Drugs, Medicines, Alcohol, Tobacco

Allegany County

• Alcohol use is more than the state and national average among adults.

• 16% - county• 15% - state• 8% - national• 8% - target

Excessive Drinking

• Drinking is higher in Allegany County than in Garrett Co, Mineral Co. and Hampshire Co.

Tobacco Use

• Allegany County uses more than the state and national consumption

• Allegany Co. – 26%• MD – 18%• US – 15%• Target – 12%

Why?•Times are Tough

• High Poverty Rates• High Suicide Rates• High Mental Illness Rates

Drugs

• Any substance that causes a change in a person’s physical or psychological state.

• Some drugs are Drugs of Abuse: such as cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana because they change the way the brain works in ways that are not healthy.

Drugs

• All contain chemicals– Some are from plants and others are

manufactured in laboratoriesSome are OTCSome are prescribed by Doctors

Drugs• Can be taken orally• Inhaled• Applied topically• Injected• Implanted pumps

Prescription Medicines• Amounts are limited• Directions to be followed are

given on the bottle–Should include: dose, when

taken, how often, the duration

Misuse of Prescriptions•Taking when not needed•Taking too much•Mixing medicines

Using Drugs Wisely• Make yourself part of your own healthcare

team• Be prepared to ask questions• Learn the facts about any medicine you are to

take• Listen to your body• Speak up if something is wrong• Don’t discontinue taking on your own

Drugs and the Brain• Drugs can change how messages are sent to

the brain– They can change our moodsSerotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects our

actions and reactions and emotionsPeople who are depressed have a reduced

amount of serotonin to activate neurons.

Drugs and Emotions• Marijuana, cocaine, and nicotine, interrupt

the balance between neurotransmitters needed for normal brain functioning.

• Alter judgment in ways that affect our ability to understand and deal with reality.

• May lead to addiction• Most drug addictions start with casual or

social use of a drug.

Marijuana• Marijuana and hashish

It's possible to develop a psychological addiction to cannabis compounds including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in marijuana and hashish. People who have a marijuana addiction generally use the drug on a daily basis.

Signs of use and dependence can include:

• A heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception

• Poor memory • Increased blood pressure and heart rate • Red eyes • Decreased coordination • Difficulty concentrating • Increased appetite • Slowed reaction time • Paranoid thinking

Drug Addiction•Drug use •Tolerance•Dependence•Addiction

Drug Addiction• Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include: • Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — this can be daily

or even several times a day • Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug • Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug • Spending money on the drug even though you can't afford it • Doing things to obtain the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such

as stealing • Feeling that you need the drug to deal with your problems • Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the

influence of the drug • Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the

drug

Drug Addiction in Teens

• Problems at school. Frequently missing classes or missing school, a sudden disinterest in school or school activities, and a drop in grades may be indicators of drug use.

• Physical health issues. Lack of energy and motivation may indicate that you are using certain drugs.

Drug Addiction in Teens

• Neglected appearance. Adolescents are generally concerned about how they look. A lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks may be a warning sign of drug use.

• Changes in behavior. Teenagers enjoy privacy, but exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering their rooms or knowing where they go with their friends might indicate drug use. Also, drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends may be linked to drug use.

Drug Addiction in Teens

• Spending money. Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation for its use may be a sign of drug use. You may also discover money stolen from previously safe places at home. Items may disappear from your home because they're being sold to support a drug habit.

Withdrawal• Neurons can keep the working balance

established during dependence as long as they keep taking the drug but if it is removed, the neurons work abnormally.

• The uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms produced when a dependent drug user stops using the drug.

Addiction• Is treatable but it is not easy.• When to see a doctor

If you think your drug use is out of control or is causing problems, get help. The sooner you seek help, the greater your chances are for a long-term recovery. Your family doctor may be a good place to start, or you may see a mental health provider such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

RememberJust say No