Drugs

1. Drugs I Corinthians 6:19

2. Substance Abuse • The unnecessary or improper use of chemical substances • This does not always mean illegal drugs, it could be intentional use of a prescription drug or an over the counter drug

3. Health Risks of Drug Use • Physical Health • Once a drug enters the bloodstream, it can harm a user’s brain, heart, lungs, and other organs • An overdose is strong, sometimes fatal reaction to taking a large amount of a drug • A drug user can also expose themselves to disease associated with delivery of the drug • Needle users face hepatitis B and HIV

4. Health Risks of Drug Use • Mental Health • Drug cloud reasoning and thinking, and loss of control over behavior • Drugs greatly effect the brain • Drug users are seeking the “high” associated with the effects the drug has on the brain • Problem: the “high” often causes unneeded damage to the brain

5. Health Risks of Drug Use • Social Effects • Can have a negative effect on your relationships with your friends and family • Drug Use is a major factor in crime, suicides, and unintentional injuries

6. Addiction • The Addiction Cycle • Tolerance: the body needs more and more of the drug to get the same effect • Psychological dependence: person believes that a drug is needed in order for them to function • Physiological dependence: user’s body develops a chemical need for the drug • User goes through with drawl: nervousness, insomnia, nausea, headaches • Addiction – psychological or physiological dependence on drugs

7. Types of Drugs • Marijuana – an illegal drug that is smoked for its intoxicating effects • Marijuana raises the levels of dopamine (the chemical that produces pleasure in the brain) • Marijuana also interferes with the immune system • Many of the same negative effects of smoking

8. Types of Drugs • Inhalants- substance whose fumes are sniffed to achieve a mind-altering effect • Most inhalants go directly to the brain killing brain cells that will never be replaced • Inhalants include solvents, aerosols, glue, spray paint, gasoline

9. Types of Drugs • Stimulants • Drugs that speed up the central nervous system • Caffeine and Nicotine are stimulants • Cocaine and Crack are very powerful stimulants • Depressants • Drugs that slow down the central nervous system • Barbiturates and Tranquilizers slow function, often used to balance out stimulant use

10. Types of Drugs • Narcotics • Drugs derived from the opium plant that are used to relieve pain • Morphine, OxyContinand codeine are prescription narcotics • Heroin is an illegal narcotic that slows breathing and pulse rate

11. Types of Drugs • Hallucinogens • Drugs that alter moods, thoughts, and perceptions • The brain is confused creating an altered mental state • PCP- lack of pain, increased strength, loss of sense of time • LSD – distortion of sound and color, emotions