Download 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?

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.

B. Nicotine. Valium is also addictive, LSD and
marijuana less so. Nicotine is believed to be
the most highly addictive psychoactive drug.

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.
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.
6
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Addiction - continued involvement with a
substance despite negative consequences
Dependence – when the person feels they
need the drug
◦ can be physical and/or psychological
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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.
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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
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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
Stimulants
 Depressants
 Opiates
 Hallucinogens
 Designer Drugs
 Inhalants
 Steroids
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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
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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.
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There are over 400 chemicals in marijuana
that break down into over 2,000 chemicals
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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 cigarettes contain more carcinogens
than tobacco cigarettes
◦ Marijuana contains 50 – 100% more tar than cigarettes
◦ 1 marijuana cigarette = tar of 14 tobacco cigarettes
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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.
In low doses the effects are strongly influenced by
the user’s expectations and past experiences
▶ Changes include:
▶
o Euphoria – “high”
o Mood changes
o Impaired short-term memory (forgetfulness)
o Altered sense of time and space
o Reduced concentration and ability to learn
o Lack of balance, coordination and reaction time
▶
Other Effects include:
o Dilated blood vessels in the eyes (blood-shot eyes)
o Hunger and thirst
o Increased heart rate
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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
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Disrupts the ovulation and menstrual cycle
Increase anxiety, panic and paranoia
Tolerance and Dependence develops
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.
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Cocaine is a drug extracted from the
Cocoa plant
Other names include:
◦ Coke, Flake, Snow, Crack, Coca, Blanca,
Perico, Nieve, SodaCot
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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.
Type of Drug:
oCocaine is a Central Nervous System
Stimulant
oStimulants speed up the activity of
the nervous and muscular system
oCaffeine, amphetamines, nicotine,
and ephedrine are also CNS
stimulants
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Snorted in the nose
◦ Absorbed through nasal passages (reaches the
brain in 2-3 minutes)
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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”
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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
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“High” replaced by a “Crash” in which the user
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Overdose can cause:
can experience irritability, anxiety, agitation, slight
depression
▶ Sudden death from excessive CNS stimulation can
occur resulting in respiratory paralysis
o
o
o
o
Convulsions
Blood clots
Heart attack
Stroke
▶ Use during pregnancy
o Rapidly passes from mother’s blood stream to placenta of the
baby
o Increased risk for all types of problems
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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
Effect of cocaine on brain chemistry
©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies.
All Rights Reserved.
24
o
o
Rapidly passes from mother’s blood stream
to placenta of the baby
Increased risk for all types of problems
including mental, emotional and physical
disabilities
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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
©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies.
All Rights Reserved.
Chapter Nine
26

Street names include:
◦ Crank, Ice, Crystal, Krystal Meth,
Speed
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Methods of administration:
◦ Can be injected , snorted ,
smoked or ingested
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"Ice" is the crystallized form of
meth
◦ Generally smoked
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In all its forms,
methamphetamine is highly
addictive and toxic.
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:
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Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Increased alertness and excitation
Euphoria
Insomnia
Loss of appetite.
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Chronic abuse produces a
psychosis that resembles
schizophrenia characterized by:
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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.
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Some Opiate drugs include:
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Herion
Opium
Morphine
Methadone
Codeine
Hydrocodone
Oxycodone (Oxycontin)
Meperidine
Fentanyl
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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 can be used
by:
 Injection
 Snorting
 Smoking
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Relieve pain
Drowsiness
Euphoria – “High,” an
exaggerated feeling of wellbeing
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
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Symptoms of
Overdose include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Constriction of pupils
Respiratory depression
and coma
◦ Death
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Withdrawal
symptoms include:
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Cramps
Chills
Sweating
Nausea
Tremors
Irritability
Feelings of panic
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Names of Drugs include:
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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
©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies.
All Rights Reserved.
Chapter Nine
35
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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
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Method of administration:
◦ Typically ingested in forms such as:
 Impregnated paper typically
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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
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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.
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Other names include:
◦ Ecstasy, XTC, Adam; MDA Love Drug;
MDEA (Eve); MBDB, hug, beans
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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.
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MDMA is usually distributed in
tablet form and ingested
◦ Many of these tablets are
imprinted with designs or
commercial logos.
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The effects of MDMA are felt
within 30-45 minutes,
peaking at 60-90 minutes,
and last 4-6 hours.
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Produces both stimulation and hallucination
effects.
Associated with increased energy, sensual
arousal and enhanced tactile sensations.
Effects include:
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Heightened senses
Teeth grinding
Dehydration
Muscle tension
Tremors
Blurred vision
Increased body temperature which can result in
organ failure and death.
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Other names include:
◦ Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily
Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Sodium
Oxybate, Xyrem™
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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.
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Frequently taken with alcohol and
is often found at bars, parties,
nightclubs, raves and gyms.
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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
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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
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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
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Can act as a depressant or a
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Effects include:
hallucinogen
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Hallucinations
Vertigo (dizziness)
Slurred speech
Slow reaction time
Euphoria
Overdose can produce
amnesia and coma
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Other names include:
◦ poppers, rush, snappers, whippets, kick,
bang and amys
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Methods of use
◦ Sniffing
◦ Snorting
◦ “Bagging”
◦ “Huffing”
Types of Inhalants Include:
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Difficult to control because of:

◦ Common household products such as
glue, lighter fluid, cleaning fluids, and
paint
◦ Ease of availability
◦ Low cost
◦ Legal substances to purchase or possess

Low doses may cause users to feel
stimulated
◦ Users can also experience headaches, nausea, loss of
motor coordination, slurred speech
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High doses cause users to feel:
◦ Less inhibited and less in control
◦ Loss of consciousness
◦ Heart failure and death
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Long-term use can lead to:
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Damage to the nervous system
Hearing loss
Increased risk of cancer
Damage to the liver, kidneys and bone marrow
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.

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®).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Increase in muscle mass
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Acne
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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.
Because of the decrease androgenic effects of
testosterone in Anabolic steroids, several sexual side
effects are possible:
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For Males:
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Shrinking of the testicles
Reduced sperm count
Impotence
Baldness
Difficulty in urinating
Development of breasts
Enlarged prostate
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For Females:
◦ Growth of facial hair
◦ Changes in menstruation
◦ Enlargement of the
clitoris
◦ Deepened voice
◦ Breast reduction