Lesson 2

Marijuana, Inhalants, and Steroids

Marijuana

Plant whose leaves, buds and flowers are usually smoked for their intoxicating effects

May be included in some foods and eaten to gain it’s intoxicating effects

A.K.A grass, weed or pot Most widely used illegal drug Hash or hashish is a stronger form of marijuana Considered a gateway- drug that may lead to the user

to try other dangerous drugs Teen that uses marijuana is 15x more likely to use

cocaine then a teen who has never used All forms are mind altering and damage health

Physical Consequences

Users face same health risks as tobacco users

Marijuana smoke contains more cancer causing chemicals then tobacco smoke

Users often inhale unfiltered smoke which may damage respiratory system

May damage immune system Risk to reproductive system

Mental and Emotional Consequences Raises level of brain chemical dopamine (produces

pleasurable feeling) Some users it triggers release of too much dopamine

causing a feeling of intense well-being or elation called a “high”

When drug wears off, pleasure sensation stops and an abrupt letdown, “crash” occurs

May experience slow mental reflexes and may suffer from sudden feelings of anxiety and paranoia- an irrational suspiciousness or distrust of others

May feel dizzy, trouble walking, hard time remembering things that just happened

Short term memory is affected Experience distorted perception, loss of coordination, trouble

thinking and solving problems

Health Risks of Marijuana (Figure 22.5) Hallucinations and paranoia Impaired short-term memory, reaction time,

concentration and coordination Lung irritation, coughing Heart and lung damage Increased risk of cancer Weakened immunity to infection Increased appetite Increased risk of stillbirth and birth defects Changed hormone levels Females- risk of infertility Males-lower sperm count and testosterone levels

Driving and Marijuana Use

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates 10-22% of drivers involved in car crashes were on drugs

Driving under the influence of marijuana interferes w/ depth perception, causes sleepiness, impairs judgment and slows reflexes

Penalties and legal consequences: suspension license, fines, loss of eligibility for federal college loans and jail time, legal prosecution and emotional consequences

Inhalents

Substances whose fumes are sniffed or inhaled to give effect

Some prescribed by doctor to treat allergies, asthma, and other medical conditions

Some are inhaled to achieve a high (solvents, aerosols, glues, paints, varnishes and gasoline)- can cause brain damage

Most depress the central nervous system Immediate effects: glassy stare, slurred speech,

impaired judgment, nausea, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination

Permanent loss of brain cells Long term use: liver and kidney damage, blindness,

brain damage, paralysis, cardiac arrest, death

Consequences of Steroid Use

Anabolic-androgenic steroids-synthetic substances similar to male sex hormones

Anabolic refers to muscle building, androgenic refers to increased male characteristics.

Steroids can be prescribed for some medical conditions

Can result in unnatural muscle growth Other side effects: weight gain, acne, high blood

pressure, liver and kidney tumors If injected, may contract HIV or hepatitis B May cause violent behavior, extreme mood swings,

depression, paranoia