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Campus GRC Peakhurst PDHPE Drugs: Where do you stand? Stage 5/ Year 10 PDHPE Drug Education Name: Class: 1 Syllabus Outcomes Outcomes 5.6 and 5.7 • – – – – – – – – drug use effects on relationships effects on community marketing strategies and the media influences on alcohol use and binge drinking influences on cannabis use polydrug use other illicit drugs, eg opiates, hallucinogens, psychostimulants consequences of illicit and unsanctioned drug use • – – – – – influences on health decision-making and risk behaviours individual factors, eg values and attitudes socio cultural factors, eg family, peers, gender, culture political factors, eg laws and regulations economic factors, eg personal and community environmental factors, eg pollution, weather, built environment • – – – – empowering individuals and communities individual action community action developing personal skills, eg advocacy developing supportive environments Students will learn to: • Examine the consequences of alcohol use on the individual and community • Investigate marketing strategies and media influences associated with tobacco and alcohol • Describe the short-term effects and long-term consequences of illicit drug use on the individual and community • Recognise that health decisions and risk behaviours are not simply an individual responsibility but are shaped by a range of influences • Analyse the range of influences that impact on an individual’s ability to behave in healthy and safe ways in relation to: o mental health o healthy food habits o drug use o sexual health o road use o personal safety o physical activity o accessing support services • Propose and evaluate strategies that take into account influences on health decision-making, and support young people to behave in healthy and safe ways • Identify inequities that exist in the local community and propose actions to address them, eg homelessness 2 What is a Drug? Give your own definition of what you think a drug is. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Click on the link below to find the WHO definition. Note below: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug or for a more in-depth definition: http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/terminology/who_lexicon/en/ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3 Brainstorm all you know about drugs WHAT I KNOW ABOUT DRUGS 4 Why do people use drugs? http://www.humehealth.com.au/haod/browse.asp?page=350#Anchor-Wh-64828 Put your ideas under the following three areas in the ven diagram above. You may use the link to the website at the top of this page to give you some ideas. DRUG PERSONAL ENVIRONMENT 5 Why do people use drugs? Questions 1. If a drug is considered legal, does this mean it is safe? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. Think of one legal drug you know about. Explain how safe you believe this drug is. Write you answer in relation to use and prevalence of this drug. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. Do you think a person considers whether a drug is legal or illegal before taking it? Explain your answer with reference to legal ramifications for using illegal drugs. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 6 4. What other influences act upon individuals in relation to their drug use? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 5. What does this popular quote suggest? “Drug problems are often people problems” ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 7 What factors influence drug use? • ________________________________________________________________________ • ________________________________________________________________________ • ________________________________________________________________________ • ________________________________________________________________________ • ________________________________________________________________________ • ________________________________________________________________________ • ________________________________________________________________________ • ________________________________________________________________________ How does drug use effect relationships? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ How does drug use effect the community? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Anti-drug Campaign “Lost Dreams” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLlwNq1cKb8&feature=related 8 Mixing Drugs (Poly-drug use) What is poly-drug use? Poly-drug use involves: using two or more drugs at the same time or on the same occasion, or using two or more drugs within a certain period, but not necessarily at the same time. Why do people mix drugs together? People mix drugs together for a number of reasons. List some reasons you believe people mix drugs. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 9 What effect does it have to mix drugs? It is not always possible to predict the exact effects of a single drug or a single dose of a drug. We know that the effect of drugs can vary from person to person. Even within the same individual, the effects of a particular drug can vary each time it is used. This variation depends on three factors: the drug: strength, amount used, frequency of use and how a person used it (whether they swallowed, smoked, snorted or injected it) the person: their mood, expectations of the drug and usual personality the setting: where the person is and the people they are with. Mixing drugs together can make the effects even more unpredictable. The effects also depend on which drugs are mixed together. 10 Mixing ‘stimulant’ drugs For example, speed with ecstasy or cocaine with speed Mixing any two drugs can be very dangerous. Stimulant drugs speed up the functioning of the central nervous system. This means that they increase your heart rate, breathing, etc. Combining stimulant drugs will place an even greater strain on the body, particularly the heart. Mixing ‘depressant’ drugs For example, alcohol with heroin or heroin with benzodiazepines Mixing any two drugs can be very dangerous. Depressant drugs slow down the functioning of the central nervous system, meaning that they decrease heart rate and breathing. If you slow these functions down too much by combining drugs there is the risk of falling into a coma, or even death. Mixing a ‘depressant’ and ‘stimulant’ drug Mixing any two drugs can be very dangerous. Mixing a depressant and stimulant drug can lead to an unpredictable reaction in the body. It places great pressure on the body as the effects of the two drugs compete with one another. The depressant drug tries to slow the body down, while the stimulant tries to speed it up – this can result in an unpredictable overall reaction. For example, if you mix: Alcohol and ecstasy: Both alcohol and ecstasy when used on their own can lead to dehydration (depletion of body fluids). Mixing alcohol with ecstasy places greater strain on the liver and kidneys. This can cause excessive dehydration and overheating. Severe dehydration is serious and can be fatal. Alcohol and cannabis: Sometimes when people use cannabis they can end up feeling physically sick; known as ‘greening out’. When they ‘green out’ they might go pale or even look green; they can feel sweaty and dizzy; they may experience nausea and might even throw up. Not even lying down helps to relieve the symptoms. Although it is not clear exactly why this occurs, one explanation may be the mixing of cannabis with alcohol. There is some evidence which suggests that alcohol in the body can speed up the absorption of THC in the body. This means that the cannabis can end up having a much stronger effect. Although this is one possible explanation, more research is needed to confirm this interaction between the drugs. 11 Do you always know what drug you are taking? With the majority of drugs it is impossible to know the exact ingredients of the drug. Drugs are usually manufactured or grown illegally, and may contain other substances to increase the quantity and financial returns. This means that if you use an illicit drug, you have no real way of knowing what you are using. The result from mixing drugs can be very unpredictable and sometimes fatal. Think of a celebrity throughout history who has died as a result of mixing drugs (poly-drug use). Describe the circumstances and what happened after researching this event. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 12 What is illicit drug use? Use the website below: http://www.dassa.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=113 Give a definition first: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Describe the short term effects and long term consequences of illicit drug use on the individual and the community. Short term effects ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Long term consequences _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ 13 Drug types There are many different types of illicit drugs (and alcohol) including: Alcohol Amphetamines Cannabis Cocaine Ecstasy Hallucinogens Heroin Inhalants Pharmaceuticals Steroids What are the consequences of illicit and unsanctioned drug use? Consider the individual and the community in your answer… ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 14 Amphetamines Description The term amphetamines covers several similar substances including amphetamine sulphate, dexamphetamine and methamphetamine. Amphetamines are produced from an oil base but may be found in a number of forms. The most common is for the oil to be converted into a powder. The powder may be made into capsules or tablets. Methamphetamine may appear as rock-like crystals or as a liquid. Methamphetamine, although structurally similar to amphetamine, is more pure and longer lasting. Occasionally a very high purity gel or putty like substance can be produced. Amphetamine is often "cut" with adulterants such as sugar, glucose or ephedrine. Effects Amphetamines are psychostimulant drugs and their primary effect is to speed up the activity of the brain and nervous system. The user's heart and breathing rate increase and they may experience increased energy, alertness and confidence. Appetite may be suppressed and they may become talkative and excited. The less sought after effects include heart palpitations, anxiety and irritability. At higher doses, amphetamine can cause irregular heartbeat, headaches, dizziness and panic attacks. Long term, heavy amphetamine use can lead to insomnia and malnutrition. Psychological and emotional problems such as depression, paranoia and extreme aggressiveness can develop. In some cases, users may experience amphetamine psychosis - a psychological state, similar to schizophrenia characterised by paranoid delusions. Amphetamine overdose can cause stroke, heart attack, seizure, coma or death. 15 Method of use Amphetamines can be injected, snorted, smoked or taken orally. Australian law Excluding some amphetamine-based drugs which are available on prescription for medical conditions such as narcolepsy and hyperactivity, the possession, use, manufacture and distribution of amphetamines is illegal throughout Australia, as is its importation. Many states have restricted access to the precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of amphetamines and their importation is strictly controlled. Prevalence, market and production in Australia In a 2004 survey, more than 9% of Australians aged 14 and over indicated they had used amphetamines at some stage in their lifetime and 3% had used amphetamines in the past 12 months. According to the Australian Crime Commission, there is an increase in the number of young recreational drug users smoking crystal methamphetamine. Research also indicated an increase in use of methamphetamine, which occurred around the same time as the heroin shortage in Australia in 2000-01. Questions: 1. What is the primary effect of an Amphetamine? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. What are the long term effects of Amphetamine use? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. How are amphetamines administered into the body? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 4. How many Australians use amphetamines? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 16 Cocaine Description Cocaine is extracted from the leaves of the coca bush. In Australia, cocaine is most commonly available as cocaine hydrochloride, a white powder, although it can found as an alkaloid form for smoking or in the form of small crystals known as "crack". In its powdered form, cocaine is often "cut" with other substances such as lactose, sucrose and talcum powder to increase volume and reduce purity. Effects Cocaine is a stimulant, increasing the speed of central nervous system activity. The effects of cocaine are felt almost immediately and can last between minutes or hours. These effects include increased body temperature and heart rate, reduced appetite and heightened levels of energy and alertness. Although cocaine can cause euphoria and increased confidence, it may cause anxiety and panic. In larger doses or if used repeatedly over hours, cocaine can lead to extreme agitation, panic, paranoia, hallucinations, dizziness, trembling, nausea and heart attack. Concentration and coordination may deteriorate. Long-term, heavy cocaine users can become restless, over-excitable and paranoid. They may also experience nausea, weight loss and depression. In some cases, psychosis occurs. Snorting cocaine damages the nasal passages. Method of use Cocaine is usually inhaled through the nose. In the alkaloid form it may be injected or smoked. Australian law The possession, use, manufacture and distribution of cocaine is illegal throughout Australia, as is its importation. Prevalence, market and production in Australia In a 2004 survey, one percent of people aged 14 years and over indicated they had used cocaine in the previous 12 months. 17 Coca leaf is only grown in three countries for commercial distribution. These countries are Bolivia, Columbia and Peru. Therefore there is no local production of cocaine in Australia. There is evidence to suggest that some Columbians living in Australia are involved in the importation of cocaine. A number of ethnic based crime syndicates and outlaw motorcycle gangs are involved in the distribution of cocaine within Australia. Common street names Coke, crack, okey dokey, charlie, nose candy, big C, blow, marching powder, snow, white lady, ceci, candi. 1. What is the primary effect of Cocaine use? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. What are the long term effects of Cocaine use? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. How is Cocaine administered into the body? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 4. How many Australians use Cocaine? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 18 Ecstasy Description Ecstasy is the street name for a range of drugs including, or similar in chemical structure to MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Some of these include MDA, MDEA and PMA. Ecstasy belongs to the family of synthetic drugs known as phenethylamines. Ecstasy tablets may contain varying mixtures of MDMA and related drugs (including amphetamine) as well other substances. Many ecstasy pills are fake and contain little or no MDMA. In its original form, ecstasy is a white, bitter-tasting oil. It is usually available in tablet form and sometimes as capsules. Tablets vary in colour, size and design. Tablets may be crushed to give the appearance of a powder. Effects Ecstasy has both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. Like other stimulants, ecstasy causes increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. It can also lead to increased confidence and euphoria. The hallucinogenic properties can lead to altered perception. Users may experience clenching of the jaw, grinding of the teeth, nausea, anxiety, as well as profuse sweating, a tingling feeling and blurred vision. Used in high doses, MDMA may lead to an amphetamine like psychosis, vomiting, convulsions and kidney failure. Overdose is characterised by very high body temperatures and blood pressure, accelerated heartbeat and hallucinations. In addition to deaths caused directly by the drug, people have died by becoming overheated, sometimes through the combination of ecstasy use, vigorous dancing and hot humid venues, or from dilution hyponatremia, a flooding of the brain due to excess fluid consumption. Method of use Ecstasy is usually taken orally either in tablet or capsule form. The powdered form can be snorted, smoked or injected. In some cases, the pill is crushed and swallowed inside a folded napkin, known as "parachuting" or "bombing", or is inserted in the anus or vagina, a method known as "shelving", "plugging" or "shafting". 19 Australian law The possession, use, manufacture and distribution of amphetamines is illegal throughout Australia, as is its importation. Many states have restricted access to the precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of the drug and their importation is strictly controlled. Prevalence, market and production in Australia In a 2004 survey, approximately 1.2 million people aged 14 years and over indicated they had used ecstasy in their life, with over half a million indicating use in the previous 12 months. The majority of ecstasy used in Australia is believed to have been illegally imported. Surveys indicate that most ecstasy users source their drugs from friends, acquaintances or at venues. Often these deals took place at private residences. There is a significant level of dealing in "fake ecstasy", drugs marketed as ecstasy but containing drugs other than MDMA, such as amphetamines. Common street names E, Adam, XTC, eccies, the love drug, the hug drug. Questions: 1. What is the primary effect of Ecstasy use? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. What is an overdose characterised by? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 3. How is Ecstasy administered into the body? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 20 Hallucinogens Description Hallucinogens can be naturally occurring or produced by a chemical process. They come in a wide variety of forms from plants to small tabs of printed blotting paper. The two most common hallucinogens in the Australian illicit drug market are LSD and psilocybin. LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a synthetic drug. It may be produced as a white powder, tablets, capsules or most commonly, impregnated in blotting paper. Psilocybin occurs naturally in certain varieties of mushrooms. The mushrooms may be presented whole, cooked in food or as a tea. Effects Hallucinogens act upon the central nervous system to cause radical changes in sensory perception. Users may experience intense sensory perception, a mixing of senses, confusion and a distorted self image. Physiological effects include rapid heart beat, chills and increased blood pressure. Some people using hallucinogens may experience vivid but negative hallucinations, extreme feelings of panic and anxiety, and paranoia. Tolerance to hallucinogens develops quickly. However, there is no evidence of physical dependence even after long-term use, or of withdrawal symptoms after ceasing such use. Some users of LSD may experience "flashback" hallucinations for up to a year once they have stopped taking the drugs. 21 Method of use LSD can be taken orally, sniffed, smoked or injected. The liquid form may be rubbed into the skin and tabs are occasionally placed under the eyelids of users. LSD is highly potent and very small doses are used. Mushrooms containing psilocybin are ingested whole, as an ingredient in food or brewed as a tea. Australian law The cultivation, manufacture, possession, use and supply of hallucinogens is illegal throughout Australia as is their importation. Prevalence, market and production in Australia In a 2004 survey, 1.2 million people aged 14 years and over indicated they had used hallucinogens in their lifetime, with 116,400 using hallucinogens in the preceding 12 months. LSD is not generally produced in Australia and is mainly imported from the United States of America. There are 30 types of hallucinogenic mushrooms growing naturally in this country and there have been seizures of spores from other countries. Common street names There is a range of street names for the various types of hallucinogens. LSD is known as acid, trips, blotters, mellow or tabs or may be named after the design on the blotting paper. Mushrooms may be known by their common botanical names or as "magic mushrooms". Questions: 1. What are the short term effects of hallucinogens? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. What are the long term effects of hallucinogen use? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. How are hallucinogens administered into the body? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 4. How many Australians use hallucinogens? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 22 Inhalants Description Inhalants, also called solvents or volatile substances, vaporise in air and cause intoxication when inhaled. Many are ordinary household products such as glue, aerosol sprays, butane gas, some cleaning fluids, paint thinners, chromebased paints and petrol. Effects Most inhalants are depressants, which slow the brain and central nervous system activity. Their effects are similar to those of alcohol or cannabis. Small amounts can have a very rapid effect, causing a reduction in inhibitions, mild excitement or euphoria. Some users engage in reckless or dangerous behaviour while under the influence of inhalants. They may cause anxiety. The effects of inhalants usually last about an hour and the initial excitement often gives way to drowsiness. Hangovers and headaches may occur and can last for several days. Large doses of inhalants can lead to disorientation and loss of coordination as well as nausea, visual distortions and diarrhoea. Habitual use can cause flulike symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and a runny nose. Frequent users may suffer nosebleeds, bloodshot eyes, anaemia, weight loss and sores around the mouth and nose with some long-term users becoming irritable, depressed, paranoid or aggressive. Long-term use of inhalants can damage internal organs, the brain and the nervous system. The use of alcohol with inhalants can increase the severity of inhalant-related brain damage. Regular abusers can develop both psychological and physical dependence and a tolerance to inhalants. Withdrawal symptoms after heavy use are usually mild. One of the main dangers associated with inhalant use are the associated accidents such as suffocation and reckless behaviour. 'Sudden sniffing death', although rare, has been reported in Australia. 23 Method of use As the name suggests, inhalants are inhaled by users, often by concentrating the fumes in plastic bags or tins. Australian law As most inhalants are everyday items with common lawful uses, their simple possession is not illegal in Australia. Some states have laws allowing the apprehension of people affected by inhalants and the seizure of items. In Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory, it is an offence to supply inhalants to anyone who, it is believed, intends to misuse them. There are some restrictions on the marketing of products which are likely to be misused as inhalants and many businesses, such as hardware stores, operate under codes of practice to reduce the availability of substances to users. Prevalence, market and production in Australia Although there are some restrictions on their purchase, intoxicants are readily available for legal purchase throughout Australia. Many users, however, will steal rather than buy substances. In a 2004 survey, 70,000 Australians aged 14 years and over indicated using inhalants in the preceding 12 months. Questions: 1. What are the short term effects of inhalants? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. What are the long term effects of inhalant use? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. How are inhalants administered into the body? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 4. How many Australians use inhalants? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 5. What are the laws relating to inhalants? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 24 The facts about ICE What is "Ice"? "Ice" is a street name for crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride, which is a powerful, synthetic stimulant drug. Ice often appears as large, transparent and "sheet-like" crystals but may also be coloured (often pink, blue or green). Other street names for ice include "meth", "crystal meth", "shabu" and "glass". How is it used? Like other methamphetamines, ice is usually snorted, swallowed or inserted anally. It is also smoked or injected, producing a rapid onset of the drug's effects. Smoking or inhaling ice has become more common in Australia in recent times. Smokers use a glass pipe, while others heat the ice on aluminium foil and inhale it ("chasing"). Ice is usually sold in "points" (0.1 gram), due to its high purity. What are the effects of ice? The effects of any drug (including ice) vary from person to person, depending on the individual's size, weight and health, how much and how the drug is taken, whether the person is used to taking it and whether other drugs are taken. Effects also depend on the environment in which the drug is used - such as whether the person is alone, with others or at a party. Ice is a potent stimulant drug, which speeds up the activity of the central nervous system. Although few deaths have been reported in Australia as a direct result of using ice, it is considered more addictive and is associated with more significant physical, emotional and social harms than other types of amphetamines. The physical effects of ice may include: Dilated pupils Blurred vision Dry mouth Increased breathing rate Severe headache Tremors of the hands and fingers Nausea Excessive sweating Dizziness Increased blood pressure Increased body temperature Rapid and irregular heartbeat Permanent damage to blood vessels in the brain, usually associated with very high doses (in extreme cases death may occur). 25 Ice can also affect a person's behaviour, including: Increase in physical activity Restlessness and anxiety Aggression, hostility and violence Elevated mood and feelings of euphoria and wellbeing Talkativeness and repeating simple acts or tasks Impaired judgments making the user impulsive and leading to chronic insomnia Abrupt shifts in thought and speech, which can make someone using ice difficult to comprehend Paranoia or panic attacks associated with hallucinations "Amphetamine psychosis", which users of very high doses may suffer, with symptoms resembling paranoid schizophrenia. Longer term use of ice may result in: Severe depression Paranoia Convulsions Hallucinations Heart-related complications (heart attack and heart failure have been associated with chronic use) Decreased appetite leading to possible malnutrition and rapid weight loss Lung and kidney disorders that may prove fatal Dental problems (from grinding teeth) Withdrawal Some people experience withdrawal symptoms once they have stopped using ice. These symptoms may include: Severe depression Apathy Long periods of sleep Disorientation Decreased energy Agitation Anxiety The limited ability to experience pleasure Extreme exhaustion can follow binge use of methamphetamine thus creating an overpowering need to use more of the drug. 26 Questions 1. Describe what ICE is. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. What are the other street names for ICE? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. How do people administer ICE? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 4. What impacts on the effects of ICE on the body? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 5. Fill in the following table. Physical Effects Behavioural Effects Long Term Effects 27 Heroin Description Heroin is an opioid or narcotic analgesic made from a sticky resin secreted by the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. Produced by a chemical process, it results in a white, brown or pink powder or granules. The most common form of heroin seized in Australia is the purest form - a white powder that is easily dissolved and injected intravenously. Street heroin is often "cut" with additives making it difficult to establish the actual contents or purity of a street deal. A crude form of heroin made from codeine is known as "homebake". Effects Heroin is a depressant drug, slowing the activity of the central nervous system. The initial effect of heroin, experienced immediately after injecting, is a rush of intense pleasure and feelings of well-being. This lasts about half an hour and gives way to three to four hours of lethargy. Heroin reduces pain, hunger and libido and slows breathing and pulse rate. Blood pressure decreases and the pupils of the eyes get smaller. Heavier doses cause a feeling of warmth and increase the likelihood of sleep ('on the nod') but may lead to nausea and vomiting. Overdoses can cause respiratory failure and death. When heroin is taken in combination with other depressant drugs (such as alcohol or benzodiazepines) its effects are magnified, as is the risk of overdose. Long-term use of heroin can lead to a loss of appetite and sex drive, sexual dysfunction, pneumonia and constipation. Psychological and physical dependence are common results of long-term use and can lead to financial, dietary, lifestyle and health problems. Dependent users develop a tolerance and need higher doses to achieve the same effects. Some common treatment options for heroin-dependent users include methadone, naltrexone and burprenorphine maintenance, and counselling. Method of use Heroin is most commonly injected intravenously but it can be smoked or snorted. Alternatively, heroin can be heated on tin foil and the vapours inhaled, a practice known as "chasing the dragon" or "tooting". 28 Australian law The manufacture, possession, use and supply of heroin is illegal throughout Australia as is its importation. Prevalence, market and production in Australia In 2004, 384,800 people aged 14 years and over reported having used heroin, methadone and/or other opioids in their lifetime, with 56,300 using in the previous 12 months. Heroin is produced in three major regions known as the golden triangle (Burma, Laos, Thailand), golden crescent (Afghanistan) and Central and South America. The majority of heroin imported into Australia comes from Burma. However there are suggestions that due to the continuing decline in opium production in South East Asia, traffickers may begin to look to Afghanistan as a source of heroin. Policing agencies indicate that most of the importation and distribution of heroin is controlled by a small number of crime groups. Questions: 1. What are the short term effects of Heroin use? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. What are the long term effects of Heroin use? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. How is Heroin administered into the body? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 4. How many Australians use Heroin? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 5. What are some common treatment options for Heroin users? ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 29 Heroin and Legal Usage Using the information provided on the following website links below, locate and list the points in support of and points against the following debate: Should Heroin be provided legally to addicts? Heroin - Druginfo - NSW Government http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/druginfo/drugs/drug_laws/legislation_debate.html Points in support of topic of debate (Affirmative): Points against the topic of debate (Negative): 30 Influences on Health Decision Making and Risk Behaviours How do the following influence the decisions we make regarding risk-taking behaviours and behaviours that affect all aspects of our health (physical, mental/emotional, spiritual and social)? Individual factors, eg. Personal values and attitudes ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Sociocultural factors, eg. Family, peers, gender, culture ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Economic factors, eg. Family income ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 31 Extension Activity Choose one of the following questions and write an extended response that highlights your opinion on one of these ethical issues. Should schools be concerned about and take responsibility for student’s behaviour after school hours/ private behaviour of students? Is it ethical to provide drug users with clean needles and syringes? Who is responsible for the wide use of drugs (both legal and illegal) in our society today? 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____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 35 Some more useful links to Drug-related issues and websites Drugs and the law link to govt site http://www.deewr.gov.au/Schooling/Programs/REDI/ecstasydrugs/infodrugs/consequ encesuse/Pages/Home.aspx Anti- Smoking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YjrkBYDDQM&feature=related Drug awareness campaigns- Australian Government and NSW Health http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSXrTrhx6Us http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVRO_a6pQB8&feature=related 36