BYU Health Unit 6

What are five refusal skill steps when in a difficult situation?

* Here are the five refusal-skills steps to use when faced with a difficult situation: * Ask questions * Name the trouble * State the consequences * Suggest an alternative * Move it, sell it, and leave the door

What are illicit drugs?

* Illicit Drugs- drugs that are easier to get addicted to and have drastic effects when abused (can be harmful and dangerous) * Addiction to such drugs as these occurs because the body eventually gets used to the amount of these drugs that it is consumed. It starts to need them and requires more of that drug to produce the same effects as before.

What are the parts of a drug label?

* Active ingredients-the active ingredients along with the amount of each ingredient that is in one serving of the drug. * Inactive ingredients- usually the colorings, coatings, and fillers of the medicine. * Indications- why the drug should be used. * Directions- usually has separate dosage amounts for adults and children and states what the maximum dosage in a twenty-four-hour period is. * Warnings and contraindications- include side effects that could happen if you use the drug and reasons why you should not use the drug including having high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or other health conditions; it also reminds the consumer not to exceed the recommended dosage—more is not always better. * Drug interaction precautions- reminds the consumer to not use this product if he or she is on certain medications because of the potential for drug interactions and organ damage. An example is: "Do not take if using medications for depression or Parkinson's." * Alcohol warning- his is not found on every package, but if necessary it will alert the consumer that alcohol combined with this drug may increase the drowsiness effect or increase one's risk for liver damage.

What is additive interaction? ex?

* Additive interaction- some medications that can work positively together * Ex: a muscle relaxer and an anti-inflammatory prescribed together for joint pain

What is alcohol?

* Alcohol- a depressant on the central nervous system, the brain being the organ that is especially affected shrinking in size even with moderate alcohol use; memory loss and impairment of motor skills occur in different degrees. The first area of the brain affected by alcohol is the area that regulates inhibitions and judgment. This may cause uninhibited behavior, which is sometimes misinterpreted as a "stimulated" effect. * Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug due to its accessibility and relatively low cost. * Approximately 10 percent of those who drink become alcoholics. Around half of all the alcohol in the United States is consumed by only 10 percent of the population. Can start as early as the sixth grade, and many teenagers are considered to have serious drinking problems. Children become chemically dependent much more rapidly than adults.

What are amphetamines?

* Amphetamines- often called "speed," are stimulants that speed up the heart rate and breathing rate and cause sleeplessness, anxiety, and a loss of appetite. Medically they are used to promote weight loss and to treat narcolepsy, an uncontrollable need to sleep. But some people use amphetamines illegally to stay awake and alert, to feel "high," to improve athletic performance, or to offset the effects of barbiturates (depressants). * Repeated use of amphetamines leads to tolerance, which means more is needed to achieve the same affects as before. Chronic use of amphetamines leads the individual to spend much of his or her time in pursuit of the drug. The dependency on amphetamines is psychological, with a possible risk of physical dependency. * Large doses of amphetamines can result in behavior disturbances, delusions of persecution, and unprovoked violence. Other side effects of amphetamines include malnutrition, weight loss, damage to blood vessels, strokes, and high blood pressure. The symptoms of amphetamine overdose include hallucinations, convulsions, rises in body temperature, and the possibility of death. The withdrawal symptoms from amphetamines include apathy, lack of motivation, long periods of sleep, irritability, and depression. * As noted previously, amphetamines are sometimes used to help promote weight loss. This has become more common with the increased popularity of prescription diet pills such as Fen-Phen and Redux. After a few weeks, the person develops tolerance to the drug and more is required to achieve the same effect. For many people, when they stop taking the drug their appetite returns and the weight rebounds. This occurs because many people had not made changes in their eating behaviors while on the drug. The drugs increased their metabolism and the people were able to lose weight regardless of the amount and type of foods they were consuming. * Women who use amphetamines during pregnancy increase the risk of premature birth, stillbirth, and early infant death. The babies also run a greater-than-normal risk for cleft lip, cleft palate, and deformed arms and legs.

What are anabolic steroids? side effects?

* Anabolic steroids- steroids used to boost muscle strength and mass, but they are illegal because of their horrible side effects. * Side effects include stunted growth, increased risk of liver problems, high blood pressure (which may lead to a heart attack or stroke), and problems with reproduction. The tendons may also snap because the muscles get large quite quickly and the tendons are not strong enough to handle the increased muscle weight and strength. Steroids also cause many psychological disturbances including aggressiveness and anger, addiction, depression, sleep problems, and mood swings

What are analgesics? Ex?

* Analgesics- medications that relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness, which can be bought a local supermarkets * Ex: aspring, Tylenol, and ibuprofen

What is the antagonistic effect? ex?

* Antagonistic Effect- an effect that occurs when the effect of one medication is reduced by another * Ex: fluoride pills (preventing tooth decay) are taken with milk

What are some tips for a healthy lifestyle involving drugs?

* Be sure to read all medication labels before taking any over-the-counter drug * Make sure your doctor and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications in order to prevent tragedy with unintended drug interactions * Always read the drug information provided to you by your pharmacist when you receive your prescription medication.

What is blood doping? side effects?

* Blood doping- a self-transfusion in which red blood cells that were previously removed from the athlete are inserted back into his or her blood before exercise in an attempt to increase the amount of oxygen the athlete has during exercise. * May offer an aerobic benefit, very serious health problems can occur. The blood can thicken, which puts extra strain on the heart. Blood doping also may increase the risk of blood clots leading to heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary (lung) embolism (an embolism is a traveling blood clot)

What is COPD? Emphysema? Chronic Bronchitis?

* COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)- diseases that are specifically linked to smoking including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which have no cures * Emphysema- an irreversible enlargement of the air sacs due to destruction of the alveolar (air sacs) walls. * Chronic bronchitis- a disease characterized by excessive mucous production and a productive cough that persists for at least three months over two consecutive years.

How is caffeine consumed?

* Caffeine is a drug that often gets overlooked as an actual drug. It is commonly found in coffee, tea, many carbonated drinks, chocolate, and some medications. It occurs naturally in tea and coffee, but is prepared synthetically for commercial use in other products. Caffeine is also added to legal drugs such as Tylenol #3, Empirin #3, and Excedrin, since it increases the action of pain relievers. * Caffeine is consumed orally. It is located in many different foods and drinks, one of the most common being soft drinks. * Soft drinks were first marketed for their medicinal value. Nowadays caffeine is found in numerous soft drinks.

Why do athletes use caffeine?

* Caffeine is sometimes used as an athletic supplement. * Researchers have found that drinking some caffeine about one hour before an event may benefit certain athletes, but not athletes who have not sufficiently stored glycogen (sugar) in their liver and muscles, who are not heavily trained, or who use caffeine often. * According to the International Olympic Committee, it is illegal for an athlete to have more than 600 milligrams of caffeine in his or her blood at the time of a competition * Caffeine is also a diuretic and will increase the formation of urine, which may lead to dehydration and an extra trip or two to the bathroom. If you drink caffeine, be sure to drink extra water to prevent the complications of dehydration

What are appropriate circumstances for taking a vitamin or mineral supplement?

* Circumstances where vitamin or mineral supplementation is appropriate: * vitamin B12 for vegetarians with a strict diet * folic acid for men and women of child-bearing age * vitamin D and calcium for those with limited milk and dairy intake and allergies * vitamin and mineral supplements taken during pregnancy and by those on severe weight loss diets * There also seems to be agreement that "young children, women of child-bearing age, pregnant women, [nursing mothers], tobacco users, and the elderly" could benefit from the use of low doses of a multi-vitamin or mineral supplement.

What is cocaine?

* Cocaine- white powder made from the coca plant, which grows in South America known on the streets as "coke," "snow," "white lady," and "flake." Cocaine can be snorted, inhaled, or sometimes injected into the veins with other drugs such as heroin. * In 1873 Alexander Bennet, a physician, noticed that cocaine has anesthetic properties. Later a German physician in 1883 gave his soldiers cocaine and recorded that they could handle fatigue better than before. Psychologist Sigmund Freud tried the drug himself in order to relieve his depression. Freud saw a friend become addicted to cocaine, so he decided to quit using it. Cocaine made its way into the twentieth century as an additive for Coca-Cola. When it became obvious that people became addicted to cocaine, its use was outlawed in the United States. * Cocaine is Cocaine was popular in the 1980s as a high priced "status" drug. * Cocaine is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs, and it can kill. No individual can predict whether he or she will become addicted or whether the next dose of cocaine will be fatal. Even one hit of cocaine can cause immediate death. It also causes a high percentage of visits to the hospital emergency room. Some of the adverse affects of cocaine are respiratory system problems, cardiovascular system problems, liver damage, brain damage, and circulatory system problems.

What is creatine monohydrate? side effects?

* Creatine monohydrate- a chemical that is made from amino acids, and it helps store energy in the muscles * Muscle contraction requires energy, which is fueled by the breakdown of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) into ADP (adenosine diphosphate). Supposedly the body uses the supplement creatine "to convert ADP back into ATP." Having more ATP means the body can break it down again for more energy. Therefore, the energy can cycle at a faster rate. * The side effects of creatine include stomach problems, diarrhea, dehydration, and muscle cramping. The dehydration could lead to other problems such as mental confusion, blood pressure changes, and even death.

What is ecstasy?

* Ecstasy (methlyne-dioxymethamphetamine or MDMA)- a combination of methamphetamines and hallucinogens. * It is also known as X-TC, Adam, Clarity, and Lover's Speed. Because many different recipes are used to make ecstasy, the risk of death and permanent brain damage are heightened as happens when some substances are combined. It is available in tablet, capsule, or powder form. Pills are stamped with logos of Nike, Motorola, and Calvin Klein to market to younger persons. However, 40 percent of the pills made are not ecstasy at all. * Because it is inexpensive and easily accessible, ecstasy is gaining in popularity.The side effects can last up to twenty-four hours and include confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and paranoia. These can also occur weeks after the drug is taken. * Because ecstasy alters serotonin levels in the brain (serotonin is a chemical that affects mood and emotion among other things), researchers have found that chronic use can lead to long-term or permanent damage to those parts of the brain critical to thought, memory, and pleasure. This happens when nerve cells become damaged by the swelling of serotonin at the endings and wither and die; an attempt to re-grow leads to abnormality. * Physical effects include muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, chills or sweating, dehydration, hypertension, loss of control over voluntary body movements, tremors, reduced appetite, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, seizure, and malignant hyperthermia. Users can also experience euphoria, enhanced mental and emotional clarity, hallucinations, sensations of lightness and floating, and violent irrational behavior. Possibly the most difficult withdrawal symptom from using ecstasy is that the user does not enjoy things they once enjoyed. They find it impossible to be happy, as they once were, without the drug.

What are effects of heroin?

* Effects of Heroin: Heroin reduces pain and induces euphoria by releasing endorphins, hormones that block pain and anxiety. However, euphoria is followed by drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, constricted pupils, watery eyes, slow breathing, clammy skin, and itching. Overdose can cause respiratory failure, convulsions, coma, and even death. The user never knows whether the next dose will be unusually potent, leading to his or her death. * Those addicted to heroin often commit crime, experience intense suffering, and may carry out suicide. Like other narcotics, injecting with unsterile needles increases risk of HIV and hepatitis. * Heroin use during pregnancy is associated with stillbirths and miscarriages. Babies born addicted to heroin must undergo withdrawal after birth and show a number of developmental problems

What is ephedrine?

* Ephedrine- the main component of the ephedra (ma-huang) plant; an herb that is really an illicit drug, but once widely used as a weight loss supplement, but it has been shown to have deadly side effects. * Ephedrine is classified as a stimulant. Its effects on the body are very similar to those of amphetamines. It is sold in some "power boost" products and is quite accessible, especially from gasoline convenience stores. It is not supposed to be sold at all to minors, but high-school students have told me no one has ever denied them a sale. * Ephedrine is a very dangerous drug and one that had not been closely monitored until recently. If used with caffine, the side effects are potentially increased, raising the likelihood of severe complications. Its effects might also be worsened if the patient has any underlying heart disease, high blood pressure, or even dehydration. * There have been at least seventeen deaths attributed to ephedrine. Over eight hundred reports of medical side effects have been directly linked to ephedrine. It causes blood vessel constriction. Reports indicate that the supplement causes side effects such as a racing heart and psychosis. Other side effects include heartbeat irregularities, seizures, heart attacks, and strokes. * The FDA does not currently regulate the amount of ephedrine found in most products, although that may change. Ephedrine should never be used. A heart attack or stroke could occur the first time it is used.

What is ETS?

* Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)- (secondhand smoke)causes 38,000 deaths annually from heart and lung diseases. Children are especially sensitive to ETS because children breathe faster than adults and, as a result, breathe in more air. Also, their lungs aren't as fully developed as adult lungs. * ETS may cause the development of asthma in children or aggravate symptoms in children who already suffer from asthma. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that some 9 million American children are exposed to ETS annually in their homes

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?

* Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or FAS- a set of symptoms associated with the intake of alcohol by the mother and the subsequent effects on the fetus and, later, on the developing infant and child considered to be one of the world's most common causes of mental retardation and nerve problems. Its symptoms include problems in growth, facial malformations, and brain problems. * Alcohol moves through the mother's blood to the fetus in the same concentration as is found in the mother. The fetus, however, does not have a mature liver and is unable to remove the alcohol from its bloodstream. The concentration of the alcohol remains high in the fetus' blood until the mother's blood alcohol level decreases. Then the alcohol crosses back from the fetus into the mother's blood where it is finally broken down by her liver. * The effect of alcohol begins early in fetal development. If the mother is a heavy consumer of alcohol, the baby will go through withdrawal symptoms including agitation, hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures. The baby will then experience fatigue and finally resume normal behavior patterns. Newborns of mothers who have consumed large quantities of alcohol have difficulty sucking, which makes it difficult to feed, causing failure to thrive and irritability. * Have smaller heads, lower birth weight, deformed facial features, abnormal joints, abnormal arms and legs, poor muscle coordination, difficulty learning, and difficulty remembering. There may also be heart defects. * The expected outcome for infants born with FAS is poor. There is no real treatment available for the mental retardation these children experience. The birth defects are also considered to be congenital, which means they are permanent for that child.

What are growth hormones? side effects?

* Growth hormones- hormones used to produce large muscles, however, they also promote the growth of bones and body organs. * When too much growth hormone is used, it causes increased and abnormal growth of body organs and soft tissues, which could lead to an early death.

What are herbs?

* Herbs- considered by the FDA to be a dietary supplement, according to the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 creating a dilemma for the American population because they can either help or harm the body. Consumers need to be wary of the effects of dietary supplements and herbs and it can react with any meds or foods we take; just because it says herb does not mean it is safe

What are alcohol short term effects?

* In small quantities, alcoholic beverages—beers, wines, distilled spirits, liqueurs, and so on—dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, stimulate appetite, and increase heart rate, gastric secretion, and urine output. * Short-term effects are related to the concentration of alcohol in the blood; low levels usually produce mild sedation, and higher levels usually produce behavioral changes resulting from the depression of various brain centers. At still higher levels, alcohol can produce stupor, coma, or death.

What are short-term effects of marijuana?

* In the brain, marijuana causes chemical changes. It hinders the neurotransmitter acetycholine, a chemical that triggers various types of signals throughout the nervous system. Some have observed that a person's ability to control behavior is limited when using marijuana, making some people talkative and others quiet and withdrawn. Some users may experience anxiety attacks, which also impairs their decision-making skills. * The effects of using marijuana include a relaxed state with increased sensitivity to sound, touch, and sight, in other words, changes to one's sensory perception. The changes in visual perception make it extremely dangerous to operate a car or other machinery. Marijuana depresses the ability to concentrate, coordinate movements, and react quickly. It makes it difficult to judge distances and react to signals and sounds on the road. Time seems to pass slowly when a person uses marijuana, and short-term memory is impaired.

What are inhalants?

* Inhalants- drugs act as depressants, slowing down the body's function, and when huffing in any amount, users can lose control of their behavior and emotions, and may even lose consciousness. * The typical inhalant user is between the ages of seven and seventeen because inhalants are easily accessible and cheap to buy. Toxic fumes are found in gasoline, paint thinners, glue, aerosols, nail polish remover, paints, hair spray, and cleaning fluids. * Some people may accidentally poison themselves when using these chemicals to paint or to clean, so making sure the working area is open to fresh air is important. * The benefits of chemical vapors have been used in medicine for years, especially as anesthetics. * Ex: Nitrous oxide or laughing gas, chloroform, and ether * The direct effects of using inhalants inappropriately are nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, bad breath, loss of coordination, and anorexia (lack of appetite). The heart rate and breathing rate decrease. The more serious effects include a loss of self-control, violence, coma, and death. "Sniffing" or "huffing" can produce heart failure, even on the first try. The continued use of inhalants may result in the permanent destruction of cells in the brain, liver, kidney, and bone.

What are side effects of caffeine?

* It is absorbed rapidly by the body—within fifteen to twenty minutes—and its effects can last three to four hours. Some people experience anxiety attacks that diminish after caffeine is no longer ingested. Caffeine may also cause irritability, insomnia, sensory disturbances, and gastritis due to the increased amount of stomach acid. Abnormal heartbeats can also occur. Caffeine increases kidney activity, causing frequent urination and a loss of calcium from the body into the urine. Caffeine may also be responsible for the development of some breast lumps—when the person eliminates caffeine from the diet, the lumps disappear. * Caffeine is an addictive substance, and withdrawal from caffeine causes drowsiness, nausea, nervousness, inability to concentrate, and headaches. It is usually best to withdraw from caffeine gradually, not cold turkey. * Newborn babies are not able to get rid of caffeine easily. It does not harm the baby, but could cause nervousness, irritability, and poor sleeping habits. Therefore, nursing mothers should avoid caffeinated products.

What are some strategies to resist negative peer pressure?

* Learn to say no. * Avoid the use of alcohol and drugs, which impair one's ability to make good decisions. * Make suggestions for other, more positive activities. * Stand up for the "little" person who may be getting picked on. * Physically walk away from a situation in which a peer is trying to make you do something you don't want to do. * Find something else to do. * Find other friends.

What are long-term effects of marijuana?

* Long-term use of marijuana impairs thinking and all basic learning skills: reading, mathematics, and speaking. Marijuana users may become psychologically dependent. (This is when a person thinks they need the drug to feel normal.) Other side effects for users may include the impairment of long-term memory, gum disease, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat, and an increased risk of mouth cancer. Many marijuana users experience personality changes that include a loss of motivation, lack of energy, and paranoia. They lose interest in activities that used to be important to them. Users may become apathetic and withdraw from academic and social activities. This may be referred to as a motivational syndrome. * Marijuana changes the heart rate and blood pressure, thus increasing the work of the heart. For those who already have high blood pressure and high heart rate, the risk of heart attack increases. Though blood is being pumped faster, marijuana decreases blood flow to the limbs, which in extreme cases may require amputation. * Marijuana has 50 percent more tar in it than tobacco does and has a greater effect on the upper airways (sinuses and larynx). Regular use of marijuana can lead to bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer, which indicates that smoking marijuana causes at least as much damage to the lungs as cigarettes. Studies show that someone who smokes five joints per week may be taking in as many cancer-causing chemicals as someone who smokes a full pack of cigarettes every day. * Marijuana has complications that affect both male and female users as well as unborn children. Regular use of marijuana lowers the level of testosterone in the blood of male users and alters estrogen levels in females, leading to problems of infertility. Also, doctors continue to find that marijuana can harm the developing fetus. The use of marijuana may increase the risk of miscarriage, and pregnant women who use marijuana frequently have babies with mental and physical developmental problems. Babies born to marijuana users may exhibit any or all of the following characteristics: small head size, irritability, poor growth, increased tremors, and high-pitched cries that may indicate problems with the nervous system. It may also impair the baby's control of its muscles.

What are LSD effects?

* Makes some feel more creative, but many more experience depression, fear, delusions, confusion, terror, and anxiousness; some may feel invincible and may take physical risks * The use of LSD causes psychological dependence. People do not experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped; however, some people have "flashbacks" (or recurrences) of trips several years after their use of LSD ceases. * Treatment may include inpatient care in a psychiatric facility. Sometimes medications such as the sedatives or hypnotics may be required to calm down a particular patient. Shock therapy has been used to stop "bad" trips. The long-term problem is that physicians cannot reverse the apathy or the inability to concentrate and communicate with others that develop through LSD use, even though some former LSD users feel they are doing better without the drug or have solved their problems.

What is marijuana?

* Marijuana- a substance derived from the Cannabis sativa plant that is grown in mild climates (and greenhouses) throughout the world. It is a green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers from the hemp plant. It can be smoked, brewed and consumed as tea, or added to foods and baked. * Most commonly, marijuana is rolled into cigarettes known as "joints" or packed in pipes. Some people smoke marijuana through water pipes called "bongs." Marijuana is also known as pot, grass, weed, Mary Jane, bud, and bong. Scientists have been able to identify over 400 chemicals in marijuana, but the one that produces the psychoactive effect is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). * Marijuana is a hallucinogen that acts as both a depressant and a stimulant. The effects of marijuana are generally felt within ten to thirty minutes and wear off within three hours. The strength of marijuana depends upon the amount of THC it contains. THC does not dissolve in water and is not easily removed from the body. In fact, it takes several weeks for the body to remove it. When THC enters the blood, some is absorbed and stored in fat. The highest concentrations of fat cells in the body are found in the brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, and reproductive glands. * Marijuana is what officials call a "gateway drug," meaning that if you use marijuana, you're more likely to use other drugs. (Other gateway drugs include alcohol and tobacco.) While not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted, thousands of people entering drug treatment programs over the last ten years reported marijuana as their primary drug of abuse. This shows that they needed help to stop using the drug.

What are addiction and effects of depressants?

* Medically, depressants are prescribed to treat insomnia, reduce anxiety, and control seizures. People are usually introduced to depressants through medical prescriptions from their doctors. * However, these drugs are highly addictive and easily abused. Abuse of the drugs may begin, for example, with repeated use for insomnia. Gradually more of the drug is required to help the insomniac sleep. Eventually these people start taking depressants to relax during stressful times of the day. When they try to reduce the medication, they are overwhelmed with anxiety and take another dose of medication. Also, some people may deliberately take these drugs to alter their awareness. * Depressants can cause both physical and psychological dependence. The body builds up tolerance, requiring more of the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms, which include anxiety, shaking, weakness, insomnia, convulsions, and sometimes death. A dangerous combination of depressants is alcohol with sedatives or hypnotics, which may be deadly. These drugs have a synergistic effect that greatly slows down body functions. Many deaths associated with accidental overdose have occurred with such combinations. * People who are addicted to depressants do not function well. They may be angry, agitated, difficult to work with, or have trouble making sound decisions. They lack coordination and can cause injury to themselves and others, especially if they are driving a car or operating heavy machinery. * Babies born to mothers who are addicted to sedatives or hypnotics may be physically dependent on the drugs. The symptoms of these newborns include difficulty breathing and feeding, irregular sleep patterns, and irritability.

What are methamphetamines?

* Methamphetamines- (meth) common, synthetic amphetamines that can be made easily from common, everyday products. (Meth is also called methedrine. Another common amphetamine is Dexedrine.) * Methamphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs (see lesson 8), which means they are used somewhat for medical reasons but are a high-risk source of drug abuse. As the use of methamphetamines increases, so does bad judgment. * The two most common forms of meth are known as "crank" and "ice." Ice is a long-lasting kind of methamphetamine that is usually smoked. It is easy to make and causes a euphoria like cocaine produces. Ice usage isn't easily discovered because it is odorless when smoked. * Remember that because meth is an amphetamine, and therefore a stimulant, it speeds up the nervous system. The results can wear off suddenly and the person may fall asleep. Short-term effects of meth include aggressive or violent behavior, increased sense of well-being, increased alertness, convulsions (seizures), and insomnia. Long-term effects include delusions, lack of interest in usual activities, kidney failure, liver damage, stroke, brain damage, and death. Withdrawal symptoms include muscle aches, tremors, profound fatigue, depression, despair, and apathy.

What are narcotics? Ex?

* Narcotics- pain relievers that promote sleep to be used sparingly with only a doctor's prescription because of their potentially addictive powers that lead people to abuse them * Ex: Codeine, morphine, and Demerol

What are opiates?

* Opiates- the most well-known of the narcotics being those derived from the poppy plant * These drugs include morphine, codeine, heroin, and opium.

What is peer pressure?

* Peer pressure- the pressure to do something just because other people of the same age are doing it or want us to do it, which has a major influence on the choices we make in life, especially during the teenage years and can be positive or negative. * Drug intervention is possible when peers participate in healthy activities instead of substance abuse. The peers of those people who have substance abuse problems should try to involve them in positive activities. They should be examples of happy, healthy living so that the people with problems will want to be like them. * Everyone has a support system even if they aren't aware that they do. There are people all around you who care about you and are there for you to go to when you need help. You can find support from your church, team, neighborhood, family, or school. When you have a strong support system in your community and family, you are more likely to be influenced to make right choices.

What is rohypnol?

* Rohypnol- a depressant that belongs to a class of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines (which is a kind of depressant); however, it is not legal for use in the United States. It comes in the form of a white tablet that dissolves easily in carbonated beverages or is ground up for snorting. It is virtually odorless and tasteless. Its physical effects include sedation and intoxication, decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness, confusion, gastrointestinal disturbances, and urinary retention. Referred to as roofies, rophies, roche, or the "forget-me." * Rohypnol is incredibly dangerous and is also known as a date rape drug. The person who is drugged has an inability to remember events that happened while under the influence of the drug. If an overdose occurs, drowsiness, mental confusion, lethargy, coma, and possibly death are likely to ensue. The likelihood of these occurrences rises if rohypnol is used with alcohol.

What is smokeless tobacco?

* Smokeless tobacco (snuff)- using the rapid absorption of nicotine through the mucous membranes of the mouth, dippers and chewers gain a quicker "buzz" from nicotine than smokers, and contrary to popular belief is as dangerous as smoking tobacco. * Chewing- using tobacco by placing a golf-ball-sized wad, or quid, between the cheek and the teeth to suck on, spitting out accumulated saliva as necessary. * Dipping- using tobacco by placing a pinch between the lower lip and the teeth where it mixes with saliva.

What is the synergistic effect? ex?

* Synergistic Effect- the interaction of two+ medications having a greater impact than taken separately * Ex: muscle relaxer and alcohol; aspirin with bloom thinners

What are depressants' effects and types?

* The overall effect of depressants is to slow down the activity of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The results can be mild sedation (a calm, relaxed, often sleepy state), coma, or even death as breathing is gradually slowed down to nothing. Depressants reduce anxiety and produce mood changes, uncoordinated muscle movement, slurred speech, and drowsiness or sleep. Most people become drowsy with very small doses. * Types of depressants include alcohol (which you have already learned about in detail), sedatives, hypnotics, and anti-anxiety agents. Depressants include tranquilizers, which have a calming effect, and barbiturates, the stronger relaxants. Barbiturates are nicknamed "downers" and the specific brands are referred to by names that describe the color and design of the capsules. Seconal barbiturates are nicknamed "reds" or "red devils" and Nembutal drugs are nicknamed "yellow jackets." Brands of tranquilizers include Xanax, Valium, Librium, and Ativan.

What are treatment options for drug users?

* There are many types of treatment available for drug users. The more individualized the program, the greater the success. However, the key ingredient for successful treatment and recovery is that the abuser recognizes the problem and seeks help. * The treatment for drug abuse, as you have gathered from previous sections, varies from stabilizing the person medically to the use of medications, individual therapy, group therapy, and in some cases, shock treatment. i. Sources of Professional Help * There are many community agency resources available to support individuals impacted by substance abuse. Self-help groups; federal government agencies for drugs, alcohol, and AIDS; and state government agencies for drug and alcohol information are successful resources. There are self-help groups for parents of adolescents such as Tough Love. There are groups for alcoholism such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon Family Groups, Alateen, and the National Association for Children of Alcoholics. For drug abuse there are Narcotics Anonymous, Families Anonymous, Nar-Anon Family Groups, and the National Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth ii. Community Resources iii. National Campaigns * These are national campaigns that you can participate in and learn more about substancec abuse prevention. * October- red ribbon week * November- great american smoke out * December- prevention month * April- national alcohol awareness month * May- just say no week

What is tobacco?

* Tobacco- an herb that comes from the plant Nicotiana tabacum and can be smoked, chewed, or sniffed. Cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco are all made from the dried leaves of the tobacco plant with the primary ingredient nicotine * Nicotine- a naturally occurring liquid substance of the plant. * Besides nicotine there are almost 4,000 other chemicals in tobacco smoke including tar, carbon monoxide, ammonia, benzene, phenol formaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide. However, when nicotine was isolated from tobacco leaves in 1828 and scientists began studying its effects in the brain and body, the research eventually showed that although tobacco contains thousands of chemicals, the main ingredient that acts in the brain and produces addiction is nicotine. * One drop of pure nicotine has the potential to kill a 160-pound male within minutes. Nicotine is also an alkaloid used to kill bugs. Furthermore, more recent research has shown that the addiction produced by nicotine is extremely powerful and is at least as strong as the addictions to other drugs such as heroin and cocaine. The younger people start smoking cigarettes, the more likely they are to become addicted to nicotine. * As nicotine enters the bloodstream, the arteries constrict and the blood platelets become sticky and cluster together. Since the heart is beating faster, it is pumping more blood through a narrower opening; thus, blood pressure rises, which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack in those with diseased vessels. * The use of tobacco is the single most preventable cause of death. Approximately 400,000 people die annually from tobacco-related heart and lung diseases. Using tobacco increases risk of cancer of the lungs, kidneys, bladder, and larynx (voice box).

What are some tips for quitting tobacco?

* Try to quit together with a family member or friend. * Solicit support from family and friends. * Remind yourself of the benefits of quitting—physical, mental, and financial. * During the first weeks, drink milk or water instead of coffee or tea, and avoid chocolate. * Take a warm (not hot) shower or bath in the morning and at night for the first four to five days. * Try doing vigorous exercise to reduce the craving for tobacco. * Substitute other activities for tobacco. Eat carrot or celery sticks; go for a walk. * Avoid being around people who are smoking. * Change the routine associated with the times you use tobacco. * Use positive coping techniques to relieve stress—exercise, meditation, stretching, or deep breathing. * Put aside money or reward yourself when you do not use tobacco. * Tell yourself the sooner you quit, the sooner you will feel better.

What are alcohol long term effects?

* When taken in large doses over long periods of time, alcohol can prove to be disastrous, damaging the heart, brain, liver, and pancreas and leading to various heart diseases, nervous disorders, and cancers. * * Taking alcohol in conjunction with another drug, even an over-the-counter drug like aspirin, is very dangerous. More people die from intoxication by drugs in combination with alcohol than from alcohol intoxication itself. While under the influence of alcohol, individuals are more sensitive to other drugs. * The effects of using alcohol extend beyond the direct physical impairment of the organs of the body. Since two of the immediate effects of alcohol use are impaired judgment and impaired coordination, tasks such as driving or using heavy machinery become extremely dangerous. An alarming number of highway accident fatalities are alcohol related—in fact, half of all traffic deaths are attributed to alcohol. Use of alcohol has been found to be highly correlated with other types of accidents as well—plane crashes, industrial injuries, fires, drownings, and falls. Furthermore, alcohol figures prominently in violent crimes, including assault, child abuse, spouse battering, homicide, and suicide. * The effects of alcohol on the family are intense and long lasting. The emotional costs cannot be estimated. Living in the home of an alcoholic can be a battleground filled with stress, tension, confusion, denial, and embarrassment.

What are effects of 1000 mg of caffeine?

1,000 mg causes tachycardia- rapid heart rate over 100 bpm and possibly convulsions. Intake of more than 1,000 milligrams of caffeine may cause seizures.

What are effects of 300 mg of caffeine?

Around 300 mg of caffeine, it starts to arouse the automatic nervous system. The effects of arousing this system include faster heart and breathing rates, increased force of the heartbeat, increased production of adrenaline, and increased blood flow to the muscles and other vital organs.

What is Reye's Syndrome?

Aspirin has been associated with Reye's syndrome appearing in children who take the drug while they have a viral infection. The symptoms of Reye's syndrome include brain swelling; chronic vomiting, which may lead to dehydration; confusion; and increased blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Reye's syndrome may progress to coma, seizure, and even death. So, avoid giving aspirin to children under twelve years of age.

How did antibiotics come to be?

Before the twentieth century, many people died from diseases caused by bacteria. In 1929, however, Alexander Fleming observed the anti-bacterial action of penicillin, which is a mold. The penicillin seemed to inhibit the growth of the illness-causing bacteria—thus the first antibiotic was discovered. Antibiotics can now be made from bacteria, fungi, plants, and also synthetic materials made in a laboratory. Antibiotics are appropriately known as the "wonder drugs" because of their value in saving lives.

What is the half-life of caffeine?

Caffeine has a half-life of three and one-half hours, which means after three and a half hours only half of the caffeine remains. Three and a half hours after that, only one-fourth of the caffeine remains

What is caffeine?

Caffeine- a white powder with a bitter taste that is consumed by mouth to help people to stay awake, restore some mental alertness, and treat migraine headaches by constricting blood vessels in the head that also provides energy for muscles by increasing fat breakdown and promotes a psychological effect of well-being

What is cirrhosis of the liver?

Cirrhosis of the liver- Since the liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol, it is often permanently damaged. The damaged cells are replaced by scar tissue. Eventually, the liver will be unable to function normally, resulting in chronic illness and death. Many patients die within five years of diagnosis. The symptoms include yellow skin (jaundice), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and change in bowel movements. Treatment includes removing or alleviating the cause of the cirrhosis as well as preventing or treating complications associated with cirrhosis.

Will eating extra protein build muscle?

Eating extra protein or amino acids will not help build extra muscle. The protein we eat is broken down into amino acids by the body and then used to help repair damaged muscle tissue.

What are hallucinogens?

Hallucinogens- a group of drugs that affect how the brain interprets incoming or sensory information; some of the information is real, but some of the information is only perceived—or in other words, not real. The latter interpretations of the brain are known as hallucinations.

What is heroin?

Heroin- one narcotic in particular that is highly addictive and usually injected, but it can also be smoked, swallowed, or sniffed (dope, smack, H, or brown sugar)

What are effects of 100-200 mg of caffeine?

In oral doses of 100-200 mg, caffeine stimulates the cerebral cortex of the cerebral nervous system, producing more rapid and clear thoughts and wakefulness or arousal in fatigued people. A person's caffeine intake should be well below the 200 mg level. Continual use of over 200 mg (milligrams) of caffeine over the course of one day could lead to physical addiction.

What is LSD?

LSD- a common hallucinogen whose short- and long-term effects are not predictable. In fact, LSD is considered to be one of the most dangerous drugs that is abused. LSD is a colorless, odorless, tasteless chemical that can be applied to stamps, clothing, sugar cubes, and so forth. Users experience LSD by licking it wherever it is applied. The physical symptoms of LSD include dilated pupils, sensitivity to cold, increased blood pressure, pulse, and breathing, and skin flushing and reddening.

What is medicine?

Medicine- a chemical that when taken into or applied on the body can fight or prevent disease, relieve pain, replace a chemical deficiency, or regulate how a body organ functions; medications are legal drugs

What are narcotics?

Narcotics- a group of drugs used to relieve strong pain and decrease incoming sensory information as a type of depressant (Remember, that means they slow down the action of the central nervous system, especially the brain.) and as a result, the user feels very relaxed

What are refusal skills?

Refusal skills- techniques to use to resist the negative pressure you might get from peers to participate in destructive activities like drug abuse, which can help you keep out of trouble, stay in control, and still have fun with your friends.

What are stimulants?

Stimulants- drugs that stimulate the central nervous system. They can be swallowed, snorted, or injected. In general, they make people more active, alert, and nervous. They usually relieve drowsiness and disguise the effects of fatigue and exhaustion. Mentally an individual may feel a false sense of self-confidence, which frequently leads to high-risk activities. Using stimulants regularly makes some people irritable and overactive. It can also cause paranoia and mental confusion. People who use stimulants over a long period of time and then stop go through a withdrawal and may feel anxious, depressed, or a loss of motivation and energy. All complain of headaches and lethargy.

What are the effects of narcotics and opiates?

The effects of narcotics and opiates: an immediate head rush, restlessness, nausea, and vomiting. The person who is under the influence of these drugs will doze off to sleep for a period of time and then wake up feeling extremely alert. When used in larger doses, narcotics may cause respiratory depression (or decreased breathing) as well as unconsciousness, and death may occur. This side effect has a greater risk of occurring when the drug is taken intravenously (as an injection through the vein). Frequent abuse of narcotics may cause liver disease and kidney failure. Use of contaminated needles and syringes may lead to HIV, hepatitis, and other infections.Withdrawal symptoms: restlessness, insomnia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Most symptoms will disappear within two weeks, but some symptoms may linger for several months. The withdrawal from narcotics should be supervised in a hospital or outpatient clinic.

What is the effect of smoking on fetal development?

The use of tobacco does impact pregnancy—in fact, using tobacco during pregnancy is associated with premature births and a high rate of infant death. Maternal cigarette smoking is associated with retarded fetal growth, spontaneous abortions, prenatal deaths, and slight impairment of growth and development during early childhood. Babies born to pregnant women who smoke also suffer from low birth weight, which puts them at high risk for infection and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Babies born to smokers don't perform well on developmental tests when compared to babies of non-smoking mothers.

What is a trip?

Trip- what the effects of LSD are referred to, which may be either good or bad; it is a personal experience and no two trips are the same. A good trip is when the person has happy experiences. A bad trip is when the person becomes paranoid or scared and may see demons or other evil creatures. The duration of a trip is usually twelve to eighteen hours.

What are vaccines?

Vaccine- a medication that contains a weakened or dead disease-causing agent called a pathogen, and when injected into the body, the pathogen stimulates the body to produce antibodies that fight against the pathogen and provide your body with long-lasting immunity, or protection

What are some signs that a person may be addicted?

change in eating habits, slurred speech, difficulty walking, jerking movements, shaking hands, nervousness or agitation, difficulty maintaining a regular sleep schedule, personality changes, withdrawal from family and friends, general lack of motivation, and drop in performance at school or work. Long-term use of any drug may result in permanent organ damage and loss of normal functions.