Psychoactive Drugs

1. Psychoactive Drugs Chapter 4

2. Psychoactive Drugs • Chemical substances that affect a person’s mental or emotional state. • Can affect mood, thought processes, perceptions and behavior

3. Psychoactive Drugs • People use psychoactive drugs to; • Change their alertness • Alter their mental states • Blunt awareness of life stresses • Seek some type of inner truth

4. Psychoactive Drugs There are 2 types of psychoactive drugs; • Illegal or illicit- Heroin, Methamphetamines, cocaine, marijuana 2. Legal- Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine

5. Illicit drugs • Nearly ½ of all Americans admit to using an illicit drug at some point in their lives (marijuana being the #1 answer). • About 1 in every 12 Americans uses an illicit drug.

6. Drug Abuse • Maladaptive or dangerous use of a chemical substance • If drug use impairs a person’s health or ability to function at home, school, or on the job, or if it is associated with dangerous behavior, the person has crossed the line between use and abuse.

7. Drug Dependence

8. Drug Abuse • Poly Abusers- People who abuse more than one drug.

9. Drug Dependence • A severe drug-related problem characterized by impaired control over the use of a drug. • People who become dependent on a drug feel compelled to use the drug or are powerless to stop using it, even when they know it’s ruining their lives.

10. Drug Dependence • About 1 in 10 adults develop a drug disorder sometime in their lives. • Physiological dependence- A state of physical dependence on a drug caused by repeated usage that changes body chemistry.

11. Drug Dependence • Withdrawal Syndrome- Occurs when a person abruptly stops usage of a drug. • Nausea (most common) • Agitation • Depression • Anxiety • Death (alcohol)

12. Drug Dependence • Psychological dependence- A pattern of compulsive or habitual use of a drug to satisfy a psychological need. • Used to lessen or eliminate anxiety or stress • Some drugs like nicotine, alcohol and heroin can lead to both physiological and psychological dependence.

13. Depressants • Drugs that reduce central nervous system activity, which slows down bodily processes like heart rate and respiration rate • Induce feelings of relaxation • Some produce a rush of pleasure • In high doses, depressants can kill by stopping vital bodily functions (breathing)

14. Alcohol • Alcohol is an intoxicant- a chemical substance that produces a state of drunkenness. • In heavy doses, depressant effects on the central nervous system can induce a state of stupor, unconsciousness and even death

15. Alcohol • Alcohol affects the brain, clouding judgment and impairing concentration and attention as well as the ability to weigh the consequences of behavior. • People may do or say things that they wouldn’t normally say when they are intoxicated.

16. Barbiturates • Calming or sedating drugs that are either used medically or abused. • Can induce drowsiness, slur speech and impair motor skills. • Overdoses can cause convulsions or even death. • Withdraw carefully or death can occur.

17. Opiates • Narcotics that are addictive due to their pain-relieving qualities, • Morphine, codeine, heroin (poppy plants) • Have legitimate uses as painkillers • 3 million Americans have used heroin the most widely used opiate

18. Stimulants • Amphetamines- boost alertness and arousal in the brain and cause overall pleasure. • Most common; “meth” and “speed”. • More than 12 million people in America have tried meth. • Meth usage can cause brain damage and…

19. Meth Mouth!

20. Stimulants • Cocaine- A natural stimulant derived from the coca plant. • Can be snorted, smoked, ingested, and injected. • Smoking crack allows the drug to reach your brain the fastest. • Withdrawal can be rough, with many people relapsing to feel the pleasure the drug gave them. • Not listed as a controlled substance until 1970

21. MDMA (Ecstasy) • An amphetamine-like drug produced in underground laboratories that provides a euphoric effect. • Prolonged use can lead to; • cognitive deficits, • memory problems, • Learning/attention problems • Wearing glow necklaces and dancing to terrible music

22. Nicotine • A mild, but highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco. • Physiological dependence can begin in the first few weeks. • Can lead to psychological dependence as a way of coping with stresses in life.

23. Nicotine • Smoking is the leading cause of premature death in the U.S. and also worldwide. • 400,000 deaths annually in the U.S. and 4 million worldwide. • More people have quit smoking than are currently smoking.

24. Caffeine • Found in coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, etc. • Regular use leads to physiological dependence, but most people can maintain control. • Not tied to health risks when used in moderation (except in pregnant women).

25. Hallucinogens • Drugs that alter sensory perceptions, producing distortions or hallucinations in visual, auditory, or other sensory forms. • LSD (acid) and Marijuana are the most widely used.

26. LSD • Produces vivid hallucinations. • Pupil dilation, increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. • “Bad trips” cause people to suffer intense anxiety, panic, psychotic episodes and/or delusions.