Women

Kaitlynn DeLisleChapter 3

June 20, 2011

&

Drugs

Drugs used by women

Alcohol Tobacco Prescription Drugs Illegal Drugs

Alcohol Most common drug used by women Alcohol is consumed by 45 % of girls and

women over the age of 12 15 % of those females are binge drinkers (5 or

more drinks on one occasion) 3 % are heavier than binge drinkers

Myth about alcohol• Alcohol is the least harmful of drugs

• Alcohol has dangerous effects on:Motor coordinationJudgmentEmotional controlReasoningIncreased risk of accidents and injuries

More effects of alcoholDisruption of menstrual cycle

risk of mouth and liver cancers, depression, strokes, and cirrhosis of the liver

High blood pressure

risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer and ulcers

Tobacco• About 21 % of women smoke• Facts:

About 178,000 US women die fro smoking related diseases every year

Smokers are twice as likely to have heart attacks and strokesSmoking causes about 90% of all lung cancer deaths in

womenWomen who smoke may have difficulty becoming pregnantHigher risk of osteoporosisHigher risk of breast cancer

Second Hand Smoke• Also causes lung and heart disease/cancer• Pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, and chronic

ear infections in children• About 36,000 adults die every year due to

exposure of second hand smoke

Prescription Drugs• Pain relievers, sedatives, stimulants, and

tranquilizers used in non-medical ways• About 3 percent of girls and women in the US

ages 12 and older have used prescription drugs for non medical reasons in one noted month.

Effects of prescription drugs

Harms memory and reasoning Disrupts balance and coordination Feelings of dullness, thought of suicide, and

anxiousness

One of the worst parts of prescription drugs

• Withdrawal:• When trying to stop using prescription drugs one can feel: Increased anxiety Weakness Tremors Panic attacks Heart palpitations Flu-like symptoms Sweating Hypersensitivity to light Nausea Depression Indigestion Restlessness Body pain Dizziness Poor memory and concentration

Illegal Drugs• 6 percent of girls and women in the US in

2002 aged 12 and older used illegal drugs• Marijuana being the most common illegally

used drug (4%)• About 1% were users of cocaine, ecstasy,

heroine and other illegal drugs

Effects of Illegal Drugs• Most common effects, although different for

each drug include:DepressionMood swingsParanoiaAnxietyImpairment in mental function and memoryLiver malfunctionSevere dehydration

Why people use drugs?

• The promotion of the products• Peer pressure• Addictive effects of the drugs

Finding Help• Self-help groups• Treatment• Managing withdrawal• Organizations such as:• Drug Policy Alliance• Americans for Non-Smokers• Seeking Safety• Community Connections• INWAT (International Network of Women Against

Tobacco)

Striking Perspectives• “…My doctor told me I had a smoker’s tumor, and

therefore I’m dying. I’ve never smoked a day in my life.” -from secondhand smoke

• “As far as I can see, you can’t count on a guy, because they are not always there, kids aren’t always there…cigarettes are always there.”

• “My support group is my lifeline, my ‘family,’ and my foundation. No addict should go without this feeling of connectedness- it’s the biggest need of all.”- a woman in recovery

Favorite Quote• “Drugs are a waste of time. They

destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything that goes along with your self esteem.”-Kurt Cobain

Discussion Question• If people know the effects of drugs, why do

they do them?– Which plays a bigger role in the experimentation

of drugs: Media or peer pressure?