Commonly Abused Drugs

OBJECTIVES Compare the effects of

depressants, stimulants & hallucinogens on the body.

Name three classes of drugs of increasing concern in recent years.

WARM-UP In the last 25 years, abuse of

prescription pain relievers has increased by 500%.

What factors do you think are responsible for the increase in prescription drug abuse?

Commonly Abused DrugsDepressants

Psychoactive drugs that slow brain & body reactions

Slow body functions by decreasing heart and breathing rates & lowering blood pressure.

Categories of Depressants:– Barbiturates– CNS Depressants– Opiates– Alcohol

Commonly Abused DrugsDepressants

Barbiturates Also called sedative-hypnotics

– Small doses: sedative– Large doses: hypnotics

Side Effects– Poor Coordination– Slurred speech– Decreased alertness

Long-Term Effects– Sleepiness– Irritability– Confusion

CNS Depressants Sedative that slows the activity of

the central nervous system Actions:

– Slow nerve activity– Relax muscle tension– Lower alertness– Cause drowsiness

Side Effects– Blurred vision– Dizziness– Slurred Speech– Headache– Skin rash

Long Term Effects: Blood & Liver Disease

Commonly Abused DrugsDepressants

Opiates– Drug made from

psychoactive compounds contained in the seed pods of poppy plants

– Small Doses: dull senses, relieve pain, cause sleep

Common Opiates– Heroin, Codeine, Morphine

Side Effects– Nausea, vomiting– Decreased alertness– Drowsiness– Depressed respiration

Long-Term Effects– Constipation– Blood-borne Diseases

Commonly Abused DrugsStimulants

Drug that speeds up activities of the CNS

Increases heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate & alertness

May be used to treat sleep disorders, ADD, ADHD

Commonly Abused Stimulants– Amphetamines– Methamphetamine– Cocaine– Nicotine/Tobacco

Smoke

Commonly Abused DrugsStimulants

Amphetamines– Prescription drugs sold

as “Speed” or Uppers”– Produces feelings of

well-being and high energy

Side Effects– Restlessness– Rapid speech– Blurred vision– Dizziness

Long-Term Effects– Hyperactivity– Irritability– Irregular heart rate– Liver damage– paranoia

Commonly Abused DrugsStimulants

Methamphetamines– More powerful than

amphetamines– Called “Meth”,

“crank”, “crystal” or “ice”.

– Made from OTC ingredients in illegal meth labs

Side Effects– Increased respiration– Elevated body temperature– Convulsions– Stroke

Long-Term Effects– Psychotic behavior– Memory loss– Aggression– Brain & heart damage– Severe tooth & gum disease

Commonly Abused DrugsStimulants

Cocaine– Powerful, short-acting

stimulant– May be sniffed, smoked, or

injected Crack

– A concentrated, smokable form of cocaine

– Strongest form of cocaine– Short, powerful effects

occur within 8 seconds after smoking.

Side Effects– Sleep disorders– Loss of appetite– Increased blood pressure &

heart rate Long-Term Effects

– Depression– Paranoia– Irritability– Weight Loss– Irregular Heart Beat– Respiratory & Cardiovascular

Failure

Commonly Abused DrugsHallucinogens

Drug that distorts perception, thought, and mood

Overload the brain with sensory information, causing a distorted sense of reality

Have no medicinal use

Produce frightening & unpredictable mood swings

Abusers cannot tell what is real

May experience memory loss & personality changes

Tolerance develops quickly

Commonly Abused DrugsHallucinogens

LSD Also called “acid” Effects unpredictable—can

either stimulate or depress CNS.

Experience hallucinations & feel they have superhuman powers.

Shortens attention span Causes “bad trips” &

flashbacks

Psilocybin Also called “shrooms” Chemical found in certain

type of mushroom– Mushrooms eaten raw or with

other food Effects similar to LSD, but

not as strong Psilocybin mushrooms

resemble a deadly mushroom

Commonly Abused DrugsHallucinogens

PCP– Also known as “angel dust”—comes in white

powder– Originally used as an anesthetic or painkiller– May smoke w/ tobacco or marijuana, inject, sniff,

or eat– Eliminates sensation of pain unintentional injury– Abusers develop signs of schizophrenia– Effects last long after drug use ends

Commonly Abused DrugsClub Drugs

First gained popularity at dance clubs & raves

Now widely available Strength & effects

highly unpredictable Drugs can be

unknowingly placed in someone’s drink

Examples– Ecstasy (MDMA)– Rohypnol– GHB– Ketamine

Commonly Abused DrugsClub Drugs

Ecstasy XTC, C, Adam, Clarity, Love

Drug Combined stimulant &

hallucinogen Side Effects

– Increased heart rate & BP– Blurred vision– Muscle tension– Severe sweating & chills– Nausea– Increased body temp.– Organ failure

Rohypnol Roofies, rophies, forget-me

pill CNS depressant Side Effects

– Decreased blood pressure– Drowsiness– Dizziness– Confusion – Memory Loss

“Date Rape” drug Impairs user up to 12 hours

Commonly Abused DrugsClub Drugs

GHB Grievous bodily harm, G,

liquid ecstasy CNS Depressant Side Effects

– Drowsiness– Nausea– Headache– Loss of reflexes

Associated with date rape High doses result in sleep,

coma, or death

Ketamine K, Vitamin K, Cat valium Hallucinogen Side Effects

– hallucinations,– Increased heart rate & BP– Impaired motor function– Memory loss– Numbness– Nausea

High doses cause delirium & fatal respiratory problems

Commonly Abused DrugsKey Questions

1. Briefly describe the overall effects that depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens have on the body.

2. What is an opiate? Give 3 examples.

3. What is methamphetamine? List 3 long-term effects of methamphetamine use.

4. Summarize the dangers of club drugs.