke has more cancer causing agents than tobacco Can be psychologically addictive Higher doses can cause paranoia and psychosis
Youth and Cocaine/Crack
HIGHLY ADDICTIVE, whether in powder form (cocaine) or solid (crack) Stimulant Crack is: Cheap Easily used (smoked) Fast acting (effects are felt within 10 seconds)
Effects on Body
Strong Central Nervous System Stimulant (CNS) Interferes with reabsorption of dopamine Build up of dopamine cause euphoric feeling
Effects on Body
Increase in HR and BP can result in heart attacks and strokes.
Prolonged use results in paranoia, psychosis, and violent behavior When alcohol and cocaine is mixed in the liver, produces a third chemical that intensifies effect and can lead to sudden death
Youth and Heroin
HIGHLY ADDICTIVE Opiate Brain cells become dependent on Heroin to function High starts with a rush, ends with a “foggy” feeling for many hours
Effects on Body
Depression of the CNS Mental functioning is impaired Long term use associated with: Collapsed veins Infection of the heart and liver Pulmonary complications Tolerance leads to Addiction and physical withdrawal when you stop
Other Common Drugs
Ecstasy (MDMA) Over the Counter (OTC) Medication Methamphetamine (Meth) Inhalants
Common Warning Signs
Physical Fatigue Repeated health complaints Red eyes Weight loss
Common Warning Signs
Emotional Personality changes Sudden Mood swings Poor judgment Depression Lack of interest
Common Warning Signs
Family Frequent arguments Breaking rules Withdrawal from family
Common Warning Signs
School Decreased interest Negative attitude Drop in grades Absences Discipline problems
Common Warning Signs
Social New group of friends less interested in home and school activities Trouble with the law Change in style of dress and music
Athletic Performance Enhancers
Why are student-athletes subjecting themselves to Performance Enhancement Drugs?
Improve Physical Appearance
Heighten Athletic Performance
Societal Expectations: “Win at all Costs” will do whatever it takes no matter what the price is….
Basic Principles of Exercise Physiology
“Sheer Strength” is determined by two factors:
Amount of muscle mass
The ability of nerves to stimulate muscle contraction
CAN PERFORMANCE- ENHANCING DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE??
Anabolic Steroids Creatine Monohydrate Stimulants
ANABOLIC STEROIDS
Anabolic Steroid is an illegal drug
Banned from
High School Interscholastic Athletics
NCAA and all Professional and Olympic Sports.
Anabolic Steroids are a testosterone, which is a hormone that our body produces.
Testosterone has two main effects on your body:
Anabolic effects- promotes muscle building
Androgenic effects- are responsible for male traits such as facial hair and deepening of the voice. Anabolic Steroids that are used amongst athletes are a synthetic derivative of testosterone. They are made in either a pill form or a soluble that can be injected.
Short Term Gains:
Increase in muscle mass
Increase in speed and explosiveness
Increase in aggressive behavior
But to maintain these gains, you are willing to risk:
Severe acne Liver tumors Increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL), “the bad cholesterol
Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) “the good cholesterol” Aggressive behaviors, “roid rage” or violence Psychiatric disorders, such as depression Drug dependence
Effects on Body
Anabolic Steroid Use Nationwide of 8th, 10th and 12th Grade Students:
Early 1990’s steroid use remained under 1.5%
1999 and 2000 for 8th graders- 1.7%
2000 and 2002 for 10th graders- 2.2%
2002 and 2004 for 12th graders- 2.5%
Creatine Monohydrate
It is a compound produced by your body that helps release energy in your muscles.
Creatine is stored in your muscles. Your liver produces 2 grams of creatine each day.
Creatine may also be ingested from protein-rich foods such as meat or fish.
With prolong use; weight gain is achieved through the retention of water in the muscle tissue.
Why do athletes take this?
The research has indicated small improvements in short-term power activities for example power lifting, increase in short term speed in sprints.
It has also proven to increase muscle mass therefore having an anabolic like reaction, similar to steroids.
The Danger??
Dehydration
Nausea
Vomiting
Leading to kidney, liver and heart damage
STIMULANTS
Stimulants are drugs that can reduce fatigue, suppress appetite and increase alertness and aggressiveness.
They stimulate the central nervous system, increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and metabolism.
COMMON STIMULANTS
Cocaine
Ephedrine, which is in cold remedies.
Amphetamines such as Dexedrine and Benzedrine
Caffeine products such as Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar
The risk….
One will become nervous and irritable
impacting their concentration on the athletic field
causing a decrease in athletic performance.
Athletes may become addicted
developing a tolerance so they need greater amounts to achieve the desired effects
This will lead one to experience circulatory problems, heart attack, hallucinations and brain hemorrhage.
Is it worth it????
Does society place a high expectation on achieving a competitive edge to win at all costs?
This will be an ongoing dilemma if we don’t acknowledge the fact that the emphasis on:
making a team
being a starter
earn a scholarship
win at all cost perception Underlying reason student-athletes across America take a risk, the risk of “life”.
What can you as the parent do?
Be clear about your expectations- It must be safe, make no exceptions. Discuss ethics and proper training- Utilizing these performance enhance substances is cheating.
There is no substitute for: A WELL BALANCED DIET AND RIGOROUS TRAINING= SUCCESS IN ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE Talk with your child’s coach Monitor your child’s purchases at the local GNC and Nutrition stores. Especially, purchasing through the internet…
What Can Parents Do When They Suspect Drug Use?
Communicate Honest Open Direct Get Professional help if problem persists
Social Hosting
Social Host Responsibility Act Parents/Adults are held liable under criminal and civil penalty for either serving and/or allowing the service of alcohol to minors in their home or at a party they are “hosting” Can be held liable for actions occurring after the minor leaves your home or party