Drugs of AbuseKnow the Facts * Know the

Dangers

A Student Assistance Program for Red Ribbon Week 2008

Visit The Student Assistance Web Sitewww.geocities.com/howellsac

Marijuana – an illegal drug

• The main active chemical in marijuana is called THC.

Short-term effects of using it:• memory and learning problems;

distorted perception (not seeing things as they really are); difficulty in thinking and problem-solving; loss of coordination; increased heart rate, anxiety, and panic attacks. Anger problems.

Marijuana – Myths vs. Facts• Myth: Marijuana is a plant so it is safe.• Fact: Most drugs come from plants and all can be dangerous and addictive.• Myth: Marijuana is not addictive so it’s safe.• Fact: Users quitting regular marijuana use suffer from the withdrawal symptoms of sleeplessness and anxiety.• Myth: Marijuana is safer than cigarettes.• Fact: One marijuana cigarette has the cancer causing properties of 20 cigarettes!!

Ecstasy – an illegal drug• A man-made drug with

hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like actions on the user.

Short-term effects of using it:• Confusion, depression, sleep

problems, severe anxiety, and paranoia during and after taking it.

• Muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movement, faintness, and chills or sweating.

Methamphetamine– an illegal drug

• an addictive stimulant drug that strongly activates certain systems in the brain.

Short-term effects of using it:• Inability to sleep, increased

breathing, hyperthermia, irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Hyperthermia and convulsions can result in death.

Steriods– not worth the risk

• Manufactured in a laboratory and are used to treat certain medical conditions to increase muscle and bone mass.

Short-term effects of using it:• negative effects include

hostility, aggression, acne, hair loss, stunted growth, high cholesterol, liver cysts and cancer.

Huffing–it can kill you• Volatile substances that

produce chemical vapors when inhaled.

Short-term effects of using it:• heart palpitations, breathing

difficulty, dizziness, headaches and possibly death.

Long-term effects of using it:• damage to the brain, nerve

cells, heart, lungs, liver, kidney. .

How to Refuse Drug Offers

1. Look the person in the eye.

2. Directly say no: “No thanks, that’s just not for me.”

3. Make an excuse: “My parents will ground me forever.”

4. Suggest something different: “Lets meet them at the mall.”

5. Leave or call for a ride if you feel uncomfortable.

Mr. Letson’s Reminders

• Drug use will mess up your physical and mental growth as a teen.

• Binge drinking alcohol can result in death. Don’t binge drink – EVER.

• Marijuana is not a “harmless” drug. It causes depression, anxiety, attitude problems and laziness. (and arrests!)

• Peer pressure is mostly in your mind -so don’t blame your bad decisions on others – BE YOUR OWN PERSON!

• ALWAYS call for a ride if you or your ride has been drinking or using drugs.