Psychoactive Drugs

Underline the answers to the following questions while reading the article.

1. Is there any way to predict the effects felt from using marijuana?

2. What can substances sold as marijuana often be mixed with?

3. What are some examples of how people who smoke marijuana regularly can have changes in personality?

“A Trio of Trouble: Marijuana”

Marijuana ranks first, followed in order by cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin. Alcohol remains by far the most popular drug among college students. However, the vast majority of college students (80%) report no drug use in the previous month.

Which of the following is the most widely used illegal drug among college students?A. CocaineB. HallucinogensC. MarijuanaD. Heroin

B. Nicotine. Valium is also addictive, LSD and marijuana less so. Nicotine is believed to be the most highly addictive psychoactive drug.

Which of the following drugs is most addictive?A. MarijuanaB. NicotineC. ValiumD. LSD

A. This figure is even lower for drugs that are difficult to obtain or manufacture. Street drugs may be sold in unsafe dosages and are typically mixed or cut with cheaper and often more hazardous substances.

About what percentage of street drugs contain the promised primary ingredient?A. 50%B. 66%C. 75%

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Changes in Brain chemistry occur dependent on the method of administration

Oral Ingestion Injection (can be into the intramuscular or intravenous)

Smoke Inhalation Absorption

The quicker the drug reaches the brain the more likely the user is to become dependent.

Once a drug reaches the brain, it acts on one or more neurotransmitters, either increasing or decreasing their concentration and actions.

Methods of Administration

Addiction - continued involvement with a substance despite negative consequences

Dependence – when the person feels they need the drug◦ can be physical and/or psychological

Tolerance – when the person needs more and more to get the same effect

Withdrawal – a series of symptoms that occur when an addict stops using a drug.

Relapse – the tendency to return to addictive behavior after a period of abstinence.

Drug Vocabulary

Euphoria – “high” Synesthesia – an effect where sensory

messages are incorrectly assigned (hear a taste, smell a sound)

Flashbacks – perceptual distortions and bizarre thoughts that occur after the drug has been eliminated from the body

Drug Vocabulary

Drugs can be separated into Types and Categories

Types of Drugs:◦Prescription Drugs◦Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs◦Recreational Drugs alcohol, tobacco, caffeine

◦ Illicit Drugs Illegal Most are psychoactive – changes brain

chemistry

Types of Drugs

Stimulants Depressants Opiates Hallucinogens Designer Drugs Inhalants Steroids

Categories of Drugs

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Most widely used illegal drug in the U.S.

Marijuana is derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant

Other names include:◦ Pot, grass, sinsemilla, blunts, mota, yerba,

grifa ,Aunt Mary, Boom, Chronic (marijuana alone or marijuana with crack), Dope ganja, Gangster, Hash, Herb, Kif, Mary Jane, Pot, Reefer, Sinsemilla, Skunk, Weed

Marijuana

THC (tetrahydrocannabinal) is the main active ingredient in the marijuana plant◦ THC is the principal mind-altering ingredient

◦ THC travels through the bloodstream to all cells in the body and is stored in the fat cells of the body especially around the lungs, the brain, and the reproductive organs

◦ The strength of marijuana has increased to 10 times the amount of THC since the 1960’s.

There are over 400 chemicals in marijuana that break down into over 2,000 chemicals

Components of Marijuana

Marijuana can be smoked , inhaled or ingested

Smoking provides a direct route to the brain and effects can be felt in minutes◦ Can reach their peak in 10 to 30

minutes but can linger for 2 to 3 hours

THC is fat -soluble◦ This means it can be stored in the

body for long periods of time◦ Marijuana can be measured in the

body up to 30 days after use

Marijuana Methods of Administration

Marijuana cigarettes contain more carcinogens than tobacco cigarettes◦ Marijuana contains 50 – 100% more tar than

cigarettes◦ 1 marijuana cigarette = tar of 14 tobacco cigarettes

Marijuana also contains carbon monoxide which diminishes oxygen in the blood.

People who smoke both marijuana and tobacco dramatically increase their risk of lung diseases.

Exposure to second-hand smoke on a regular basis can be stored in the fat cells and can be tested positive as a user.

Dangers of Marijuana

▶ In low doses the effects are strongly influenced by the user’s expectations and past experiences

▶ Changes include:o Euphoria – “high”o Mood changeso Impaired short-term memory (forgetfulness)o Altered sense of time and spaceo Reduced concentration and ability to learno Lack of balance, coordination and reaction time

▶ Other Effects include:o Dilated blood vessels in the eyes (blood-shot eyes)o Hunger and thirsto Increased heart rate

Marijuana Short Term Effects

Respiratory damage◦ Chronic bronchitis and asthma◦ Emphysema

Cancer growth Learning problems Impairment of attention and memory Depression Decreased testosterone levels

◦ Decreased sperm count and increased sperm abnormalities Especially harmful during puberty

Disrupts the ovulation and menstrual cycle Increase anxiety, panic and paranoia Tolerance and Dependence develops

Marijuana Long-Term Effects

Withdrawal from Marijuana includes:▶Anger▶Aggression▶Irritability▶Nervousness▶Restlessness▶Sleep difficulties▶Decreased appetite or weight loss

Withdrawal can last up to 12 to 15 months.

Marijuana Withdrawal

Cocaine is a drug extracted from the Cocoa plant

Other names include:◦ Coke, Flake, Snow, Crack, Coca, Blanca,

Perico, Nieve, SodaCot It is sold illegally in 3 forms:

◦ Powder◦ Crack◦ Paste

Cocaine often diluted ("cut") with a variety of substances, the most common being sugars and local anesthetics.

This is done to stretch the amount of the product and increase profits for dealers.

Cocaine

Type of Drug:oCocaine is a Central Nervous System Stimulant oStimulants speed up the activity of the nervous and muscular systemoCaffeine, amphetamines, nicotine, and ephedrine are also CNS stimulants

More About Cocaine

Snorted in the nose◦ Absorbed through nasal passages (reaches the

brain in 2-3 minutes) Injected into the veins

◦ Using needles (reaches the brain in 20 seconds) Processed and Smoked , also called

“Freebased”◦ Produces a shorter and more intense high◦ “Crack” is cocaine already in a smokeable form

(reaches the brain in 10 seconds) and produces the most intense “high” or “rush” followed by a “crash”

Cocaine Methods of Administration:

Intense but short-lived “high” Cocaine Effects including:

◦Heart rate increases and irregular heart beat

◦High blood pressure◦Blood vessels constrict◦Pupils and bronchial tubes dilate◦Increased muscular tension◦Increased motor activity◦Loss of appetite

Cocaine Effects

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“High” replaced by a “Crash” in which the user can experience irritability, anxiety, agitation, slight depression

▶ Sudden death from excessive CNS stimulation can occur resulting in respiratory paralysis

Overdose can cause:o Convulsions

o Blood clots

o Heart attack

o Stroke

▶ Use during pregnancyo Rapidly passes from mother’s blood stream to placenta of the

babyo Increased risk for all types of problems

Cocaine Abuse and Dependence

Crack is highly addictive It is common to be addicted to

crack after only one use.◦ This is because crack produces a short

but intense high. Smoking it provides a more direct route to the brain.

◦ The high is followed by a severe “crash”.

◦ The high is so short-lived and the “crash” is so low the user takes another hit.

Cheapest form of cocaine to buy

How Addictive is Crack?

©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.

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Effect of cocaine on brain chemistry

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o Rapidly passes from mother’s blood stream to placenta of the baby

o Increased risk for all types of problems including mental, emotional and physical disabilities

Cocaine use during pregnancy

©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.

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Methamphetamines (uppers) Names of Drugs include:

◦ Benzedrine, Dexedrine, Methedrine◦ “Speed”, “Crank”, “meth”, “crystal

meth”◦ Ritalin- used for ADHD◦ Ephedrine - OTC dietary

supplement; banned in 2006◦ Caffeine

Chapter Nine

Other Central Nervous System Stimulants

Street names include:◦ Crank, Ice, Crystal, Krystal Meth,

Speed Methods of administration:

◦ Can be injected , snorted , smoked or ingested

"Ice" is the crystallized form of meth◦ Generally smoked

In all its forms, methamphetamine is highly addictive and toxic.

Methamphetamine

The onset of meth effects is about the same as cocaine, but last longer.

Meth remains in the central nervous system longer than cocaine

▶ Effects Include:◦ Increased heart rate◦ Increased blood pressure◦ Increased alertness and excitation◦ Euphoria◦ Insomnia◦ Loss of appetite.

Methamphetamine Effects

Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that resembles schizophrenia characterized by:◦ Paranoia◦ Picking at the skin◦ Preoccupation with one's thoughts◦ Auditory and visual hallucinations

These effects can last for months and even years

Violent and erratic behavior is often seen among chronic users.

Abuse of Methamphetamine

Some Opiate drugs include:◦ Herion◦ Opium◦ Morphine◦ Methadone◦ Codeine◦ Hydrocodone◦ Oxycodone (Oxycontin)◦ Meperidine◦ Fentanyl

Opiate Drugs

It is derived from the poppy plant.

It can be natural or synthetic (man-made) processed from morphine◦ It is a Narcotic

Street names: Diamorphine, Horse, Smack, Black Tar, Chiva, Negra (black tar)

Heroin

Heroin can be used by:InjectionSnortingSmoking

Heroin Methods of Administration

Relieve pain Drowsiness Euphoria – “High,” an

exaggerated feeling of well-being

In small doses can be used for pain relief and cough suppression

Reduces anxiety Lethargy (“out of it”) Apathy (don’t care) Inability to concentrate

Effects of Heroin

Symptoms of Overdose include:◦ Nausea◦ Vomiting◦ Constriction of pupils◦ Respiratory

depression and coma◦ Death

Withdrawal symptoms include:◦ Cramps◦ Chills◦ Sweating◦ Nausea◦ Tremors◦ Irritability◦ Feelings of panic

Heroin Overdose and Withdrawal

©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.

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Names of Drugs include:◦ LSD◦ Mescaline◦ DMT◦ Ecstasy (MDMA)◦ Ketamine◦ PCP (angel dust)◦ Certain mushrooms◦ GHB

Some of these drugs are referred to as “Club Drugs” because of their regular use in clubs and being mixed with alcohol

Chapter Nine

Hallucinogens

Altered state of consciousness Altered perceptions, feelings

and thoughts Altered sense of time Visual disturbances Mood changes Distorted body perception Dilated pupils Dizziness Weakness Nausea

Hallucinogen drugs effects:

Method of administration:◦ Typically ingested in forms such as:

Impregnated paper typically imprinted with colorful graphic designs

Tablets (microdots) Thin squares of gelatin (window

panes) In sugar cubes Liquid form (rare)

Street Names include:◦ Acid, Microdol, Sunshine, Boomers

LSD

During the first hour after ingestion, users may experience visual changes with extreme changes in mood, commonly called a “trip.”

LSD users experience a “hallucination” which the user experiences:◦ Impaired depth and time perception◦ Distorted perception of the shape and size of objects,

movements, colors, sound, touch and the user's own body image

◦ Ability to make sound judgments and see common dangers is impaired, making the user susceptible to personal injury

It is possible for users to suffer acute anxiety and depression. Flashbacks have been reported days, and even months, after taking the last dose.

Effects of LSD use

Other names include:

◦ Ecstasy, XTC, Adam; MDA Love Drug; MDEA (Eve); MBDB, hug, beans

Ecstasy is a synthetic drug The majority of MDMA is produced in

laboratories in Europe and then smuggled into the United States.

It produces nerve cell damage that can result in psychiatric disturbances and long-term cognitive impairments.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

MDMA is usually distributed in tablet form and ingested◦ Many of these tablets are

imprinted with designs or commercial logos.

The effects of MDMA are felt within 30-45 minutes, peaking at 60-90 minutes, and last 4-6 hours.

Forms of Ecstasy

Produces both stimulation and hallucination effects.

Associated with increased energy, sensual arousal and enhanced tactile sensations.

Effects include:◦ Heightened senses◦ Teeth grinding◦ Dehydration◦ Muscle tension◦ Tremors◦ Blurred vision◦ Increased body temperature which can result in

organ failure and death.

Effects of Ecstasy

Other names include:◦ Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily

Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Sodium Oxybate, Xyrem™

There are three kinds of GHB abusers: ◦ those who take the drug to get high◦ those who use it in bodybuilding◦ those who commit sexual assault after

drugging their victims. Frequently taken with alcohol and

is often found at bars, parties, nightclubs, raves and gyms.

GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid)

Effects include:◦Slurred speech◦Disorientation◦Drunken-like behavior

without the odor of alcohol◦ impaired memory of events

Interacts with alcohol Frequently used in

combination with Ecstasy to counteract over-stimulation

Effects of GHB

GHB and Rohypnol “roofies”◦Because of its effect on

memory, cause users to forget many details surrounding a sexual assault.

◦quickly eliminated from a user's system, and it is sometimes hard to confirm its presence during rape investigations

“Date Rape” Drugs

Also known as “Special K” Fast acting anesthetic -

used on both humans and animals

Methods of abuse:◦ Orally◦ Snorted

If snorted or taken orally effects are evident in 10-15 minutes.

◦ Injected intravenously Effects can be felt immediately

◦ Can be sprinkled on marijuana or tobacco and smoked

Ketamine

Can act as a depressant or a hallucinogen

Effects include:◦ Hallucinations◦ Vertigo (dizziness)◦ Slurred speech◦ Slow reaction time◦ Euphoria

Overdose can produce amnesia and coma

More About Ketamine

Other names include:◦ poppers, rush, snappers, whippets, kick,

bang and amys Methods of use

◦Sniffing◦Snorting◦“Bagging”◦“Huffing”

Types of Inhalants Include:◦ Common household products such as glue,

lighter fluid, cleaning fluids, and paint Difficult to control because of:

◦ Ease of availability◦ Low cost◦ Legal substances to purchase or possess

Inhalants

Low doses may cause users to feel stimulated◦ Users can also experience headaches, nausea, loss of

motor coordination, slurred speech High doses cause users to feel:

◦ Less inhibited and less in control◦ Loss of consciousness◦ Heart failure and death

Long-term use can lead to:◦ Damage to the nervous system◦ Hearing loss◦ Increased risk of cancer◦ Damage to the liver, kidneys and bone marrow

Effects of Inhalants

Prescription drug abuse is:◦Taking a prescription medication that is not prescribed for you.

◦Taking it for reasons or in dosages other than as prescribed.

Abuse of prescription drugs can produce serious health effects, including addiction, and can be life- threatening.

Prescription Drug Abuse

Opioids:◦ Hydrocodone (Vicodin®), Oxycodone

(OxyContin®), Propoxyphene (Darvon®), Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®), Meperidine (Demerol®), and Diphenoxylate (Lomotil®)

Central Nervous System Depressants:◦ Barbiturates (Nembutal®), Benzodiazepines such

as diazepam (Valium®) and Alprazolam (Xanax®).

Stimulants:◦ Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®),

Methylphenidate (Ritalin® and Concerta®), and Amphetamines (Adderall®).

More About Prescription Drugs

A 2006 study reported that overdoses from opioid painkillers kill more people than overdoses from either cocaine or heroin.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that close to 20 percent of people (48 million) over the age of 12 in the U.S. have used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.

More than 200,000 visits to emergency rooms around the country each year are because of prescription drug abuse.

Statistics of Prescription Drug Abuse

Anabolic Steroids What are anabolic steroids?

◦ Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs derived from hormones, primarily testosterone.

◦ Anabolic steroids are considered ergogenic drugs which are drugs used to enhance athletic performance.

◦ Anabolic steroids are designed to diminish the androgenic effects of testosterone while amplifying the anabolic effects. Increased anabolic effects produce muscle growth. Decreased androgenic effects produce diminished

expression of sexual characteristics.

Anabolic steroids mimic the effects of the male sexual hormone, testosterone.

Anabolic steroids work only in conjunction with physical training and a high-protein, high-calorie diet.

Use of steroids can produce a significant increase in lean muscle mass, strength and muscle endurance.

How do Steroids work?

Weight lifters and body builders to produce gains for competitions

Specific athletes requiring strength such as football players, throwing events in track and field (shot-put, discus, hammer throw) and baseball players.

Specific athletes requiring speed such as swimmers and running events in track and field (sprinters).

People who just want to get larger muscles for self-gratification.

Who Uses Steroids?

Increase in muscle mass Acne Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) Trembling Swelling of the feet and ankles Bad breath Reduction in HDL (good cholesterol) High blood pressure Cardiovascular damage Liver damage and cancers Aching joints Increased chance of injury to tendons Increase in aggression and temper “Roid Rage”

*Many of these effects are irreversible.

General Health Effects of Steroids

Sexual Side Effects of Use

For Males:◦ Shrinking of the

testicles◦ Reduced sperm count◦ Impotence◦ Baldness◦ Difficulty in urinating◦ Development of breasts◦ Enlarged prostate

For Females:◦ Growth of facial hair◦ Changes in menstruation◦ Enlargement of the

clitoris◦ Deepened voice◦ Breast reduction

Because of the decrease androgenic effects of testosterone in Anabolic steroids, several sexual side effects are possible: