Warm-Up

 Write three reasons to say no to drugs. Then modify these reasons into effective refusal statements if someone offered you drugs

Marijuana, Inhalants and Steroids

Lesson 19

Objectives

  Identify and define the various classes of drugs Identify the effects of the various classes of drugs on the mind

Marijuana

    Common name for the Indian hemp plant cannabis A plant whose leaves, buds, and flowers are smoked for their intoxicating effects Most widely used illegal drug Other Names:  Weed   Grass Pot

Marijuana and Addiction

  Mood altering drugs Raises levels of dopamine in your brain, producing a pleasurable feeling  However, once the drug wears off so does the pleasure sensation “crash”

Marijuana… NOT harmless

    CONTRARY to popular opinion, Marijuana is NOT harmless All forms are mind altering and can damage a user’s health When combined with other drugs and other substances, such as alcohol, it can be DEADLY Marijuana contains more cancer causing chemical than tobacco smoke and carries the same health risks as smoking tobacco

Mental/ Emotional Health Consequences

        Slow mental reflexes Sudden feelings of anxiety and paranoia  Irrational suspiciousness or distrust of others Dizziness Trouble walking Adverse effect on short term memory, so the user may have problems at school and work Distorted perception Loss of coordination Trouble with thinking and problem solving

Physical Consequences

 In teens, Marijuana poses risks to the reproductive organs   In males it interferes with sperm production and lower levels of testosterone  Lack of male developmental characteristics (voice changing, body hair, broad shoulders) because testosterone is the main hormone responsible for those In females testosterone levels increase   Unwanted facial hair infertility

Figure 23.3 Health Risks of Marijuana

Risks and Consequences for DUI

  Just as dangerous as DUI of alcohol Strict penalties  Suspension of license     Fine Jail time Increased insurance premiums Legal prosecution if death or injury results

Inhalants

   Substances whose fumes are sniffed and inhaled to achieve a mind altering effect     Glues Spray paints Gasoline Varnishes Most go immediately to the brain, causing damage and KILLING brain cells   Brain cells will NEVER BE REPLACED Permanent nervous system and brain damage All inhalants are extremely dangerous  Depress the central nervous system     Glassy stare Slurred speech Impaired judgment Inhaling fumes from aerosol cans “huffing” can cause sudden death   increasing the heart rate, resulting in cardiac arrest suffocation

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids

   Synthetic substances that are similar to the male sex hormone testosterone   Anabolic refers to the building up of muscles Androgenic refers to the development of male characteristics Have legitimate medical use when used under a doctor’s care for patients with chronic diseases Can cause mood swings, impaired judgment, and paranoia

Steroid Effects

Legal and Social Consequences

    All steroid use other than that prescribed by a doctor is illegal and dangerous Steroids can increase strength, however the associated tendons and ligaments don’t get stronger  Results in injuries that take a long time to heal  Can end an athletes career Steroid users often turn to other illegal, addictive drugs to combat the side effects of steroids If needles are shared there is an increase risk to HIV, Hepatitis B and other bacteria and viruses