Substance Abuse

vapor cigarette

Typically seen as a healthier alternative to regular cigarettes because of its lack of tobacco and smoke, but it does contain nicotine and other chemicals.

Nicotine

Nicotine - the addictive substance in tobacco

Nitrous Oxide

happy gas laughing gas

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis - the scarring of the liver Cirrhosis can be fatal. The early stages of cirrhosis are painless, so it is difficult to detect until it may be too late.

Quitting on your own

Cold Turkey - stopping all at once Has more intense withdrawal symptoms, but they last for less time Gradual Quitting - withdrawal symptoms are milder, but they last for a longer period of time

multiplier effect

Multiplier effect - process of one drug increasing the effects of another drug

Blackouts

Blackouts - periods of time when drinkers cannot remember what happened or what they did when they were intoxicated

hangover

Hangover - the unpleasant physical effects that follow the heavy use of alcohol

smokeless tobacco

**Smokeless tobacco users have a greater risk of developing cancer of the mouth and throat and having dental problems such as gum disease and tooth loss.*** When nicotine is absorbed through the mouth, it is more gradual entrance into the bloodstream, but the effects are the same as if it were being inhaled.

Damage During Pregnancy

A pregnant woman who drinks risks harming her fetus. The alcohol disrupts normal development of the fetus' brain and other organs, resulting in mental retardation, delayed growth, and abnormal facial features.

addiction

Addiction - strong physical and psychological craving for a substance

Damage to the Mouth and Throat

Alcohol damages the mouth and throat - this constant irritation increases the risk of oral cancer (especially if tobacco is also used). Drinkers who smoke are ten times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-drinkers who do not smoke.

No Nutritional Value

Alcohol has no nutritional value and it actually interferes with the body's ability to absorb key vitamins and nutrients from other sources. Plus, it dehydrates you and it is very high in calories. If you drink alcohol, do not forget to count the calories in alcoholic beverages toward your daily calorie intake totals.

Damage to the Liver

Alcohol interferes with the liver's ability to break down fats, so they collect in the liver. Over time, fat accumulation and high alcohol levels destroy liver cells. Scar tissue grows in place of the dead cells.

Damage to the Stomach and Intestines

Alcohol irritates the stomach lining by causing it to produce too much acid. This excess acid causes indigestion and even ulcers. Long-term alcohol use also interferes with the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals.

Effects on Temperature Regulation

Alcohol makes blood vessels relax, which causes more blood to flow to the skin's surface. This makes the body feel warm, but it is actually taking heat away from the body's core temperature. It can be fatal to drink when you are exposed to the cold.

Effects on Body Fluids

Alcohol prevents the release of a hormone that controls how much urine the body produces. Without this hormone, urine is made continuously. The body becomes incredibly dehydrated.

Alcoholism

Alcoholism - a chronic disease characterized by physical and psychological dependence on alcohol and an inability to control one's drinking

antiobiotic steroids

Anabolic steroids - synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone that are used to promote muscle development prescribed- treat muscle wasting aid patients, elderly, and males w/ low tetosterone can be psychoactive

Marijuana as a Gateway Drug

As marijuana users build up tolerance, they may seek out other drugs to experience the "high" they first got from marijuana. In addition, a marijuana user is likely to be in contact with people who use and sell other illegal drugs. Studies show that almost all young people who use other illegal drugs first used marijuana.

Measuring Intoxication

BAC (Blood Alcohol Content/Concentration) - the amount of alcohol in the blood in terms of weight per unit volume; used as a measurement of intoxication

Marijuana and Driving

Because marijuana makes it difficult to pay attention and makes it harder to judge time and distance, marijuana use is dangerous when driving. People high on marijuana can show the same lack of coordination on standard drunk-driver tests as people who are drunk. The danger of driving under the influence of marijuana is increased when combined with alcohol.

Ethyl alcohol is the psychoactive ingredient in all alcoholic beverages, and all beverages contain a certain percentage of it.

Beer contains about 3-6% alcohol Ales and malt liquors 6-8% alcohol Wine contains about 9-14% alcohol Some wines are fortified with more alcohol and contain about 20% Hard liquors usually contain 35-50% alcohol

bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the air passages, or bronchial tubes. Tobacco smoke irritates the mucous membrane, and the air passages become clogged with mucous. The accumulation of mucous causes coughing, difficulty breathing, and a heavy feeling in the chest. The only effective treatment if caused by smoking is to stop smoking.

Throat Cancer

Cancer of the larynx Larynx - contains your vocal chords and is your voice organ The main symptom of this cancer is persistent hoarseness. If cancer of the larynx is discovered early enough, it can be cured by radiation therapy or by removing part of the vocal chord. But if the cancer is more advanced, the entire larynx must be removed. The patient must then learn to speak with an electronic voice aid.

Oral Cancer

Cancer of the mouth, including the tongue and lips. All tobacco users are at risk for oral cancer, but smokeless tobacco users are at higher risk because it contains more carcinogens. Drinking alcohol puts tobacco users at a higher risk. Most often, the first warning sign is leukoplakia (white patches on the lips, gums, tongue, or inner cheeks).

Chronic Lung Disease

Cigarette smoking is the major cause of chronic lung disease in the US. These include: Bronchitis and Emphysema

inhalants dangers

Damage many organs - chemicals can cause permanent hearing loss, bone marrow damage, liver damage, kidney damage, and loss of bladder control Kill brain cells - vapors replace oxygen in the blood and can cause brain cells to die from lack of oxygen. It can cause comas, brain damage, and death from suffocation. Can cause sudden death - the heart can suddenly stop beating and a person can die. This is called "Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome."

Prescription Drugs - Depressants

Doctors prescribe depressants to treat a variety of health conditions, like anxiety, panic attacks and sleep disorders Valium and Xanax, which are prescribed to relieve anxiety; and new sleep medications, like Ambien and Lunesta, commonly used to treat sleep disorders. Depressants can cause depression, confusion, exhaustion and irritability. And because they work by slowing the brain's activity, they can dangerously diminish heartbeat and respiration. This is especially true when depressants are combined with alcohol or OTC medications. This combination can lead to death. when chronic users or abusers stop taking them, they can experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia and muscle tremors. In fact, going "cold turkey" off of some depressants can have life-threatening consequences, like seizures, convulsions and, in rare instances, death.

Hallucinogens - Ketamine

Effects include: hallucination, numbness, inability to move, loss of memory, and dissociation (separation from reality). Some users hurt themselves because they are unable to feel pain. It can also lead to memory loss and coma.

Effects on Sexual Performance and Reproduction

Effects on Sexual Performance and Reproduction - Small doses of marijuana can increase a person's sexual appetite, but high doses can lead to depression and impotence in men, caused by a decreased level of testosterone. Also, continued marijuana use affects semen. High marijuana use increases the number of damaged sperm, which can lead to decreased fertility. Once a male stops using marijuana, the quality of semen should gradually return to normal, usually taking several months.

Effects of Intoxication

Effects on the Brain Alcohol affects the parts of the brain that control attention, memory, and inhibitions. Inhibitions - psychological checks on emotions and actions As inhibitions become more depressed, people have less self-control. Buried feelings come out, sometimes in sudden bursts of anger or crying.

Effects on the Cardiovascular System

Effects on the Cardiovascular System - Marijuana use causes vasodilation (which is enlarged blood vessels) and an increase in heart rate. These changes may not be significant in physically healthy users, but they can have serious consequences for people who already have heart problems.

Long Term Effects of Marijuana

Effects on the Respiratory System - Marijuana is normally smoked like tobacco, so it can cause serious damage to the lungs, the effects are very similar to tobacco. Marijuana smoke contains tars and carbon monoxide, just like tobacco. Marijuana also contains certain types of carcinogens, so marijuana users are at risk of developing lung cancer as well.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a disease in which lung tissue is destroyed and air sacs are lost. The lungs become unable to deflate fully during exhaling. So, normal gas exchange in the lungs cannot occur and the person has great difficulty breathing. Even the smallest effort causes shortness of breath. There is no cure for emphysema. Quitting smoking will keep the disease from getting worse, but once the damage is done, it is permanent.

FAS

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) - the pattern of mental and physical birth defects caused by alcohol use during pregnancy

Proof Value

Hard liquors content is usually measured by proof Proof value - two times the percentage of alcohol by volume; a beverage that is 50% alcohol by volume is 100 proof For example, two ounces of 100 proof whiskey contain 1 ounce of pure alcohol.

Damage to the Heart

Heavy alcohol use weakens the heart muscle, causing scar tissue to build up in the muscle fibers. So, heavy drinkers have an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart disease.

Damage to the Brain

Heavy drinking permanently damages the brain. It actually causes the brain to shrink. Memory and intelligence damaged by alcohol abuse can never be fully recovered. Drinking is also linked with depression and suicide.

Heroin

Heroin is a chemically altered form of morphine and can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. It creates an initial "rush" that quickly turns into a dreamlike state, feelings of well-being, and drowsiness. enters brain v quickly develops tolerance lvl rapidly more u need more u hi usually smoking/snorting lose effectiveness= injection better. combined with other bad chemicals so not pure Also, heroin often has additives that will not dissolve in the bloodstream. This can easily cause a blood clot to form and travel to the lungs, liver, heart or brain, which is instantly fatal. Along with cocaine, heroin is the drug that is most closely linked with violent crimes. Because withdrawal symptoms are extremely unpleasant, heroin addicts will do just about anything to get their next dose when the drug wears off. Repeated injection can cause skin infections, open wounds, and scarring. Sharing needles can also be a big problem.

Effects of Intoxication p2

If the person continues to drink, alcohol depresses the area of the brain that controls heartbeat and breathing. Heartbeat and breathing may become irregular or even stop. This is called "Alcohol Poisoning" and medical assistance is needed or else the drinker can die. Drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short time ("Binge Drinking") carries a great risk of death from alcohol poisoning. Usually drinkers pass out before drinking a fatal amount, but sometimes they drink a fatal amount before passing out. They can also pass out, vomit, and suffocate on their own vomit.

Inhalants

Inhalants - drugs that are inhaled as vapors

Effects of Alcohol on the Body

Intoxication - the short-term effects that alcohol and other psychoactive drugs have on the mind and body Unlike food, alcohol does not need to be digested or broken down; it can enter the bloodstream immediately. So, alcohol enters the bloodstream and affects the user very rapidly. Once in the bloodstream, alcohol travels to all body parts, including the brain.

Hallucinogens - LSD

LSD is the strongest known hallucinogen. It is usually taken in the form of tablets or absorbed through the tongue on small paper squares. The effects of LSD are not easy to predict. Sometimes, it can increase energy, alter mood, and create strange thoughts and sensations. It can also cause nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and bizarre body sensations. People on LSD may experience huge emotional swings. Some LSD users are extremely frightened or become panicked and confused and cannot control their thoughts and feelings. Also, people may experience hallucinations long after the drug has worn off; these are referred to as "flashbacks."

side effects of steroids

Male - stunted growth, aggression, paranoia, liver cancer, increased cholesterol, heart disease, severe acne, baldness, shrinking of testes, reduced sperm count, infertility Female - severe acne, increased cholesterol, increased facial hair, baldness, deeper voice, disrupted menstrual cycle, infertility, bloating, rapid weight gain, liver cancer

Short Term Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana can have similar effects on the body as depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. The short term effects of using marijuana can include: Slowed thinking ability Difficulty paying attention Distorted sense of time and distance Giddiness Loss of short-term memory Loss of balance and coordination Increased appetite - "munchies" Anxiety Paranoia Panic attack Sense of "euphoria" - a sense of well-being and relaxation

Marijuana

Marijuana is a dried flower/leaf from the plant Cannibus Sativa. The active chemical in marijuana is called Tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC). THC causes the effects people experience when using marijuana. Different marijuana plants can have varying levels of THC, which will alter the potency of the drug. After using marijuana, THC can remain in a person's system for up to several weeks.

Marijuana how so

Marijuana is normally smoked to feel the effects, but it can also be eaten. When smoked, the effects of marijuana can be experienced within minutes. When eaten, the effects may take as long as 30 minutes to be felt. The effects can last between 2-3 hours after marijuana is introduced into the body (although THC remains in a person's system much longer than that).

Methamphetamine - Meth

Meth, or methamphetamine, is a powerfully addictive stimulant that is both long-lasting and toxic to the brain. Its chemistry is similar to speed (amphetamine), but meth has far more dangerous effects on the body's central nervous system. Methamphetamine has intense effects that can last for hours and include; euphoria, loss of appetite, increased alertness, and hyperactivity. Meth has a high potential for abuse and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. even small amounts of meth can produce a rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure and elevated body temperatures. These symptoms, especially when meth is taken at high doses, can cause death from stroke, heart attack or organ failure due to overheating. CHANGES BRAIN- First, it increases the release of the brain chemical dopamine. At the same time, it blocks the brain from absorbing the dopamine released. Studies show that alterations in the dopamine system in the brain are associated with reduced motor skills and impaired verbal skills. Meth users often display a range of psychotic behaviors, including paranoia, hallucinations and delusions

Morphine and Codeine

Morphine and codeine are normally used to treat moderate to severe pain. Morphine is much stronger than codeine and has some very similar effects as heroin. They have high potential for addiction and physical and psychological dependence.

Rate of Elimination

Most alcohol is broken down in the liver. On the average, the liver breaks down between 0.3-0.6 ounces of alcohol per hour, but it depends on the person. That means for every hour, about one half to one full drink is broken down by the liver. If alcohol is consumed faster than it is eliminated, BAC rises. If it is eliminated faster than it is consumed, then BAC lowers. The only thing that cures intoxication is time.

Nicotine Substitutes (Patches/Gum)

Nicotine substitutes are manufactured forms of nicotine that are used as temporary replacements for the nicotine in tobacco. Examples of such products are nicotine gum and nicotine patches. Problems with these products are that they can be costly and the nicotine is still addictive.

three most dangerous substances in tobacco smoke

Nicotine- Inhaling tobacco smoke is the fastest way to get nicotine into the bloodstream. Cigarettes get nicotine into blood faster than smokeless tobacco, and even pipes and cigars. In its purest form, nicotine is a deadly poison. Heavy smokers take in enough nicotine in one day, that if they were to take it all at once, it would kill them. Nicotine causes dizziness, nausea, faintness, clammy skin, and sometimes vomiting. Carbon Monoxide- The carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke is the same deadly gas that is contained in automobile exhaust. Carbon monoxide is picked up by cells more easily than oxygen, so oxygen is not picked up by the body and cells do not receive enough oxygen. Tars- Tars - tiny particles in cigarettes smoke that form a sticky mixture in the air passages and lungs Tars interfere with air flow, which makes it harder to breath. Tars also contain carcinogens that cause lung cancer.

Prescription Drugs

Painkillers, Depressants, and Stimulants

Pipes and Cigars

Pipe and cigar smokers normally say that they do not inhale the smoke from their tobacco products, which means that they are usually at a lower risk for developing lung cancer. However, they are at a very high risk of developing oral cancer. And pipe and cigar smoke contains more tars than cigarettes smoke.

painkillers

Prescription painkillers often contain opioids that are either naturally derived from poppy flowers, or a lab-made, semi-synthetic substitute. These drugs attach to particular sites in the brain called opioid receptors, which carry messages to the brain. When you take prescription painkillers, the message the brain receives is changed, so that pain is no longer perceived as painful. Vicodin, Oxycodone, OxyContin and Percocet. Painkillers are among the most commonly abused prescription The short-term effects of painkiller abuse can include lack of energy, inability to concentrate, nausea and vomiting. time can develop a "physical dependence," meaning that the body becomes accustomed to having the drug.

Prescription Drugs - Stimulants

Prescription stimulants affect the brain through a slow and steady release of two neurotransmitters—dopamine and norepinephrine. When prescribed and taken correctly, under medical supervision, these drugs can help treat a few health conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy and, occasionally, depression. In treating ADHD, prescription stimulants can help regulate and normalize the dopamine and norepinephrine function in the brain, so a patient with this condition can focus better and pay more attention. Common brand-name prescription stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Benzedrine Excessive vomiting, sweating and anxiety are just some of the risks of abusing stimulants. When taken at high doses, with alcohol or with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, stimulants can cause irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperatures and the potential for seizures or heart failure. When stimulants are taken over a long period of time, stimulant abusers run the risk of suicidal and homicidal tendencies, paranoia and cardiovascular collapse.

Hallucinogens - "Shrooms"

Psilocybin ("Shrooms") Psilocybin is a chemical found in a certain type of mushrooms. The mushrooms are eaten raw or mixed with food. The effects are much like those of LSD, but not as strong. Tolerance develops quickly.

alcohol is

Psychoactive drug - a chemical substance that acts on the brain, affecting a person's mind and behavior Depressant - a drug that slows down nervous system activity Gateway drug - a psychoactive substance that leads the user to try other drugs

Risks for Non-Smokers

Secondhand (or Passive) Smoking About 50,000 people die per year from secondhand smoke. There are two types of smoke: Mainstream smoke and Sidestream smoke Mainstream smoke - smoke that has been inhaled and then exhaled by smoker Sidestream - smoke from the burning end of a cigarette ***Sidestream smoke is more harmful than mainstream smoke. It contains twice as much tar and nicotine, and five times as much carbon monoxide than mainstream smoke.***

Smokeless Tobacco

Smokeless tobacco is an increasing problem in this country. Some people choose smokeless tobacco because they believe that it is a safer alternative to smoking, but they are wrong. still exposed to carcinogens contains more carcinogens than tobacco smoke

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Smoking also increases the risks of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder. And in women, smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer.

Effects of tobacco heart disease

Smoking is the leading cause for heart disease. In this disease, the coronary arteries supplying the heart become blocked with Atherosclerosis (a buildup of fatty material on the artery walls). Eventually the blockage cuts off the blood supply to the heart tissue, resulting in a heart attack. Smoking contributes to atherosclerosis in several ways: It damages the lining of the arteries It raises cholesterol It makes blood platelets stickier so they clot more easily Nicotine also raises blood pressure Carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood All of these effects of smoking put a great strain on the heart.

Giving up tobacco has IMMEDIATE benefits.

Some benefits include: Foods taste better Sharper sense of smell Improved circulation Heart rate and blood pressure drop Lung and heart efficiency improve Breathe easier Capacity for exercise improves More energetic and alert Long-term - Risks of developing cancers of lung, larynx, mouth, pancreas, bladder, cervix decrease

Possible Health Benefits of Alcohol

Some studies have shown that alcohol (in particular red wine) can be healthy for certain individuals. A recent large scale study found that the risks and benefits of drinking alcohol vary considerably with the age of the drinker. If you are 35 or younger, your odds of dying increase in direct proportion to the amount of alcohol you drink. Among people under age 35, even light drinkers have slightly higher mortality rates than nondrinkers. Alcohol consumption appears to confer health benefits primarily to older individuals, with the greatest benefits seen in people age 65 and older. Moderate drinking may also benefit people who currently have or are at high risk for certain diseases such as coronary heart disease. Moderate drinking may improve heart health by raising blood levels of HDL (the beneficial form of cholesterol) and by reducing inflammation and the risk of dangerous blood clots, all of which can contribute to the risk of a heart attack. Some evidence also suggests that moderate drinkers may be less likely to develop a variety of other conditions, such as diabetes, strokes, arterial blockages in the legs, and Alzheimer's disease. You should talk to a doctor about moderate drinking.

Damage to the Drinker

Some types of damage caused by alcohol are irreversible or even fatal. The life expectancy of heavy drinkers is 10 to 12 years shorter than the average life expectancy. Alcohol can cause extreme damage to a person's brain, liver, mouth and throat, stomach and intestines, and heart.

Stroke

Stroke - a sudden disruption of the blood supply to a part of the brain Smoking contributes to atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, which can cause a stroke. The lack of blood can kill nerve tissues; it can cause severe physical and mental disabilities or even death.

Cocaine and Crack

The effects of cocaine are similar to those felt by methamphetamines. The effects of crack cocaine are more intense than powdered cocaine but do not last as long. Cocaine and crack use increases your heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. At first, this may make you sweaty and shaky, but seizures, cardiac arrest and even death are very possible. Because it's so highly addictive, it's easy to get hooked. Prolonged cocaine snorting can cause scabs to form on your mucus membranes, damage your nasal septum and eventually make your nose collapse. Smoking cocaine or crack lets the drug reach your brain quickly, and the risk of addiction appears to be higher the faster the drug reaches the brain. Using cocaine or crack-even only once—is dangerous, and the more you use, the worse the effects are on your brain and heart. Continued use can make you depressed, agitated and manic. Cocaine-related deaths are often caused by cardiac arrest or seizures, followed by respiratory failure

Illegal Drugs

There are many types of illegal drugs, each type has different effects on the mind and body and has different dangers, but they all have three things in common: They affect the function of the brain They are dangerous to your health They can result in drug dependence and addiction

Low tar, Low Nicotine Cigarettes

These cigarettes are promoted as being safer than regular cigarettes but they are not. Studies have shown that they do not reduce the risk of developing heart disease, chronic lung disease, oral cancer, and other diseases.

Rohypnol - "Roofies"

This drug is better known as "roofies." It is classified as a depressant. It is primarily used as a date-rape drug. It is supposed to be used to treat short-term insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic medication. One of its significant effects is amnesia, which is a reason why it is used for date-rape. Other effects can include decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness, and confusion.

Hallucinogens - Ecstasy

This has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Its effects include: increased awareness, hallucinations, increased energy, and loss of judgment. Side effects include: muscle tension, teeth clenching, impaired learning and memory, nausea, chills, rapid or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack, brain damage, even death. overheat body= heatstroke

GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate)

This is a clear liquid or white powder that causes euphoria, relaxation, dizziness, and loss of inhibitions. Higher doses cause vomiting, memory loss, respiratory problems, loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, or even death. This is a depressant and when combined with other drugs, such as alcohol, the person can lose consciousness, stop breathing, and die. can be used as a date rape drugggg

Tobacco

Tobacco has more than 2,500 different chemicals. Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals. These chemicals are toxic.

Cancer

Tobacco use is the leading cause of deaths due to cancer in the US. Cancer - an abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells that invade and destroy healthy tissue Carcinogens in tobacco lead to cancer. The most common types of cancer caused by tobacco are: Lung cancer Oral cancer Throat cancer

Tolerance

Tolerance - a reduced sensitivity to a drug as the result of regular use

TOLERANCE AND DEPENDENCE

Tolerance and Dependence - Tolerance can build in people who use marijuana continuously over a long period of time. Frequent use of THC can also lead to mild physical dependence. This can lead to:Irritability Sleep disturbances Weight loss Loss of appetite Sweating Stomach problems

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms - uncomfortable reactions that occur when a person stops using an addictive substance Quitting tobacco has many withdrawal symptoms: Cravings for tobacco, dizziness, coughing/dry throat, tight feeling in chest, trouble sleeping, irritability, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, hunger

Hallucinogens - PCP

aka angel dust PCP was once used as an anesthetic or painkiller for large animals. It is a white powder that can be smoked with tobacco or marijuana, or injected, sniffed or eaten. This produces effects that range from mild euphoria to distortions of reality, out of body experiences, and psychotic behaviors. usually act violently towards others and themselves can lead to suicides comas seizures

"Amotivational Syndrome"

experience a lack of motivation and reduced productivity.

Effects on Reflexes

slows down erthing

Carcinogens

substances that cause cancer