DRUGS

NARCOTICS, STIMULANTS, AND DEPRESSANTS

OBJECTIVES

name the most commonly abused narcotics.

describe the effects that narcotics can have on a user’s health.

identify specific stimulants and CNS depressants.

NARCOTICS

Historically, narcotics were made from opium.narcotics Specific drugs that are obtainable only by prescription and are used to relieve painopium A liquid from the poppy plant containing substances that numb the body

NARCOTICS

Narcotics produce euphoria because they affect the areas of the brain that perceive pleasure.euphoria A feeling of well-being or elation

NARCOTICS

withdrawal symptoms Symptoms that occur after chronic use of a drug is reduced or stopped

WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMSPAIN IN MUSCLESPAIN IN BONESSLEEPLESSNESSDIARRHEA VOMITINGAGITATION

HEROIN

Made of morphine, a narcoticMost often inhaled or injected intravenouslyUsers develop a psychological and physical dependenceTolerance leads to a need for ever-increasing dosesQuitting is very difficultQuitting results in painful withdrawal symptoms

OXYCONTIN

Available through a doctor prescriptionControls sever pain in patients with cancer, back pain, or arthritisAbuse leads to tolerance, which leads to physical addictionWithdrawal symptoms are similar to other narcotics

STIMULANTS

Stimulants cause the heart to beat faster and cause blood pressure and metabolism to rise.stimulants Drugs that speed up activity in the

human brain and spinal cordSome stimulants are so mild that people may not realize they are ingesting a drug.

AMPHETAMINES

amphetamine A drug that stimulates the central nervous systemAmphetamines are highly addictive. Using large amounts of amphetamines can result in aggressive behavior, extreme weight loss, and loss of physical strength.

COCAINE

Illegal stimulant derived from the coca plantSold as a fine white powderOften mixed water and injected into the body intravenouslyCan also be smoked or snorted up the noseOne of the most addictive drugs on the street today

COCAINE

During a cocaine binge, the possible consequences are very dangerous.binge When a drug is taken repeatedly and at

increasingly high doses

CRACK

Crack is created when cocaine is heated and processed with baking soda and water.

Crack is extremely addictive and dangerous

METHAMPHETAMINE

Highly addictive stimulant drug, affects the central nervous systemBecoming an epidemic in the United StatesProduced in illegal laboratoriesEffects are similar to cocaineAlso known as “meth”

METHAMPHETAMINE

Initial feelings of confidence and energyTendency on the part of users to bingeUsers may go days without food or sleepUsers find it impossible to feel any pleasure without the drug Unpredictable behavior

Methamphetamines

1 year later…

Methamphetamines

8 months later…

Methamphetamines

3 months later…

Methamphetamines

Methamphetamines

18 months later…

EFFECTS OF STIMULANTS

CNS DEPRESSANTS

CNS depressants Substances that slow down normal brain function

CNS depressants are sometimes called sedatives or tranquilizers

Physicians can prescribe some CNS depressants for relief of sleeplessness, anxiety, or tension.

CNS DEPRESSANTS

Two Commonly Prescribed CNS Depressants

Barbiturates

Benzodiazepines

Prescribed for the treatment of anxiety or tension, or for people with sleep disorders.

Prescribed for patients with more serious anxiety and panic attacks.

EFFECTS OF DEPRESSANTS