Health Risks and Effects of Drug Use

Health Risks Associated with Illegal Drug Use

  • Substance Abuse vs. Illicit Drug Use

    • Substance Abuse:
    • Definition: Any unnecessary or improper use of chemical substances for non-medical purposes.
    • Illicit Drug Use:
    • Definition: Use or sale of illegal substances.

  • Prescription/OTC Medications:

    • Prescription Medications: Require a signed note from a doctor.
    • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Available without a prescription.
    • Both prescription and OTC medications can be abused.

  • Key Terms in Drug Use:

    • Tolerance: The need for more of a substance to achieve the same “high”.
    • Psychological Dependence: Emotional or mental reliance on a drug.
    • Physiological Dependence: Physical reliance on a drug, often leading to withdrawal symptoms.
    • Addiction: A chronic condition characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use.

Health Risks of Illegal Drug Use

  • Increased risks of:

    • Sexual activity leading to STDs.
    • Mental health issues such as depression or suicide.
    • Involvement in crime.
    • Accidental injuries or death.
    • Birth defects in newborns exposed to drugs, e.g., "crack baby" born addicted to drugs.

  • Dopamine:

    • Function: Helps control the brain's pleasure responses.

Effects and Dangers of Marijuana and Inhalants

  • Marijuana:

    • Derived from the cannabis plant, with THC being the active ingredient.
    • Often categorized as a depressant but can also have hallucinogenic effects.
    • Effects on the Body:
    • Inhalation of tar and carcinogens (more dangerous than tobacco).
    • Weakened immune system.
    • Psychological effects like anxiety and paranoia.
    • Impaired judgment, reflexes, and reaction time.
    • Impacts fertility in both genders.
    • Memory impairment.
    • Holding smoke in lungs does not increase high but increases toxin exposure.

  • Inhalants:

    • Definition: Fumes from household products inhaled for an instant high (e.g., paints, glue, gasoline).
    • Dangers:
    • Heart failure.
    • Brain damage.
    • Kidney and liver damage.
    • Potential for blindness and permanent brain cell loss.

Types of Psychoactive Drugs and Their Effects

  • Psychoactive Drugs: Chemicals that affect the central nervous system and brain activity.

    • Types include:
    • Stimulants
    • Depressants
    • Opiates (Opioids)
    • Hallucinogens

  • Hallucinogens:

    • Alter moods and sensory perceptions.
    • Examples:
      • Ecstasy (MDMA): A hallucinogenic club drug providing energy.
      • Mushrooms: Can cause nausea and heart issues.
      • PCP: Causes violent behavior and insensitivity to pain.
      • LSD (Acid).

  • Depressants:

    • Slow down the central nervous system.
    • Examples:
      • Rohypnol: A date rape drug that is odorless, tasteless, and colorless.
      • Tranquilizers: Used for anxiety relief, can cause coma or death if overdosed.

  • Stimulants:

    • Speed up the central nervous system.
    • Examples:
      • Cocaine: Highly addictive stimulant causing energy surges.
      • Crack: Solidified form of cocaine.
      • Amphetamines: Used for alertness and performance enhancement.

  • Opiates:

    • Used to relieve pain.
    • Examples:
      • Morphine: Used for severe pain; highly addictive.
      • Heroin: Processed morphine with high addiction potential.
      • Fentanyl: Extremely potent synthetic opioid.
      • Oxycodone & codeine: Painkiller pills.

Consequences of Steroid Use

  • Steroid Use Statistics:

    • 1% of teens use steroids.

  • Myths and Facts:

    • Not exclusive to men; both genders may use steroids.
    • Steroids can lead to physical strength but can also cause injuries.
    • Misconception: Steroids improve athletic performance universally.
    • Steroid addiction is psychological.
    • Steroid use carries disease transmission risks.
    • Medicinal Use: Certain steroids are used medically.

  • Effects of Steroids:

    • Can cause both short-term and long-term health issues such as:
    • Joint injury.
    • Aggression (Roid rage).
    • Baldness.
    • Infertility.
    • Gynecomastia in males.
    • High blood pressure.
    • Increased risk of heart attack.